In today’s rapidly changing world, mental health has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of our time. The global discourse around well-being has made strides, yet in Nepal, the availability and accessibility of mental health services remain alarmingly inadequate. This gap is especially stark for LGBTQ+ youth, who face a unique set of challenges that exacerbate their vulnerability.
Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer are often subject to societal exclusion, discrimination, and stigma. For many, this results in feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
While the global community recognises the importance of mental health, in Nepal, services are often underfunded and under-resourced, leaving many LGBTQ+ individuals without the care they urgently need.
The systemic failures
The reality for LGBTQ+ youth in Nepal is not just about lack of access to services—it is about navigating a hostile environment. From the moment they come out, these young people face barriers that hinder their ability to seek support.
Social rejection, bullying, and even violence are common experiences, which often lead to deteriorating mental health. The situation is compounded by a healthcare system that lacks trained professionals sensitive to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Moreover, the cultural stigma attached to mental health issues adds another layer of complexity. Many families avoid or deny the need for mental health support, viewing such struggles as a sign of weakness or moral failing. This resistance to professional care leaves LGBTQ+ youth to manage their emotional battles in isolation, further aggravating their mental health challenges.
As the mental health crisis grows, the question becomes not just one of awareness, but one of action. So, What can be done to address the needs of Nepal’s LGBTQ+ youth? What should be done to ensure that these young people receive the mental health support they deserve?
Approach to LGBTQ+ support
Queer Care Nepal, is a pioneering LGBTQ+ mental health initiative that is rapidly gaining recognition for its bold, compassionate approach. Founded by the charismatic Suman Gyawali, this youth-led organisation has already profoundly impacted the mental health gap for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Suman is a leader unlike any other. Always calm and smiling, Suman possesses a natural ability to connect with people, particularly those in the most difficult of circumstances. Participants in Queer Care Nepal’s events frequently highlight his remarkable empathy, and his calm demeanour is a steadying presence in the often turbulent lives of those he serves.
Queer Care Nepal is more than just a mental health initiative—it is a lifeline for marginalised communities. The team itself reflects the diversity it serves, comprising a trans man, a trans woman, and a queer person with a disability. This diversity allows Queer Care to offer truly intersectional support, understanding that mental health issues are never experienced in isolation, but rather, shaped by layers of identity, marginalization, and experience.
Real impact, real change
Since its inception, Queer Care Nepal has already organised two workshops. The first, held on August 10, saw 10 gender-diverse individuals come together for a canvas workshop at Artudio, where art was used as a healing medium.
The second, on August 27, focused on mental health and was led by experts like Dr Samudra Gurung from Queering Medicine and Simoni Agrawal from HappyMinds. These workshops were not just events but transformative experiences for participants, creating safe spaces for sharing, healing, and growth.
But Queer Care Nepal’s ambitions do not stop there. The initiative is set to extend its outreach through podcasts, amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals and advocating for mental health awareness on a broader scale. By fostering open dialogue, Queer Care is not only supporting those directly involved but also challenging societal norms and reshaping the narrative around mental health and LGBTQ+ rights in Nepal.
Collaborating with global organisations such as Save the Children and the Blue Diamond Society, Queer Care Nepal is poised to become a major force for positive change, combining local expertise with global best practices. Their approach is both grassroots and visionary, providing practical mental health support while advocating for systemic change.
The way forward
What does this mean for the future of LGBTQ+ mental health in Nepal? Queer Care Nepal offers a model that others should look to replicate. The need for inclusive, empathetic, and accessible mental health services is not unique to Nepal, and Queer Care’s work demonstrates that real progress can be made when a community comes together with a shared mission.
As Nepal continues to evolve, the mental health of its LGBTQ+ youth cannot be sidelined. Queer Care Nepal has shown that solutions exist and that change is possible when driven by empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. The challenge now lies in scaling these efforts, ensuring that no LGBTQ+ individual is left behind.
In a world where mental health is finally being recognised as a crucial pillar of well-being, Queer Care Nepal stands at the forefront of this movement in Nepal, offering not just hope but tangible solutions. With leaders like Suman Gyawali at the helm, the future of LGBTQ+ mental health support in Nepal is brighter than ever.
