Nepal Holds First Gay Pride Parade

Kathmandu provided the setting Wednesday for the first international gay pride parade in Nepal, which drew 2,000 participants from as far away as Japan and Norway.

According to The Canadian Press, the celebration was led by Sunil Pant, a parliament member and the country's most prominent gay activist.

The parade, which called for an end to all discrimination, took place as LGBT rights have improved markedly in Nepal, a tourism economy that hopes to attract gay travelers.

"Now, Nepal is issuing 'third gender' identity cards and appears set to enshrine gay rights -- and possibly same-sex marriage -- in the constitution. The new charter, however, has been delayed because of political bickering that has left Nepal with a caretaker prime minister since June," reported The Canadian Press.