Interfaith and Community Dialogue for Social Cohesion
On Thursday, 5 March, a workshop on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) was organized for religious leaders as part of the project Interfaith and Community Dialogue for Social Cohesion. The workshop was conducted by HNRDF in collaboration with our partner Pathways to Peace, with support from Global Affairs Canada.
The session aimed to create a safe and respectful space where religious leaders could learn about and discuss topics related to gender and sexual orientation. During the workshop, participants received an introduction to key concepts such as gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as an overview of the legal context in Sri Lanka. These discussions are particularly important, as these topics are still often considered taboo and are rarely addressed through formal education.
An important part of the session also focused on the historical background of laws criminalizing same-sex relationships in Sri Lanka. Participants learned how these laws originated during the colonial period, helping to provide broader context to the current legal framework.
A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to open dialogue and discussion. Religious leaders from a variety of faith traditions, including Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian communities, participated in the session. In addition, HNRDF invited members of the LGBTQ+ community to take part in the discussion, allowing for direct exchange of experiences and perspectives.
The conversations that emerged were thoughtful and engaging. While some participants initially found the topic challenging, many shared in their feedback that the educational component and respectful dialogue helped them better understand the issues. For some, it opened the door to seeing the topic from a different perspective and realizing that it may not be as concerning as they had previously believed.
HNRDF believes that dialogue, education, and mutual understanding are essential steps toward building stronger and more inclusive communities. Workshops like these contribute to creating spaces where different perspectives can be shared respectfully, strengthening social cohesion across religious and community lines.
By iris van der Stelt