Living in a cis-heteronormative world wherein anyone deviating from strict gender and sexuality binaries is seen as abnormal, it can be an incredibly challenging space for those who identify as LGBTQI+. There is no doubt that we have come quite some way in terms of visibility for community, but the challenges LGBTQI+ persons have experienced from day one, such as higher chances of poverty, high social stigma and violence, and higher chances of mental health issues due to the marginalization they face, still remains with them today.
Whenever persons speak to the challenges experienced by the community, statements and queries that often come up are those such as: there are more important things to focus on, there is no real homo/trans-phobia in Guyana, and as such they wonder why is LGBTQI+ advocacy is even necessary. The persons who often state that there is no real homo/transphobia in Guyana live in a bubble of their own cis-heteronormativity. They view the world out of the lens of their own limited experiences without acknowledging there is an entire society that they know absolutely nothing about. I recently had a conversation with one such person who stated that there is no violence against those who identify as part of the community. They believe that we are a reasonably accepting society. This however is a very limited perception because the reality is that there remains significant violence against members of the community.
It is important to understand that violence is not only that of the physical nature, but violence also concerns itself with verbal, economic, political violence etc. This is seen particularly in the home where family members are often the first point of conflict, in the schoolyard where queer children are readily targeted, and in the workplace where open or suspected LGBTQI+ persons are steadily barred from entry or promotions. A lot of these however, still intersect with physical violence. Just because something does not reach the media or the ears of your circle does not mean that it does occur. Steadily, LGBTQI+ organizations are in response mode to the members of their community due to violence against them. This is particularly the case for trans women who are constantly marginalized not only by those outside the community, but those within also.
While it might be a tad easier for LGB+ persons to “blend,” this is a privilege that trans persons generally do not have, particularly those who identify as women. Every time they are out in public, they face the threat of danger and the stigma against them has contributed towards them being the most likely to experience poverty within the community as they are barred from entering the job market. So, often they are not seen or represented, which has contributed towards the narrative that the championing of LGBTQI+ rights in Guyana is a rich people thing. While I do not necessarily agree with this, I do see how and why this perception remains. The reality is that those on the frontlines of advocacy are those who have certain privileges that allow them safety and access within these spaces, which makes it much easier for them to advocate for equal rights (and yes, I am including myself here). This is why the overwhelming majority of advocates you see, emanate from or are currently in the middle class, because if it is that you do not have certain social privileges, then the chances of your voice being heard and acknowledged can be incredibly difficult.
As we celebrate Pride month, it is important to take stock of the long road ahead for true equality for those who identify as LGBTQI+ and also commit to working through one’s own biases and hang-ups surrounding the community. The true march towards equality begins with collective internal processing that brings us closer to understanding the importance of respecting the rights of those who love and present a bit differently from what is considered the norm.
