Draped in garlands, Bhumika Shrestha (pic) has become the country’s first transgender woman lawmaker, marking a proud milestone for the marginalised community. Nepal’s Election Commission confirmed the 37-year-old as a proportional representation MP from the centrist Rastriya Swa­tantra Party, which won a majority in par­liament with 182 seats last week. “I am very excited but also feel the responsibility on my shoulders,” said Shrestha, an LGBTQ rights advocate. Umisha Pandey, president of the Blue Diamond Society, a leading LGBTQ group, called her election a “historic” moment. Supporters congratulated Shres­tha, offering her scarves, flowers and gifts, including a pen symbolising the legislative power she will now wield.

Source: The Star March 18, 2026 09:03 UTC