Gays are here to stay - Caribbean IRN Update July/August 2014

While Guyanese were dealing with the homophobia/homo-negativity of Junior Minister of Finance Juan Edghill, the murders of Jada (Justin John Samuels) and Tyra (Carlyle Sinclair) resulted in a series of protest actions and demands for respect and acceptance.

The actions included calls for the dismissal of Minister Edghill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih5vYxyy-9U


One interview from Otisha asserted that "Gays are here to stay"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLMDzTWR63E




There were supportive newspaper columns such as the editorial Homophobia in the Society  , and the columns The Right to Equality and  "These things provide a welcome distraction" (which has some historical perspectives)

Other Caribbean leaders were also dancing with the idea of LGBT equality. In Guyana, former Commissioner of Police and now Opposition Member of Parliament Winston Felix facilitated a workshop with LGBT Guyanese and supporters.  However, while St Vincent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves warned his colleagues about the gay agenda, and the Prime Minster of Dominica said no to gay marriage, St Lucia's Minister of Home Affairs, Legal Affairs and National Security does not say yes or no and the St Lucia Prime Minister also does not say yes or no. The issue for St Lucia is not so much rights as its honeymoon tourism potential.

Guyana's President Ramotar who does not have to deal with such tourism considerations,  said that he has to consider the "Readiness of society" before dealing with the anti-gay laws. Jamaica's PNP said they would have an internal debate.


Litigation and Law
In Jamaica, Javed Jaghai withdraws his case citing the fear and the atmosphere of the threats. He notes on his blog
"After reading the submissions made by the many interested parties in the case (please read their submissions), it is clear to me that the ‘homosexual’ or ‘gay’ subject is a fantasy borne of ignorance, fear and misguided convictions. I will dedicate no more of my time, energy and intelligence to grappling with anyone’s illusions. We only get to witness a slice of cosmic time. I want to enjoy the phenomenal chance I get to ride this rotating planet in space.
For these and other reasons, I think it is best for me to withdraw the claim. A genuine challenge deserves a claimant who is actually convinced that there is justice to be pursued by way of The Law."

In Jamaica, Maurice Tomlinson files his appeal in the case against TVJ.

A news documentary from Vice News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILXVpFQVEbw
discusses the situation of the "Gully Queens"

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In the Bahamas, a constitutional amendment bill to increase protection against discrimination could offer more protection for LGBT Bahamians.

In the United States Virgin Islands, the Marriage Equality debate is supported actively by  Virgin Islands Equality for All .

Caribbean Pride

SASH Bahamas held  a Pride celebration. (Update 1 September, 2014 - the Pride celebration was cancelled due to threats. )

In September , Curacao would be hosting its second Pride, and in  October 2014, the LGBT Platform of Suriname will have events for National Coming Out Day


Haiti's signing of the Inter-American conventions against racism and other forms of discrimination is welcomed as ground breaking for the Caribbean.

SASOD in Guyana was honoured with the 2014 Red Ribbon Award for Advocacy and Human Rights at the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia


In Trindad & Tobago, businesswoman Jowelle deSouza  was given a National Award for her work on animal rights. This is the first time in the English speaking Caribbean that a transgender citizen has been recognised with a national award.

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