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Advisory: In Nepal, "natural" sex is understood by the law as penile-vaginal sex only. Anal sex, oral sex, lesbianism and masturbation are viewed as "unnatural." However, laws against unnatural sex have never been enforced in court. While Nepalese society is fairly tolerant towards sexual minorities compared with neighboring South Asian countries, discrimination and societal stigma against sexual minorities exists. Legal attempts have been made to suppress Nepal's GLBT rights organization, the Blue Diamond Society, in the past.

• Men in Nepal message forum
• Nepal Gay & Lesbian News
• Nepal Gay Scene Updates message forum
• Travel in Nepal message forum
• Additional links for South Asia GLBT information.

• Blue Diamond Weekly
  GPO Box 8975, EPC No. 5119, Kathmandu, Nepal, email. An LGBT zine open to all genres and all types of work related to LGBT issues: short stories, poetry, essays, how-to articles, book reviews, STD and HIV/AIDS materials. Works both in English and Nepali languages are accepted.

• AIDS/HIV organizations and information
• Blue Diamond Society (BDS)
  Shiv Bhakta Marg: 344, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, (977-1) 444-3350, 444-5147, email. Blue Diamond Society was founded in 2001 in an effort to address the needs of Nepal's GLBT sexual minorities including Meta, Dohori, Ta, Hijra, Singaru, Fulumulu, Kothi, Kotha, Strian, Maugia, Panthi and others. BDS offers community-based sexual health, HIV/AIDS, and advocacy services for local networks of sexual minorities. It provides a drop-in center (DIC), outreach work and clinical referrals for its constituents.

Gay Travel OUT Adventures Email. Award-winning Gay Travel OUT Adventures specializes in gay and lesbian tours in Nepal and around the world. Unlike many gay operators, they use local group leaders, stay in small locally-owned hotels and dine at small local restaurants, ensuring you have a truly authentic travel experience. Choose from active, mid-range, luxury or independent trips.

• Pink Mountain Travels and Tours
  Shiv Bhakta Marg: 344, Lazimpat, Khursani Tar, +977 985-106-7959, FAX +977 1-443-8600, email. Gay-owned travel and tour arrangements in Nepal. Utopia Member Discount
• Himalayan Yeti Trekking
  +977 984-173-9141. Gay-managed guiding services for trekking and peak climbing throughout Nepal. Guiding services for over 10 years. They will organize your complete trip, from securing all necessary papers and permits, to hiring porters and support personnel. Small or large treks.

KATHMANDU -- area code (977-1)

Population is over 2 million (that's about 80,000 Utopians).

• Café Mitra (mixed)
  Thamel (near Hotel Pisang/ Tara Guest House), (977-1) 425-9015, email. Popular with expat gays. Service is gay-friendly, prices are above average. Interiors and definitely has the queer eye.
• Fire Club (mixed)
  Thamel, just beside the Kathmandu Guest House. Fri and Sat nights best. Very gay-friendly environment. Mixed but you can find gay people also.
• Maya (mixed)
  Thamel, 441-0371. Cocktail bar frequented by gay people.

• Babylon Discotheque (mixed)
  Sundhara, 424-8755.
• Club 2000 (mixed)
  Sundhara, 425-6779.
• Club Dynasty (mixed)
  Darbar Marg, 422-2686.

• Thamel (no specific corners or sub streets, just use your gaydar while walking around)
• Pashupati Nath Temple. A large Hindu temple in Kathmandu, across the Bagmati river. On the side of the temple, in the afternoons, some men go there to meet other men, some of them from the nearby barracks.
• Ratna Park. Very cruisy after 5pm everyday, but not everyone who goes to the Ratna Park is gay. Mostly poor to middle class men, including students.

• Fire and Ice (Italian)
  Thamel, 425-0210, 422-0143.
• Himalayan Java (café)
  Tridevi Marg, Thamel, 442-2712, 442-2519, email.
• Jatra Restaurant and Bar
  J. P. Rd, Thamel, 421-1010. Live music.
• Oriental Dynasty Restaurant
  Darbar Marg, 422-2515. Open 24-hours.
• Ying Yang (Thai)
  Thamel, 442-5510.

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