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

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: Jul 9, 2021
• 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