Breaking ballot barriers: First openly transgender candidate shakes up Sri Lankan politics

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By Editor_1
Chanu Nimesha, Sri Lanka's first transgender candidate contesting in a parliamentary election, puts on makeup in her room before an election campaign, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on  November 7, 2024 -PA/CHAMILA KARUNARATHNE/EEF
By Aanya Wipulasena

COLOMBO – Chanu Nimesha is making history as Sri Lanka’s first openly transgender candidate, stepping into the conservative political arena with a message of inclusion and resilience.

Her candidacy reflects a changing Sri Lanka, one still reeling from the economic crisis of 2022 but now daring to embrace new voices in the push for social justice.

Nimesha is busy leading a campaign that challenges Sri Lanka’s social and political norms.

“I will continue the fight, but in a different way,” Nimesha told EFE in her modest apartment in a Colombo suburb. Her one-room flat doubles as a living room and bedroom, with her makeup occupying most of the table space.

In her rallies, Nimesha connects with people, sharing her story and her vision for Sri Lanka’s future. Her message of inclusion and social justice resonates with many, especially among young people and marginalized groups.

However, her journey hasn’t been easy. She has faced rejection and discrimination, both personally and publicly. Despite this, she has persevered, becoming a symbol of resilience and determination.

“No one has given a chance to a transgender candidate before. We are happy that Nimesha has joined us (the Sri Lanka Socialist Party),” said R.A. Nelson Samarasinghe, a member of the Socialist Party of Sri Lanka and a candidate in this election.

With her candidacy, Nimesha has opened a door to a more inclusive and equitable future for Sri Lanka. Her inspiring example shows that it is possible to challenge norms and fight for everyone’s rights.

Nimesha’s entry into politics is part of Sri Lanka’s political transformation, which began with the dramatic economic crisis that devastated the country and led to an unprecedented social uprising in 2022, when thousands of citizens took to the streets, angered by severe shortages of food and fuel.

Nimesha emerged as a prominent figure, leading her community to join the protests.

Beyond her gender identity, she is known for her fierce activism. During the 2022 economic crisis, she played a key role in mobilizing people from her community to protest against the government.

“I am continuing the promise I made to the public then. We will continue our struggle in a different way,” she said, explaining why she decided to contest the Nov. 14 election. “I believe that people who have a vision for change should be in power.”

As Secretary for Women’s Affairs in the Socialist Party of Sri Lanka, Nimesha said whether she wins or loses, the country has achieved something special.

“This is a historical change. The first step is always difficult, and it is easy to continue that journey,” she said, hoping there will be more persons from the LGBTQ+ community who will contest in future elections.

Originally from Galle on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, she moved to Colombo years ago, and due to her identity, she has been estranged from her family for almost seven years. “We have no contact at all. It would have been nice to have my family’s support during a time like this.”

Her journey has not been easy. She has had to fight to find her place in a largely conservative society.

“I won’t let that get to me. If I let these things affect me, then I will not be here today doing what I’m doing now,” she said. “I am here to stand for the rights of everyone. Even those who hate me.”

Niranjala Swarnakumari, 40, attended a rally in the village of Kurupattiya with her children, in the Kegalle district where Nimesha is competing.

“We have to support Nimesha because she is fearless. She came to a village to speak to us openly as a transgender person. I like it that we are moving away from the old ways,” Swarnakumari told EFE.

Thursday’s elections are the first since the election of Marxist Anura Kumara Dissanayake as president, making him the first left-leaning leader to govern this nation, which had previously preferred nationalist leaders and war heroes.

-EFE

 

Editor_1
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