As a sign of changing times, a gay beauty salon opened for the first time in Nepal and has been hailed by a Western envoy as a symbol of democratization that seeks to empower the poor and marginalized. The Cutey Beauty Salon run by gays and transgenders opened in Kathmandu’s up market Lazimpat area Wednesday, close to a thriving department store and a gallery.

Inaugurated by Kikkan Haugen, deputy head of mission at the Norwegian Embassy the novel project is funded by the Oslo based Norwegian national Association of Lesbian and Gay liberation and Sigrid Rausing Trust in London. The salon, which offers regular beauty parlor services like haircuts, facials, manicures and pedicures, is also training an academy for members of the gay community who want to train as beauticians. The first batch of 10 young metis-gay men who dress as women –is running the salon under the aegis of the Blue Diamond Society (BDS), Nepal’s sole gay rights group.

“Up to now, nothing has been done to support trans-genders and the sexual minorities, who are the most marginalized, poor and socially excluded in Nepal, , Sunil Pant head of BDS said. A 21-year old who calls himself Sophie and works as a BDS’ human rights officer, is in charge of the Salon