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

The Safe House is one of the key services provided by VTN for transgender persons who are in need of shelter or protection, and is one of VTN’s earliest initiatives.

Introduced in response to transgender persons’ requests for a safe space that can be used in emergency situations, VTN’s Safe House has handled a large number of cases from 2018 to date. In some cases, VTN merely provided food and/or shelter to transgender persons who live in rural areas but needed a place to stay in Colombo to obtain medical/health services. Some cases, however, were complex, as they involved providing shelter to transgender persons who were facing threats to their lives owing to their gender identity/expression and/or sexual orientation. There have also been instances where VTN’s Safe House services were sought by transgender persons who had been evicted from their residence.
During their stay, VTN generally provides them with food, shelter and counselling, and depending on the nature of the situation, in some cases, provides professional legal or medical support.

Legal & Rights Advocacy

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

In 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 organizations and activists, 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 hospital attendants 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

Increases the self-esteem and boosts the confidence of transgender community VTN conducted the self-defenses classes in 2017. Well trained trainers were supported for this and purpose was to give and basic knowledge with a training to the transgender community to protect themselves against someone or when something happens to you in a bad way.

English language
classes

English classes conducted by the Venasa Transgender Network in 2017 to the LGBTIQ community to help with improving speaking and writing skills.

Voice training
workshops

Voice Training Workshops conducted to the transgender community specially to the transwomen in 2017 by VTN free of charge and specialized professionals were supported to make a change of a life of a transgender person.

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.

In a bid to expand the support systems available for transgender persons, VTN has conducted a number of trainings for Community-Based Organizations. VTN aimed to improve the services provided by these organizations.

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

VTN delivers awareness and advocacy programs for public officers, including Divisional Secretariat (DS), Grama Niladhari (GN), and other government officials. These programs focus on legal gender recognition, documentation processes, and respectful public service delivery to reduce discrimination and barriers faced by transgender persons.

Addressing the challenges faced by transgender persons when it comes to the legal documents changing process, VTN took the initiative to conduct awareness-raising programmes as well as advocacy programmes for public officials. Among these officials are, District Secretariat and Divisional Secretariat officials, and Grama Niladhari officers.
VTN has successfully conducted these programmes in the Jaffna, Kandy, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Anuradhapura, and Batticaloa districts, and is planning to cover the entire island in near future.

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 face multiple challenges due to limited legal and social acceptance. Key issues include difficulties in changing legal documents and understanding amended Birth Certificate processes. To address these concerns, VTN conducted community consultations with transgender persons across all nine provinces, creating a platform to listen, understand lived realities, and identify common barriers. These consultations enabled meaningful discussions and informed VTN’s advocacy and support initiatives.

Support for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

VTN strengthens grassroots organizations working with transgender communities by providing training, guidance, and technical support. This helps improve service delivery, build organizational capacity, and expand sustainable support networks at the community level.

Safe Spaces for Dialogue & Peer Support

.VTN creates safe, inclusive spaces where transgender persons can openly share experiences, seek guidance, and support one another. These spaces foster trust, mental well-being, peer learning, and collective empowerment within the community.