Liberty Discussion is a program designed to engage and inform the core members on the ideas of market economy and classical liberal ideas. Discussions are made on contemporary issues (local or national) through open market perspective. The article is selected and shared within the members to prepare oneself for the program.
On June 16, 2023, Bikalpa an Alternative, in collaboration with American Corner Biratnagar, organized a Liberty Discussion on ‘LGBTQIA+ in Nepal.’ The event aimed to provide clarity about the LGBTQIA+ community through a Socratic method of discussion. The event saw the active participation of 36 youths who engaged in insightful conversations.
The participants were divided into four groups, and each group was given the task of preparing a 5-minute presentation. The presentations aimed to address different aspects of the LGBTQIA+ community in Nepal, including introducing various terms, discussing the current situation, highlighting existing laws, identifying prevalent issues, and suggesting a way forward. To support their research, the participants were provided with two reference articles and were allowed to utilize internet resources.
Ms. Muskan Shrestha, program coordinator of ( Pariwartanshil Samaj ) a prominent sexual and gender minorities activist, was invited to judge the presentations. With her expertise and experience, she provided valuable insights and feedback to the participants.
After the presentations, Team Rainbow emerged as the winner for their outstanding performance. Their presentation delved into the development of LGBTQIA+ rights in Nepal, shed light on the hardships faced by the community, and offered suggestions for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals in different sectors of development and administration. The event provided a platform for open-minded discussions and helped participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in the country.
The event fostered a spirit of inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and empathy among the participants. It highlighted the importance of addressing the issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and working towards their meaningful inclusion in all aspects of society.
