Advocacy and Movement Building for Health Rights and Services for LGBTIQ Communities: Insights and Lessons Learned from EQUAL GROUND, Sri Lanka

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTIQ) individuals in Sri Lanka experience discrimination in all aspects of their life, constraining their access to public services, including healthcare. This chapter describes the experience of one organization, EQUAL GROUND in Sri Lanka, in trying to realize the rights of LGBTIQ individuals overall, focusing on health and well-being and access to healthcare services. Since 2004, EQUAL GROUND has contributed to improving healthcare options for LGBTIQ persons in Sri Lanka through a broad range of activities to uphold their rights. EQUAL GROUND’s efforts toward the legal and social empowerment of LGBTIQ individuals through awareness raising, creating safe spaces, and building solidarity are essential to promoting their well-being. Another critical initiative toward enhancing well-being is the ‘Families and Friends of LGBTIQ Individuals’ (FFLGBTIQ) initiative. It enables family members and friends to offer acceptance, support, security, and shelter to their LGBTIQ family members and friends. Further, EQUAL GROUND has contributed to building evidence on and advocated against degrading treatment in healthcare settings, such as compulsory anal examinations, conversion therapy, unnecessary and invasive personal and medical questions, not receiving adequate treatment or care, pressure to stay cisgender or heteronormative; and violation of privacy and confidentiality. EQUAL GROUND’s innovative and inclusive approach has increased awareness and acceptance within the mainstream Sri Lankan population regarding LGBTIQ issues and prevented some discriminatory practices. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve decriminalization, which is fundamental to securing the well-being of LGBTIQ individuals.