American citizen Joseph Foster Ellis has made history by becoming the first foreigner to legally register a same-sex marriage with a Nepali national in Nepal. Ellis, 30, and his partner, Prajeet Budhathoki, 27, officially registered their marriage on October 6, 2024, at the Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City office in Sunsari District.
The couple, who met two years ago, celebrated their union with a traditional Hindu and Catholic ceremony in Kathmandu on Thursday. Their marriage marks the seventh same-sex marriage recorded in Nepal, however, all previous marriages were between Nepali citizens.
Ellis initially arrived in Nepal for work and developed a relationship with Budhathoki, a resident of Dharan. The recent recognition of same-sex marriage in Nepal follows a Supreme Court ruling that instructed the government to establish a separate register for “sexual minorities and non-traditional couples.”
This decision facilitated the legal registration of Ellis and Budhathoki’s marriage, although they encountered some bureaucratic challenges during the process.
In addition to celebrating their union, the couple aims to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Nepal. They are also involved in promoting LGBTQ+ tourism through partnerships with travel agencies, hoping to raise awareness and foster inclusivity within the country.
While this marriage is a significant step forward, advocates emphasize the need for comprehensive legislation to simplify the process for same-sex couples seeking legal recognition.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
