In this episode of Older Queer Voices, host Raga D’silva is in conversation with Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, a pioneering lesbian activist from Sri Lanka and founder of Equal Ground.
Rosanna shares her powerful journey from a young girl in Sri Lanka struggling with her identity, to finding freedom and belonging in San Francisco, and ultimately returning home to Sri Lanka to challenge injustice. Her story is one of courage, clarity and deep purpose, shaped by acceptance from her parents and a lifelong commitment to human rights.
The conversation explores the harsh realities of criminalisation in Sri Lanka, the impact of colonial laws, and the ongoing fight for dignity and equality for LGBTQ+ people. Rosanna speaks candidly about building movements from the ground up, creating safe spaces for queer women, and expanding that work into a national platform that includes advocacy, allyship and cultural change.
There is also reflection on the documentary Outlaws, where Rosanna’s story forms part of a larger global narrative on how outdated laws continue to harm LGBTQ+ communities. She speaks about the emotional weight of that storytelling and the importance of visibility in shifting mindsets.
Alongside the challenges, this episode holds space for hope. Rosanna highlights the growing number of allies, the importance of community, and the role each person can play in creating change. She speaks directly to parents about unconditional love, and to those struggling with their identity, reminding them that they are valid, worthy and not alone.
This is a deeply honest and moving conversation about resilience, activism and what it means to live authentically while fighting for others.
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