Sri Lanka Pride - 19 June 2007
Posted by admin on July 4th, 2007
| Colombo - For the third year in a row, EQUAL GROUND presented its Annual week long celebration of Gay Pride. In a country where homosexuality is still a criminal offence, this was and is indeed, a bold move on the part of this young organisation. Created in 2004 to level the playing field for all citizens of this country, EQUAL GROUND’s mission is to eliminate the stigma and fear attached to homosexuality in Sri Lanka and encourage equality for all sexual orientations and gender identities regardless of ethnicity, religion, class or culture. PRIDE in Sri Lanka therefore is not only necessary, it is an important step in obtaining acceptance from a narrow minded majority that clings to archaic laws imported from Britain to criminalize and ostracize a minority purely because they dare to be different. PRIDE also serves to instill a sense of pride and belonging within the ‘Gay’ community of Sri Lanka giving them a space to be ‘who they are’. PRIDE culminated with an energetic and colourful celebration on the beach – the Rainbow Kite Festival and sundown dance. The day was beautiful though warm. A stiff sea breeze ensured the kites would fly and over 100 people from all walks enjoyed the sun, surf and some fabulous retro music pumped out by two rocking DJ’s. The festivities continued till quite late in the evening. Kites flew high, spirits soared higher and Colombo Pride came to its conclusion on a positive and very high note! A good time was had by all – the message of PRIDE was heard loud and clear – and Sri Lanka…..we hope that in this present climate of tension and fear, we do get together – UNITED for EQUALITY! |