27th July 2025, Kathmandu.
A report “Exploring Online Safety Experiences among LGBTQIA+ Youth of Nepal” was officially launched, shedding much-needed light on the digital challenges and unsafe online spaces faced by LGBTQIA+ young people in Nepal. The report was launched jointly by Indra Devi Dhakal – Member Secretary, National Child Rights Council NCRC, Khilnath Dhamala – Curriculum Development Centre, Mouni Maharjan, LGBTIQ Youth, Dr. Thangaperumal Ponpandi, Country Director, India & Nepal, Terre des Hommes Netherlands in Asia, and Zoe De Melo, Programme Manager OCSE, SEC Thematic Program, TDH Netherlands.

The research, conducted with 100 young individuals from the community, reveals:
– 89% of those who experienced abuse faced verbal harassment
– 69% encountered unwanted sexting
– 59% suffered from non-consensual sharing of private information
– Shockingly, 82% did not report the abuse they faced
– Over 57% do not feel safe expressing their gender identity online

The report also showed that the average daily time spent on digital media is 6.75 hours, stressing the need for promoting healthy and balanced digital habits. Despite using social media platforms like Facebook (96% usage) for learning and connection, fears around privacy and discrimination keep many LGBTQIA+ youth from openly expressing their identities.

The launch event was organized jointly by CWIN-Nepal, CeLLRd, WYESHR with the support from Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TDH Netherlands), and had the presence from youth, alongside other dedicated civil society organizations, the National Child Rights Council, Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, and the Curriculum Development Center.