Based on our experience in the field for the past 17 years, our assumption has been that, conservatively speaking, the real figure could actually be close to 10%.
However, we recently decided to map this phenomenon to check that figure—something the
Government of Sri Lanka itself has never done.
An important fact to understand is that stigma and discrimination force LGBT persons underground, therefore an entirely accurate count is almost impossible to determine.
In the US and the UK, mapping studies conclude that at least 2-5%of their populations identify as LGBT. Is it possible that the figure could be higher here in Sri Lanka?
A mapping study recently conducted by EQUAL GROUND reported that 19.6% percent of people over 18 living in Colombo, Matara, Nuwara Eliya & Galle identify as LGBT
But perhaps more important than these numbers are the shocking experiences revealed in the mapping study. Our Sri Lankan family members, neighbours, co-workers and friends who are LGBT face a great deal of stigma and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. If even one person were being treated this way in our country, that would be too much. Yet, the study shows that 46.7% of LGBT people experience police harassment, 72.2% were refused education, 57.14% were terminated from work, and 70% were refused medical assistance.
Some face physical and sexual abuse as well as emotional distress.
In such situations, many of us would rely on support from family and friends, but unfortunately, more than 58% of the respondents reported experiencing discrimination from their friends as well.
The lack of understanding about sexual orientation and gender identity leads to the lack of acceptance by even our parents and loved ones.
"Based on our experience in the field for the past 17 years, our assumption has been that, conservatively speaking, the real figure could actually be close to 10%. "
Some respondents reported being forced to marry someone of the opposite sex even though they were not physically or emotionally attracted to them. The study reported that 27.2% of the LGB respondents were married. Sexual and physical abuse have also been reported over and over again, especially by lesbian and bisexual women in forced marriages.
A significant number of LGBT persons stated that they would be willing to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity if they had a better economic standing. Unfortunately, none of the LGB respondents reported having an income of over LKR 90,000.00 and only 11.3% earned above LKR40,000.00 monthly—because their sexual orientation is limiting their ability to obtain appropriate jobs.
World lbgtq is around 3%
And 97% world is heterosexual
https://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Counting-in-LGBT-144350.html
However, we recently decided to map this phenomenon to check that figure—something the
An important fact to understand is that stigma and discrimination force LGBT persons underground, therefore an entirely accurate count is almost impossible to determine.
In the US and the UK, mapping studies conclude that at least 2-5%of their populations identify as LGBT. Is it possible that the figure could be higher here in Sri Lanka?
A mapping study recently conducted by EQUAL GROUND reported that 19.6% percent of people over 18 living in Colombo, Matara, Nuwara Eliya & Galle identify as LGBT
But perhaps more important than these numbers are the shocking experiences revealed in the mapping study. Our Sri Lankan family members, neighbours, co-workers and friends who are LGBT face a great deal of stigma and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. If even one person were being treated this way in our country, that would be too much. Yet, the study shows that 46.7% of LGBT people experience police harassment, 72.2% were refused education, 57.14% were terminated from work, and 70% were refused medical assistance.
Some face physical and sexual abuse as well as emotional distress.
In such situations, many of us would rely on support from family and friends, but unfortunately, more than 58% of the respondents reported experiencing discrimination from their friends as well.
The lack of understanding about sexual orientation and gender identity leads to the lack of acceptance by even our parents and loved ones.
"Based on our experience in the field for the past 17 years, our assumption has been that, conservatively speaking, the real figure could actually be close to 10%. "
Some respondents reported being forced to marry someone of the opposite sex even though they were not physically or emotionally attracted to them. The study reported that 27.2% of the LGB respondents were married. Sexual and physical abuse have also been reported over and over again, especially by lesbian and bisexual women in forced marriages.
A significant number of LGBT persons stated that they would be willing to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity if they had a better economic standing. Unfortunately, none of the LGB respondents reported having an income of over LKR 90,000.00 and only 11.3% earned above LKR40,000.00 monthly—because their sexual orientation is limiting their ability to obtain appropriate jobs.
World lbgtq is around 3%
And 97% world is heterosexual
https://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Counting-in-LGBT-144350.html
