Rosanna Flamer-caldera

Rosanna Flamer-caldera is the Founder and Executive Director of EQUAL GROUND (2004-to present), the oldest LGBTIQ advocacy organization pursuing LGBTIQ rights as part of the larger Human Rights framework in Sri Lanka. Rosanna served 2 terms as Co-secretary General for the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA) and is the co-founder and current Chair of the Commonwealth Equality Network, a broad network of LGBTIQ organizations within the Commonwealth.

“What I would choose to challenge in society is the patriarchy that permeates all facets of social, economic, cultural and political structures in this country. I choose to challenge the apathy and reluctance most people have to change the current system. Yes, it is hard and tedious and maybe scary as well, but if we don’t change the way we think and act, we will continue to be in a quagmire of sexism, homophobia and racism that will block the development of our country in more ways than one. True, not every one of us can be an activist, but we can all think and feel and lead by example. When something is wrong, speak out!

My life is currently one big challenge. I work to protect the rights of the LGBTIQ community and the women of this country. That’s my job, 24/7. The blatant exploitation of women and children, the disgusting way LGBTIQ persons are treated , the issues they have to face purely because they are different – these are an affront to my sensibilities. If we cannot accept that not everyone is the same, that people live differently and love differently, then we cannot expect that when we are in trouble, that there will be someone, some kind soul, to offer their hand in friendship and love to us. I choose to Challenge myself to change a heart, change a thought, person by person.”