Rukshana Kapali

Rukshana Kapali (; born 1999) is a Newar activist living in Nepal. Kapali campaigns for both intersex and LGBT rights and protection for the culture and language of the Newar people. Her court case regarding her right to identify as female rather than third gender went to the Supreme Court of Nepal and in November 2023, the court ruled in her favour. Early life and education Rukshana Kapali was born in 1999 in Patan, Nepal. Her family is Newar and she grew up speaking the Newar language (Nepal Bhasa) at home rather than Nepali.

Activism and career Taking an intersectional approach, Kapali campaigned on both Intersex and LGBT issues and protection for the culture and language of Newar people. She founded the Queer Youth Group with other people from the Kathmandu Valley. Her protests have also been covered by media outlets such as The Kathmandu Post.

In October 2024, Kapali was included in the TIME 100 Next list of the world's most influential rising leaders.