In this podcast Roshan Mahato from Nepal talks about attending the human rights conference.
Summary
This summary covers a recording made on March 16, 2011, at the Wellington Town Hall in Wellington, New Zealand, where Roshan Mahato from Nepal was interviewed by Jim Whitman. The central theme of the interview was Mahato's experience attending a human rights conference and discussing the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Nepal.
Mahato begins the conversation expressing enthusiasm about the insights gained from the conference and the new knowledge that could be shared with friends back in Nepal. The discussion then moves to the legal status of LGBTQ+ individuals in Nepal. Mahato describes a Supreme Court order from 2007 that directed the Nepali government to provide equal rights to LGBTQ+ individuals, including the legalization of same-sex marriage. However, Mahato notes that despite this order, the government has not fully implemented the mandated changes.
The conversation sheds light on the involvement of a member of parliament (MP) from the LGBTQ+ community who is actively striving to include gender and sexual rights in a new constitution being drafted at the time. This MP is also mentioned as being a significant speaker at an upcoming event that Friday, noted for being the first openly gay person in the Nepalese parliament.
Turning to societal attitudes, Mahato speaks about the decrease in police persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals following the Supreme Court's order, leading to slightly improved safety. By contrast, Wellington, and New Zealand more broadly, is presented as a markedly more accepting environment, where individuals can openly express their relationships without fear.
In terms of support, Mahato highlights the role of international advocacy and solidarity, referencing a visit to Nepal by a transgender MP from New Zealand, who met with political leaders and human rights officials in Nepal to raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The relationship between Nepal and New Zealand is framed as amicable and influential due to historical ties, further suggesting that New Zealand’s progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights could serve as a model for Nepal.
Mahato also provides a personal account as a sociology student, revealing the pervasive discrimination in Nepal’s educational and military institutions, where individuals are often denied admission or discharged based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This discrimination is linked to broader social issues, including the prevalence of HIV due to unsafe sex work practices within the transgender community.
The discussion culminates with Mahato's plan for the remainder of the conference, including attending sporting events and a three-day conference, followed by a visit to Auckland. Mahato intends to apply the knowledge and experiences gained in New Zealand to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community back in Nepal. Interestingly, Mahato also alludes to a presentation by a colleague who was discharged from the military for being lesbian, underlining the power of personal stories in advocating for change and tolerance.
The recording concludes with Mahato suggesting that outreach from LGBTQ+ personnel in the New Zealand Police or Armed Forces to their counterparts in Nepal could be instrumental in promoting greater acceptance and understanding.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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