Project Pahichan

Project Pahichan began with the realization that Nepal’s LGBTIQ+ community faces serious barriers in healthcare due to discrimination and the lack of proper training among providers. Our team faced the challenge of building educational frameworks from the ground up, as LGBTIQ+ health was rarely included in medical curricula. We also encountered resistance from some stakeholders who considered these issues controversial, requiring consistent advocacy to shift perspectives.

A turning point came when healthcare providers showed genuine willingness to learn and improve their practices. One memorable moment was when a nurse asked, “How can I do better?”—a clear indication that the project was making a real difference. Through collaboration with activists and medical professionals, we helped reshape understanding and practice within healthcare settings.
The most meaningful outcome has been seeing individuals seek care without fear, confident they will be treated with respect. Project Pahichan has shown that change is possible through education, collaboration, and sustained effort, helping build a healthcare system grounded in dignity and respect.