Launch of Breast and Cervical Cancer Booklet by EQUAL GROUND.
Press Release
Colombo 12th Dec: A booklet carrying details on Breast and Cervical Cancer was launched by EQUAL GROUND at The Bay Leaf in the presence of the guest of honour, Professor A. H. Sheriffdeen, special invitees and media.
EQUAL GROUND is a non profit organization seeking human and political rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) community of Sri Lanka.
Speaking her thoughts on this unique endeavour by an LGBTIQ Rights organisation to launch a booklet on Breast and Cervical Cancer focusing on Women who love Women, Executive Director EQUAL GROUND and Co-Secretary General of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) Rosanna Flamer – Caldera said; “The health and well being of every woman of Sri Lanka should be everyone’s concern. At EQUAL GROUND, our concern is also for those women who identify as Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender and who are marginalised and unable to access proper health care because of discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
This booklet is written for all women with special emphasis on women who love women, as they are less likely to receive health information specific to their needs. Further, finding a doctor to talk openly with and in confidence and who will treat them without being judgmental also seems impossible considering the prejudices and homophobia that exist in Sri Lanka.
Commenting on this initiative by EQUAL GROUND, Guest of Honour Professor A. H. Sheriffdeen stated, “Breast and Cervical Cancer is the commonest cancers prevalent in Sri Lankan women. The statistics issued by the Cancer Institute Maharagama reveals that over the past twenty years especially Breast Cancer, has been increasing. Studies show that prevention strategies in the health care system need to be effective and target proper health care programmes. I commend EQUAL GROUND for taking the initiative to compile and publish this vital, informative yet simple and useful booklet. I hope that it will reach many women, especially people and communities who are or who feel marginalised.”
EQUAL GROUND in the past has also published a Human Rights Booklet focusing on LGBTIQ human rights entitled Human, Right? whilst another on Same Sex Domestic Violence is also in line to be published next year. Focusing on educating Sri Lankan society about the LGBTIQ community and their basic Human Rights is one of the core objectives of this organisation.
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