Despite legal protection, older individuals within the gender and sexual minorities community continue to face challenges today. This issue garnered significant attention in an event organised by Mitini Nepal on Tuesday. The event was the launch of the book ‘Our Lives, Our Stories: LGBT Seniors in Nepal’ by eight elderly individuals from the LGBTI+ community.

It features narratives of 10 LGBTI+ elders, each sharing their experiences, struggles and triumphs. As part of its ongoing commitment to advocate for the rights of gender and sexual minorities, Mitini Nepal conducted a landscape survey in 2022, involving 100 LGBTI+ people aged 50-75 from Koshi, Madhesh, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces in Nepal. The ten storytellers featured in the book are drawn from the same group.

Portraying real characters and their experiences, the book offers a unique perspective into the often overlooked lives of LGBTI+ elders. Through powerful narratives, it highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by these individuals, including financial struggles, citizenship concerns, difficulties in accessing allowances, discrimination from families and society, housing issues, obstacles in political participation, child adoption and the pursuit of marriage equality.

Sarita KC, executive director of Mitini, stated, “Many LGBTI+ elders who are facing discrimination and problems today were the ones who fought for the LGBTI+ movement, paving the way for the new generation. Yet, they continue to remain the most vulnerable group. Beyond being an informative resource, the book also functions as a guide, offering inspiration, courage and energy to individuals in the gender and sexual minority communities. The initiative seeks to cultivate a stronger sense of community and support for LGBTI+ seniors.”

Laxmi Ghalan, the president of Mitini Nepal, urged, “The Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens should make sure that LGBTI+ community needs are included in their policies. They should identify whether shelter homes and social security benefits are accessible to LGBTI+ elderly and work on making the concerned policies queer-friendly.”

67-year-old Manoranjan Kumar Vaidya, who identifies as third gender, emphasised the need for safe old age and shelter homes, saying, “Some of us have left home while some have been deserted by the family. Many like me are staying alone because of the circumstances. When we become sick, we do not even have someone to provide us with water. In hospitals, too, we are mistreated.”

57-year-old Madhav, who is gay, agrees with Vaidya’s statements and added, “There are many of us who are staying with our families, hiding everything deep down. Those who have come out of the closet face discrimination, mistreatment and abuse from their own children and family. In both cases, home feels like a cage, so shelter homes where we can be safe and understood is much needed.”

“It is difficult for us to get business loans, funds and resources. We are denied employment opportunities. Almost all who are working have to hide their identity. All we want is the government to foster inclusive spaces and opportunities where we can earn without hiding ourselves,” stated 52-year-old Rudra, who identifies as a third-gender woman.

The book is published in both English and Nepali, available in hardcopy and PDF formats through Outright International and Mitini Nepal. Mitini Nepal revealed that they plan to continue bringing forth such stories in the future.