However, upon shaming anyone who may be single, another group of society that V Day marketing tends to exclude are the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual and/or ally (LGBTQIA) couples, as they are noticeably omitted from Valentine’s Day media coverage. While Sri Lankan society is already discriminatory towards LGBTQIA persons, Valentine’s Day can serve as a reminder of the status allocated to those in the community in our society. Brandon said: “I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. Because of this exclusion, celebrating Valentine’s Day for the LGBTQIA community here is something that doesn’t happen. Perhaps as time moves forward things may change, but for now, irrespective of it being wrapped up in consumerism, we wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day, regardless of whom you choose to love.

Source: The Nation February 13, 2021 22:41 UTC