At least five Nepali gay men are contesting this year's elections in the hope of shattering taboos in the conservative nation, a gay candidate said.
Homosexuality is effectively illegal in Nepal under a law banning "unnatural sex". Offenders can be jailed for up to a year.
Gay and transgender Nepalis complain that they are often excluded from jobs and schools because of their sexuality, and sometimes are victims of assault or rape, including by police.
"It is a prejudiced society," said Sunil Babu Pant, founder of a leading gay rights group, Blue Diamond Society.
"We are standing in the elections to fight the discrimination against our community," he said. "This is a very symbolic approach to tell all Nepalis that we have equal rights." Nepali gay men contesting poll hope to end taboo
Reuters India, India
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