LGBTIQ Unity: Embracing Our Shared Humanity

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition and celebration of the diverse identities and experiences within the LGBTIQ community. This community encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer individuals, each with their own unique journey and struggles. However, amidst the diversity and complexity of these identities, it is essential to remember that at the core, we are all human beings, deserving of love, respect, and equality. In this essay, we will explore the concept of LGBTIQ unity, emphasizing the importance of embracing our shared humanity.

First and foremost, it is crucial to recognize that sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression are inherent aspects of an individual's being. Just as heterosexuality and cisgender identities are a natural part of the human experience, so too are diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. By acknowledging this fundamental truth, we foster an environment of acceptance and understanding, allowing individuals within the LGBTIQ community to embrace their authentic selves without fear or shame.

LGBTIQ unity does not seek to erase or diminish the unique experiences and challenges faced by each individual within the community. Rather, it seeks to create a sense of solidarity and support, recognizing that all members of the community share a common struggle against discrimination, prejudice, and marginalization. It is through unity that the community can amplify its collective voice, advocate for rights and equality, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate harm and exclusion.

At the heart of LGBTIQ unity lies the understanding that love knows no boundaries. Love is a universal human experience, transcending gender, sexual orientation, and societal expectations. It is the force that binds us all together, reminding us of our shared capacity to form meaningful connections and relationships. By embracing love in all its forms, we foster an inclusive society where individuals are free to love and be loved, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

LGBTIQ unity also entails recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by intersecting identities within the community. Intersectionality acknowledges that individuals may face multiple forms of oppression based on factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and disability, in addition to their sexual orientation or gender identity. By acknowledging these intersecting identities and experiences, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society that uplifts and empowers all individuals, regardless of their background.

Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering LGBTIQ unity. By promoting inclusive curricula, providing accurate information, and challenging stereotypes and misconceptions, we can combat ignorance and foster empathy and understanding. Through education, we can dismantle prejudice and foster a society that celebrates diversity, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBTIQ unity is a powerful concept that calls upon us to embrace our shared humanity and celebrate the diverse experiences and identities within the community. By recognizing that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve love, respect, and equality, we can work towards creating a society that is inclusive, equitable, and just. Through education, awareness, and advocacy, we can break down barriers, challenge discrimination, and build a world where every individual can embrace their authentic selves and thrive. Remember, we are all human, and in our unity, we find strength, compassion, and the potential for a brighter and more inclusive future.

Women Are Strong: Embracing Resilience, Empowerment, and Equality

Throughout history, women have faced numerous challenges and barriers, yet they have consistently demonstrated strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. The notion that women are strong embodies the

spirit of countless individuals who have defied societal expectations, shattered glass ceilings, and fought for equality. In this essay, we will explore the inherent strength of women, celebrate their achievements, and emphasize the importance of recognizing and empowering women in all aspects of life.

Women's strength lies not only in their physical capabilities but also in their emotional resilience and intellectual prowess. From managing households and raising families to pursuing careers and leading nations, women have shown remarkable strength in balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. They possess an innate ability to adapt, persevere, and thrive in the face of adversity.

Historically, women have fought against ineq

uality and discrimination, challenging societal norms and advocating for their rights. From the suffragette movement that fought for women's right to vote to the ongoing struggle for equal pay and reproductive rights, women have played a pivotal role in shaping social progress. Their courage, determination, and unwavering belief in their own capabilities have propelled them forward, leading to significant advancements in gender equality.

Women's strength is also evident in their ability to nurture and support others. As mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, women possess a unique capacity for empathy, compassion, and caregiving. They provide emotional support, serve as pillars of strength within their families and communities, and inspire others through their resilience and kindness.

Furthermore, women's strength extends beyond individual achievements to collective movements that have brought about transformative change. From grassroots activism to global campaigns, women have united to combat issues such as gender-based violence, inequality, and discrimination. They have demonstrated that when women come together and amplify their voices, they can challenge deeply entrenched power structures and advocate for a more just and inclusive society.

It is crucial to recognize that women's strength should not be seen as a counterbalance to men's strength but as an equal force that complements and enhances societal progress. The strength of women should not be diminished or overshadowed but celebrated and embraced. Gender equality is not about one gender being superior to the other; it is about recognizing the inherent value and worth of every individual, regardless of their gender.

Empowering women is essential for creating a more just and equitable world. When women are given equal access to education, employment opportunities, and leadership positions, societies flourish. Research has shown that gender equality positively impacts economic growth, health outcomes, and social cohesion. By removing barriers and biases, we create an environment where women can thrive, contribute their unique perspectives and talents, and play an integral role in shaping a brighter future for all.

The strength of women is a testament to their resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Women have defied expectations, shattered barriers, and fought for equality, leaving an indelible mark on history. By recognizing and celebrating women's strength, we can create a society that values and empowers women in all aspects of life. Let us continue to advocate for gender equality, challenge gender stereotypes, and work towards a world where women can fully embrace their potential and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future for everyone.

Astronomy: Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe

Astronomy, the scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena, has long captivated human beings and fueled our curiosity about the vastness of the universe. From ancient civilizations observing the stars to modern space missions, astronomy has played a crucial role in expanding our knowledge and understanding of the cosmos. In this essay, we will delve into the importance, history, and intriguing aspects of astronomy.

At its core, astronomy seeks to unravel the mysteries of the universe by studying celestial bodies such as stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae, as well as the phenomena that occur within them. Through a combination of observation, theoretical models, and advanced technology, astronomers aim to comprehend the fundamental principles and processes that govern the cosmos.

The significance of astronomy lies not only in the pursuit of knowledge but also in its practical applications. From predicting celestial events such as eclipses and meteor showers to enabling satellite navigation and communication systems, astronomical understanding enhances our daily lives in numerous ways. Moreover, studying the universe's origins and evolution contributes to our understanding of our own existence and place in the grand scheme of things.

The history of astronomy dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese, observed the heavens and developed complex systems to track the motions of celestial bodies. They built observatories, created calendars, and made astronomical discoveries that laid the foundation for future astronomers.

One of the most significant advancements in astronomy occurred during the Renaissance with the advent of the telescope. Galileo Galilei's observations of the Moon, Jupiter's moons, and the phases of Venus revolutionized our understanding of the solar system and challenged existing beliefs. The telescope allowed astronomers to see farther and with greater detail, opening up new realms of exploration.

In the modern era, technological advancements have propelled astronomy to new heights. Space telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, have provided breathtaking images of distant galaxies, star-forming regions, and planetary nebulae. These observations have not only expanded our knowledge of the universe but also sparked wonder and awe at its beauty and complexity.

Astronomy also intersects with other scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, and geology. By studying the light emitted by celestial objects, astronomers gain insights into their composition, temperature, and physical properties. Through spectroscopy, they can identify elements and molecules in distant stars and galaxies, shedding light on the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

Cosmology, a branch of astronomy, focuses on understanding the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe as a whole. It explores concepts such as the Big Bang theory, the expansion of the universe, dark matter, and dark energy. Cosmologists strive to unravel the ultimate mysteries of the cosmos, such as the nature of black holes and the possibility of other universes.

Astronomy serves as a gateway to exploring the mysteries of the universe. Its interdisciplinary nature, rich history, and technological advancements have allowed us to gaze deeper into space, expanding our knowledge and challenging our perceptions. From ancient civilizations peering at the night sky to the cutting-edge space missions of today, astronomy continues to inspire wonder, ignite curiosity, and deepen our understanding of the vastness and intricacies of the cosmos.

Gender and society

Gender and society are intricately connected and influence each other in various ways. Society constructs and perpetuates expectations, norms, and roles based on gender, shaping the experiences and opportunities available to individuals.

Gender Roles and Expectations: Society often assigns specific roles, behaviors, and expectations to individuals based on their gender. These roles can vary across cultures and time periods but typically include expectations regarding appearance, behavior, career choices, and family roles. For example, women may be expected to be nurturing, care for the household, and pursue careers related to caregiving, while men may be expected to be strong, assertive, and pursue careers in fields like engineering or finance.

Gender Inequality: Societal norms and expectations can result in gender inequality, where one gender is favored or given more power and privilege than the other. This can manifest in various ways, such as the gender pay gap, limited access to education or employment opportunities, and underrepresentation of certain genders in positions of power and leadership.

Socialization: Society plays a significant role in socializing individuals into understanding and performing their gender. From a young age, children are taught what it means to be a boy or a girl through social cues, expectations, and reinforcement. These socialization processes can shape individuals' identities, behaviors, and attitudes towards themselves and others.

Gender Stereotypes: Society often perpetuates stereotypes about gender, which are oversimplified and generalized beliefs about the characteristics, abilities, and roles associated with each gender. These stereotypes can limit individuals' choices, create biases, and contribute to discrimination and inequality. For instance, stereotypes might suggest that women are not as capable in technical fields or that men should not express vulnerability.

Intersectionality: Gender intersects with other social categories, such as race, class, sexuality, and disability, resulting in unique experiences and challenges for individuals. Intersectionality recognizes that gender is not the sole determinant of a person's experiences, but rather, it interacts with other aspects of their identity to shape their social positioning and opportunities.

Changing Gender Dynamics: Societal views on gender are not static and have evolved over time. There have been significant advancements in challenging traditional gender roles, promoting gender equality, and recognizing a broader range of gender identities beyond the binary understanding of male and female. Activism, advocacy, and policy changes have played a crucial role in driving these shifts.

LGBTQ+ Rights and Visibility: Society's understanding of gender has expanded to recognize and affirm the experiences and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Movements advocating for LGBTQ+ rights have contributed to increased visibility, acceptance, and legal protections for gender and sexual minorities.

It is important to recognize that gender and its influence on society can be complex and multifaceted, and different cultures and societies may have varying attitudes and expectations regarding gender. Promoting gender equality, challenging stereotypes, and fostering inclusivity are ongoing efforts necessary for creating a more equitable and just society for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression.

What is Gender?

     

    Gender is responsibilities, roles and identities assigned to women and men by society, without biological basis. When you are born, society assigns you a unique color. If it's a girl, it's pink.  If it's a boy, blue is the color. The gender  that begin like this continue until death.

In the mid-20th century, a terminological distinction in modern English (known as the sex and gender distinction) between biological sex and gender began to develop in the academic areas of psychology, sexology, and feminism. Before the mid-20th century, it was uncommon to use the word gender to refer to anything but grammatical categories. In the 1970s, feminist theory embraced the concept of a distinction between biological sex and the social construct of gender. Most contemporary social scientists, behavioral scientists and biologists, many legal systems and government bodies, and intergovernmental agencies such as the WHO, make a distinction between gender and sex.

The social sciences have a branch devoted to gender studies. Other sciences, such as psychology, sociology, sexology and neuroscience, are also interested in the subject. The social sciences sometimes approach gender as a social construct, and gender studies particularly do, while research in the natural sciences investigates whether biological differences in females and males influence the development of gender in humans; both inform the debate about how far biological differences influence the formation of gender identity and gendered behavior. Biopsychosocial approaches to gender include biological, psychological, and social/cultural aspects.

Definitions:

01.Socially constructed roles and responsibilities of women and men that can be changed. Gender roles are conducted by culture, politics, environment, economic, social and religious factors as well as custom, law, ethnicity and individuals and institutional bias.

-UNDP 2007-

02.The society constructed roles, behaviors, activities and attitudes that a given society considers appropriate for Men and women

-world health organization 2017-

03. The state of being male or female as expressed by social or cultural distinctions and differences, rather than biological ones; the collective attributes or traits associated with a particular sex, or determined as a result of one's sex. Also: a (male or female) group characterized in this way.

-Oxford dictionary-

Reources : Wikipedia,World Healt organization,Oxford Dictionary

-H.K.Sanduni Navoda-

Contemporary Media Landscape In Sri Lanka

 

    

Media is a method of carrying a message from one place to another, Mass media and digital media called as the main media in Sri Lanka. Mass media is mainly divided into two parts. They are printed media and electronic media. Digital media includes social media, Apps, Software’s etc. The landscape of these media can be explored as follows.

Newspaper is one of the main mass media in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan newspaper industry is divided into three parts according to ownership. They are state owned, private sector and other sectors. Lake House is the only newspaper company controlled by the government of Sri Lanka. When considering the private sector, Vijaya newspaper PVT LTD is a leading newspaper company in Sri Lanka. In addition to that Weerakesari, Upali, Liberator and Ceylon express companies belong to the private sector. Anidda, Sunday Lanka, Aththa etc. can be called as other sector newspapers. Very often, these newspapers play the role of alternatives to promoting political and social visions. By now based on the economic crisis that Sri Lanka is facing, the Sri Lanka newspapers industry has suffered a bit of collapse. Due to that Sri Lankan newspaper industry has uncounted with challenges such as lack of papers and power crisis etc. Because of that the number of pages in newspapers has decreased and the price also increased. Therefore, some newspapers are published as e-newspapers. For example, Saturday newspapers such as Divaina and the island have stopped being printed and they have become e-newspapers. Therefore currently Sri Lankan journalism is moving towards paperless journalism. As modern technology has monopolized almost all the sectors in newspaper industry too has been affected. That’s why we have to agree with the Central bank report where newspaper industry is placed third in mass media. Today, there is no proper regulation for newspapers. Due to this, many ethical violations are reported and newspaper have become a medium based only on profit. Sometimes they use modern promoting technology for this purpose. For example, Mawbima newspaper once, used a small technical device to publish the advertisement in newspapers. Although the newspaper is a medium with delayed responses and feedback, it has changed today and newspaper has been able to avoid idleness and step on to think such as photos, videos and animations etc. The reason for that is the newspapers has joined digital media. As a result of that, almost every newspaper company has a Facebook account and website. At the movement, private sector has over powered the state sector in newspaper society. For example, Vijaya newspaper company. They have been able to cover the needs of every ethnic group and age levels Looking at some newspaper format, it is clear that W5 H1 concept is no in the newspaper reporting.

Sri Lankan radio media is currently owned by the state and private sector. State owned radio channels include City FM, Swadeshiya sewaya, Thendral FM, Rajarata FM, Kandurata FM etc. In private sector radio channels such as Hiru, Derana and Y FM etc. Today there are more than 40 radio channels in Sri Lanka. About 44 of these channels have been licensed under Telecommunication and regulatory commission. Not only that the Indian government has also made it possible for the Sri Lankan listeners to listen to several radio channels from India Nowadays, the monopoly of state radio channels is collapsing while private sector channels are coming up. Not only that the private radio institutes bear the ownership of more than one channels. (Example: ABC media network-Hiru, Sha, Sun, Gold and Sooriyan FM) Some private radio channels follow exploratory reporty system.  Every radio station has started e-radio channels, websites, YouTube channels and Facebook pages. Due to this, the responses and feedback process is developed. By now in Sri Lankan radio channels have increased in quantitatively. But decreased in quality. Similarly, although the announcers have the ability, they don’t have the knowledge about the radio media tradition. not only that, there is one other factor that affected the reduction the quality of the radio. That is not having a common system of ethics for the radio media. In addition to that, regional and community radio channels are now going to extinct. Recently SLBC published an advertisement to give some regional channels belonging to the radio cooperation to the private sector. Political interference in the appointment of heads for state broadcasters has dried up. For example, in the last 2 year, the head of Rajarata radio service has been changed 3 times.  

Sri Lankan TV stations mainly belong to the public and private sector. National TV, ITN, Wasantham TV etc are state sector TV channels. The private TV channels are HIru, Sirasa, Siyatha etc. In reporting, state media always report favor of government and the private media is always in favor of money, politics and personal needs. By now, every TV company has a website, YouTube channel and an FB page. Due to this, the response and feedback process is quite active. Today TV media is making the space for media expansion. There, they are working to give a lot of attention to a very small issue Channels such as Derana and Hiru news alert services have become a popular method of providing news through SMS. Almost every TV channel has a network of regional reporting system. They are named as U-reporter and M-reporter etc. With the advent of technological development, the TV has developed up to a very high standard. So that now we can watch everything taking place in every look and corner of the world through Dialog and Peo TV. Not only that, the ability to rewind and watch missed pregame is very special facility in development of the TV. Also compared to last year, it appears that the import of Indian tele dramas has decreased slightly this year. Today, the role of audience has expanded in many directions. Nowadays, with the advent of smart phones, TV has also become a mobile media. Today’s TV channels are operating as community pregame organizers. By now, we can see, some media institutes maintaining more than one TV channel. Not only that, TV channels are trying to archive their commercial goals by showing social goals. The media people have missed neglected ethical side of their pregame for cheap popularity. TV channels are promoting concept such as popular culture and commercialization have increased.

Looking at the current expansion of Sri Lankan cinema, it is clear that it is in a somewhat backward shape. Nowadays, film producers are reluctant to invest money on film industry. Today, most of the cinema halls near the main cities are closed down. Although the cabinet took a decision to recognize cinema as an industry, there was no discussion about it after that. It is a negative feature that Sri Lankan cinema hasn’t been able to develop its own characteristics until today. Not only that, SriLankan cinema hasn’t been able to build an audience for watching Sinhala films through input like Netflix. By now, there is a tendency to refer to budget filming. Currently, the concepts of mobile filming and wheel cinema are beign discussed in Sri Lanka. Although animation is used for Sri Lankan films, there are no cases where the entire film is animated. As the first animation film in Sri Lanka “Gaja Man” has been screened in this year. Also, the film “Prana/Seeds”, which is being screened in Sri Lanka for first time in three languages. In addition, that Sri Lankan short film sector is currently showing growth. There has been a trend of watching short films on YouTube. As well, documentary film making industry has some development. It has been possible to build a discussion about social issues.

Today, digital media can be called as the most powerful media that has surpassed mass media in Sri Lanka. Any time we use our computer, cell phone, opening web-based systems and apps, we are consuming digital media. By January 2022,11.4 million people in Sri Lanka have used digital media. People of all three generations use digital media. It has been spread in rural and urban areas. but there is some disparity in spread of digital media. It’s a new trend of that, we have been able to take all medias on to one platform. The organization of independent journalists brought a proposal to make digital journalism a profession. Not only that, in 2021 an ethical code for digital media was presented. By now, internet is essential to make digital media work. Today, packages have been introduced for easy payment. The digital media has become the major media which convert the political power. Due to lack of proper regulation of digital media, many problems have arisen today.

According to the above facts, it is clear that the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka has affected the media. As a result, all media have come to the same platform and unique characteristics of the media have been lost. The landscape of contemporary media in Sri Lanka is clear from above factors.

-H.K.Sanduni Navoda-

Uncrowned queens

    "Women" are the virgin queens who bear the sufferings of the righteous like the earth, who make the world happy and comfort the world.  She is able to bring to life the powerful roles of a daughter, mother, sister, employee etc.  In all these situations, there are many women in the society who are brave enough to overcome various challenges and go to Indiri. 

In the society where there are women who live luxurious lives in luxurious mansions, there are also many women who live on the ground and face the struggle of life by clashing with the society.

 Society is used to looking down on a woman if she does not have a husband, but there is no one to praise her for her efforts to build a better future for her children while preserving her self-respect.  There are also women in the society who keep their husband, children, job etc. in their hands and perform their duties and obligations without de

terioration. Other times there are women who sacrifice their souls for their parents, brothers and sisters. Their effort is to provide happiness and education to their loved ones. Women with such selfless hearts are very valuable to the country and the world.

 Unfortunately, the society is waiting to discourage such courageous women. It is a shame to say that women themselves are often the instigators of such vile acts. But courageous women bear all the defeats, breakdowns and heartbreaks that killed her.  Through that, Pannaraya gets up. He gets up again with a smile on his face.  In a "Phoenix" wreath, the strong woman rises again, as if she were resurrected from the flames that burned her. Indeed, such women should wear crowns.

 But, looking at the outer beauty of women in the society, the truth is that every woman has her own beauty. No one can steal it.  But if you want to wear crowns, follow the example of women who are not bound by sin, who sacrifice their happiness for altruism, who toil day and night.  How much more beautiful than their sweat, tears, and pearls?  Such women have a more precious crown on their head than the crown of the beauty queens. It can only be seen by another such supreme woman. So to be a crowned queen, it is not the outer beauty that is required but only the inner beauty. That is the reality that the society does not want to accept and hides from the society.

-H.K.Sanduni Navoda-