Transgender Activist Rukshana Kapali on BBC’s 100 Women In significant recognition of her tireless advocacy for transgender rights, Rukshana Kapali, a prominent member of Nepal’s indigenous Newa community, has secured a spot on the prestigious BBC 100 Women list for 2023. The list, which includes influential women from around the world, features Kapali alongside notable figures such as Michelle Obama, Amal Clooney, Aitana Bonmatí, Timnit Gebru, Gloria Steinem, America Ferrera, and Huda Kattan.

As a transgender human rights activist, Kapali’s journey has been marked by personal struggles and a commitment to self-education regarding gender and sexuality diversity. Growing up, she faced the challenge of navigating an environment with limited information about her identity. Undeterred, Kapali came out as a teenager and has since utilized her platform on social media to address crucial issues surrounding queer rights.

The BBC describes Kapali as a third-year law student actively involved in advocating for the legal and constitutional rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Nepal. Kapali, who comes from the historically marginalized Jugi caste within the Newa ethnicity, is also a staunch advocate against forced evictions of Jugi people from their traditional homes.

This recognition places Kapali among a select group of women globally who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact in their respective fields. Her inclusion in the BBC’s 100 Women list reflects not only her personal resilience but also her contributions to advancing the rights and visibility of transgender individuals in Nepal.

The annual BBC 100 Women list, initiated in 2013, serves to acknowledge women’s significant contributions to empowerment in various domains such as politics, enterprise, art, literature, and community service. In 2020, Sapana Roka Magar, engaged in the dignified cremation of unclaimed bodies, was featured on the list, following the inclusion of Nepali innovator Bonita Sharma in 2019 and Badi leader Uma Devi Badi in 2018.

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Rukshana Kapali’s presence on this prestigious list not only celebrates her individual achievements but also highlights the ongoing strides being made in recognizing and amplifying the voices of transgender activists on the global stage. Her story serves as an inspiration, reinforcing the importance of advocacy and education in reshaping societal attitudes towards gender and sexual minorities. Kapali’s dedication to creating positive change within Nepal and beyond cements her as a symbol of resilience and progress in the fight for transgender rights.

Article Compiled By: Rebika Bishokarma

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