Nepal issues first transgender passport

Landmark move: Shahi showing her new passport with

KATHMANDU: Nepal has issued its first transgender passport in a move which rights groups hailed as a breakthrough.

Rights activist Monica Shahi became the first recipient of a passport that read “O” for other instead of “male” or “female”.

“I cannot describe my happiness today. My country has recognised and respected my identity,” the 37-year-old activist said.

“My struggle was not just for myself but for future generations. Now everyone like me can get this service.”

Nepal initially introduced a third gender category in January 2013 for transgender people who wanted to apply for citizenship documents.

Five months later, the Supreme Court ordered the government to alter gender options in passports as well.

Nepal has some of the most progressive policies on homosexuality in South Asia. — AFP