Strong support for LGBT rights at women’s march

The foundation, which acts as a guardian body for marginalised youths seeking to reduce bullying, suicide and discrimination, has spent the last five years advocating for the full inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual) youths, not only in our nation’s classrooms, but in our wider society.

The large contingent of supporters witnessed at the march, proudly waving rainbow pride flags, hoisting pro-LGBT signs and chanting the slogan, “Gay rights are human rights,” not only demonstrated a monumental moment for the local gay rights movement but also signalled a tide of change sweeping through our nation as more citizens welcome diversity, celebrate inclusion and seek equality.

Executive director of SLF, Jeremy Edwards, stated, “Our presence at this march was intended to stand in solidarity with women across our nation on the common themes of discrimination, exclusion and inequality, which continue to form the everyday reality for LGBTQIA citizens of this nation.

“This women’s march provided the often unseen LGBTQIA community a welcomed opportunity to maintain a larger presence of visibility against adversaries opposed to their human rights, of which SLF, alongside other organisations, was extremely proud to lead.” Beginning with the work initiated by SLF over the past five years, we firmly believe all levels of discrimination and homophobia can be reduced once there is greater access to education, support and sensitisation to the issues that currently plague our society against LGBTQIA citizens.

We remind both our leaders and fellow citizens of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Therefore, SLF again calls on our leaders to do more to fully include LGBTQIA citizens into our society where respect for their rights is upheld and protection under the law is guaranteed.

Kennedy Everett Maraj via email