Recently I took an amazing vacation to an idyllic destination – despite the protests of friends and family. This past February my partner and I spent a month in a tropical paradise - Sri Lanka. I chronicled some of my adventures on this site during my trip but I could probably write so many stories of my time there because it was truly amazing.

Sri Lanka is often in the news because of their tumultuous sectarian conflict that has been waxing and waning since the early1980’s (which made many people worried for our safety while we were there.) The conflict in Sri Lanka overshadows other important work being done on the island.

Now, LGBT people in Milwaukee and the United States can lend a helping hand and reach out internationally to make every community in every country a safe, supportive place to live if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning.

One of the highlights of that trip was visiting Equal Ground – Sri Lanka’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender equal rights organization. I often tell people that one of the best things about being LGBT is that no matter where I travel when I meet another LGBT person it’s like meeting family. I immediately feel a connection with the other person – almost as if we have been friends for ages. That was exactly how I felt when I met Rosanna Flamer-Caldera who is the Executive Director of Equal Ground.

That’s why my partner and I have made a commitment to raise money for Equal Ground to build upon their very vital work in Sri Lanka. Our original intention was to raise $1000 but I’m confident that with all of your support we can easily raise $2000 for Equal Ground. Several people have already sent in checks after reading the column in Q Life and I’ve pledged a donation of $500. The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is acting as a fiscal agent so all contributions are tax-deductible. You can donate online HERE or send checks with “Sri Lanka” in the memo to:

Milwaukee LGBT Community Center
315 W. Court Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212

Equal Ground is the only organization doing LGBT work in Sri Lanka. They are currently organizing Sri Lanka’s first ever week long pride event. Hosted in the capital city, Colombo Pride, will run from May 20th-27th, 2007. This unique event is a one-week celebration for the LGBTIQ in a country which still criminalizes homosexuality. Attendance at Columbo Pride has grown exponentially over the years with over 650 participants taking part in 2006.

Rosanna Caldera-Flamer plans to lead the organization - and country - down the road to equal protections for LGBT people. Caldera-Flamer is also the Secretary-General for the International Gay & Lesbian Association (IGLA) where she is working hard on building international collaborations.

Equal Ground has set a financial target of $4000 to cover all expenses related to Colombo Pride. Donations will support Equal Ground’s efforts in making Colombo Pride a success and giving the community a stronger voice in Sri Lanka.

By joining us today you will send an important message and lend a huge helping hand. Many of us enjoy traveling and going to places that are welcoming of us and our relationships but less often do we proactively reach out across borders to assist our LGBT “family” in their times of need.

Equal Ground works very hard to provide for the needs of the community each year. Join me in offering our support for their important work so that every LGBTQ Sri Lankan can - for one day, one week, one lifetime - find their own space to stand up tall and be proud.