Kathmandu, Aug. 18 -- Namaste Shrestha worked as a teacher for five years, giving math and science lessons in private schools for grades three through eight. But as a gay man who exhibited some feminine traits with gestures and enunciation, Shrestha, who now identifies as non-binary and uses she/her pronouns, felt alienated in her work environment.

"The teachers and principal in every school were my enemies," she said. "I was tired of teaching because of that bullying."

Without other job options, Shrestha turned to sex work. For the past two years, she has worked most nights in Koteshwar, standing on the side of the road in women's clothing and makeup, along with a few friends who also do sex work. On a good night, Shrestha can make mor...