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Third Genders on Relay Hunger Strike
Bhumika Shrestha (L) with her friend.
काठमाडौं, June 5, 2008- Sexual and Gender Minorities (SGM) demanding the government to issue a citizenship card that has a place for “transgender” in gender box started their relay hunger strike on Wednesday at Mandala, near Singhdurbar.
On December 21st 2007 the Supreme Court of Nepal issued directives to the Nepal Government to secure the rights of SGM by giving such a citizenship card. As yet, this has not been implemented.
Sharmila Dhakal, lawyer of the Blue Diamond Society said, “We made many applications to the Home Ministry, Chief District Offices for implementation of this landmark decision but our requests were never taken seriously. As a result we have decided to protest until we are issued our citizenship cards with the correct identity.”
“Because the Home Ministry has not implemented the SC’s decision, SGM are not able to get citizenship cards respective to their gender. This has created lots of problems for them and has prevented them from utilizing many opportunities,” added Sharmila Dhakal.
She explained that it was not only about the problems they have to face or opportunities they have to miss but even more about right to live with their correct identity.
After they presented their memorandum to the Home Ministry early on Wednesday they were has assured that their issues will be addressed by Friday after the Ministry meets to discuss the matter. “This positive assurance leads us to sit only on relay hunger , but if our demands are not met by Friday we will go for a ‘til-death hunger strike and launch other protests nation-wide,” said Dhakal.
Sunil Babu Panta, the only elected member of Constituent Assembly from third gender. Photos: Smita
“Third gender people have been members of society from ancient times. Our nation has now become the Federal Democratic Republic and yet third gender are not given the citizenship card respecting their gender. This is a shameful thing,” said Sunil Babu Panta, the only third gender elected member of Constituent Assembly.
Panta said that apart from giving citizenship cards to SMG respective to their gender identity, the New Constitution should address issues of third gender with positive language. There should be no discrimination against third gender and there should be special reservations for SMG in different sectors as well.
Bhumika Shrestha, third gender participating in relay hunger strike said, “As I do not have citizenship card with my right identity I have to face lots of problems while traveling and am frequently harassed.”
“I am proud to be what I am and I want to live with my right identity. Our nation should grant us citizenship card respecting our gender,” Shrestha added.
The relay hunger strike is being organized by Blue Diamond Society, Naulo Bihani Pokhara and Human Conscious Society along with many other sexual and gender minorities’ organizations from all over the nation.
-Smita Magar in Kathmandu
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