How LGBTQ Travelers Can Help Nepal and Its Affected Families
Nepal is facing a devastating humanitarian emergency. Here is our guide to how you can help.
Catastrophic flooding and landslides following a glacial collapse have swept through communities in the Himalayas, destroying homes, roads, bridges and livelihoods. Hundreds of people have died, and thousands remain missing, while tens of thousands of others urgently need assistance.
For LGBTQ travelers who love Nepal—or simply care about its people—this is a moment when solidarity can mean something tangible. The best help isn’t disaster tourism. It’s giving, amplifying credible appeals and supporting Nepali communities as they rebuild.
Donate to Nepal’s emergency response
One of the most direct ways to help is through the Nepal Red Cross Society, Nepal’s largest humanitarian organization. It is currently providing emergency relief, first aid, safe water and other essential assistance to families affected by the floods. Its dedicated emergency appeal accepts international donations.
Donate to the Nepal Red Cross flood emergency appeal
You can also donate directly through the Nepal Red Cross Society’s own donation portal: Nepal Red Cross Society — official donation page
Help children and families through UNICEF
Children are particularly vulnerable after a disaster. UNICEF reports that more than 17,000 children in Nepal urgently need humanitarian assistance, with schools destroyed or damaged and families displaced from their homes.
UNICEF Nepal — official flood appeal
UNICEF’s appeal supports emergency assistance for children and families, including protection, water and sanitation, health and education.
Don’t forget LGBTQ Nepalis
There is another important way for LGBTQ travelers to help: support Nepal’s LGBTQ community directly.
Disasters can be especially difficult for people who may already experience discrimination or who depend on chosen families and community networks. LGBTQ people can also face difficulties accessing shelters, healthcare and other emergency services.
Mitini Nepal is an established Nepali LGBTQ organization working primarily with lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Its programs include psychosocial and legal support, community empowerment and, importantly, urgent relief efforts for LGBTI people affected by disasters. The organization has provided humanitarian assistance to LGBTQ people following previous disasters, including the 2015 earthquake.
Mitini Nepal — official donation and support page
For international supporters, Mitini Nepal publishes its official bank details on that page. Because this is a direct donation to a local LGBTQ organization, readers should follow the instructions on Mitini’s own website rather than sending money through an unverified third party.
Another major organization is Blue Diamond Society, one of Nepal’s pioneering LGBTQIA+ organizations. It works on equal rights, economic empowerment, livelihood support and access to services for sexual and gender minorities.
Blue Diamond Society — official website
If you’ve been to Nepal, give something back
Nepal has welcomed generations of travelers—from trekkers and mountaineers to LGBTQ visitors drawn to Kathmandu’s increasingly visible queer community and the extraordinary landscapes of the Himalayas.
If Nepal has given you an unforgettable experience, consider giving something back. Donate what you can, share verified appeals with your LGBTQ networks, and encourage Pride organizations, queer travel companies and LGBTQ businesses to organize fundraisers.
And when tourism returns fully to the affected regions, travel responsibly and spend locally. Choose Nepali-owned hotels, restaurants, guides and trekking companies wherever possible. Tourism can become an important part of the country’s long-term recovery, but communities should be allowed to determine when and how visitors return.
Solidarity after the headlines disappear
The immediate rescue operation will eventually fade from international news. Recovery will take much longer.
Homes will need rebuilding. Children will need to return to school. Businesses and tourism livelihoods will need to be restored. LGBTQ Nepalis may need community-specific assistance long after the emergency shelters close.
For LGBTQ travelers, helping Nepal can therefore be more than a one-time gesture. Donate to emergency relief. Support LGBTQ-led organizations. Amplify Nepali voices. And, when the time is right, return as a responsible traveler.
Nepal has long offered extraordinary hospitality to visitors. Right now, its people need some help returned.
If you are considering travel to the region in the coming weeks or months, here is the latest from the Nepal Tourism Board, above.
