Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

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

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

Authors

Rabin Pathak

Pramod Regmi

Puspa Pant

Padam Simkhada

Jane Stephens



Abstract

Literatures about same-sex love and sexuality in Nepal are 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 societies 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., SIMKHADA, P., DOUGLAS, F. and STEPHENS, J. 2010. Gender identity: challenges to access social and health care services for lesbians in Nepal. Global journal of health science [online], 2(2), pages 207-214. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v2n2p207

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 17, 2010
Online Publication Date Sep 17, 2010
Publication Date Oct 31, 2010
Deposit Date Jul 9, 2021
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Global Journal of Health Science
Print ISSN 1916-9736
Electronic ISSN 1916-9744
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://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1380511