Equité is the leading organization working towards protecting human rights, LGBTIQ+ rights, and the rights of marginalized communities in Sri Lanka. We work closely with government officials and national stakeholders, including Sri Lanka Parliament, Sri Lanka Police, National STD and AIDS Control Program, Health Promotion Bureau, National Child Protection Authority, Vocational Training Authority - Sri Lanka, National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), District Secretary offices, Provincial Councils, PAFFREL, Gama Niladhari, health experts, civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and various national-level stakeholders. Through these collaborations, Equité continues to advocate for policy changes, ensure inclusive governance, and protect the rights of all individuals regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Equité is the organizer of the Sri Lankan Pride Celebrations, marking a historic milestone by bringing these celebrations to multiple districts for the first time in the country. These events foster visibility, create safe spaces, and promote community solidarity, ensuring that Pride is a movement that reaches beyond urban centers to empower LGBTIQ+ individuals across Sri Lanka. By making these celebrations more accessible and inclusive, we aim to inspire greater public awareness and acceptance.
Equité actively organizes National Level Stakeholders Meetings with the LGBTIQ+ community to engage with government institutions and develop action plans focused on protecting and promoting human rights. These meetings serve as a vital platform to facilitate discussions between community representatives and national-level stakeholders, ensuring that inclusive policies and frameworks are developed. By fostering dialogue and strategic planning, we work towards creating an environment where every Sri Lankan citizen is respected and protected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
With a strong national stakeholder network, Equité serves as a bridge between the LGBTIQ+ community and institutions such as government bodies, health services, and advocacy organizations. We provide necessary guidance, support, and intervention to protect and promote LGBTIQ+ rights, ensuring that no individual faces discrimination or exclusion within the legal and social framework of the country.
Equité also conducts Training of Trainers programs for government and private sector trainers, focusing on SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics), gender, law, and human rights. These training sessions, conducted in partnership with national-level stakeholders, equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster inclusive and rights-based approaches in their respective sectors. By strengthening the capacity of trainers, we contribute to systemic change that benefits marginalized communities.
Beyond national advocacy, Equité represents Sri Lanka on international platforms, bringing global attention to the country’s human rights situation. Our team plays a significant role in international advocacy efforts, engaging in discussions and initiatives that influence global policy and human rights protections. Through our active participation, we have achieved significant milestones on international platforms, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities in Sri Lanka are heard and addressed at the global level.
Equité remains committed to promoting an inclusive society, fostering collaboration between national stakeholders and the LGBTIQ+ community, and advocating for human rights at both national and international levels. Our efforts continue to inspire change, break down barriers, and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their identity, can live with dignity and equality.
