The commemoration of the IDAHOT 2014 in Sri Lanka took place in Colombo on the 19th of May 2014 at the Taj Samudra Hotel. Distinguished guests, including the Ambassadors for the US, Germany, Switzerland and Norway and the High Commissioners of the UK, Australia and Canada attended the 160 + strong event which featured testimonies from the LGBTIQ community and the launch of EQUAL GROUND’s latest publication “I Might be Transgender: a booklet for transgender youth” and its acclaimed documentary “the Invisible Stain.”

 “It cuts to the very core of our being and we hurt, all the time – and we hide, we lie, we pretend, we point fingers at others – all because we are most often, afraid to show who we really are, be who we really are,” said the EQUAL GROUND’s Executive Director Rosanna Flamer-Caldera in her speech, opening the event.

The Ambassador for the United States of America, Her Excellency Michel Sison reiterated the commitment the USA had for upholding and supporting the rights of all LGBTIQ persons the world over. This is why she said, her country along with other supportive countries, were determined to fight against homophobia and transphobia no matter where it occurred.

Video campaign

The Sri Lanka-based EQUAL GROUND organization commemorated the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia by uploading two videos on YouTube.

EQUAL Ground is the only mixed organization on Sri Lanka, working on LGBT rights in the country. The organization also collaborates with straight allies to create stable, equal and harmonious society in Sri Lanka.

British High Commission Colombo also marked the Day

Reports Daily FT: The British High Commission Colombo marked IDAHO with a presentation of a cheque by the British Deputy High Commissioner Robbie Bulloch to Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Director of Equal Ground, a non-profit organisation seeking human and political rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) community of Sri Lanka. Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy High Commissioner said, “Many countries still deny their citizens the right to live according to their preferred gender identity. The UK views this as an injustice in the 21st century context. The British Government has been campaigning worldwide for the rights of these communities and people.”

In addition, they screened the documentary “Repeal Section 365A”, followed by a panel discussion. And as in previous years, they continued to raise awareness about IDAHO by encouraging Facebook users to change their profile picture to a rainbow flag.