Equité Sri Lanka’s Central Province Office and Community Welfare Centre celebrated the Thai Pongal festival, wishing all people the blessings and abundance of the Sun God. Organized by young LGBTIQ+ community members representing the Malayagam Tamil, Sinhala, and Muslim communities, the celebration emphasized spreading peace, compassion, and brotherhood instead of hatred and anger, inviting everyone to join in sharing love and unity.

Equité’s Nuwara Eliya branch is conducting a six-month capacity-building program for 12 young LGBTIQ+ community members, training them as community leaders through activities like film screenings, art therapy, festival celebrations, and poetry forums. On August 31st, participants engaged in music and mandala art therapy at the Equité safe house and near Kande Ela Reservoir. Young LGBTIQ+ leaders from the Central Province interested in joining can contact us for more information.

At Equité Nuwara Eliya, we recently screened Bhool Bhulaiya 3, inspired by the real-life story of an LGBTIQ+ community member, followed by a discussion. Our monthly sessions provide a safe, welcoming space for sharing experiences and reflections, bringing together members from Malayagam, Muslim, Sinhala, and Tamil communities. Through these gatherings, we strengthen mental well-being, build resilience, and nurture compassion and mutual support.