Two out trans candidates are running for office in Nepal, marking the first time that out trans candidates have run for the positions. Honey Maharjan and Mouni Maharjan are both rallying for a role in parliament. Both Honey and Mouni, who are not related despite sharing the same surname, are in the running for the local by-elections in the country. Although Nepal is hailed for having some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ rights in South Asia, there has not been an out LGBTQ+ member to hold public office since 2008. Honey, 44, is hoping that her candidacy “will inspire others in the queer community to participate openly in future elections”. On Sunday (1 December), she will run for the role of Mayor of Kirtipur, a Municipality on the outskirts of the capital of Kathmandu.