Bhumika Shrestha has become Nepal’s first transgender woman to enter Parliament on March 16. Before this, the 37-year-old politician, activist, and actor spent years speaking up for LGBTQ+ rights, often in spaces where people were not ready to listen. Speaking to AFP, she said, “I am very excited but also feel the responsibility on my shoulders. Our constitution has provisions for our community, but they have not translated to laws and policies. Our community expects me to raise our issues (in parliament).”
Who Is Bhumika Shrestha?
Bhumika Shrestha was born on January 11, 1988, in Kathmandu. Although assigned male at birth, she later embraced her true gender identity and went on to make history by obtaining citizenship recognised under the “other” gender category in 2005.
Shrestha’s autobiography, Bhumika: Tisro Lingiko Atmakatha, recounts her experiences of isolation and the struggle for recognition. Her activism began with her work at the Blue Diamond Society, an organisation which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and social inclusion.
Her activism has also gained international recognition; in 2022, she was honoured with the International Women of Courage Award by the United States Department of State for her efforts in advancing gender rights and social acceptance. She has also reportedly played small roles in films and TV.
From Activism To The Parliament
Shrestha joined the House elected on March 5, 2026, the first since deadly protests toppled the prior government in September 2025. She entered Parliament through proportional representation by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
Now, things look a little different. She is not just raising her voice for the LGBTQ+ community anymore; she is part of the system that makes decisions. She has said that while laws exist, real change is still missing in everyday life.
That gap is what she wants to work on. Nepal has taken steps towards recognising LGBTQ+ rights over the years. Nepal may recognise LGBTQ+ rights on paper, but the reality on the ground often looks very different. But having someone from the community inside Parliament changes things.
Local LGBTQ+ organisations have lauded Shrestha’s achievement. Umisha Pandey, a prominent activist, told AFP that her election was a “historic moment” that would give voice to the community within the corridors of power. According to civil society observers, more than 900,000 Nepalis identify as sexual minorities, underscoring the social importance of inclusive political representation.
