December 28, 2023 Bridge Team
In a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity and awareness, the BRIDGE to Equality
project hosted its 7th Legal Awareness Program on December 16th and 17th, 2023.
Exemplifying its commitment to advancing legal education and promoting equality. The two-day
residential workshop, the first of its kind in the second phase of the BRIDGE project, brought
together legal practitioners to deepen their understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity,
and gender expression, alongside the legal framework that surrounds the LGBTIQ community.
Facilitated by esteemed experts, Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Director of the National STD/AIDS
Control Programme, and Dr. Ajith Rohana, Senior DIG and Attorney-at-Law, the program aimed
to equip legal professionals with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the
complexities of the legal landscape surrounding diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
The program kicked off with an inspiring opening address by Bhoomi Harendran, the Executive
Director of the National Transgender Network, emphasizing the scope of the project and the
crucial role legal practitioners play in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.
Participants, gathered for this transformative experience, underscoring the growing recognition
of the need for a nuanced understanding of issues related to sexual orientation and gender
identity within the legal community.
The workshop’s first day delved into comprehensive sessions led by Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana,
who brought her expertise in community medicine and public health to shed light on the medical
and public health aspects of sexual orientation and gender identity. Dr. Vidanapathirana provided
a detailed overview of Gender expression and Gender identity and the health disparities faced by
individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community.
The second day of the program focused on legal frameworks and rights, with Dr. Ajith Rohana
leading the discussions. As a Senior DIG Dr. Rohana provided invaluable insights into the
existing legal landscape surrounding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, discussing landmark cases, emerging legal trends,
and the evolving jurisprudence in this domain.
The dynamic and participatory nature of the workshop facilitated open dialogue and the
exchange of ideas among legal practitioners. This collaborative environment allowed participants
to share their experiences, challenges, and best practices in handling cases related to sexual
orientation and gender identity.
One of the noteworthy outcomes of the program was the enhancement of an already existing
network of legal professionals committed to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights. The participants
expressed a shared commitment to support the members of the LGBTIQ community with
whatever issues they face.
As part of the workshop’s conclusion, participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge
gained in their respective legal practices. The BRIDGE to Equality project emphasized the
importance of translating awareness into action, advocating for legal reforms, and working
towards creating a more inclusive legal system that protects the rights of individuals regardless
of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
