Today marks one year since the Empowering Queers using Artistic Learning (EQUAL) Guyana organisation was launched with the intention of utilising art to empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.
Since the organisation was launched, co-founder and Managing Director Anil Persaud says, they have received overwhelming support for the work that they have been doing.
The one-year anniversary coincides with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), which, according to Persaud, is intentional as one of the key functions of EQUAL is advocating against sexual orientation discrimination.
Initially, members of EQUAL planned to celebrate their one-year anniversary by hosting a reception for all partners and stakeholders. However, given the current coronavirus pandemic, Persaud said that plan has been postponed and they will instead be commemorating the day by highlighting the work they have been doing for the past year. He said persons have also been asked to submit one-minute videos celebrating EQUAL.
“So the online campaign will be a little bit of both, we think about reducing stigma and discrimination and how an organisation like EQUAL can contribute to that,” Persaud before explaining that they will not only be celebrating their anniversary but also IDAHOT.
The theme for their anniversary and IDAHOT is “Breaking the silence.”
Before the launch of the organisation, Persaud stated, executive members did not want to replicate the work that other organisations have been doing and so most of their work is art-based. He added that EQUAL’s signature event is the Art Splash, which is an art and wine night that includes art tutorials. “We are utilising art to allow persons to explore themselves and explore individuality,” he noted before adding that in celebration of World Mental Health Month, they hosted a mental health games day to raise awareness about the subject.
Persaud went on to add that the organisation hosts games nights constantly to bring people together and create safe spaces. He also revealed that they had their own contingent participating in the pride parade last year.
Since its launch, EQUAL has been involved in a number of initiatives and has collaborated with many other organisations, including the Guyana Police Force and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer organisations along with non-governmental organisations and government ministries to train persons in different educational fields. Thus far they have held training sessions in regions 4, 6 and 7.
Recently, Persaud disclosed, the organisation began aiding in research. He stated that the organisation has done research for an LGBTQ needs assessment in Guyana.
However, since the organisation’s work involves persons being together in one place, its activities have been brought to a halt by the pandemic. As a result, it is currently reassessing its work approach. “Hopefully at the end of the COVID-19 stress and drama, we will be able to provide mental health services and psychological services to persons who may need these services after this long time of being in isolation,” he said, while noting that by the second half of the year, they are aiming to have self-care packages available for interested persons.
Additionally, he stated, they are currently doing a lot of virtual campaigns online to raise awareness about the various social issues and are now offering online education on their various social media platforms.
Personally, Persaud disclosed, the journey has been overwhelming and surprising. He said, they launched an organisation with the support of a few thinking that their number would eventually grow. However, more than 50 persons showed up to the first few events that EQUAL hosted and the crowd has continued to grow. “We’re always seeing new faces. I think the support has been there. People appreciate the initiative because it’s somewhat new given that we are trying to utilize the arts to raise awareness and promote education,” he stated.
He added that for him, it has been a good experience and seeing persons actively creating change has been rewarding. “It’s good to see the community benefit and enjoy the activities and appreciate the safe space provided and I think that is the most rewarding thing to see; the members genuinely enjoying and benefitting from the initiatives, even if it’s on a micro scale. It’s really rewarding knowing that we are doing something positive for them,” he added, before revealing that over 64 members have been approved thus far.
While urging that they take the necessary precautions in order to be safe from the coronavirus, Persaud is encouraging persons to reach out to the organisation if they need to talk. “We are here to help, even if it’s just someone to talk to we’re here and around. People should reach out through our social media platform if they need to talk,” he stated.
