With support from USAID, NDI developed the Policy Review journal to both aid Nepali partners and stakeholders in developing sound policy, and keep the Nepali public well informed on pertinent issues. Contributors to the Policy Review include individuals from academia, the media and civil society, each covering a wide range of topics from federalism to women’s representation.

The sixth publication of the Policy Review focuses on LGBTQI+ rights. Violence, discrimination, and stigma continue to negatively impact the lives of the LGBTQI+ community in Nepal, contributing to their increased poverty and deprivation. They may also experience rejection from families, local communities and other social networks, significant challenges legally changing their name and/or gender marker and can be victims of targeted sexual violence. They often lack protections in anti- discrimination legislation and are not afforded the legal recognition of their relationships and families. In addition, members of the LGBTQI+ community are still not well represented within either political parties or government. NDI hopes that this issue of the Policy Review will promote discussion on advancing the fundamental and human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in Nepal.