A friend of many lovely gay men in Sri Lanka, I’ve been a vehement believer that even though a girl needs her girl friends around – nothing compares to having yourself one solid gay buddy to throw some zing into the mix. For very obvious reasons I still am to befriend a lesbian – although I may not be too sure of those lurking in those closets that I may have already forged great friendships with!! I walked in later than the standard Sri Lankan timing – hoping to make it in time and of course expecting the show to open in typical Sri Lankan style of at least one hour past schedule. But this lot is different!! I walked in mid way to a show that was well on its way and entertaining the crowd with glee. I was quite lucky to find good seats with a packed house mind you. I walked in on an extremely provocative and alluring dance act by Rosanna Flamer Caldera herself and Tarja De Silva. And soon after this segment closed, came the lingerie for men – and wooooot!! didn’t the temperatures scorch high at the Galadari Ballroom!!! Strutting their stuff in briefs and body paint came some of Colombo’s most confident and cheeky men. Throwing caution into the wind and nudging out insecurities (if any) came these men down the runway – with one feisty one being led on a leash - crawling!! Grrrrrr! These men knew they were hot and didn’t need anyone to tell them that – which is one thing that I’ve loved about this community – they have never needed any social gratification, no social nod of approval and to hell with stereotypes!! Having said this, it isn’t a case that they have detached themselves from the rest of Colombo but more so that they lead a more honest life with a purpose that they are confident and committed to. They are peaceful and share the same emotions as all of us not so gays and non-lesbians do. Even though the world labels and shuns them, their peaceful battle to be treated as normal as we all have the right to be wages on. We all share different opinions and have a right to do so, but we also need to respect one another and co-exist peacefully.

The Rainbow Runway also made way for a collection of slogan t’shirts designed by a young Gavinda Bolonghe who used insightful thoughts and put them down in words on plain t’shirts. One particular t’shirt caught my interest and made me wonder and perhaps nod in final agreement. GOD LOVES GAYS it said and as controversial and thought provoking as it maybe – who are we to judge the truth in that statement? People of the book will claim it blasphemous and ridiculous that God can love such that have strayed from His teachings! But as mere mortals, who are we to really judge and think God wouldn’t have it in his heart to accept us all as we are? If God has professed love for all his creations and children – then perhaps God does harbour a special place in His heart for them too.

Sooner than I expected, the drag shows came on and the crowd really couldn’t contain themselves as they screamed with glee and clapped their perfectly manicured hands in approval. These models swivelled on their four inch heels, sensually swayed their hips and bent over just a tad bit to tickle the crowd! I thought to myself these are a special kind of men who have a lot in them to wear a touch of mascara, a hint of red lippy, a dab of blush and let all that adrenaline rush – for a worthy cause! These models moved so well that they honestly put the professional models to shame. They were confident in their skin (a true sign of beauty in my opinion) and took what they did very seriously. Every move they made and every part they played - they did it with fierce passion and genuine love. No wonder gay men make amazing friends and totally ‘get’ us women.

The Rainbow Runway brought on some fine young men into the spotlight and for the first time that night I was truly disappointed that such yummy men would be off limits