After facing setbacks from several district courts, Surendra Pandey and Maya Gurung have finally had their marriage legally recognized. The couple are currently on a celebration spree with their family, friends and the many who fought for them. “It’s a win for the LGBTQ+ population and the movement” says Surendra Pandey and Maya Gurung on the recent episode of ON AIR WITH SANJAY podcast.
While news of their marriage has generated headlines globally, labelled as the “First same-sex married couple in Nepal…”, it has ignited further discussion on whether their union can really be viewed as ‘same-sex’. Whilst the marriage registration for Surendra and Maya is a win, it is a shame that Nepal still has not allowed transgender women like Maya to change their sex assigned at birth on their official documents. If Maya was legally recognized as a woman, then this marriage would simply be one between a man and a woman. Surendra is a cisgender man.
Surendra and Maya’s fight is one that has gathered many together; helped people work towards the same goal. It has not come easy. The couple were only able to legally register their marriage from Dordi municipality in Lamjung district following the Home Ministry’ order in the last week of November that all local administration offices be allowed to register same-sex marriages.
Only the couple, who have been fighting for this right and recognition, will truly know how big of a win this is for them. Speaking to DW, Surendra shared “This registration has opened a lot of things for us, including operating a joint bank account, holding properties and adopting children in the future”.
I am very happy for the couple and wish them all the best! It is indeed a big win and move for the LGBTIQ+ community. Of course, it highlights the glaring issue of people unable to change their gender in their official documents and I hope this is something we continue fighting for. Hopefully this particular win empowers and helps gay couples on their journey to the union of marriage.
Main Photo: AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha
