Joel Simpson, the founder of SASOD Guyana, has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing emigration of LGBTQ individuals from Guyana. In an interview with HGP Nightly News, he highlighted that many LGBTQ Guyanese are leaving the country not only for economic opportunities but also due to a lack of legal and social protections. Despite Guyana’s significant economic growth and government initiatives encouraging diaspora members to return, Simpson argues that the existing laws criminalizing same-sex intimacy and the absence of clear anti-discrimination protections deter LGBTQ individuals from coming back.
Simpson referenced the story of Harold Hopkinson and his son Quincy, featured in a recent video from the Together campaign. The video, released during Pride Month and around Father’s Day, showcases a father’s acceptance of his gay son. Simpson noted that Quincy’s departure from Guyana in his early 20s was driven by feelings of unwelcomeness as an LGBTQ person and a belief that he could not fully contribute to society. He emphasized that this situation contributes to a brain drain, as talented individuals seek safer and more accepting environments.
Simpson pointed out that Pride activities, including the annual parade, represent only a fraction of the broader efforts being made. Guyana’s first Pride Festival took place in 2017, followed by its inaugural parade in 2018. Although the parade has been held annually since then, it was moved online in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that Pride should not be limited to a single month, stating, “Pride is 365 days a year,” and encompasses personal, community, and national efforts.
Additionally, Simpson noted the increasing support from various faith communities, including the Catholic, Anglican, and Presbyterian churches, as well as the Guyana Pandits Council. These groups have publicly advocated for LGBTQ rights and called for necessary legal reforms. Simpson urged the public to support these initiatives, emphasizing that the push for inclusion must extend beyond celebrations to address the laws and social conditions that continue to drive LGBTQ individuals away from their home country.
Source: hgptv.com
