The Guyana Pride Festival is returning to the Georgetown streets following a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. This event was held virtually over the past for two years
The festival was launched by the Guyana LGBT Coaltion on Wednesday at the British High Commissioner's residence ahead of the 2022 International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which is held under the theme “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights.” This day is observed on May 17 every year.
Managing Director of SASOD Guyana Joel Simpson said efforts have been made to ensure that persons from all walks of life are included in the festival.
“All are welcomed including our senior citizens, all our events are accessible including persons with disabilities. All our events are on the ground floor and accessible to persons with disabilities including the pride party including the symposiums because we want to be inclusive and as accessible as possible. “ Simpson urged persons to come out and support.
"I would encourage anyone who would is a little nervous or a little skeptical to reach out to us via our social media pages. One of the things that we can do is sometimes we pair people with a peer if they they don't have a friend or a family member accompanying them, we can pair them with a peer so that we can say look we have somebody here you can plan to meet at the event to feel more comfortable." Prevention Officer at the Guyana Trans United Omatola Edwards said due to the lifting of the restrictions the festival will be held in person from June 19 until July 16.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mary Jane Miller in her short remarks said the United Kingdom is proud to champion for LGBTQ rights across the globe and in Guyana.
The Guyana LGBTQ Coalition comprises the Guyana Rainbow Foundation, Guyana Trans United and SASOD Guyana.
