GEF, SASOD Host Sunday Fun Day to Mark International Day of Peace

On Sunday, September 20, the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) and partners hosted “Sunday Fun Day: Peace Day Novelty Sports and Health Fair” at the Eve Leary Sports Ground, on the eve of the International Day of Peace, celebrated globally on September 21.

The GEF has recognized the importance of partnering with other key stakeholders as a means of collectively promoting the rights of marginalized groups in Guyana. “Sunday Fun Day: Peace Day Novelty Sports and Health Fair” capitalized on a HIV prevention activity under SASOD’s sexual health  project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Advancing Partners and Communities (APC) project. Deliberately held on September 20, 2015, the eve of the International Day for Peace (IDP) - the United Nations observance dedicated to strengthening the ideas of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples - the event was held to promote peace, human rights, general health and well-being for all Guyanese.. This year’s IDP theme is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which fits squarely with the GEF's mandate of human rights and equality for all Guyanese. The Sunday Fun Day also aimed to promote positive health and well-being, foster youth participation and civic engagement and uphold human rights and equality for all Guyanese.

(l - r) Managing Director of SASOD, Joel Simpson, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Khadija Musa; Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Youth, Culture and Sport, Nicolette Henry and USAID - Advancing Partners and Communities

Civil Society Charged to Hold APNU-AFC Government Accountable to Manifesto Promises

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) officially opened its three-day Civil Society Public Policy Training for the Guyanese Vulnerable Communities Capacities Strengthening Project, funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, on Wednesday, September 16, 2015.  The project was designed to contribute towards the equitable treatment of all peoples in Guyana by supporting efforts to strengthen the participation of vulnerable persons and their representative organisations in decision-making processes of the state. The three-day training, held at the Regency Suites/Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown, marks the second phase of the three phase project.

The official opening was chaired by the Secretary of SASOD’s Board, Alana Da Silva, and was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of United Nations agencies, other special invitees, in addition to the civil society participants.

John Quelch, Project Coordinator, presented an overview of the project by highlighting the objectives and the intended outcomes of the training. Quelch stated that, “the training programme we are opening today marks a substantial part of the training phase,  and is intended to bring together a wide cross-section of civil society stakeholders from the length and breadth of Guyana and to provide them with a thorough and focused introduction to and appreciation of the principles and practices of effective public-policy advocacy and to prepare them for successful involvement in Guyanese public-policy consultations and decision-making which affect their lives and the communities they represent.” 

BRIEF REMARKS by Raphael Trotman, Hon. Minister of Governance

BRIEF REMARKS 

by Raphael Trotman, Hon. Minister of Governance

Official Opening of the Civil Society Policy Policy Advocacy Training

Greetings, and congratulations to SASOD and GEF for recognising the need for training to enhance the engagement among stakeholders on matters that affect everyone.  The Guyanese Vulnerable Communities Capacities Strengthening Project funded by the EU recognises the importance of Civil Society organisations specifically targeting those with the most need, those who may be forgotten in our haste to achieve development targets and increase the economic wealth of our country and those existing on the fringe of society, unsure of their way in. 

An active, vibrant, well informed populace is critical to ensuring that its interests are addressed by its leaders and civil society’s advocacy is the vehicle through which this goal can be achieved.  Advocacy should not be seen however as an excuse for the trampling of the rights of others in an effort to achieve group goals but rather must be exercised with the intention of building relationships and strengthening democracy.  Civil society organisations that actively work with the most vulnerable are best positioned to inform and guide the process towards the creation of public policies that are inclusive and effective.

The Government of Guyana is one for all peoples in this land and embraces active, respectful engagements with representatives of civil society in the creation of policies and in their implementation.  The right to access to information and participation in the formulation of policies and programmes is enshrined in a number of our critical laws including the Access to Information Act and are being upheld by this new administration. 

The development of Guyana depends largely on the ability of its diverse groups to collaborate and make decisions that move the country forward.  As such, I call on each of you participating in this capacity building exercise to envision over the next two days how you can positively influence and impact the creation of a better Guyana, a more informed and cohesive Guyana. 

We look forward to future engagements that will see public policy advocacy that result in Guyana achieving the greatest good for its people. 

Best wishes for fruitful discussions and tangible outcomes. 

Feature Remarks by Mr. Benedikt Madl, Head, Bilateral Cooperation

Feature Remarks 

delivered by Mr. Benedikt Madl, Head, Bilateral Cooperation
Public Policy Advocacy Training 

for the Guyanese Vulnerable Communities Capacity Strengthening Project

September 16, 2015 at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown

Madam Chairperson
Members of the Head Table

Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations

Mr. Benedikt Madl, Head, Bilateral Cooperation

Good morning.

It is my honour that I today represent the European Union to deliver the feature remarks at this opening session of the Public Policy Advocacy Training.  This training forms an integral part of the European Union funded Guyanese Vulnerable Communities Capacities Strengthening Project which is being executed by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD).

First, I would like to congratulate and applaud Joel Simpson and the team at SASOD for this initiative which aims to strengthen and further empower the many civil society organisations present here in their approach and engagement with the decision and policy makers in Guyana.  Coming on the heels of the baseline and mapping studies earlier undertaken in the project, this Public Policy Advocacy Training having been informed of the needs of your organisations, will provide you with the principles and practices of effective public policy and for effective public consultations with the policy makers in Guyana.   

Guyana Vulnerable Capacities Strengthening Project Overview

By: John Quelch

at the Opening of the Civil Society Public Policy Advocacy Training 

John Quelch, Projects Coordinator

Head of Bilateral Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Mr. Benedikt Madl, other members of the head table, members of the media, colleagues, good morning to you all. It’s my distinct honour to share with you a brief overview of the Guyana Vulnerable Capacities Strengthening Project.

The EU-funded Guyanese Vulnerable Communities Capacities Strengthening Project was designed to contribute towards the equitable treatment of all peoples in Guyana by supporting efforts to strengthen the participation of vulnerable persons and their representative organisations in decision-making processes of the state. This is continuously being achieved through strengthening the capacities of marginalized groups in Guyana, with the strong alliances of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF), and other Civil Society Organisations and partners, to effect key social, legal and policy changes in the country which advance full equality and citizenship for the vulnerable people in Guyana.

As Suicides Rise, Documentary and Discussion Highlight Gaps in Guyana's Mental Health Approach

 Attendees engrossed in the film

(Georgetown) – The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) in partnership with Depressed Black Gay Men (DBGM), Inc., with support from the United States Agency for International Development – Advancing Partnerships and Communities Project hosted a screening and discussion on the widely-acclaimed documentary “You Are Not Alone” on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at the Dutch Bottle Café in Georgetown.
The documentary, breaking a taboo in the Black and Black gay communities, was screened at a time when the numbers of suicides in Guyana continue to rise. As a film looking at depression, often an immediate precursor to suicide, it explored and provided a backdrop for many who attended the screening to learn about the underlying factors, such as culture, that contribute to the high rate of suicide in Guyana. Although the film, produced by US-based Guyanese Antoine Craigwell, looks at the factors leading to Black gay men experiencing and descending into depression and thoughts of suicide, attempts and completion, many of the issues expressed found ready applicability to the Guyanese socio-cultural context.

YAM-GRPA, SASOD Launch Advocacy Blogging Competition at Youth Conference

In observance of International Youth Day, the Youth Advocacy Movement - Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (YAM - GRPA) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) launched an innovative advocacy blogging competition at the one-day Youth Interaction on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at the Cara Lodge in Georgetown.

Lucella Campbell, IPPF Senior Advisor delivering her remarks

The Youth Interaction was opened by International Planned Parenthood Federation Senior Advisor Lucella Campbell, United Nations Population Fund Assistant Representative Patrice La Fleur, United Nations Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa, Regional Councillor Ryan Belgrave, on behalf of the Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Volda Lawrence, and Technical Officer Theresa Gaime, on behalf of the Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman.

In her remarks, Campbell underscored the importance of engaging the Minister of Education to incorporate comprehensive sexually education in schools, in cultivating strong family relationships that would facilitate the sharing of pertinent information from parent to child and the amendment of laws to align the age of consent and the age of access to sexual and reproductive health services for young people.
La Fleur commended both SASOD and GRPA for coordinating such a timely and important conference. She noted that we fail our young people by denying them access to accurate information and friendly health services, which in turn will support them in making informed and responsible decisions.  According to La Fleur by empowering youth with the necessary information, they are better able to live a life of happiness and pleasure.

Freedom

Years have gone by and I still feel the burning pain of scars inflected by moral whips.
Freedom, yet like steel bars wrapped around me I feel the cold shackles of rules gagging me to keep quiet. Pinning me to the ground like a common criminal .
Freedom, but the mere touch of a hand that makes my world feel complete causes me to live in exile. Tearing our flesh apart forcefully with threatening disgusted stares.  
Freedom, but my voice still screams from behind a prison wall created in their minds, where I remain until eternity. Wishing me away into nothingness.
Freedom, but I still walk around lifeless, I still walk around voiceless, our blood still haunts the streets, I still live in fear of my "masters", freedom but I'm still not my own, I'm owned.
Trapped in the lines you've drawn for me to not walk between. Freedom.
Freedom, when only my hidden half makes me whole. When you break me every day with your one tracked minds.  
Freedom, when every day I'm forced to rest in peace. Bidding me farewell when you tell me who I should have been. Firing bullets when I'm forced to see who you see.  
Freedom, but your definition of freedom is defined only by you. You say I'm free but I will never be free until you release your fears. Until the fear of something you know nothing of, releases you. When you are free, only then will I be allowed freedom.
Freedom does not come with conditions. I can never be free if the sight of  my affection shatters your world.
When the lifeless body of stranger hangs because of the jabs you aimlessly throw, that can never be freedom.
When death is the only life I see for me because I live in vain, because what I feel and I should have felt conflicts my very existence .
When I have nothing worthwhile to say because you hear nothing worth listening to. I'm worthless but not only to you .
How can I ever be free when I'm forced to fight for the rights of a human as If I'm nothing more than a beast. When will you ever let me be free. To feel, to live, to laugh, to love? When will you set me free so that I can finally be me
I pray everyday to be emancipated but you hunt me down with every step I try to make. Every time I try to break free I'm sentenced to fifty lashes of ridicule, hate and injustice. You sever my legs so that I know there's no running away from the truth. I'm not free.
I pray for the day I hold my lover's hand not pull away like reflexes when I feel someone approaching .
I pray for the day I stand beside my lover and not hope that we don't look inappropriately close.
I pray for the day I get to breathe and not feel overwhelmed with the secrets I'm forced to keep, or the lies I'm forced to speak every time I try to show who I am.
I pray for the day I get to pray and say "thank you father " and not whisper in fear," protect me please..." Only then will I be free, freedom for me will not only be a day.

- Anonymous.  

The Inaugural Meeting on LGBTI Political Leadership in Latin America and the Caribbean

Caribbean delegation at the conference

The Inaugural Meeting on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) Political Leadership in Latin America and the Caribbean was held in Lima, Peru from September 4 – 6, 2014. The meeting, organized by PromSex (Peru), Caribe Afirmativo (Columbia) and The Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute (United States), saw more than 150 attendees representing organizations in more than 20 countries across Latin America and  the Caribbean including Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia,  Peru, Columbia, United States, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Barbados, St. Lucia and others.

Over the course of three days, we were engaged in stimulating discussions on a number of areas in which LGBTI persons can contribute towards a political movement in their respective countries. We were specifically challenged to use the knowledge as best as we can to increase our political involvement.

SASOD Closes LGBT Pride Month with Fundraising Cabaret Show

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is bringing the curtains down on the celebrations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride Month in Guyana with its Spectrum Cabaret Night this evening, Saturday, June 27 at the Dutch Bottle Café at 10 North Road, Bourda (between Light and Cummings Streets) in Georgetown, Guyana.

The two-hour stage show will start at 19:00 hrs and is expected to be an edgy, sensational and provocative event. A number of talented Guyanese singers, poets, dancers, designers and musicians are slated to entice the audience with their spectacular performances. These include Gavin Mendonca, LLoyda Nicholas, Keimo Benjamin, Travis Bowen, Royston Glasgow, Elsie Harry-Ross, Ryan Berkeley, Dominic Alleyne, Raphael Marcus and other talented Guyanese entertainers. 

 Destra Saul and Raphael Marcus, two of the talented Guyanese youth slated to perform this evening

Tickets cost $1,000 in advance and are available at That Look Boutique, 235 South Road, Oasis Café, 125 Carmichael Street, and SASOD’s office, 169 Charlotte Street. Admission costs $1,500 at the door. Special cabaret-themed cocktails and mocktails will also be on sale.  All proceeds go directly to SASOD’s LGBT Community Centre Fund. Free, onsite HIV counseling and testing, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Advancing Partnerships and Communities (APC) Project, will also be available to all attendees.

Painting the Spectrum 11 Closes with Films from Uganda, Mexico and Guyana

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) will bring the curtains down on its eleventh lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) film festival, “Painting the Spectrum 11,” next week with three poignant films exploring homophobia, sexuality diversity and resistance  in the developing world.

The final week begins with a documentary based in Uganda which explores the dangers of imported homophobia.  On Tuesday, June 23, the international award-winning documentary “Call Me Kuchu,” which was donated by the High Commission of Canada to Guyana,  will be screened. In Uganda, the ‘Kill the Gays’ bill threatens to make homosexuality punishable by death. The late David Kato, Uganda’s first openly gay man, and retired Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo work against the clock to defeat state-sanctioned homophobia while combating vicious persecution in their daily lives. But no one is prepared for the brutal murder that shakes their movement to its core and sends shock waves around the world.

Love and Passion Permeate Painting the Spectrum 11 This Week

The penultimate week of Painting the Spectrum 11: SASOD's annual LGBT film festival will screen two attention-grabbing films on about gender, love, family, passion and relationships.

On Tuesday, June 16, Spectrum 11 will screen “Southern Comfort,” a celebrated film, famous for high levels of critical praise and the winner of nearly 20 major film festivals including the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. “Southern Comfort” has fascinated audiences with its remarkable fusion of humour, tragedy and romance. This beautiful love story will take viewers on a journey into the life of Robert Eads, a 52-year-old, wise-cracking cowboy, warm and gregarious, who was born female and later transitioned into living as a man after bearing two sons. The film finds Robert fifteen years later during the extraordinary last year of his life as he falls headlong into a passionate romance with Lola, a vivacious and magnetic woman who was born male. This extraordinary film explores issues surrounding gender, family, love and relationships.
Then on Thursday, June 18, the festival heats up with the screening of “A Perfect Ending.”  This sexy and fun romantic drama stars Jessica Clark (True Blood’s Lilith) and TV icon Barbara Niven. It tells the story of straight and married Rebecca (Niven) who seeks out the sexual services of high-riced call girl Paris (Clark) but she isn’t expecting to fall in love. “A Perfect Ending” is filled to the brink with aching desire, and the sexual chemistry between Niven and Clark is off the charts. This ‘opposites attract,’ edge-of-your-seat lesbian romance is a glossy, sexy and fun romantic drama guaranteed to earn a fresh array of fans for veteran writer-director Nicole Conn.

“No Easy Walk to Freedom” and “Punks” Screen This Week at Painting the Spectrum 11

Painting the Spectrum 11 continues this week with one documentary and a movie highlighting the struggles lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals face fighting for law reform and the dilemmas in intimate partner relationships.   

On Tuesday, June 9, Spectrum 11 will screen “No Easy Walk to Freedom”. Filmed in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Lucknow and rural India, “No Easy Walk to Freedom”, by Nancy Nicol, tells the story of the struggle to strike down section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalizes homosexuality. Told through the voices of lawyers, activists and community leaders, “No Easy Walk to Freedom” exposes human rights violations perpetrated under section 377 and documents the growth of queer organizing in India in the context of this historic legal battle to overturn a colonial-era law.
The screening of “No Easy Walk to Freedom” will be followed by a panel discussion of Guyanese professionals and community experts examining the struggles for constitutional and law reform for LGBT Guyanese, with a particular focus on the constitutional challenge to the cross-dressing law and plans of the new coalition government which campaign on platforms of inclusive democracy, national unity and gender equality.

 And then on Thursday, June 11, “Punks”, a romantic comedy exploring the trials and tribulations of black gay men will be screened. “Punks” tell the tale of four gay African-American friends in Los Angeles, USA. - shy, virginal photographer Marcus (Seth Gilliam), outgoing lethario Hill (Dwight Ewell), hot-to-trot rich kid newbie Dante (Renoly Santiago), and fabulous drag diva Crystal (Jazzmun). When the hunky Darby (Rockmond Dunbar) moves in next door to Marcus, the foursome wonder if the seemingly straight music producer might be bendable when Marcus strikes up a close friendship with the new neighbour. Meanwhile, Hill struggles in the aftermath of a breakup with his French husband (Rudolf Martin); young Dante struggles to find himself; and diva Crystal deals with the trials of having a high-profile, closeted celebrity boyfriend. “Punks” is an award-winning and ground-breaking romantic comedy.

The film festival continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays in June commencing at 6 pm in the evenings at SASOD’s office located at 169 Charlotte Street. Lacytown, Georgetown. There is no charge for admission to attend the film festival. Drinks and snacks will be on sale. All firms are intended for mature audiences. Person must be 18 years and over to attend. Free, onsite HIV counseling and testing, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Advancing Partnerships and Communities (APC) Project, will also be available.

Painting the Spectrum 11 concludes on Saturday, June 27, with Spectrum Cabaret Night at the Dutch Bottle Café, 10 North Road, Bourda (between Light and Cummings Streets) in Georgetown commencing at 7 pm. Tickets cost $1,000 in advance and $1,500 at the door.

Painting the Spectrum 11: SASOD's LGBT Film Festival 2015

Painting the Spectrum 11 : 
SASOD's LGBT Film Festival 2015 

Movie Schedule 

Tuesday, June 2

Out on the Tracks – Documentary

Origin: USA | Duration: 79 mins

Out on the Tracks portrays a gay Guyanese soul singer, Nhojj and documents his ground-breaking “Made to Love Him” sessions. Affirming the LGBTQ community through same-sex renditions of classic heterosexual love songs from Gershwin's "Someone to Watch Over Me" to Billy Joel's "She's Got a Way" ("He's Got a Way"), this gentle and human documentary touches upon the themes of love, hope and self-acceptance, and explores the recording process and the power of music.

SASOD hosts 6th AIDS Candlelight Memorial under the theme ‘Supporting the Future’

On Sunday May 24, 2015, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) supported the initiative of the the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GN+) and hosted the 6^th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Guyana on the steps of the St. George’s Cathedral. 

Chelauna Providence, Organiser of the event and Social Change Coordinator, SASOD and John Quelch, chairperson of the event and Project Coordinator, SASOD addressing the audience. 

The theme for this year’s 32^nd annual observance, ‘Supporting the Future,’ challenges people from various communities around the world to unite and demand a sustainable AIDS response - one that is fully inclusive. The event reinforced the need for access to treatment, care and support, as many persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are still facing discrimination and criminalization in various contexts. 

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is not just a memorial, but an opportunity for communities to mobilize and raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. It is about fostering global solidarity, and breaking down the barriers of stigma and discrimination, and restoring hope for the future.

Delivering the feature address was Ms. Folami Harris, Chief of Party of the USAID Advancing Partners and Communities (APC) Project. In her address she challenged those present to apply a simple ABC model as they support the future. She spoke to Acceptance of those living with HIV, calling for a sense of Belongingness within our respective communities and groups, and being a part of the Collective response to HIV.

Marginalised Groups Prepare to Engage Next Government on Rights Policy Issues

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination, on Thursday April 16, 2015 hosted the Civil Society Stakeholders Consultation for the Guyanese Vulnerable Communities Capacities Strengthening Project, funded by the delegation of the European Union to Guyana, which aims to build civil society capacity to better engage policy decision-makers at all levels of government. The two-day conference, held at the Grand Coastal Hotel at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, marked the end of the first phase of the project. Chaired by SASOD’s Social Change Coordinator, Chelauna Providence, the conference’s opening was attended by representatives of civil society groups working with marginalised communities, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the United Nations and other special invitees.

John Quelch, Project Coordinator, opened the ceremony highlighting the objectives of the project and the intended outcomes that will benefit the work and advocacy of civil society organisations (CSOs) representing marginalised communities. Quelch outlined the three phases of the project and the relevance of each to its eventual success. The first phase concludes with this consultation with members of civil society, on the findings of Baseline and Mapping Studies, conducted by the three consultants drawn from the Commonwealth, Gordon Floyd; Caribbean, Deborah Nurse; and Guyana, Kesaundra Alves. The Baseline Study measures the current level of capacity among Guyanese civil society to engage in public policy advocacy on behalf of vulnerable groups. The Mapping Study describes the processes by which policy decisions are made in the Guyanese context and highlights key opportunities for civil society to intervene and participate. Quelch related that the project is timely in light of upcoming elections. “Guyanese civil society will now be more equipped to engage the engage the next government and twelfth parliament on behalf of the marginalized groups we serve. We are preparing to take collective and pro-active action to have human rights issues addressed now – both during the campaign and when the next government and parliament takes office after the May 11 polls. We are no longer waiting. Our issues must be addressed now,” Quelch said.

Local Civil Society Groups Raise Discrimination with OAS Human Rights Body

A delegation of four organizations representing the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) presented on “Discrimination in the enjoyment of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Guyana” at a thematic hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) at its 154th session of hearings in Washington, DC, last Friday, March 20, 2015. The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mission is to promote and protect human rights in the American hemisphere. The Commissioners present at the hearing were Prof. Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Chair of the Commission, James Cavallaro, Rapporteur for Guyana, and Felipe Gonzalez.
The petitioners representing the GEF were the Sisterhood of Support, Services and Sustainability (S4) Foundation, Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples (GOIP), Deaf Association of Guyana (DAG) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD). The GEF is a network of local civil society groups working for equal rights in Guyana.

Petitioners representing the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF):, SASOD’s Joel Simpson, DAG’s Sabine McIntosh, GOIP’s Colin Klautky, S4’s Imarah Radix and SASOD’s Schemel Patrick 

SASOD receives Red Ribbon Award Cheque and Debriefs on Melbourne AIDS Conference

On Thursday, January 22, 2015, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) in collaboration with the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) hosted a debriefing session on the 20^th International AIDS Conference and received the cheque for winning the Red Ribbon Award in the category of Human Rights and Advocacy at Moray House in Georgetown.

The session, chaired by SASOD’s Social Change Coordinator Chelauna Providence, provided a platform for representatives from the national delegation who attended the conference to present and share how they are implementing the lessons learnt from the conference, discuss their progress with other key stakeholders, including the media, and allow an opportunity for questions and feedback from stakeholders.
The panel discussion was moderated by SASOD’s Managing Director, Joel Simpson, and featured four panelists who formed part of the national delegation attending the conference in Melbourne, Australia last July: Royston Savory, Prevention Officer at Family Awareness Consciousness Togetherness (FACT) in Corriverton, Berbice; Antonio Paul, Transgender Community Advocate from Region 3; Dr. Ruth Ramos, Director of the National Care and Treatment Centre, Ministry of Health; and Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony, Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, Ministry of Health.

 Panelists (l-r) - Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony, Dr. Ruth Ramos, Antonio Paul and Royston Savory 

Red Ribbon Awards Acceptance Speech: Advocacy and Human Rights

His Excellency the President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Minister of Health of Indonesia, Dr. Nafsiah Mboi, Vice-Minister of Health Surveillance of Brazil, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Former Member of Parliament of Paupa New Guinea, Dame Carol Kidu, UNAIDS Deputy Director, Jan Beagle, GNP + Executive Director, Dame Suzette Moses-Burton, PANCAP Director, Dereck Springer, National AIDS Programme Scretariat Programme Manager, Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony, international media, fellow awardees, human rights and AIDS researchers, activists, students, service providers, distinguished delegates; good afternoon to you all. And thank you for joining us at this special session  for the presentation of the 2014 Red Ribbon Awards at the 20^th International AIDS Conference, AIDS 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. I am Joel Simpson, speaking on behalf of the two award-winning community-based ogranisations from Indonesia and Guyana.

While we are happy to be here to accept this excellence award for our work, we  remember and pay tribute to our peers and colleagues who lost their lives traveling here on Flight MH 17. May their souls rest in peace, and their work not be in vain.
On behalf of the Indonesian Drug Users Network (PKNI) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Red Ribbon Awards committee, programme and funders for honouring our work with this excellence award in HIV advocacy and human rights. In Indonesia and Guyana, PKNI and SASOD, represent and work with marginalised groups who are treated like outcasts because they use drugs, sell sex and have diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Our communities are castigated as third-class citizens; their humanity and dignity is denied, and their rights are not respected. It is often difficult in this sector which is obsessed with data, numbers, monitoring and evaluation, and return on investment to make the business case for investing in human rights and advocacy programmes for key populations. But this Red Ribbon Award category for advocacy and human rights recognizes that we are “stepping up the pace” by putting pressure on state and non-state actors alike to end criminalization, prohibition and discrimination which create barriers to access for our communities. If we are to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, then we must protect the rights of the most vulnerable in our societies. We know 'getting to zero' is only possible if there is zero discrimination, zero new infections and zero AIDS-related deaths. But we cannot 'get to zero' if donors do not invest in community-based organisations who represent and work with key populations to advocate and improve human rights protections for these disadvantaged groups. Human rights is prevention. Human rights  is treatment. Human rights is care and support. Invest in human rights now!
And today as we celebrate our work with this most prestigious Red Ribbon Award, we are reminded that the struggles for human rights, dignity, equality and justice are far from over. Yesterday Sunday, July 20, two transgender youth, Jada and Tyra, were brutally murdered in Guyana's capital city, Georgetown. Both Chelauna and I know Jada and Tyra personally as vibrant and talented young advocates in the Guyanese lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender  (LGBT) movement. Our work is not complete until every human being in our countries – every drug user, every sex worker, every LGBT person – can live their lives freely and openly without fear, hatred or stigma. We dedicate SASOD's Red Ribbon Award  to the loving memories of Jada, Tyra and countless other LGBT Guyanese whose lives have been snuffed out, due to bigotry and prejudice in our beautiful country.

Jada and Tyra, may your souls rest in peace. Your bravery will not be in vain.

Thank you.

Joel Earl Simpson

SASOD – Guyana

Red Ribbon Awards Special Session

XX International AIDS Conference

Melbourne, Australia

July 21, 2014