Honoured to announce that Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, founder and Executive Director of EQUAL GROUND, has been recognised as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024! For over twenty years, Flamer-Caldera has been a fearless advocate for LGBTIQ rights in Sri Lanka, sparking significant change on a global scale.
The article by TIME highlights her victory in 2022 when the U.N. upheld her case against Sri Lanka’s prohibition of same-sex intimacy among women, marking it as a violation of human rights. This pivotal decision catalysed a monumental shift in Sri Lankan politics, prompting legislative efforts to decriminalise homosexuality. Despite legal hurdles, including challenges to the proposed amendment’s constitutionality, Flamer-Caldera’s organisation, EQUAL GROUND, played a crucial role in advancing LGBTIQ rights. Last year, their persistence paid off as the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the bill, paving the way for progress in Parliament.
The article also praises Rosanna and EQUAL GROUND for the remarkable advocacy that embodies the spirit of resilience and progress, inspiring change-makers worldwide. We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported and congratulated us on this journey to ensure the future of equal human rights for all.