A Safe and Supportive Space for the LGBTIQ+ Community

The Équité Safe House in Nuwara Eliya provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for LGBTIQ+ adults aged 18 and above who are experiencing harassment, family rejection or abandonment, intimate partner violence, or other circumstances that threaten their safety, dignity, and well-being.

The Safe House is dedicated exclusively to supporting members of the LGBTIQ+ community aged 18 and above. It aims to provide a welcoming space where individuals can access support, connect with others, share their experiences, and participate in activities that promote mental well-being, personal development, community solidarity, and social inclusion.

The Équité Safe House organizes a range of community-based activities to strengthen the well-being, resilience, and social connections of LGBTIQ+ individuals. These include mental health and psychosocial well-being activities, recreational games, cultural celebrations, peer discussions, community gatherings, and awareness-raising programmes.

The Safe House also facilitates access to legal support and referrals, as well as advice and referrals relating to HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other relevant health services. Through these activities and services, Équité seeks to empower community members to make informed decisions, access appropriate support, and exercise their rights with dignity.

The Safe House is coordinated by Ms. Rizwana Mahir and Mr. Randika Alwis, who bring experience in community engagement, community-based activities, and the facilitation of training programmes. They also maintain strong working networks with police stations, government institutions, and other relevant stakeholders across the Central Province.

These relationships support coordination, referrals, access to services, and engagement with relevant institutions to address the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ community members.

Équité is committed to promoting dignity, equality, safety, and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people. Through the Safe House in Nuwara Eliya, we aim to strengthen community connections, facilitate access to essential support services, and create an environment where individuals can seek assistance without fear of discrimination or stigma.

The Équité Safe House is a space for safety, support, connection, and dignity—where every LGBTIQ+ adult deserves to be treated with respect.