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by Louise Baxter

As a westerner, I received with some intrigue, an invitation to attend a press conference given by the "Companions on a Journey" group. They are an organization, which supports the rights and dignity of lesbian and gay people in Sri Lanka.

Recently, the first International Lesbian and Gay Association Asia Regional Conference took place in Mumbai, India between 11th and 13th October. This conference was entitled: "A to Z; The Other Asia" and sought to enhance the visibility of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgendered) groups, as well as empowering them into a meaningful social force that remains rooted in local culture and traditions.

In today's press conference, it was made clear that the decriminalization of homosexuality is a priority for the group, said Sherman De Rose, Executive Director for Companions on a Journey, established in 1995. He added that LGBT groups are a highly stigmatised minority in Asia and indeed there are many laws currently in place in an attempt to prevent homosexuality from occurring. De Rose added that some believe that homosexuality is an illness for which there may be a cure.

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, co-ordinator-in-chief for the women's support group, outlined that their aim was to attain the same goal as that of the Companions on a Journey group, however the women's support group works as a group in its own right, as well as supporting others. She cited a horific example recently, whereby it was suggested that to "cure" lesbians from their "illness", a group of rapists should be unleashed on them in order to "show them what a real man is like." She added that a government body had proclaimed that lesbianism is "an act of gross indecency", it is "unnatural" and it is "an act of sadism and saliciousness." Indeed, much work needs to be done, in order to change attitudes.

De Rose cited the many issues that currently exist in relation to this somewhat taboo subject. He stated that many homosexuals are not accepted by their family or friends. Consequently, they suffer from a low sense of self esteem, many require therapy and in some tragic cases, some attempt suicide. He likened the situation to that of a majority suppressing a minority and claimed that if it was an ethnic or racial issue, many people would get involved in order to solve the problems, however as this particular issue is in relation to homosexuality, many ignore what is happening.

De Rose and Flamer-Caldera outlined that the aim of both groups is to provide protection and support for people who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgendered. Their wish is for people to live their lives in their own society with respect, dignity and freedom: these are the fundamentals of human rights.

What is undisputed is that attitudes need to be changed and people need to be educated. This, alongwith the decriminalization of homosexuality, are the initial goals for the Companions on a Journey and women's support group.

My country is England and where I come from, people who prefer same-sex relations are allowed to explore and determine their sexuality in relative freedom. For my part, I believe that in accordance with the fundamentals of human rights, this should be the same for everyone, everywhere, irrespective of race, religion or culture. 

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