COLOMBO, April 11, 2007  –  Sri Lanka might be a country that still criminalises homosexuality, but the does not deter gay men and women from staging an annual “Pride” event.

Next month sees the third Colombo Pride – a week-long celebration for the LGBTIQ community with events ranging from film screening and theatre to parties, with a beach party/Rainbow Kite Festival and drag king/queen evening.

“Since its inception, attendance at events for Colombo Pride has nearly doubled,” said Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, the executive director of Equal Ground, the only LGBT group in the country.

“Three hundred and fifty people attended the first Pride celebration in 2005 while numbers reached 650 in 2006.  This year’s line-up is sure to draw even greater participation,” she added.

Ms. Flamer-Caldera revealed that the total cost of staging this event, which runs from May 20 to May 27, was just $US4,000 (£2,000; €3,000) and the hope is that the international community will be able to assist with financial contributions..

“Donations] will support our efforts in making Colombo Pride a success and giving the community a stronger voice in Sri Lanka, she said.  “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.

“But we still need the support of the local and international community to reach our objectives.”

If you are able to help, please visit the Equal Ground website for details

Programme of events scheduled for Colombo Pride:

■ 20th – 22nd 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: 6.30 pm each evening

■ 23rd May 2007: Theatre production by Bolo (To Talk) Theatre and production workshop by Paul Knox

Venue: TBA
Time: 6.30 pm

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

Venue: TBA

■ 24th May 2007: (evening) crowning of PRIDE Drag King and Queen 2007

Venue: TBA
Time: 8 pm

■ 25th May 2007: The much anticipated Colombo Pride Party

Venue: H2O Union Place, Colombo 02
Time: 9 pm onwards

■ 26th May 2007: Rainbow Kite Festival & Sundown Dance (on the Beach)- bring your rainbow kites and swim suits!

Venue: Mt. Lavinia Beach
Time: 4 pm onwards

■ 27th May 2007: Pride Talent 2007 – a Queer Talent show, showcasing the creativity and talent of the Sri Lankan LGBTIQ community

Venue: TBA
Time: 7 pm

LINK

website

 

Posted: 11 April 2007 at 16:00 (UK time)