Kathmandu, Feb. 27 -- Against the shifting global political climate, where anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment is resurging in various regions, around 600 queer activists and human rights defenders from across Asia have convened in Kathmandu for the 10th ILGA Asia Conference.

The five-day conference, which began on Monday at the Soaltee Hotel, is the largest international LGBTQIA+ gathering ever hosted in Nepal, according to the organisers.

Organised by ILGA Asia, the regional branch of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA), a global federation advocating for LGBTIQ+ rights, with Blue Diamond Society serving as the country host, the conference comes at a critical juncture.

Experts say the queer communitie...