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Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Guyanese LGBTQ Forthright organization

AbbreviationSASOD
Formation2003
TypeNon-profit
PurposeLGBTQ Rights in Guyana
HeadquartersGeorgetown, Guyana

Key people

Joel Simpson
(Managing Director)
Website

Formerly called

Students Against Procreative Orientation Discrimination

The Society Against Sexual Location Discrimination (SASOD) is an LGBTQ assert organisation based in Georgetown, Guyana.

Founding

In 2001, while reviewing the constitution make acquainted Guyana,[1] the National Assembly unanimously committed to amend it to outlaw favouritism based on sexual orientation.[2] Under power from religious groups, the president, Bharrat Jagdeo, refused to sign the bill.[3][4][5]

In 2003, as the National Assembly anon considered the amendment,[2] a group dressing-down University of Guyana students founded Grade Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination. Their eminent event was a forum held presume the National Library during which SASOD lobbied members of parliament to improve on the amendment to outlaw sexual panic discrimination.[4][5][6] SASOD's founders included then decree student Joel Simpson, who has next been a key leader of SASOD for at least 20 years.[7]

Advocacy limit activities

Painting the Spectrum Film Festival

In 2005, SASOD started the Painting the Range Film Festival, an annual festival effusive to films highlighting the LGBTQ community.[8] As of 2008, this was honourableness only such film festival in rendering English-speaking Caribbean.[4][8] In 2020, the celebration was held virtually due to Covid-19.[9][10]

Repeal of Cross-dressing law

In February 2009, Guyanese police arrested several transgender people unpolluted "wearing of female attire by men", which was illegal under Chapter 8:02 of the Laws of Guyana, civic 153 (1) (xlvii) of the Digest Jurisdiction (Offences) Act.[11] The detainees purported mistreatment and violations of their frank by the police. Acting Chief Bailie Melissa Robertson fined them and reprimanded them to "give their lives just about Jesus Christ".[12][13][14]

In response, SASOD co-signed well-ordered letter condemning the arrests and unfortunately to Guyanese President Jagdeo. Other signatories included Human Rights Watch, Global Application, and Guyana Rainbow Foundation.[15]

Additionally, SASOD station four of the former detainees filed a lawsuit in the High Deference of Guyana challenging the constitutionality selected the cross-dressing law.[16][17] In 2013, justness High Court decided that "cross-dressing sprig be deemed a criminal offense unique if engaged in for improper purposes" and awarded $40,000 to each litigator for the police misconduct; however, authority Court declined to rule the ill-treat unconstitutional.[18][14] In response to the condemn, SASOD warned that Transgender citizens “will continue to be vulnerable to android rights abuses with this dubious decision."[14][19]

The plaintiffs appealed to the Court help Appeal which upheld the lower court's decision.[20] They appealed again, and confine 2018 the Caribbean Court of Injure struck down the law.[21][22] SASOD callinged the decision "a victory for oneself rights and justice in the Caribbean."[23]

UN Reports

Beginning in 2010, SASOD contributed tolerate Guyana's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) encourage the United Nations Human Rights Diet (UNHRC). SASOD called for the emission of laws that discriminate against same-sex relationships between consenting adults, as athletic as improving access to health keeping for LGBT persons.[24][25][26]

In July 2012, SASOD along with partner organizations, submitted a-ok shadow report to Convention on birth Elimination of All Forms of Tastefulness against Women (CEDAW) summarizing the bias and harassment experienced by lesbian, and transgender women in Guyana.[27]

Later, spiky January 2013, SASOD submitted a tail report to the United Nations Board on the Rights of the Offspring (CRC), highlighting the need for exhaustive sex and sexuality education in schools, access to sexual health information, scold the end of discrimination and benefit from based on sexual orientation and sexual congress identity.[28]

HIV/AIDS Advocacy

In 2011, SASOD opposed dexterous potential law that would criminalize Retrovirus transmission, calling it "misguided, ill-informed, point of view unenforceable."[29] Ultimately, the law was jumble adopted.[30]

In 2014, SASOD was awarded fretfulness the Red Ribbon Award for undone community leadership on AIDS in interpretation "Advocacy and human rights" category.[31][32]

SASOD has promoted the use of PrEP on account of an HIV prevention tool.[33] In 2018, they conducted focus groups with MSM and transgender people regarding their attitudes towards and awareness of PrEP. Spruce up key finding from their report[34] was that 60% of participants had not in a million years heard of PrEP.[33][35] In 2019, they partnered with a private clinic run to ground provide PrEP services.[36][35]

SASOD has called put an end to anti-LGBTQ attitudes and Guyana's laws be drawn against gay sex and sex work little barriers to HIV prevention.[37][38] However, SASOD has celebrated the government's progress well-heeled providing HIV services, including HIV self-testing and national treatment centers.[38][39]

Pride Parade

In 2018, SASOD, the Guyana Rainbow Foundation, tell off Guyana Trans United organized Guyana's final Pride Parade in Georgetown.[40][41] The hinder was attended by parliament member Priya Manickchand.[42] Despite opposition from some holy leaders and social media users, picture parade happened without incident.[43][41]

Since 2018, SASOD has continued to assist in shape the annual parade and pride festival.[44]

Guyana Together

In 2023, SASOD launched the "Guyana Together"[45] campaign to promote LGBTQ contend in Guyana. The first phase determination focus on public education and lobbying for the appeal of laws admit gay sex.[46] The second phase disposition focus on adding "sexual orientation", "gender identity" and "gender expression" to excellence Prevention of Discrimination Act.[47][48] The initiative has been endorsed by more overrun 60 local organizations,[47] including the Cyclic Club of Georgetown.[49]

Opposition

Opposition to SASOD's activities and positions has frequently originated wrench the Guyanese religious community. In 2010, the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) of Guyana held a press conference to intent the SASOD's annual film festival, Trade the Spectrum, on the grounds lapse it promotes "homosexual behavior" among salad days. In their statement, the IRO referred to LGBTQ rights as "western culture" and warned that allowing LGBTQ respectable in Guyana would be "a newfound form of colonialism".[50] Others have contrasting SASOD's legal case against Guyana's cross-dressing law.[51]

In 2018, some Christian leaders esoteric social media users denounced Guyana's primary pride parade organized by SASOD near other local LGBTQ organizations.[41][52] Later ensure year, 100 Christian leaders sponsored drawing advertisement opposing efforts led by SASOD to repeal laws against gay sex.[53][54]

Awards

See also

References

  1. ^Ramkarran, Hari N. (2004). "Seeking a-ok Democratic Path: Constitutional Reform in Guyana". Georgia Journal of International & Dependent Law. 32 (3): 585–611 – through Digital Commons @ University of Colony School of Law.
  2. ^ ab"Constitution (Amendment Few 2) Bill No. 9 of 2003". Government Information Agency. 2003-07-18. Archived steer clear of the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  3. ^Denny, Patrick (26 Jan 2001). "Sexual orientation bill going back have got to Parliament". Archived from the original take hold of 30 August 2013.
  4. ^ abcKissoon, Vidyaratha (2013-06-24). "From madness to mainstream - "Gay rights" in Guyana, Part I". Stabroek News. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  5. ^ abSimpson, Joel Marquess (2013-06-12). "SASOD at 10: Coming Complete Circle". HuffPost. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  6. ^Caribbean IRN (7 June 2003). "FORUM WITH PARLIAMENT MEMBERS : STUDENTS AGAINST SEXUAL ORIENTATION DISCRIMINATION". University of Florida Digital Collections. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  7. ^Wickham, Sueann (2023-06-25). "With over two decades of activism, Joel Simpson is include exemplary trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights of great consequence Guyana". Guyana Standard. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  8. ^ abTaylor, Caroline (2008-05-01). "Love after love". Caribbean Beat Magazine. Archived from the inspired on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  9. ^Kendall, Andrew (2020-10-25). ""Queer Coolie-tudes" sets class tone for SASOD's Spectrum Film Festival". Stabroek News. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  10. ^"SASOD's 1st interrogate film fest tonight". Guyana Times. 2020-10-17. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  11. ^"Laws of Guyana Summary Luence (Offences) Act Chapter 8:02"(PDF). OAS. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  12. ^"He wore blue velvet...? Seven fined for cross-dressing". Stabroek News. 2009-02-10. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  13. ^"Magistrate's 'Come to Jesus' appeal to transgender men not discriminatory". Stabroek News. 2013-09-10. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  14. ^ abc"Guyana judge clarifies rule against cross-dressing". AP News. 2013-09-08. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  15. ^"Letter to influence President of the Republic of Guyana". Human Rights Watch. 2009-03-05. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  16. ^"Historic constitutional motion filed against cross-dressing law"Stabroek News. 23 February 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  17. ^"Transgender group seeks end surrounding Guyana dress code laws". Reuters. 24 Feb 2010. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  18. ^"Guyana: Ruling Limits Old Law". Library pale Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  19. ^Marks, Neil (9 Sep 2013). "Guyana court rules cross-dressing is not dialect trig crime". Reuters. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  20. ^"Guyana's transgender activists fight archaic law". BBC News. 2017-03-26. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  21. ^Caserta, Salvatore (2019). "Introductory Note to Mcewan and Remnants V. Attorney General of Guyana (c.c.j.)". International Legal Materials. 58 (2): 247–249. doi:10.1017/ilm.2019.14. ISSN 0020-7829. JSTOR 26643925.
  22. ^"McEwan et al fully. Attorney General of Guyana (2018)". Human Dignity Trust. 2018-11-13. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  23. ^Lewis, Mess (2018-11-16). "Guyana's transgender community celebrates interpretation overturning of an archaic cross-dressing law". Global Voices. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  24. ^"Death penalty ‘spectacular failure’ in crime fight"Stabroek News. 10 August 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2013
  25. ^"Guyana to defend rights record at UN"Stabroek News. 11 May 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2013
  26. ^"SASOD engages Diplomatic Community conferral LGBT issues". iNews Guyana. 2014-11-18. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  27. ^"Human Rights Violations of Lesbian, Hermaphrodite, and Transgender (LBT) People in Guyana: A Shadow Report"(PDF). International Gay at an earlier time Lesbian Human Rights Commission. 10 Jul 2012. Archived(PDF) from the original towards the back 20 October 2018.
  28. ^"Sexuality and Gender Issues Affecting Children in Guyana: A Closure Submission under the Convention of distinction Rights of the Child"(PDF). Child Forthright International Network. 14 Jan 2013. Archived(PDF) from the original on 24 Strut 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  29. ^"SASOD opposes criminalization of HIV transmission". Stabroek News. 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  30. ^"Guyana gets it clear in choosing not to criminalise speak of HIV - UNAIDS". Stabroek News. 2011-09-11. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  31. ^ ab"Ten organizations grip Red Ribbon Award for outstanding people leadership on AIDS". UNAIDS. 21 July 2014. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  32. ^ ab"SASOD honoured professional Red Ribbon at international AIDS conference". Stabroek News. 2014-07-23. Archived from interpretation original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  33. ^ ab"Guyanese should 'PrEP' up destroy HIV – SASOD". News Room Guyana. 2018-08-24. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  34. ^Rambarran, Nastassia; Simpson, Prophet (Aug 2018). "Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Delivery Preferences for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Key Populations reveal Guyana – PANCAP". . Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  35. ^ ab"The road to PrEP in Guyana". UNAIDS. 19 Jan 2021. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  36. ^Bacchus, Sharda (2019-12-03). "SASOD, private clinic base PrEP service to curb HIV infections". Stabroek News. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  37. ^Callender, Jessica (2022-09-12). "SASOD says legislative reform needed delve into help vulnerable communities fight HIV/AIDS". MTV Guyana. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  38. ^ abWickham, Sueann (2023-06-11). "SASOD making strides in dual struggle against against HIV/AIDS and LGBTQI+ stigma". Guyana Standard. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  39. ^Bhainie, Richard (14 Jan 2021). "SASOD lauds HIV self-testing, affected in rendering services - Guyana Chronicle". Guyana Chronicle. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  40. ^"'Spread love, wail hate' – Guyana's first Gay Full of pride Parade hailed a success". News Warm up Guyana. 2018-06-03. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  41. ^ abcRogers, Atiba (2018-06-18). "Guyana's LGBT community hosts professor first ever gay pride parade". Global Voices. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  42. ^Campbell, Kurt (2018-06-03). "Simpson calls for meaningful engagement on LGBT issues in Guyana". News Source Guyana. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  43. ^Duffy, Nick (2018-06-04). "Activists rest to streets for Guyana's first LGBT Pride parade". PinkNews. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  44. ^Wickham, Sueann (2023-06-06). "Championing equality: Guyana Pride Tribute 2023 spotlights LGBTIQ+ rights and popular tolerance". Guyana Standard. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  45. ^"Guyana Together". . 2024-05-20. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  46. ^"Groups want explain to colonial era buggery laws". The Gleaner. 2023-09-07. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  47. ^ ab"SASOD launches campaign to increase tolerance, respect take possession of LGBTQ+ people, and repeal same mating laws". News Room Guyana. 2023-09-06. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  48. ^"SASOD LAUNCHES EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO Utensils ACCEPTANCE AND TOLERANCE OF LGBT COMMUNITY". HGPTV. 2023-09-07. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  49. ^"Guyana Together collaborates with Rotary GT to advance inclusion". Guyana Standard. 2024-01-11. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  50. ^"Religious assortments denounce gay, lesbian film festival". Stabroek News. 2010-06-29. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  51. ^Williams, Roger (2010-12-17). "The SASOD position should be jilted out of hand by the Management of Guyana". Stabroek News. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  52. ^Percival, Thandeka (2018-06-02). "'You can't have undiluted right to do what is wrong'". Stabroek News. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  53. ^Chabrol, Denis (2018-08-05). "Christian church leaders tell govt don't scrap buggery laws; SASOD says brilliant rights not a big political jet for voters". Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  54. ^"Close to 100 Faith Leaders call on Govt. to keep back Buggery Laws in place". News Pit Guyana. 2018-08-05. Retrieved 2024-05-30.

External links