SASOD Celebrates 15th Anniversary and Human Rights Day

On Sunday, December 16, 2018, Guyana’s Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD Guyana) celebrated its 15th anniversary with a cocktail reception at the Impeccable Banquet Hall in Georgetown. For over 15 years, SASOD Guyana has been a dedicated voice for the LGBTQ+ Guyanese and has promoted non-discrimination and equality in the country and the Caribbean region.

The Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry, M.P, Minister of Education, delivered special remarks on behalf of the Government of Guyana. Minister Henry spoke about SASOD’s notable achievements on local, regional, and international stages such as engaging local government, leading public education and sensitization on gender and sexual diversity, and providing essential services to Guyana’s most marginalized citizens. Minister Henry also commended SASOD for the recent victory at the Caribbean Court of Justice where the organization played a critical role in demolishing a colonial-era law that criminalized cross-dressing and disproportionately penalized transgender and gender non-conforming persons. She said that this landmark decision highlights the fact that outdated laws do not reflect the current realities and values of inclusion and cohesion in Guyana today. The Minister confirmed the Government’s commitment to ending all forms of discrimination and fulfilling the promise of equality and a good life for all Guyanese.

Education Minister Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry M.P. delivering special remarks.

Founder and Managing Director, Joel Simpson, spoke on behalf of SASOD Guyana. Simpson spoke fondly of the grassroots movement’s humble beginnings as a student-led lobby group, and proudly of the acclaimed, influential movement, it has become. SASOD Guyana has represented the LGBTQ+ people for the past 15 years and has used every opportunity possible to hold the state accountable for its human rights obligations. SASOD will continue to advocate for equality and inclusion of all persons in Guyana.

Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, Joel Simpson, giving opening remarks.

Also in attendance was Opposition Chief Whip, Hon. Gail Teixeira, M.P., and Hon. Nigel Dharamlall, M.P., of the People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C). The two PPP/C parliamentarians joined the Education Minister and Simpson in cutting the SASOD 15th-anniversary cake. The evening concluded with holiday merriment and excitement for the anticipated progress in the upcoming New Year. The celebratory event was supported by the United Nations Development Programme and COC Netherlands.

SASOD Guyana's Joel Simpson (third from left) cuts the 15th anniversary cake as opposition PPP/C parliamentarians, Nigel Dharamlall M.P. (far left) and Gail Texeira M.P. (second from left) and Minister of Education Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry M.P. (far right) look on. 

SASOD Guyana's Joel Simpson (third form left0 feeds Opposition Cheif Whip Gail Texeira M.P. (second from left) a piece fo the 15th-anniversary cake as Nigel Dharamlall M.P. (far left) and Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Nicollete Henry M.P. (far right) look on.