The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexism (IDAHOBIT), commemorated annually on May 17, draws attention to the violence and discrimination faced by members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex (LGBTQI+) communities. The theme for the year IDAHOBIT 2023 being ‘Together Always: United in Diversity’ presents an ideal opportunity for the development partners to appreciate and review the progressive steps currently being taken in this context.
The long journey for acceptance of LBGTQI+ community in Sri Lanka is now passing an important milestone, with the supreme court of the country deciding in favour of the proposed legislation on the decriminalizing of same-sex relationships which at present is define a ‘criminal offence’. Thus, it is crucial for the stakeholders to be sensitized to accept and include marginalized communities without discrimination. Members of the LGBTQI+ community face barriers that go beyond physical obstacles and include stigma and discrimination that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Achieving development requires meaningful unity among all diverse communities at all levels of society.
To create an inclusive environment where diverse groups of people can come together, it is important to have open conversations and discussions on the issues faced by LGBTQI+ persons. Sensitizing people in the workplace setting to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIESC) is also essential. Therefore UNFPA Sri Lanka together with the IOM Sri Lanka has created a platform for open discussion on the current developments and contribute to sensitizing UN Sri Lanka staff on SOGIESC and the issues faced by the LGBTQI+ community in the country. The event has comprised of a panel discussion covering,
- The issues and challenges faced by LGBTQI community
- Status on the decriminalizing same- sex relationships in Sri Lanka
- A review of the gender related indicators in Sri Lanka as a whole
- Discussion on the role of development partners
