Calum McSwiggan's Journey to Celebrate Pride on Everest
I’ve done Pride on all 7 continents — now I’m (literally) on top of the world
Image: Metro
Calum McSwiggan, alongside trans photographer Luxeria Celes, completed a 15-day trek to Everest Base Camp, celebrating Pride across seven continents. Inspired by Nilam Poudel, the first trans woman to summit Everest, they highlighted the importance of visibility and representation for the LGBTQ+ community, especially in Nepal.
- 01Calum McSwiggan and Luxeria Celes trekked to Everest Base Camp to celebrate Pride and LGBTQ+ representation.
- 02Nilam Poudel became the first trans woman to summit Everest, inspiring many with her story of resilience.
- 03Nepal has historically been a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, but recent setbacks have raised concerns about trans rights.
- 04The trek faced challenges, including extreme weather conditions and the need for careful planning to ensure a trans-inclusive experience.
- 05McSwiggan's journey emphasizes that Pride exists globally, showcasing the resilience of queer individuals in diverse environments.
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Calum McSwiggan's journey culminated at Everest Base Camp, where he and his friend Luxeria Celes celebrated Pride after a 15-day trek. Inspired by Nilam Poudel, the first trans woman to summit Everest, they aimed to highlight LGBTQ+ representation and rights, particularly in Nepal, a country with a complex history regarding trans rights. Despite being recognized for its progressive stance in 2007, recent regressions in legal gender recognition have raised concerns. The trek was physically demanding, with temperatures dropping to -27°C and oxygen levels at half of sea level, but the breathtaking landscapes and encounters with fellow LGBTQ+ travelers made it worthwhile. McSwiggan emphasized that Pride can be found in every corner of the world, showcasing the resilience and strength of queer communities globally. Through this journey, he aims to inspire others and advocate for trans rights, reinforcing the message that visibility is power.
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The journey raises awareness about the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in Nepal and the importance of visibility for trans individuals.
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