Remarks by Allie Schlafer at World Suicide Prevention Day Candlelight Vigil

Hello and good evening. First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Allie Schlafer and I am a current serving Peace Corps Response volunteer at both SASOD and Guyana Trans United, specializing in the field of mental health. For those who may not know, the Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government in efforts to address social and economic development worldwide.

As a volunteer, I will be working in collaboration with SASOD to strengthen and support the staff in addressing mental health concerns within the community. The comments and views I express tonight are in no way affiliated with Peace Corps but are my personal opinions based on experience working in community mental health and also individual experiences of losing dear friends who have taken their own life.

We are gathered here on World Suicide Prevention Day to address the difficult and painful subject of suicide, a reality which fractures the happiness of too many families, individuals, and communities across Guyana. The loss of a family member, friend, coworker or peer through suicide is a devastating experience. Those who remain after a suicide are often overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, hurt, and regret; they struggle to adapt or understand a life robbed of the presence of a loved one, often times grappling with the simple question – why?

SASOD to host "Sing De Ting: Karaoke & Lyme" Next Wednesday

Next Wednesday, August 31, 2016, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) will be hosting its first “Sing De Ting: Karaoke & Lyme” at the Dutch Bottle Cafe, located at 10 North Road, between Light and Cummings Streets, Bourda, in Georgetown.

The fun starts at 6 PM and admission is absolutely FREE. Karaoke fans are encouraged to come out for an entertaining and exhilarating evening filled with singing, networking and merriment. All genres of music will be available for singers to make their selections. Drinks and snacks will be on sale. Come enjoy the evening’s signature cocktails and shots by popular Guyanese mixologists. 

This exciting fundraising event will benefit SASOD’s LGBT Emergency Shelter Fund which aims to provide support and services to homeless LGBT youth and other victims of bias violence.

SASOD Engages in Three Days of Activities for Youth Day

On the eve of International Youth Day, Thursday August 11, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) hosted a Youth Empowerment Session for 20 young people at their Charlotte Street office in Georgetown. The half-day session which was facilitated by renowned Guyanese motivational speaker and personal development coach Dr. Astell Collins focused on self- discovery, leadership, enhancing talents, abilities, and strengths to maximize potential and having emotional intelligence for good mental health. The session, which was well received by the participants, began three days of activities from the human-rights organisation to commemorate International Youth Day. Lunch and juice for the participants were donated by Bettencourt's Food Inc. and Global Fruit Mart, respectively.  

On the Day itself, Friday, August 12, SASOD participated in the Youth Fair organised by the Ministry of Education's Department of Youth which was held at the National Cultural Centre's tarmac.

Dinner and Discussion on Discrimination in the Workplace

On Wednesday, August 10, 2016, Ambassador of the United States of America to Guyana, H. E. Perry Holloway hosted a “Dinner and Discussion on Discrimination in the Workplace” at his residence. The milestone event was organized at the request of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) as part of the Guyana Workplace Equality Project, which is a partnership between SASOD and the US Embassy and funded by the US State Department’s Global Equality Fund. Present at the dinner meeting were key business leaders from major private sector organisations and SASOD’s Advocacy and Communications Officer, Schemel Patrick, and Managing Director, Joel Simpson. 

The gathering discussed practical ways that the private sector can partner with SASOD to tackle discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and health status in the workplace; particularly in policy development and implementation, workplace education programmes and legal reform. 

The other attendees were Vishnu Doerga, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); Suzanne French, Executive Director of the Guyana Business Coalition on Health Awareness (GBCHA); Donna Roberts-Benjamin, GBCHA’s President; Ramesh Persaud, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) and Past President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC); Patricia Bacchus, CEO of Caribbean Container Inc. and Chairperson of the Board of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest); Gerald Gouveia, Director of the Roraima Group of Companies; and US Embassy officials Sandra Zuniga Guzman, Deputy Counselor, Political, Economic and Commercial Section D. James Bjorkman, Counselor of the Political, Economic and Commercial Section and Terry Steers-Gonzalez, Deputy Chief of Mission.

SASOD met with the Brazilian Ambassador

Representatives of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) met with the Brazilian Ambassador and his First Secretary on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at the Brazilian Embassy in Georgetown. They discussed the state of human rights for LGBT people in Guyana, and how Brazil can support the Guyanese LGBT human rights movement. 

In photo from left: Joel Simpson, SASOD Managing Director; Miriam Leitao, First Secretary; H.E. Lineu Pupo De Paula, Ambassador of Brazil to Guyana; Jairo Rodrigues, SASOD Social Change Coordinator. (SASOD Photo)

SASOD and Linden Partners Launch Region 10 LGBT Sexual Health Training Project

– Linden M&TC pledges to work in support for an equitable society free from discrimination

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) in partnership with Linden Care Foundation (LCF) and For the Children Sake Foundation (FCSF) with support from Peace Corps Guyana launched the Region 10 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Sexual Health Training Project in Linden, the district’s town on Friday, July 22, at the LEAP Building, McKenzie.

Members of the general public and various representatives of civil society in the Upper Demerara -Upper Berbice region attended the simple launch event, which was chaired by SASOD’s Assistant Treasurer and LCF’s Health Advocate, Trevon Garner. The speakers were Joel Simpson, SASOD’s Managing Director; Yanick Copeland, LCF’s Prevention Coordinator for Key Populations; Vernon Todd, FCSF’s Executive Director; Keenan Williams, Chairperson of the Social Development Committee of the Linden Town Council; and Caitlin Sullivan, Region 10 Health Volunteer with Peace Corps Guyana.

GEF’s Dr. Dawn Stewart elected as Civil Society Representative to Guyana’s Global Fund CCM

On Friday last, Guyanese civil society representatives elected Dr. Dawn Stewart, who was the unopposed nominee of the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF), as the civil society representative to Guyana’s Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), replacing Ms. Renuka Anandjit, Programmes Director of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) who resigned after serving for five months.

The Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) was established as an oversight apparatus for the effective implementation of grants provided to Guyana by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.  The mandate of the CCM is to coordinate the preparation and approve proposals for submission to the Global Fund and to monitor the implementation of all approved grants. The CCM focuses on performance by linking Global Fund resources to the achievement of clear, measurable and sustainable results based upon agreed monitoring indicators.

Cross-Dressing Appeal Put Down until October

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Guyana Trans United (GTU) and the University of the West Indies Faculties of Law Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP) welcome the setting down of the McEwan and Others appeal, related to the cross-dressing law in Guyana, for a full hearing on October 17, 2016.The appeal was fixed for hearing on Wednesday July 13 at 9 am before Guyana’s Court of Appeal. Gulliver McEwan, the first-named appellant, and representatives of SASOD and GTU were present in a completely full courtroom. 

The appellants filed their skeleton arguments in accordance with the rules of the Court. The arguments of the State are yet to be filed. The Court of Appeal noted that the arguments filed by counsel for the appellants were extensive and that it wished some time to fully review them and to receive the arguments from the State.

Cross-Dressing Suit Set for Appeal Hearing on July 13

Guyana’s Court of Appeal is expected to hear the case McEwan, Clarke, Fraser, Persaud and SASOD versus Attorney General of Guyana on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 9:00 AM at the Court of Appeal, 60 High Street, Kingston.  The Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Hon. Justice Carl Singh, is expected to preside over the hearing with a panel of appellate judges.

The case was filed in February 2010, following the widely reported arrests and convictions of seven transgender persons for the 1893 summary offence of ‘being a man’ and wearing ‘female’ attire in a public way or public place, for an improper purpose. Four of the convicted persons filed this action, along with SASOD who approached the Faculty of Law UWI Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP) for advice in relation to the arrests. U-RAP proposed a constitutional challenge to the cross-dressing law, working with counsel Gino Persaud, who had already been counsel retained in the criminal matter.The entire legal team includes Mr. Miles Fitzpatrick SC, Mr. Nigel Hughes, Dr. Arif Bulkan, U-RAP Coordinator and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, UWI, St Augustine, and Mr. Gino Persaud.

After the case was filed, the organisation Guyana Trans United (GTU) was established to ensure respect for the dignity of transgender persons in Guyana and the protection of their human rights. The first named applicant/appellant Quincy (Gulliver) McEwan is a founder and the Executive Director of GTU. That organisation and its members are closely following this case.

Cross-Dressing Suit Set for Appeal Hearing on July 13

Guyana’s Court of Appeal is expected to hear the case McEwan, Clarke, Fraser, Persaud and SASOD versus Attorney General of Guyana on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 9:00 AM at the Court of Appeal, 60 High Street, Kingston.  The Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Hon. Justice Carl Singh, is expected to preside over the hearing with a panel of appellate judges.

The case was filed in February 2010, following the widely reported arrests and convictions of seven transgender persons for the 1893 summary offence of ‘being a man’ and wearing ‘female’ attire in a public way or public place, for an improper purpose. Four of the convicted persons filed this action, along with SASOD who approached the Faculty of Law UWI Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP) for advice in relation to the arrests. U-RAP proposed a constitutional challenge to the cross-dressing law, working with counsel Gino Persaud, who had already been counsel retained in the criminal matter.The entire legal team includes Mr. Miles Fitzpatrick SC, Mr. Nigel Hughes, Dr. Arif Bulkan, U-RAP Coordinator and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, UWI, St Augustine, and Mr. Gino Persaud.

After the case was filed, the organisation Guyana Trans United (GTU) was established to ensure respect for the dignity of transgender persons in Guyana and the protection of their human rights. The first named applicant/appellant Quincy (Gulliver) McEwan is a founder and the Executive Director of GTU. That organisation and its members are closely following this case.

Short Film Challenge for Queer and Trans People of Colour

PROJECT: Short Film Challenge for Queer and Trans People of Colour - a collaboration with CaribbeanTales

TIME FRAME: June - September 2016

DESCRIPTION:
An international film contest for short films produced by and with Queer and/or Trans People Of Color who are from the Caribbean or the Caribbean Diaspora. Globally the media represents Queer and Trans voices as overwhelmingly white, and tends to paint the picture that Queer and Trans people from other communities are always marginalised within their communities, perpetuating an idea of white supremacy. This is not the full story. Queer and Trans People of Color live lives as full as anyone else, this platform was created to share our authentic stories, for, by and about QTPOC.Jamaica (for example) is said to be one of the most homophobic places on earth. Those of us who live in the Caribbean know that this isn’t the full story. And those of us who live in the diaspora know that there are stories of migration and the struggles of life abroad that are also not told. QTPOC are underrepresented across media, and are also often not in positions of access to film/media training and equipment access. In Toronto we have sourced equipment for people to use in the creation of short films, and are also encouraging the use of media devices that more and more of us now have access to: high quality smart phones.

SASOD and Peace Corps Guyana Launch LGBT Sexual Health Training Programme in Region Three

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) with support from Peace Corps Guyana hosted a “Lunch & Launch” Event on June 18 to open their Region Three Sexual Health Training Programme, at the Aracari Resort in Versailles, West Bank Demerara.

The event was chaired by SASOD’s Advocacy and Communications Officer, Schemel Patrick who highlighted that the Region Three targeted outreach and training programme is intended to empower and build capacity of LGBT persons in the West Demerara community, while promoting positive mental and sexual health practices; basic human rights relating to non-discrimination and accessing health services, reducing internal stigma among LGBT persons in the Region and identifying a support network of LGBT persons and allies to establish a sustainable and ongoing linkage of local support after the project has ended.

Remarks by Hon. Volda Lawrence, Minister of Social Protection

              Remarks by Hon. Volda Lawrence, Minister of Social Protection

             On Shooting in Orlando on Sunday12th June, 2016

I would first like to express my condolences and words of comfort to the bereaved families and survivors who have been impacted by this heinous crime. It is impossible to fathom the depth of their grief and trauma at what has been perpetrated, but at the same time, we have witnessed the outpouring of love and support in the aftermath and so I would like, on behalf of the Ministry and my own behalf to lend my heartfelt support.

It is difficult to imagine in this era of freedom of expression and tolerance for sexual preferences that such biases continue to exist to the extent where a lone-wolf, armed with military firepower can snuff out the lives and maim so many in the twinkling of an eye. This assault on human life has touched atvarious strata of the society robbing the world at large of the potential expertise that this target group embodied. It is my hope that the families and survivors can be comforted in the knowledge that no effort is being spared to get to the root of this outrageous crime and to return some measure of normalcy to their lives.

Remarks by US Ambassador Perry Holloway at Iftar in Remembrance of Orlando Victims

Remarks

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway

Iftar in Remembrance of Orlando Victims

Thank you for inviting me to deliver remarks this evening. Ramadan Mubarak to you all. My remarks will be very brief, as I know many of you are keen to break your fast. I wish we were brought together under better circumstances. The events that took place in Orlando were devastating, but often in the face of tragic events we come together and gain a better understanding of the superficial traits we once thought divided us. It is in that vein that folks from all walks of life in Guyana are brought together for this Iftar. Thank you to the organizers from SASOD and Mr. and Mrs. Khan for gathering us here tonight.

First of all, our hearts go out to the families of those who have been killed. Our prayers go to those who have been wounded. This is a devastating attack on all Americans. It is one that is particularly painful for the people of Orlando, an area I am quite familiar with as my son attends university not too far from where the incident took place. However, I think we all recognize that this could have happened anywhere in the U.S., and we feel enormous solidarity and grief on behalf of the families that have been affected.

Advocates Brief Minister Norton on Key Issues for HIV Meeting at the UN this Week

On the evening of Monday, June 6, representatives from the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), on behalf of the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF), met with the Minister of Public Health, Hon. Dr. George Norton, M.P. ahead of the United Nations High Level Meeting on HIV (HLM), that is set to take place at the UN Headquarters in New York, from Wednesday June 8 to Friday 10, 2016.

The GEF representatives attending the HHLM are Miriam Edwards of the Guyana Sex Work Coalition (GSWC) and the Caribbean Sex Workers Coalition (CSWC), Devanand Milton of Guyana Trans United (GTU) and John Quelch of SASOD. The three local groups led by key populations are also members of the regional Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC).

SASOD’s Managing Director, Joel Simpson, Projects Coordinator, John Quelch and Advocacy and Communications Officer Schemel Patrick,  attended the meeting with the Minister Norton to discuss the important opportunities the HLM presents for both government and civil society in the global AIDS response, particularly as it relates to setting bold new targets for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, human rights and the legal framework, young people, women and girls, key populations, financing and investment.

Chilean Ambassador to Open SASOD’s 12th Film Festival this Thursday

“Painting the Spectrum 12,” SASOD’s twelfth annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) film festival 2016 opens this Thursday, June 2, for nine ‘edutaining’ evenings of thought-provoking films and post-screening discussions at the Dutch Bottle Café located at 10 North Road, Bourda.

From June 2 to 30, patrons are invited to enjoy screenings every Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The dates to remember are June 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25. Showtime is 6 pm every evening.

This year’s festival is set to be opened with a “Chilean Night” hosted by Ambassador H.E. Claudio Rojas Rachel, Chile’s Ambassador to Guyana. The evening’s treat will feature tasty empanadas and wine from Chile. The featured film for the evening is a Chilean movie donated by the Embassy titled “My Last Round.” The movie chronicles the intense romantic relationship between Hugo and middle-aged local boxing champion, Octavio. Unfazed by the attention he receives from women, Hugo searches for something meaningful to break up the monotony of his life. He becomes captivated with Octavio who must maintain a hard and gruff image for his fans and fellow fighters. They enter into an intense romance that would never be accepted in their small town in southern Chile. This feature tells a heartfelt story with an assured hand, eliciting complex and naturalistic performances that capture the passionate rise and tragic fall of a couple's relationship.

Painting the Spectrum 12: SASOD’s LGBT Film Festival 2016

Painting the Spectrum 12:

SASOD’s LGBT Film Festival 2016

Movie Schedule 

Thursday, June 2 

SPONSORED BY EMBASSY OF CHILE TO GUYANA 

MY LAST ROUND – Gay / Drama

Country: Chile | Duration: 110 mins

Unfazed by the attention he receives from women, Hugo searches for something meaningful to break up the monotony of his life. The young man becomes captivated with Octavio, a middle-aged local boxing champion, who must maintain a hard and gruff image for his fans and fellow fighters. When Octavio furtively acts on the subtle flirtations Hugo throws at him, he is abruptly rejected. Hugo tries to curtail his desire, but eventually surrenders to their magnetic attraction. They enter into an intense romance that would never be accepted in their small town in southern Chile. This feature tells a heartfelt story with an assured hand, eliciting complex and naturalistic performances that capture the passionate rise and tragic fall of a couple's relationship. (www.imbd.com)

 To view trailer click here.

Guyana Charged to Amend Discrimination Law in 50th Jubilee Year

Stephanie Joseph de Goes, Guyana’s Country Coordinator for the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief – PEPFAR, a United States governmental initiative to address the global HIV epidemic with her office based at the US Embassy in Georgetown, spoke on the dire need for Guyanese to come together to fight against stigma and discrimination for those living and infected by  HIV.

Her remarks made at Guyana’s 7^th Annual AIDS Candlelight Memorial held at the Catholic Life Centre by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Sunday last gave an uplifting charge for the future. “This year’s theme, to engage, educate, and empower, emphasizes the need for each one of us – not just people living with HIV or gender minorities –to join forces in the movement for human rights and zero discrimination. We must put an end to the disease of stigma and discrimination,” she said. “Stigma and discrimination eats at the soul of a society. We know that eliminating stigma and discrimination will positively affect a nation’s progress, well-being, and public health for things like HIV prevention, care and treatment.”

Bigotry Towards LGBT Guyanese Causes Poor Mental Health – says Expert Panel

In observance of the annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) on May 17 and commemorating Mental Health Awareness Week 2016, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) hosted a Lunch Talk on Mental Health and Well Being for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Guyanese with discussions being led by Dr. Janice Jackson, Psychologist and retired University of Guyana lecturer; Leroy Adolphus, Policy and Advocacy Officer at the National Coordinating Coalition Inc (NCC); and Dr. Melissa Varswyk, Principal of Georgetown American University and Vice-Chair of Blue CAPS. The discussions were moderated by Ulelli Verbeke, Chairperson of SASOD's Board of Directors.

Guyana needs more mental health professionals 

Given the scarcity of mental health professionals in Guyana which impedes access to services for LGBT people, Dr Melissa Varswyk made a call for vulnerable communities such as the LGBT Guyanese to form groups in civil society for policy and advocacy and community support like SASOD which she said can very influential in offering support for persons suffering with mental health conditions. This she said will not be easy initially but support mechanisms are essential for persons who are struggling. Dr. Varswyk expressed that there is a significant lack of trained mental health professionals in Guyana and on the policy side of things Guyana needs to focus heavily on investing in more skilled professionals such as psychiatrists and psychologists. According to the medical professional, a lot of students show interest in mental health and psychiatric specializations but Guyana does not have the human resources and necessary specialized training to fulfill the needs for these fields of study.

GCCI President Calls for Amendment of the Prevention of Discrimination Act

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Mr. Vishnu Doerga made a call for the government to amend the 1997 Prevention of Discrimination Act to include sexual orientation, gender identity and health status as grounds for non-discrimination in employment; he made this call while addressing an audience at the seventh national AIDS Candlelight Memorial Vigil hosted by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Sunday evening at the Catholic Life Centre, Brickdam.

The Chamber President spoke about the importance of engaging people, communities, governments, donors and the private sector in ending the epidemic and to also support those living with the HIV virus, “We must seek to empower people living with HIV to stand up for their right to live a life free of stigma and discrimination. In this regard, it is important for us to ensure that our organisations are free from stigma and discrimination through workplace programmes for our staff.”

Remarks by President of GCCI, Vishnu Doerga at the 7th National AIDS Candlelight Memorial

President GCCI, Vishnu Doerga 

Head of the Roman Catholic Church in Guyana, Bishop Francis Alleyne, PEPFAR Guyana Country Coordinator, Ms. Stephanie Joseph de Goes, other members of the diplomatic community, government officials, civil society representatives, ladies, gentlemen, boy and girls, good evening to you all. 

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial brings together affected communities, policy makers, health professionals, religious leaders and members of the public to show solidarity and support for persons infected and affected by HIV; to encourage people to continue to act together, and to call on the public to end stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, and key affected populations.

As President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), I fully endorse this year’s theme which is “Engage, Educate, Empower.” I do believe that it is imperative to engage people, communities, governments, donors and the private sector in ending the epidemic. The private sector has a pivotal role to play in limiting the spread of HIV. An important avenue to ensure that this happens is through workplace education. We have a responsibility to educate the current and next generation about HIV prevention, treatment and care, and how it affects our lives.

GEF Delegation Lobbies Minister Greenidge on Human Rights Concerns

On Friday, April 8, a delegation representing the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Carl Greenidge along with Foreign Service Officers, Jason Fields and Vonetta Victor, to follow up on the thematic hearing between the GEF and Guyana at the 154th period of sessions before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) held a year ago in March 2015.

Sabine McIntosh, President of the Deaf Association of Guyana (DAG) along with Managing Director, Joel Simpson, and Advocacy and Communications Office, Schemel Patrick of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) attended the meeting with the Minister to call attention to Guyana’s international commitments and remind the state of its obligations to address discrimination in the enjoyment of social, economic and cultural rights in Guyana.

Bar President Calls on Legal Fraternity to Do More for LGBT Guyanese

Commemorating the International Transgender Day of Visibility 2016 held just a few days ago, the Guyana Trans United (GTU) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) in collaboration with the USAID Advancing Partners and Communities (APC) Project held a special media engagement which lead into a “Brunch Talk” forum to discuss the recent case where a male-to-female transgender person, Twinkle, was barred from attending matters in court by Magistrate Dylon Bess for cross-dressing, presenting herself in female attire. SASOD and APC have been organizing a monthly panel-discussion series on issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Deliberate and mischievous ruling

Karen De Souza of Red Thread made it clear that the law should be just and applied equally to everyone, it should not discriminate against anyone regardless of who they are. In her opinion the Magistrate presented gender and class biases in Twinkle’s case. She further opined that the High Court judgment is problematic and deliberately been made so, “Ian Chang deliberately and mischievously left “improper purpose” undefined and that is what Magistrate Bess is using for his own biased reasoning.”

Bar President Calls on Legal Fraternity to Do More for LGBT Guyanese

Commemorating the International Transgender Day of Visibility 2016 held just a few days ago, the Guyana Trans United (GTU) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) in collaboration with the USAID Advancing Partners and Communities (APC) Project held a special media engagement which lead into a “Brunch Talk” forum to discuss the recent case where a male-to-female transgender person, Twinkle, was barred from attending matters in court by Magistrate Dylon Bess for cross-dressing, presenting herself in female attire. SASOD and APC have been organizing a monthly panel-discussion series on issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Deliberate and mischievous ruling

Karen De Souza of Red Thread made it clear that the law should be just and applied equally to everyone, it should not discriminate against anyone regardless of who they are. In her opinion the Magistrate presented gender and class biases in Twinkle’s case. She further opined that the High Court judgment is problematic and deliberately been made so, “Ian Chang deliberately and mischievously left “improper purpose” undefined and that is what Magistrate Bess is using for his own biased reasoning.”

Show me the “Improper Purpose” – Transgender Woman Tells Forum

To commemorate the International Transgender Day of Visibility 2016 observed on March 31 just a few days ago, the Guyana Trans United (GTU) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) held a special media engagement which lead into a “Brunch Talk” forum to discuss the recent case where a male-to-female transgender person, Twinkle,  was barred from attending matters in the Georgetown court by Magistrate Dylon Bess for “cross-dressing” by presenting herself in female attire.

Justice delayed is Justice Denied

Twinkle spoke of her experiences from the incident to the actual court hearing. GTU member Twinkle talked about transphobic hate crimes perpetuated against her. In this particular instance, she was attacked by a man because of her gender identity. After being hit in the head with a glass bottle, Twinkle defended herself against the man which caused him bodily harm and he reported this to the police. She reported that the police did not take any reports from her and although she was physically harmed, no medical report was facilitated. “The police didn’t treat me as a matter of concern. They didn’t ask for a medical or anything because they said they didn’t see any injuries but the man got taken care of,” Twinkle said.

At the court hearing, Magistrate Dylon Bess who presided refused to even acknowledge the case, asking Twinkle to change her clothing before she could present herself to his court. “I had to be rebellious. I don’t think the case mattered on how I’m dressed as a trans-woman.” Twinkle was fully dressed in female attire. “I wouldn’t change for a magistrate. I respect the Magistrate for his position as someone in the law and the Magistrate should respect me as a human being expressing my true identity.”

Even the Prosecutor warned Twinkle about how she presents in court stating that she, Twinkle, has little respect for the Court and if she was in America (The United States of) she was going to be locked up. Aside from being barred from the courtroom it was the Prosecutor that informed Twinkle that the Magistrate will not even listen to the case, despite that there were allegations were brought against her to defend. The case was subsequently dismissed while there were police officers guarding the gates to the Court to prevent Twinkle and other GTU members from entering the premises.

Equality before the Law for All

Twinkle, Transgender Activist & Member of GTU

March 31, 2016 (Georgetown, Guyana) Transgender persons in Guyana face grave levels of discrimination, harassment and humiliation and social exclusion in their daily lives. On Transgender Day of Visibility, the Guyana Trans United (GTU), Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and the UWI Faculty of Law Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP) call attention to the fundamental principle affirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that ‘all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights’.

It is the duty of judges to respect a person’s gender identity, consistent with the Constitution of Guyana which guarantees that ‘the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection and benefit of the law’, universal principles of equality and non-discrimination under international law and regional and international standards of judicial conduct.

During the course of March 2016, in at least three separate incidents in the Magistrates Courts, transgender women have been prohibited by sitting Magistrates from attending court or appearing before the court in matters that relate to them because they have been dressed as women.

In one instance, Magistrate Dylon Bess in Georgetown alluded to section 153(xlvii) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act which makes it an offence for any person who, ‘being a man in any public place or way, for an improper purpose, appears in female attire’. Magistrate Bess said that the law had not changed and that the defendant would not be permitted to be remain in his courtroom to answer the charges dressed as a woman.

Contrary to the Magistrate Bess’ assertions, the laws of Guyana do not prohibit a trans woman from attending court dressed as a woman. This was explicitly confirmed by the then Honourable Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Chang, in his 2013 decision in the challenge to the constitutionality of section 153(xlvii), the case of McEwan and others v The Attorney General. Individual members of GTU and SASOD as an organisation are the applicants in that case which has been appealed and is awaiting a date for a hearing before the Court of Appeal.

Sexual harassment, Access to Health Services Still Challenging Issues for Women

On Thursday March 17, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and the Advancing Partners and Communities (APC) – Guyana Project held their seventh monthly “Lunch Talk” forum. This month the discussion focused on “Women and Workplace Discrimination” as part of a series of activities being held to commemorate International Women’s Day 2016 observed on March 8.

Under the theme “Pledge for Parity,” Commissioner Renata Chuck-A-Sang on the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) sat with Ms. Renuka Anandjit, Programme Director of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) and Mr. Nicholas Persaud, Stigma and Gender-Based Violence Specialist at APC to discuss how women still struggle for equal rights and opportunities, particularly in the workplace. The session was moderated by Secretary of SASOD’s Board of Directors, Ms. Alana Da Silva.

Not enough being done to address Gender Inequality

APC’s Stigma and Gender-Based Violence Specialist Nicholas Persaud called for strong policies to be implemented, not just drafted and sitting on paper. “A National Policy on Sexual Harassment does not exist but even if we do have legislative support there needs to be a unit to oversee that this policy is adhered to and that everyone follows the guidelines. We have transgender people being shunned and facing discrimination for simply being who they are by “cross-dressing” to attend court.”

Gender Equality Commissioner Encourages LBT Women to Test Cases in Court

On Thursday March 17, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and the Advancing Partners and Communities (APC) – Guyana Project held their seventh monthly “Lunch Talk” forum. This month the discussion focused on “Women and Workplace Discrimination” as part of a series of activities being held to commemorate International Women’s Day 2016 observed on March 8.

Under the theme “Pledge for Parity,” Commissioner Renata Chuck-A-Sang on the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) sat with Ms. Renuka Anandjit, Programme Director of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) and Mr. Nicholas Persaud, Stigma and Gender-Based Violence Specialist at APC to discuss how women still struggle for equal rights and opportunities, particularly in the workplace. The session was moderated by Secretary of SASOD’s Board of Directors, Ms. Alana Da Silva.

SASOD’s Advocacy and Communications Officer, Ms. Schemel Patrick, who leads the organization’s portfolio for women and gender issues, introduced the forum sharing that women’s advancement and leadership are central to economic development, but, workplace discrimination based on gender and sexuality is rampant in Guyana. “This hinders productivity and advancement for all workers. Transgender women especially face unrestrained discrimination when accessing employment because of their gender identity,” Patrick lamented. She added that those who go through their transitioning during the period of employment are often denied promotions or fired unjustly with no real consequences under the law for discrimination based on their gender identity. Guyanese lesbian and bisexual women have also reported discrimination in the labour market which results in joblessness, unjust denial of promotions or unfair dismissals. 

Minister Lawrence Calls for Inclusion, Recognition and Upward Mobility of LGBT Persons

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence (left)
 and First Lady Sandra Granger 
(Ulelli Verbeke Photography)

In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2016, the British High Commission, Georgetown, in collaboration with Red Thread, Guyanese Women Roundtable (GWR), Guyana Trans United (GTU) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) hosted a Women’s Empowerment Cocktail and Reception to celebrate marginalized women.

The event, which was held on the evening of IWD itself, last Tuesday, March 8, at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Georgetown, was organised to create an empowering space for lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LBT) women and allies; to celebrate the strength and perseverance of these women; and to stimulate networking and strengthening of relationships among LBT women and allies. Chaired by GWR’s Convenor, Dr. Dawn Stewart,  the programme was well attended by scores of persons including First Lady,  Sandra Granger; Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings–Williams; many members of the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives and media personnel.

Delivering welcome remarks was Acting British High Commissioner, Ron Rimmer. He underlined that International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity and that the United Kingdom is fully committed to equality and non-discrimination and actively promotes women’s rights nationally and internationally, and has done so for a considerable period of time.  He urged everyone present to do their bit to ensure that the rights of girls and women are realized. “Each of us can assist within our own spheres of influence and commit to take pragmatic action to accelerate gender equality, pledge to take concrete steps to help achieve gender equality more quickly, take action to collectively help women advance equal to their numbers and realize the limitless potential they can offer. This can be done by helping women and girls achieve their ambitions, calling for gender-balanced leadership, respecting and valuing difference, developing more inclusive and flexible cultures and rooting out workplace bias,” Rimmer said.

SASOD talks strategy ahead of appeal hearing on cross-dressing case

To commemorate World Day of Social Justice 2016, a United Nations event observed annually on February 20, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) discussed at its’ sixth monthly “Lunch Talk” forum the local movement for of social justice and the cross-dressing case of Quincy McEwan, Seon Clarke, Joseph Fraser, Seyon Persaud and SASOD versus the Attorney General of Guyana.

Section 153(1)(xlvii) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) provision makes a criminal offence of a man wearing female attire, and a woman wearing male attire, publicly, for any improper purpose. 

Six years ago on February 19, 2010 – on the eve of the United Nations’ World Day of Social Justice - four transgender persons who were prosecuted the year before in February 2009 and SASOD filed a constitutional challenge to the laws against cross-dressing. This was the first case in the English-speaking Caribbean to challenge discriminatory laws against sexual and gender minorities.

SASOD calls for Social Protection Ministry to tackle Discrimination in the Workplace

Advocacy and Communications Officer of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Ms. Schemel Patrick during a recent meeting with the Minister of Social Protection, Honourable Volda Lawrence, M.P. and the Ministerial Advisor of Social Protection, John Adams, M.P. expressed that although Guyana’s labour policies support the elimination of discrimination in employment, training, recruitment, and membership of professional bodies, there are gaps that needs to be addressed in the Laws of Guyana.

Section 4(2) of the Prevention of Discrimination Act of 1997, which provides for the promotion of equal remuneration for work of equal value goes on to prohibit discrimination, defines unlawful discrimination, and protects employees from discrimination on the basis of “race, sex, religion, colour, ethnic origin, indigenous population, national extraction, social origin, economic status, political opinion, disability, family responsibilities, pregnancy, marital status or age except for purposes of retirement and restrictions on work and employment of minors” but there is no explicit mention of protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or health status.

SASOD meets with Ministry of Social Protection on anti-LGBT Discrimination in Social and Economic Services

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) met with Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Volda Lawrence, M.P. and Ministerial Advisor on Social Protection, Hon. John Adams M.P. in the company of the Minister’s Personal Assistant, EzelynTaton-Williams on Thursday last at the Minister’s office  on Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

Managing Director, Joel Simpson; Advocacy and Communications Officer, Schemel Patrick; and Social Change Coordinator, Jairo Rodrigues; and Secretary of the Board of Directors, Alana Da Silva, of SASOD met the Ministry officials to discuss a human rights approach to social protection issues in Guyana. The organisation simultaneously presented to the Minister its recently published Fact Sheet on Social Protection.

Social Protection and LGBT Rights

Rodrigues informed the Minister Lawrence and Mr. Adams of the community’s dilemma, stating that same-sex intimacy between men is still criminalized under the laws of Guyana. While it has been noted that these laws are generally not prosecuted, the very fact that they exist, inhibit lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people from seeking police protection when they face harassment, assault, intimate-partner violence, homophobic and transphobic violence because of fear of discrimination, re-victimization and threat of possible prosecution.

Civil Society Organisations elect GEF nominees for Global Fund CCM Representatives

The Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) is proud to congratulate its representatives who have been elected to represent the civil society constituency on Guyana’s Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) at its recently-held elections.

The Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) was established as an oversight apparatus for the effective implementation of grants provided to Guyana by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.  The mandate of the CCM is to coordinate the preparation and approve proposals for submission to the Global Fund and to monitor the implementation of all approved grants. The CCM focuses on performance by linking Global Fund resources to the achievement of clear, measurable and sustainable results based upon agreed monitoring indicators.

Membership in the CCM is broadly representative of a variety of stakeholders, each representing an active constituency with an interest in one or more of the funded disease areas - HIV, TB and Malaria. The participation of communities, particularly those infected and directly affected by the three diseases, is critical for both the development of proposals and the implementation of the awarded grant funds.