Not the end of the LGBTQI conversation

This isn’t only about policing, however, but about the law itself.

Same-sex partners (male or female) are written out of our Domestic Violence Act passed in 1999, which defines even members of a household as people related by blood or marriage.

Barbados removed this gender discrimination when it updated its legislation last year, leaving TT behind.

Douglas also reported that the panel indicated that gay men were “recently killed, probably because of their gender identity” and “the conversation had ended there.” Far from true.

Since February, an unusual series of three murders has motivated six LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) and feminist organisations to come together to develop a community safety empowerment campaign, to engage police at the highest levels, and to publicise social work support available to victims of violence.

LGBTQI people are disempowered by public policy. We are also always made vulnerable by our gender, though police will not confirm any pattern of hate motivation linking these murders. But our organisations aren’t letting the conversation end at all. We are taking action at protecting each other. Both the media and our allies can support our communities’ empowerment.

TERRY-ANN ROY LUKE SINNETTE Alliance for Justice & Diversity