Young Achiever
Honouree
L.A. Vishwa Pathum
Sri Lanka
Hi, I’m Vishwa Pathum, a 21-year-old Nonbinary Pansexual social activist from Sri Lanka. Since I was 19, I’ve committed myself to the cause of advancement in rights and inclusion of young LGBTIQA+ individuals. I founded Youth Pride Sri Lanka in order to handle problems like discrimination, mental health, and access to resources by creating safe spaces that queer youth could explore for their identities and find support. My journey has taught me resilience and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. I ensure that my work creates lasting change and amplifies voices within the country’s marginalized communities.
Brief information about your work
I was the founder and chair for Youth Pride Sri Lanka. I lead the work on empowerment among the young LGBTIQA+ on SRHR, SOGIESC, HIV prevention, and mental health. It ranges from pride events and educational workshops to public attitude research on gender diversity. Currently, we are in the process of setting up a safe house for kicked-out queer youth and conducting a survey of public attitudes to nonbinary and gender-nonconforming activism in Sri Lanka. I am also a member of the National Transgender Network and Youth Pride for regional and international solidarity efforts toward advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
What one achievement you’ve accomplished that you’re most proud of? Why?
Leading the organization of Colombo’s first Pride parade in 2022 stands as one thing I am incredibly proud of. That was a landmark event in the history of LGBTQ+ Sri Lanka, putting visibility and support toward a community which has struggled along in obscurity for far too long. To watch those young people feel celebrated, feel unafraid, made me feel great pride and hope for our future.
What do you find most challenging about your work? Why?
Some of the biggest ones are the continuing stigma and discrimination of society, including professional circles in Sri Lanka. This sometimes feels really discouraging, seeing how even landlords do not even rent out houses to us or how participants get judged. But since every barrier motivates me, overcoming it only strengthens our movement.
What do you do to recharge your battery?
Recharging means spending time with the closest of friends and family. Whether this calls for calling a loved one, having deep conversations, watching my favorite movie, or time out in nature, these are instances when I remember why I’m here. I like to write, reflect, and take perspective on things in my life; that helps me process things.
What is your vulnerability and how do you overcome it?
The biggest weakness in me is, at times, all the responsibilities, especially when there is an onslaught of challenges within the community. How do I transcend this? Friends, family members, mentors reminding me to take things one step at a time-my powers are here. It means a lot: appropriate self-care and resting when needed.
You have been nominated for the Young Achiever category. What was your reaction and please, tell us why?
I am humbled and honored by the nomination into the Young Achiever category. This recognition legitimizes the efforts I put into the empowerment of the queer community, showing that our work does indeed make a difference. It is a victory not for me, but for all those who have been fighting for equality in Sri Lanka.
What is a warm/hopeful message that you would like to share with the communities in the Asia Pacific?
To the communities of Asia Pacific, I would say, our resilience and solidarity continue to be our biggest strengths. Through storms, tornadoes, and earthquakes, let’s keep building places of acceptance and love. The change may take time, but with every step ahead, it takes us toward a world where each individual can live authentically. Keep supporting one another, and remember-you are not alone.
