Community, care, and courage on the East Coast.
ANICHCHAM is the Eastern Queer Collective — representing and supporting the LGBTIQA+ community across Sri Lanka's Eastern Province.
ANICHCHAM is the Eastern Queer Collective — representing and supporting the LGBTIQA+ community across Sri Lanka's Eastern Province.
We work at the intersection of queer identity and regional identity — building safe spaces, offering support, and advocating for recognition in communities where visibility isn't always easy.
Founded by and for LGBTIQA+ people in the Eastern Province, ANICHCHAM exists because community care shouldn't depend on where you live. We meet people where they are — in language, in culture, and in circumstance.
To create a just, inclusive, and sustainable society where individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and backgrounds are empowered to thrive, contribute, and live freely with dignity, equal rights, and opportunities.
To empower marginalized gender-diverse and queer individuals by providing comprehensive education, financial literacy, and skills training — creating inclusive opportunities, advocating for equal rights, and promoting sustainable living so that everyone has the resources, support, and representation needed to thrive.
Every space we create, online or in person, is built around consent, confidentiality, and trust.
Our advocacy speaks in the languages and contexts of the Eastern Province, not imported frameworks.
Decisions are shaped by the community we serve, not handed down to it.
Guided by our constitution's objectives, here's how we put our mission into practice.
Regular in-person and online gatherings where LGBTIQA+ people in the region can connect safely and without judgment.
Financial literacy programs, job training, and entrepreneurship support to help members build economic independence.
Educational resources and vocational training across sectors, equipping members with tools to succeed in their careers.
Engaging local stakeholders and the public to build understanding and push for legal rights and social inclusion.
Guidance on eco-friendly lifestyles, renewable energy, and self-sufficiency for a sustainable future.
Connecting individuals with trusted health, legal, and mental health resources sensitive to queer experiences.
The people guiding ANICHCHAM's work on the ground.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Our annual pride festival celebrating the LGBTIQA+ community of Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, organized by ANICHCHAM every Pride month.
Eastern Pride on FacebookMoments from our community spaces and events. (Placeholder tiles — swap these for real photos when you have them.)
Whatever your capacity, there's a way to support the collective.
Organizations and allies can collaborate with us on advocacy and events.
Start a conversation →Reaching out privately: If you're contacting us for personal support, know that confidentiality matters to us. Share only what you're comfortable sharing, and let us know if you'd prefer to be contacted a particular way.
If you're going through a difficult time or having thoughts of self-harm, you don't have to face it alone.
Questions, support requests, or collaboration ideas — we'd like to hear from you.