What We Do

Programs and initiatives empowering the transgender community across Sri Lanka.

Our Work in Action

At the Venasa Transgender Network (VTN), our work is rooted in community needs and lived experiences. We design and implement programs that provide safety, strengthen rights, improve access to healthcare, and empower transgender individuals across Sri Lanka.

Safe House Support

Established in response to community requests for a safe and supportive space during times of crisis, VTN’s Safe House has provided protection and care to vulnerable individuals since 2018.

The Safe House offers emergency accommodation, food, counselling, and psychosocial support to transgender and LGBQ+ individuals facing violence, family rejection, homelessness, discrimination, or threats related to their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. It also supports individuals travelling from rural areas to access essential healthcare and other services in Colombo.

Depending on individual needs, VTN facilitates access to legal, medical, and other professional support services. Through its Safe House program, VTN continues to provide a safe, affirming, and compassionate environment where community members can find protection, recovery, and hope.

Legal & Rights Advocacy

Legal guidance, documentation support, and advocacy for gender recognition and rights protection.

In between 2015 to 2016, VTN contributed to the process of introducing the Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) for transgender persons. This process, led by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) and participated by several Stake holders, LGBTQ+ organizations, Indivitual activists and allies aimed at introducing a methodical, government-approved system to issue a legally recognized gender recognition document for transgender persons who are undergoing the transitioning process (changing their body to match their desired/identified gender).

Healthcare & Medical Training

Sensitization for medical professionals on transgenderism & providing services to transgender persons.

In 2018, VTN developed the first and so far, the only training curriculum for awareness raising programs for medical/health professionals such as doctors, nurses, and Other hospital Staff on providing services for trans persons, with the aim of educating and sensitizing those professionals to provide services to transgender persons effectively and without discrimination. Led by VTN, the development of this training curriculum was participated by human rights activists, policy makers, senior psychologists/counsellors, and medical professionals. This curriculum has been used for a number of trainings conducted by VTN.

Capacity Building & Skills Development

Self-defense training

In 2017, VTN introduced self-defense training programs to strengthen the confidence, self-esteem, and personal safety of transgender community members. Conducted by qualified trainers, these sessions provided participants with basic self-defense skills and practical knowledge to help them respond to situations involving harassment, violence, or threats.

The program aimed to empower transgender individuals by enhancing their sense of security, resilience, and confidence, enabling them to navigate daily life with greater independence and self-assurance.

English language
classes

In 2017, VTN introduced English language classes for members of the LGBTIQ+ community to improve their speaking, writing, and communication skills. As English is a globally recognized language that plays a vital role in education, employment, and social mobility, the program aimed to increase opportunities and confidence among community members.

Many transgender individuals face discrimination and exclusion in educational settings due to their gender identity or gender expression, limiting their access to formal learning opportunities. Recognizing these barriers, VTN created an inclusive and supportive learning environment where participants could develop essential language skills without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Voice training
workshops

In 2017, VTN introduced free voice training workshops for transgender community members, particularly trans women, recognizing voice as an important aspect of gender expression and affirmation. The program was facilitated by specialized professionals who provided guidance and practical techniques to help participants develop a voice that better aligned with their gender identity.

For many trans women, voice training is an essential part of the gender affirmation process, as it can help achieve a more feminine vocal expression and contribute to greater comfort and confidence in everyday interactions. Access to such specialized services is often limited and unaffordable, making these workshops an important opportunity for community members.

Awareness & Sensitization Programs

Training for Medical and Healthcare Professionals

VTN conducts specialized training programs for doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff to improve their understanding of transgender identities and healthcare needs. These sessions promote respectful, non-discriminatory, and inclusive medical services, ensuring transgender persons can access healthcare with dignity and safety.

Awareness Programs for Public Officers
(DS, GN & Government Staff)

VTN conducts awareness and advocacy programs for public officials, including District and Divisional Secretariat officers, Grama Niladhari officers, and other government officials, to promote understanding of transgender rights and improve access to public services.
These programs focus on legal gender recognition, documentation processes, and respectful and inclusive service delivery, helping to reduce discrimination and administrative barriers faced by transgender persons. By increasing the knowledge and sensitivity of public officials, VTN aims to ensure that transgender individuals can access essential government services with dignity and equality.
To date, VTN has successfully implemented these programs in the districts of Jaffna, Kandy, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, and Anuradhapura, with plans to expand these efforts across the country.

Sensitization Discussions with Partner Organizations

VTN collaborates with civil society organizations and institutions to facilitate sensitization discussions on transgender rights and lived realities. These discussions help build allyship, strengthen inclusive practices, and encourage coordinated efforts to support transgender communities effectively.

Since 2018, VTN has been extending its support to other organizations working for transgender persons. One example is the sensitization discussion that was organized by the Heart to Heart Lanka organization to discuss the issues and concerns of LGBTIQ persons. During this programme, VTN represented the transgender community, and facilitated a session where the issues faced by transgender persons were highlighted.

Community Empowerment & Networking

Community Consultations Across All Provinces

Transgender persons in Sri Lanka continue to face numerous challenges arising from limited legal recognition, social stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing essential services. Difficulties in obtaining quality and inclusive healthcare, navigating legal gender recognition procedures, changing identity documents, and understanding amended birth certificates and other legal documentation remain significant concerns for many community members.

To better understand these experiences and ensure that community voices guide its work, VTN conducts community consultations with transgender persons across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka. These consultations provide safe and inclusive spaces where individuals can share their lived experiences, discuss challenges, and identify common issues affecting their daily lives.

Strengthening Grassroots Organizations

Many transgender individuals, particularly those living in rural and underserved areas, access support through local grassroots organizations that work on a wide range of social, health, development, and community issues. As these organizations often serve as the first point of contact for individuals in villages and local communities, their understanding of transgender issues is essential to ensuring inclusive and equitable services.

VTN works to strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations by providing awareness programs, training, guidance, and technical support on transgender identities, rights, and inclusion. These initiatives help organizations better understand the challenges faced by transgender persons and improve their ability to deliver respectful, non-discriminatory, and responsive services.

Safe Spaces for Dialogue & Peer Support

VTN creates safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces where transgender persons can come together to share their experiences, seek support, and build meaningful connections with one another. In a context where many transgender individuals experience stigma, discrimination, family rejection, and social isolation, these spaces provide a sense of belonging, acceptance, and community.

Through regular gatherings, discussions, and peer support activities, community members are encouraged to openly discuss their challenges, exchange experiences, access information, and support one another in navigating issues related to health, legal recognition, education, employment, and personal well-being.

These safe spaces contribute to improved mental well-being, increased self-confidence, peer learning, and community solidarity. By fostering trust and collective empowerment, VTN helps transgender individuals strengthen their resilience, develop leadership skills, and build supportive networks that promote dignity, inclusion, and social change.

Legal Support and Access to Justice

VTN is committed to protecting the rights of transgender persons and ensuring access to justice for individuals who experience discrimination, violence, harassment, or rights violations because of their gender identity or gender expression. Many transgender persons face legal challenges, social stigma, and barriers when seeking protection or reporting incidents, often due to fear of discrimination or a lack of understanding within existing systems.

To address these challenges, VTN provides legal support and referrals to qualified legal professionals to assist community members in navigating legal processes and accessing justice. Support is offered to individuals experiencing violence, harassment, discrimination, family-related disputes, unlawful treatment, or violations of their fundamental rights.

In addition to individual case support, VTN works to increase awareness of legal rights and available protection mechanisms, empowering transgender persons to make informed decisions and seek appropriate remedies. Through these services, VTN strives to ensure that transgender individuals can access legal protection, uphold their rights, and pursue justice with dignity, safety, and confidence.

Emergency and Crisis Support

VTN provides emergency assistance to transgender and LGBQ+ community members during times of crisis, recognizing that many individuals face additional vulnerabilities and often receive limited support because of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Social exclusion, discrimination, and the absence of family or community support can make it particularly difficult for transgender persons to access timely assistance during emergencies and humanitarian crises.

Over the years, VTN has responded to several major crises in Sri Lanka, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis, and the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah. During these emergencies, many community members experienced loss of income, food insecurity, housing instability, and limited access to essential services.

To address these urgent needs, VTN provided emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, including dry ration packs, support for the purchase of essential medicines, temporary shelter and rental assistance, and other basic necessities. The organization also supported individuals and families in recovering from crisis-related damages by repairing or replacing damaged household items, restoring livelihood equipment and work tools, and assisting with the repair and reconstruction of damaged homes.

Through its emergency response efforts, VTN remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable community members receive timely, inclusive, and compassionate support, helping them recover, rebuild their lives, and regain stability during times of crisis.

Psychosocial Support and Mental Well-being

VTN recognizes that mental health and emotional well-being are essential to the overall health and quality of life of transgender persons. Many transgender individuals experience discrimination, social exclusion, family rejection, violence, stigma, relationship difficulties, and economic insecurity, often resulting in significant emotional stress and psychological challenges.

The lack of acceptance and support can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional distress. Recognizing these realities, VTN provides psychosocial support services to help community members cope with life challenges, strengthen resilience, and improve their overall well-being.

These services include peer counselling, professional counselling, therapy programs, and emotional support initiatives that provide safe and confidential spaces for individuals to express their concerns and seek guidance. Through these interventions, VTN promotes healing, stress management, self-acceptance, and improved mental well-being.

By prioritizing psychosocial support, VTN aims to ensure that transgender persons have access to compassionate and affirming care that supports their mental health, enhances their quality of life, and empowers them to live with confidence, dignity, and hope.