Guyana Together is marking its third anniversary with 250 businesses and civic organisations having endorsed its campaign for greater acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons.
The campaign was launched in September 2023 by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Black Entrepreneurs Association, the Guyana Press Association and SASOD Guyana. It seeks to reduce stigma and prejudice against LGBT persons and promote legal and workplace protections.
In a statement yesterday, Guyana Together said its endorsers now span the energy, legal, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, entertainment, food and media sectors.
Shane Thomas, Youth Focal Point of the Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples, said the milestone showed that persons from across Guyana could unite in support of a fairer country.
“As indigenous peoples observe Heritage Month, we know the importance of respecting the dignity, identity and rights of every person and community,” Thomas said. He added that no one should be criminalised or denied the opportunity to earn a livelihood because of their identity or whom they love.
Roselyn Sewcharran, founder and managing director of Wanderlust Adventures GY Inc, said Guyana’s diversity was among its greatest strengths and that the continued growth of the tourism industry required a society and workplace culture in which people felt safe, respected and welcome.
Lennox Scott, executive chef and co-proprietor of Scotty’s Smoke House, said every employee deserved fair and respectful treatment. He expressed support for stronger workplace protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, founder and chief executive officer of Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc, said Guyana’s expanding oil and gas industry required the strongest workforce possible.
“That means everyone should be able to contribute and thrive in a workplace free from discrimination,” he said.
According to Guyana Together, its campaign calls for equality, respect, protection against discrimination and the repeal of legislation criminalising consensual same-sex intimacy.
The organisation cited the findings of its latest poll, which it said showed that 53.9% of Guyanese supported repealing the colonial-era law criminalising same-sex intimacy, while 72% favoured workplace protections for LGBT persons. The statement did not provide details of the poll’s methodology.
Guyana Together also acknowledged several organisations which have helped it to conduct discussions and training, including the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, the Guyana Public Service Union, the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Guyana and the Rotary Club of Georgetown.
The campaign has released five videos featuring persons speaking about their LGBT relatives and friends and advocating acceptance.
The full list of endorsing organisations is available on the Guyana Together website. The campaign said other organisations wishing to endorse its work could also register through the website or contact it by email.
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