SASOD launches violence against LGBT persons report
The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) on Thursday launched a complete report on violence and discrimination against LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) persons in Guyana.
The report stemmed from a study which was conducted by the Georgetown Law Human Rights Institute in Washington DC, and documented the views and experiences of LGBT persons in society.
As part of the study, additional information was also gathered via interactions with Ministers, officials of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and representatives from other institutions across Demerara and Berbice.
The committee was represented by the founder of SASOD, Joel Simpson and other representatives of the organisation, who explained the need for equality in
SASOD founder Joel Simpson (left) along with other members of the organisation
the human rights sector, to every member of society.
In relation to the high level of discrimination which LGBT individuals face in the workplace and other settings, SASOD has embarked on several initiatives to bring awareness to the public on the need for equal rights among all.
“This is a report on social protection issues [and] discrimination in the workplace. We’ll be meeting with all the Ministries, the Guyana Police Force and very importantly, we’re doing a lot with faith leaders.
“We’re heavily focused on movement building. We’ll be working a lot more directly with the partners – Guyana Trans United and the Rainbow Foundation so that we have a stronger front as a movement,” Simpson added.
The organisation, based on the findings of the study, is calling for increased specialised training for officers of the GPF that would include how to deal with LGBT members, since violence and discrimination were preventative factors in embracing equality.
