Tuckahoe NY Pride

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera is a Sri Lankan LGBTQ rights advocate best known for leading EQUAL GROUND, one of the country’s most visible queer advocacy organizations. Over decades of work, she has pushed for decriminalization, anti-discrimination protections, and broader public understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity in a context where stigma and legal barriers have persisted. She has also engaged international human-rights forums to elevate Sri Lankan LGBTQ concerns and encourage reforms. Her activism blends community support, public education, and policy advocacy, helping build safer spaces and visibility for LGBTQ Sri Lankans while challenging entrenched social and institutional exclusion.

Quote: “…never be complacent. Be as active as you possibly can internationally. You don’t need to be running around with a rainbow flag all the time, but you can do your part in so many ways — like just being aware. It’s very important that if you are not actively agitating for rights, at least help in different ways.”

Photo credit Shashini Ruwanthi Gamage