For Krishna Gautam, hope was never easy to hold onto.
As a 39-year-old member of the LGBTIQ+ community from Pokhara-1, Krishna spent years facing stigma and discrimination that made it difficult to find stable employment and earn a living. Opportunities were limited, and the path to financial independence often felt out of reach.
Everything began to change when Krishna joined Setu Nepal as a beneficiary in 2026. During an orientation programme, Krishna shared a simple but powerful dream—to open a small clothing shop and build a livelihood with dignity.
Believing in that dream, Setu Nepal provided a livelihood seed fund of NPR 10,000. It was a modest investment, but it became the starting point of something much bigger. Today, Krishna runs a clothing shop in Pokhara and is working to expand the business with new designs and products.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Krishna remains actively involved in Setu Nepal's livelihood and advocacy initiatives, encouraging others in the LGBTIQ+ community to believe in their own potential.
"Even a little support can mean a lot and has kept me very motivated. If more support can be provided through upcoming programmes for people like us, it would create opportunities for many others as well," -- - Krishna.
"Even a little support can mean a lot and has kept me very motivated. If more support can be provided through upcoming programmes for people like us, it would create opportunities for many others as well," - Krishna Gautam
Krishna's story is a reminder that lasting change often begins with a single opportunity. With the right support at the right time, people can overcome barriers, rebuild confidence, and create sustainable livelihoods—not only transforming their own lives but also inspiring others to do the same.