Although Sri Lanka has a similar provision to Section 377 in its Penal Code which criminalises gay sex as with several other former British colonies in Asia, local gay group Equal Ground has declared May 20-27 to be its gay pride week with a mini film festival, community enhancement workshops, a theatre production and parties.

To be held for the third consecutive year since 2005 which was attended by some 350 people, organisers expect a turnout of about 1000 this year.

Facing challenges in securing safe and gay-friendly venues, and raising funds for the festival, Equal Ground which is the only GLBT organisation in the country, said that a parade would not be held due to security reasons. In fact, "advertising the festival also poses dilemmas considering the security concerns mass advertising will generate," Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, the founding member and spokesperson of Equal Ground told Fridae.

Flamer-Caldera, who is also the Co-Secretary General of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (IGLA), explained that the political climate of the country further contributes to the already oppression gays and lesbians are subjected to by mainstream society.

"The rising fundamentalism and extremism especially in the East and North has given rise to the abduction, torture and execution of those who's sexual orientation and gender identity defer from the heteronormative.

"We are aware of the Tamil extremists and Muslim militias in these areas executing Lesbians and Gays. Sinhala Buddhist fundamentalists also pose a growing threat to LGBTIQ in Sri Lanka. Their hatred of anything they deem 'unnatural', 'western', or going against their culture means that they resort to violence to draw attention to their cause. The LGBTIQ community therefore is an easy target."

In addition to homosexual sex being a criminal offence, gays and lesbians in Sri Lanka sometimes face forced heterosexual marriages, discrimination in employment, education, health care and housing.

However, unlike other former British colonies which criminalises sex between men, Sri Lanka has specifically outlawed lesbian sex after an attempt to gain rights for women intersected with sexual orientation backfired.

When gay activists campaigned for the repeal of gay sex laws in 1995, the Ministry of Justice ironically found Penal Code 365A to be 'gender biased' and decided to be "fair" to lesbians by criminalising sex acts between women.

"It is ironic because in most instances the government fails to be gender sensitive yet they chose this particular issue to be seen as 'doing the right thing!'" Said Flamer-Caldera at an United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) in 2005.

Fridae is proud to be an official sponsor of the festival.

Colombo Pride 2007 Calendar of events

20-22 May 2007
The 2007 South Asian LGBTIQ Film Festival will showcase two exciting internationally-acclaimed productions: The Journey (Sancharram), an award winning film by Ligy J. Pullappally and Two Men In Shoulder Stand, a short film on HIV/AIDS and human complexities by writer/director Paul Knox. Two other South Asian movies will also be screened at this festival.
Venue: Barefoot Gallery
Time: 7pm each evening

23 May 2007
Gay Theatre production by Bolo (To Talk) Theatre and production workshop by Paul Knox
Venue: TBA
Time: 7pm

24 May 2007 (morning/afternoon)
Community Enhancement Workshops on gender and human rights (In collaboration with the Women's Support Group)
Venue: TBA

24 May 2007 (evening)
The much anticipated Colombo Pride Party and crowning of PRIDE Drag King and Queen 2007
Venue: H2O Union Place, Colombo 02
Time: 9pm onwards

26 May 2007
Rainbow Kite Festival & Sundown Dance (on the Beach)- bring your rainbow kites and swim suits!
Venue: Mt. Lavinia Beach
Time: 4pm onwards

27 May 2007
Pride Talent 2007 - a Queer Talent show, showcasing the creativity and talent of the Sri Lankan LGBTIQ community
Venue: TBA
Time: 7pm

Appeal from Equal Ground
EQUAL GROUND invites you to play a part in helping this year's Colombo Pride reach greater heights. Whether or not you can join us in person, we invite you to make a financial contribution and pledge your support, which we consider, in essence, your virtual presence . This year, our financial target is US$4000, which will cover all expenses related to Colombo Pride. Your donation will support our efforts in making Colombo Pride a success and giving the community a stronger voice in Sri Lanka. We work very hard to provide for the needs of the community each year and we hope we can count on your support; so that every LGBTIQ in Sri Lanka can, for one week, find their own space to stand up tall and be proud.

It is our vision that Colombo Pride will become a revenue-generating event like other Pride celebrations, which will give back to the LGBTIQ community. However, to achieve this aim, while taking Colombo Pride to new heights, our associated costs keep rising dramatically each year. We have held a successful fundraiser to help cover some of the costs of Pride. However, we still need the support of the local and international community to reach our objectives. We therefore, humbly request your financial contribution to make Colombo Pride 2007 the best it can be.

For more details on how you can help, please visit www.equal-ground.org/involvement.