Two decades ago, a gay man was brutally attacked with a knife on the streets of Kathmandu, left alone and bleeding in the aftermath of violence rooted in fear and prejudice.
Fast forward to today, Nepal's 2015 constitution stands as a beacon: it explicitly guarantees extensive rights for LGBTQ+ communities, marking a seismic shift from its conservative roots.
Across Asia, once-traditional strongholds are rewriting narratives:
- The Chinese mainland decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and removed it from its list of psychiatric disorders in 2001.
- Hong Kong co-hosted the 2023 Gay Games, bringing global visibility to LGBTQ+ athletes and fans.
Yet legal milestones are only half the story. Changing mindsets—especially in small cities, rural areas, and among older generations—remains a work in progress.
These complexities take center stage in the 23-minute documentary "Correct Me If I Am Wrong," screening this month at the Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand. The film offers an intimate look at everyday experiences and the personal journeys fueling Asia's broader push for acceptance and equality.
As audiences and activists, our role is clear: celebrate hard-won rights, support ongoing education, and share stories that foster understanding across cultures. After all, true progress happens when laws and hearts move in sync.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
