Gender identity: Challenges to access social and health care services for lesbians in Nepal

Pathak, Rabin; Regmi, Pramod; Pant, Puspa Raj; Simkhada, Padam; Douglas, Flora; Stephens, Jane

Abstract

Literature about same-sex love and sexuality in Nepal is rare. However, limited anecdotal evidence on these issues signals that the health and social care needs of lesbians in Nepal are high. This qualitative study explores the challenges faced by lesbians in Nepal in accessing health and social services. In-depth interviews carried out with fifteen lesbians found that Nepalese lesbians face many challenges from families and society which result in a stressful life, homelessness and forced and unwanted relationships and marriage, including self-harming behaviours. They often face discrimination and harassment when coming out at public administration and social institutions. Hence, most lesbians of Nepal prefer not to disclose their sexual identity due to the fear of becoming isolated and not getting quality health care services.

Citation

Pathak, R., Regmi, P., Pant, P. R., Simkhada, P., Douglas, F., & Stephens, J. (2010). Gender identity: Challenges to access social and health care services for lesbians in Nepal. Global Journal of Health Science, 2(2), 207-214. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v2n2p207

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 8, 2019
• Journal: Global Journal of Health Science
• Print ISSN: 1916-9736
• Publisher: Canadian Center of Science and Education
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 207-214
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v2n2p207
• Keywords: gender, lesbian, discrimination, barriers, Nepal
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/974378
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v2n2p207