Nepal’s LGBTQ+ community and supporters gathered in Kathmandu on Sunday for their annual pride rally, marking the first event since significant funding cuts following the suspension of US financial aid.

Hundreds joined the colorful parade through the city, coinciding with the Gai Jatra festival, a traditional celebration honoring deceased family members. The festival has increasingly welcomed participation from sexual minorities, adding vibrancy to the event.

The community’s progress has faced setbacks after the US government, under former President Donald Trump, began dismantling the US Agency for International Development (USAID), a key provider of humanitarian aid.

Due to these cuts, many help centers for Nepal’s LGBTQ+ community have shut down, leaving thousands without crucial support.

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Nepal had made notable strides in LGBTQ+ rights in recent years, becoming one of the first Asian countries to legalize same-sex marriage. The 2015 constitution explicitly bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The US had been among the largest donors supporting HIV prevention, safe-sex counseling, and other vital services through USAID partnerships. With the closure of the USAID office in Nepal, these programs have been severely affected.

“Many of our community services have been hit hard by the funding cuts, but we remain hopeful of securing alternative support to restart these programs,” said Simran Sherchan, an LGBTQ+ rights activist participating in the rally.