Director of Children’s Services and Head of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene has called for laws to be instituted against bullying to protect LGBTQ+ youth, according to a release from the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD).
At a reception on Thursday at the British High Commissioner’s residence to observe Spirit Day, an annual day to raise awareness of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in schools, the release said that Greene stated that LGBTQ+ people in Guyana are oppressed and marginalized because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, and suffer discrimination in asserting their civil rights.
The release said that she lamented that LGBTQ+ persons need what every other person needs, regardless of their human characteristics.
“It is love and acceptance. Every human being born into this world has a right to be here, being placed here by the Superior being of the Universe with their own purpose,” Greene said.
In addition to laws on bullying, Greene called for specific interventions to address the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth in Guyana. Greene said these include targeted social programmes; safe schools, care centres, neighbourhoods and housing and safe access to recreational facilities and activities.
British High Commissioner Greg Quinn in brief remarks reiterated that “LGBTQ+ persons are not asking for special rights; they are seeking to be afforded the same rights as any other Guyanese citizen. He further called for persons to promote diversity and tolerance for LGBTQ+ persons, the release said.
