Rukshana Kapali

Who is Rukshana Kapali?

A dedicated human rights activist with a lifelong commitment to social justice, focusing on indigenous rights, Newa issues, housing rights, language justice, and queer rights. A pioneer for change who has spent years challenging discriminatory systems through advocacy and the courts; this work includes securing official recognition for indigenous and local languages, housing rights for the Jugi community, legal recognition, right to education and employment for the transgender population. Completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Linguistics and Sociology from Tribhuvan University. Completed the BA.LLB course, a five-year Bachelor of Legislative Law from Purbanchal University. A language enthusiast who speaks multiple languages, including Nepala Bhasa, Nepali, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Tibetan. Possesses foundational knowledge of Thai. Engaged and deeply interested in learning the local and indigenous languages of Nepal.

What is her background?

Started her activism journey at the age of 15 by writing blogs to raise her repressed voice, which later transitioned into actively advocating and protesting for the inclusion of Nepala Bhasa in school curricula, restoring Nhoo Pukhoo (Rani Pokhari) to its original form, stopping the displacement of the Newa community due to road expansion, and fighting for language justice. She also fought against Tribhuvan University, which had denied her registration because of her transgender identity. In 2018, she co-founded Queer Youth Group (QYG), a pioneering institution that organizes the Annual Pride Parade and provides legal aid to queer folks, specifically focusing on transgender individuals’ right to identity. QYG also initiates several public interest litigations regarding inclusion in rape laws, marriage equality, citizenship rights, reservations in government jobs, and access to education. Her activism on the streets transitioned into litigation in the courtroom in 2020. During this process, she secured interim orders from the Supreme Court allowing her to register at Purbanchal University, and she continues to fight for other queer individuals and marginalized groups. Her litigations also include the establishment and implementation of indigenous and local languages as official languages of the state. In 2023, her family was evicted by the local government from their ancestral residence. This prompted her to initiate a front called Thāe Bāe yā Lwāpu, which advocates for the ownership rights of the Jugi community’s traditional residences. She was born with a physical disability called clubfoot deformity and lives with a residual disability, bringing lived experience regarding accessibility and persons with disabilities to the political stage. She has also authored over 20 books on gender, sexuality, and Nepala Bhasa in three different languages.

What are her achievements?

• Awards and Recognition: She has received three international recognitions for her transformative human rights work: the BBC 100 Women (2023) list, the TIME 100 Next (2024) list, and Forbes 30 Under 30 (2025).
• Legal Trailblazer: Her Supreme Court verdict from 2023 became a landmark case in the history of recognition of transgender identity in Nepal.

How to vote for her?

She is a high-ranking Proportional Representation candidate from the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party (Progressive Democratic Party). Her election symbol is the "Eye." To vote for her, simply mark the "Eye" symbol on the Proportional Representation ballot paper. Since she is on the Proportional Representation list, your vote counts for her no matter where you are in Nepal, regardless of your constituency.

Why should you vote for her?

Everyone promises to build roads. But who asks how those roads affect the homes and livelihoods of indigenous and local communities? Is the road safe for children? Can senior citizens walk them with peace of mind? Can people with disabilities use them independently? I am running in this election to look closely at these very issues. My work will focus on legislative initiatives for social justice, serving as a voice for underrepresented communities across Nepal. Every Identity Recognized, Every Person Respected: My Campaign for Social Justice