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.

I'm beyond excited for Sri Lanka at this point. I fly out of Milwaukee on Saturday morning (like less than two days away). As I tell people that I'm leaving for a month for Sri Lanka I often get...

"Oh, sweet. Sri Lanka?"

or

"Tree Bonka? Where's that? Oh, near Africa!"

or

"Why in the world are you going there?"

So, my dear friends I'll explain.

Patrick did a study abroad with his college for a semester in Sri Lanka. We were throwing ideas for our next vacation out on the table and he brought it up. I guess he thought I would say "no" but I didn't. So, now we are heading for Sri Lanka - without knowing a soul - and without booking all of our hotels.

Once we get there things will be beautiful and pretty cheap.

Did you know?

Sri Lanka is roughly the same size as Ireland. The population is about 20.2 million. Most Sri Lankans are Buddhist. Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages with about 73% speaking Sinhala and 18% Tamil. Most college educated folks and governmental folks also speak English. They spend Sri Lankan Rupees there and $1 USD is worth about 100 Rupees.

The weather should average around 75- 90 degrees F.

So, the beaches of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Negombo, and Galle better watch out!

I'm most looking forward to the food and the relaxation. Checking out ancient Buddhist temples and caves is also going to be amazing. If I'm lucky I'll also see some leopards and ride an elephant.

Keep checking back throughout February to see pics from my trip and to track my adventure across the island.

Welcome to DyerTimes!

As some of you might know I've been working on this project for quite some time and can't believe that the day is finally here that the site is up and running. I've got so many ideas for this site and think that 2007 will be an exciting year for DyerTimes!

During February, DyerTimes will be largely acting as my travel site during my vacation to Sri Lanka. I'll be posting pictures, stories, and perhaps some video from my month long vacation on this site. I may also be adding other content during February but that is yet to be determined.

By March and April, DyerTimes will be filled with exciting info! Check back frequently and tell all your friends to stop by as well.

Enjoy!