International Human Rights Day/Transgender Pride Parade

Background:
10th December is observed as an international human rights day. In 1948, the UN general assembly adopted the universal declaration of human rights on this day. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most widely translated and published language in the world. It is translated and published in over 500 languages.

Then, it was proclaimed as the common standard for all people and nations on the planet. The formal inception commenced in 1950. This is the 70th international human rights day. All these 70 years, Human rights and its necessity have encompassed several dimensions, reformation and reaffirmation however the basics of human rights have always been uniform across the globe.

Individuals and societies shall strive the progressive measures, national and international, to sustain their universal and effective recognition and observance through Human Rights.

About the declaration of Human Rights
Although the Declaration is not a binding document, it inspired more than 60 instruments of human rights which together constitute an international standard of human rights. Today the general consent of all United Nations Member States on the basic Human Rights laid down in the Declaration makes it even stronger and emphasizes the relevance of Human Rights in our daily lives.

This year’s Human Rights Day slogan is “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All” and the call to action is StandUp4HumanRights.

Whatever the situation could be, Human Right is unquestionable.
Utmost wishes for the day.

Transgender Pride Parade

Nepal Sambat 1143
Thinla 22
24th Mangsir 2079
Public Statement

Today we gather at Fibwakhya (Maitighar) in Yen (Kathmandu) to celebrate the 3rd Annual Transgender Pride Parade. Around the world, the month of June is celebrated as the Pride Month. Breaking the social stigma against LGBTIQ+ people, Pride Parade is organized all over the world with the message of pride in identity. This is a celebratory rally. In Nepal too, on the second Saturday of June, Nepal Pride Parade Is organized. However, this Pride Parade is specifically targeted to be celebrated by transgender people. Often the issue of transgender people is overshadowed within the larger umbrella of LGBTQ+. To highlight themes, issues and cases of transgender people, Transgender Pride Parade is being celebrated. Transgender Pride Parade has been organized since 2020 in Nepal. In the beginning, there was no word as Paralaingik in the Khas/Parbate language (Nepali language). The word tesrolingi was used to denote Transgender people in the Khas/Parbate language. That is how the wrong concept of "transgender means third gender" was established. This word could not clarify that the gender Identity of transgender men was men and the gender identity of transgender women was women. So, on December 17 2018, Queer Youth Group announced that the word transgender be referred as Paralaingik in the Khas/Parbate language. By this literal establishment, it paved the way to advocate that transgender women are women and transgender men are men. Commemorating this historic day on December 17, on a Saturday, or otherwise on the other Saturday, it was decided to organize the Transgender Pride Parade. However, to remember the custom, from this year onwards, we have decided to celebrate Transgender Pride Parade on the second Saturday of December because of the complexity to organize the parade on different saturdays and therefore marking the second Saturday of December as Transgender Pride Day. Transgender Pride Parade is organized by Queer Youth Group. We are a non-profit organization. We advocate for the rights of the marginalized sexual orientation, gender identity and sexual characteristics. Trans Rights Collective is also involved and working with it which is a loose network of trans folks advocating for the rights and betterment of transgender people.

Today we gather at 11:00 in the morning at Fibwakhya (Maitighar) in Yen (Kathmandu).
We will gather here from 11:00 to 11:30. After that, we will welcome everyone in different languages that are spoken in Nepal along with sign language and with that being done, the rally will proceed immediately. In the rally, we will have banners in different languages ​​of Nepal. We will also be carrying the pride flag representing transgender people. There will also be songs and dances in the rally as this is also a celebratory occasion. The rally will go around Maitighar Mandala and move towards New Baneshwar. There will be a corner meeting held in New Baneshwar. After the program, we shall say our goodbyes end it by reaching Bijulibazar.

Suyog Dhakal