Sri Lanka's first transgender candidate hopes to break political, social barriers

Chanu Nimesha, 49, Sri Lanka's first transgender candidate, running in the country's upcoming parliamentary election, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, November 10, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Chanu Nimesha is contesting Sri Lanka's parliamentary election on Thursday as the first openly transgender candidate, hoping to forge a more inclusive and tolerant political culture on the South Asian island.

Transgender people are estimated to make up about 1% of Sri Lanka's 22 million people, according to Equal Ground, a local civil society group. They frequently face social rejection, lack legal protection and have almost no representation in political parties.