God's children in the Caribbean celebrating Pride - Caribbean IRN Update September, October 2016

(Left - Curaçao Pride Walk 2016 image from Curaçao Chronicle; Right -Coming Out Week Suriname by Regilio Derby on Dagbland Suriname

"We are all God's Children' is the headline given to a letter from Retired Ugandan Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo appealing for religious people to recognise diversity in human sexuality. He had joined in the celebration of Montego Bay Pride

Curaçao Pride was described as a great success, with a series of events including a huge Pride Walk. Suriname's Coming Out Week was also described as a success.

In Dominica, Opposition Senator Isaac Baptiste calls for decriminalization of buggery (while also appearing to oppose the criminalization of marital rape).

The Government of Belize decides to appeal the judgement in Orozco vs A.G of Belize on two grounds while in Guyana , the hearing on the cross dressing appeal has been delayed.

Grenadians are reassured that there will be no same-sex marriage under the Keith Mitchell Administration while it seems in Barbados, same sex marriage and homosexuality will be key themes for the next elections.

Aruba votes as the 'first Caribbean island' to recognise same-sex partnerships while in Bermuda, the courts prepare to hear a a case to recognise same sex marriage.

The Minister of Information of Antigua & Barbuda Melford Nicholas says that the Government protects LGBTI citizens. (even though there are discriminatory laws). A Jamaican commentator calls for rights of LGBT citizens to be recognised and for activists to move beyond the buggery laws and gay marriage.

A British lawyer Lord Anthony Gifford Q.C shares some views on the trends in laws around the world which could influence Caribbean LGBT jurisprudence.

In Barbados, the experiences of doctors in catering for LGBT patients are studied by Nastassia Rambarran and Pippa Grenfell. There is a study by the Sunday Sun into the LGBT Barbadians who are "fleeing".

Don't forget to check out "Love, Hope, Community: Sexualities & Social Justice" - the latest issue of Sargasso: Journal of Caribbean Literature , Language and Culture

This volume is co-edited by Rosamond S. King, Lawrence La Fountain Stokes, Katherine Miranda and Angelique V. Nixon. The volume is available for purchase ($10 for individuals, $25 for institutions)

For more information write to: sargassojournal (at) gmail.com

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