In this interview with Alliance Magazine, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, founder of EQUAL GROUND and Colombo Pride reflects on her decades-long fight for LGBTIQ rights in Sri Lanka, where same-sex relationships remain criminalised under colonial-era laws. Drawing on her early experiences in San Francisco’s vibrant queer scene, she returned home to create safe, affirming spaces for the local community.
She discusses how Colombo Pride has grown from a small party in 2004 into a national movement, now featuring art shows, drag performances, film festivals, and peaceful walks that balance celebration with cultural sensitivity. Legal victories, such as a court ruling against police harassment, have helped shift public perception, but ongoing hate speech and conservative backlash still pose threats.
Flamer-Caldera highlights the vital role of international philanthropy in sustaining Sri Lanka’s Pride movement, calling on the global queer community—especially those in the UK—to stand in solidarity, amplify their efforts, and never take hard-won rights for granted. For her, Pride is both a celebration and a strategy for survival.
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