Sri Lanka celebrated Pride in June, and took out a rally on 17th June. Unlike the processions and dancing on the streets that happen across the world, pride in Sri Lanka was unique as the participants took out a Rainbow Bus Parade, with a bus full of participants and draped in rainbow flags going around the city of Colombo. Writing about this unique way of taking out a march, Equal Ground, an organisation that holds the annual PRIDE celebrations in Sri Lanka, writes: “PRIDE in Sri Lanka is currently on a small scale and whilst we hope to one day march the streets demanding our rights, the current political climate coupled with the oppressive laws against LGBTIQ persons, impedes a peaceful march. Therefore, PRIDE celebrations take place as private, yet very public functions attended by persons from all over Sri Lanka.”
As part of pride month celebrations, various activities were held over two weeks, starting from 15th June. The Rainbow Bus Parade was taken out on 17th June, and a queer film festival was held from 18th to 22nd June. The celebrations came to an end with the rainbow kite flying was held on 25th June.
Sukhdeep Singh