Nepal’s Blue Diamond Society (BDS) chose to pause its usual Pride and Gai Jatra celebration this year, instead marking the occasion with a candlelight ceremony in solidarity with a nation facing devastating floods.

In an Instagram post on 30 August, BDS said it wanted to “remember, mourn, support and care together” rather than hold its usual celebration.

The organisation gathered to remember members of Nepal’s gender and sexual minority communities who had died over the past year, while also mourning those killed in the recent floods, including Nepali citizens and foreign tourists.

The candlelight ceremony honoured those who lost their lives, while offering prayers for the recovery of those injured, the safe rescue of people still missing and strength for bereaved families.

Hon. Bhumika Shrestha thanked the SOGIESC community for standing alongside the nation during the crisis, while BDS President Umisha Pandey reaffirmed the community’s message: “We stand with our nation in this difficult hour.”

BDS has also pledged NPR 100,000 to Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Relief Fund as a contribution to the national relief effort.

“Our Pride is also our solidarity,” the organisation wrote.

“We remember. We stand together. We care.”