The High Commission of Canada yesterday held a signing ceremony for a new project that seeks to empower LGBTQ communities here.
A release from the Canadian High Commission said that the project will be funded through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and implemented by EQUAL Guyana. The value of the funding was not stated.
It said that EQUAL Guyana is a non-governmental human rights organisation whose aim is to engage, educate and empower LGBTQ communities and allies in Guyana to “create an atmosphere of acceptance and respect that can foster individual and community development”.
Titled ‘Promoting Gender Equality with the focus of establishing LGBTQI+ rights through engagement, education and empowerment’, the release said that the project will be executed over one year. The signing date May 17th, is significant as it is commemorated as Internation-al Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB).
Canadian High Commissioner Mark K. Berman, in his remarks, said that Ottawa is pleased to be a key contributor to the growth of the global movement against discrimination and violence towards LGBTQ persons.
“The project highlights the necessity for more for more dialogue to encourage change in attitudes and promote inclusivity. Changing perceptions is never easy but the key to success is persistence. Canada remains committed to working in solidarity with other governments and civil society organizations towards the goal of ending discrimination and violence against LGBTQ persons,” he was quoted as saying in the press release.
“No one should be subjected to discrimination or violence because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. In the words of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “[E]veryone deserves to live free of stigma, persecution, and discrimination – no matter who they are or whom they love,” he added.
EQUAL Guyana’s Managing Director Anil Persaud said that that their mandate it to promote LGBTQ rights and create a safer and more inclusive society.
“We believe in more open communication and the unmatched power of creating strong working relationships with our allies in all sectors. We have not been antagonistic however, we remain cognizant of our realities, and develop mechanisms and methodologies that are somewhat unconventional, but have proven to be positive and promising,” he stated. As part of the project, the organisation will be undertaking several campaigns to encourage dialogue and promote social change.
Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, who was also present at the signing event, said she was pleased to see more civil society organisations addressing the rights of LGBTQ community but acknowledged that Guyana still has a long way to go.
“We have a long way to go. We have not made many of the changes that many other countries of the world have made. However, I believe strongly in the three principles that Equal Guyana is also promoting – the idea of engagement, education and [empowerment]. I believe they are critical tools and foundations upon which we can reduce prejudice, ignorance and intolerance within our society,” she said.
“What I find interesting about IDAHOTB, is that it recognises the individuality and the uniqueness of different countries, their cultural, religious practices and diversity that lead to sometimes different approaches and different solutions to ensure all people in society have equal rights”, Teixeira said.
