Miss Pink Nepal 2024, which was organised in celebration of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), concluded Thursday at Rastriya Naach Ghar, Jamal.

Blue Diamond Society (BDS) organised the event in collaboration with Right Here Right Now (RHRN) and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nepal.

Three of the 18 final participants were crowned at the event. Anmol Rai was crowned Miss Pink Nepal 2024, while Sarosy Neupane and Aarohi Basnet secured second and third positions, respectively.

BDS President Pinky Gurung shared that the Blue Diamond Society has been organising the Miss Pink program since 2007, and the recent event was its seventh iteration. However, maintaining regularity has been challenging due to difficulties in garnering stakeholder support.

Gurung pointed out that the LGBTQIA+ community often remains hidden due to societal stigma and stereotypes, leading many individuals to refrain from exposing their identities and participating in the event. Despite this, over three dozen participants applied for the competition, this time from across Nepal, with 18 being selected.

Peter Rai, a transgender woman in BDS, said, “No matter who wins from eighteen participants, nobody will lose in terms of representation of the community, all will be winners”.

Anmol will represent Nepal in the Miss International Queen 2024 pageant, which will be held in August in Thailand, and will work as an ambassador of BDS for a year.

Gurung emphasised, “Miss Pink is the celebration of diversity and empowerment, providing an opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community to shine and prove their capabilities. It promises hope for strength and resilience regardless of gender identity.”