Kathmandu, June 26 -- When asked about his forms of self-expression, Ugem Manandhar, as a queer artist, listed them with certainty.

"Art, community, music, drag shows, conversations with family, discussions about mental health and queer talks make me feel more queer every day," he says. "These comfort me a lot."

As we celebrate Pride Month, we are reminded of the power of self-expression, identity and belonging of the queer community. For many, these are everyday acts of courage. Visibility in this society can bring both affirmation and prejudice, demanding that queer individuals navigate a complex journey of exclusion, visibility and self-discovery.

Nepal, considered one of South Asia's most progressive countries regarding LGBTQIA+ ri...