British ambassador first foreign envoy to support gay movement publicly on street

Kathmandu, 25 Aug.: For the first time, am embassy has joined street parade to support the small movement for gay, lesbians, bisexual and transgender.
On the occasion of the 9th Nepal Pride festival on 25 August, the British Ambassador, John Tucknott, and Embassy staff joined hands at the street parade in a show of support and solidarity with the sexual and gender minority communities of Nepal, the British embassy said.

“The UK supports the right of sexual and gender minorities to march together in order to raise awareness of the specific issues that affect them. Many individuals still face discrimination, from society and the state, based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
“The UK has a long history of defending the basic rights and freedoms of the marginalised and vulnerable. We are committed to placing human rights at the heart of foreign policy.
“Everyone, including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, should be free to enjoy the full rights and freedoms accorded to the people of Nepal,”e embassy said.

Ambassador John Tucknott said: “Nepal Pride is not just about LGBT people standing up for their rights. It’s about all of us - straight or gay - supporting them in their quest for equality. It is about saying no to intolerance, no to prejudice, no to discrimination, and no to violence. It is about saying yes to embracing diversity. I wish all the participants in Nepal Pride 2010 a safe and enjoyable day.”
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