User:TimLoku/sandbox

Introduction
Equal Ground is a non-profit organization based in Colombo Sri Lanka that advocates for political and social rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer people. The organization, established in 2004, claims to be the first organization in Sri Lanka that welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The organization was founded by a globally known Sri Lankan gay rights activist Rosanna Flamer-caldera and offers trilingual publications and services. It aims to achieve its goals through political activism, education, personal support, building awareness and through organized community events. It has been working more closely with lesbian, bisexual and transgender women in areas of human rights, law reform, sexual health, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The organization continues to face many challenges working in Sri Lanka where homosexuality is stigmatized and considered criminal offence that can earn up to 10 years of prison under the law.

Notable Work

 * Equal Ground provided disaster relief to its community and others when the 2004 Tsunami hit Sri Lanka leaving many deaths and homelessness.
 * Colombo Pride is the only annual Pride celebration in Sri Lanka, and is organized by Equal Ground since 2005. The first ever event was attended by around 350 people. The prominent newspaper Ceylon Today notes it as a weeklong joyous celebration with a variety of events full of color, music and diversity.
 * Equal Ground launched its first publication “Human, Right?” in 2005 to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia. The publication located LGBTQ rights within the larger framework of human rights..