Hello everyone,

I hope this week has treated you well.
Today, I would like to talk about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community within Guyana.
It’s no secret that this specific community is subjected to much discrimination and stigma within our society. It would also be unfair to say that this happens only in Guyana, as in many countries and US states, it is still illegal for LGBT individuals to get married, adopt children, donate blood and be leaders of certain community organisations.
In rightful retaliation, the LGBT community comes together in a united front to celebrate pride, sexuality, diversity and the strength that comes with being exactly who you are. This is, sadly, still needed around the world to offset homophobia against all groups, society’s pressure to conform and to obtain and maintain equal human rights.
It is sad that in (almost) 2017, a large number of LGBT individuals have to hide their true sexuality and therefore identity; that they have to overcome much negativity and inaccurate portrayals in the media.
I reviewed a study done in the United States which discovered that LGBT Americans have higher rates of mental disorders than non-members. Again, I look forward to the day where we take the time to generate these kinds of statistics in Guyana. For now, this is what we have.
The study revealed that depression rates were six (6) times higher in gay individuals than straight ones. LGBT youth were four (4) times more likely to have mental disorders, and three (3) times more likely to attempt suicide.

THE PRESSURES
I want to make it clear that being gay does not equate to stress, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. However, the victimisation, lack of support, hate, pressures of conforming and living a double life can. These factors can also cause school drop-out, heavy alcohol/drug use, low self-esteem and self-hatred and bullying.
The lack of understanding that it is not a choice typically results in serious family dysfunction and the fall of many relationships, which very often leads to homelessness in Guyana.
LGBT individuals are presented with less job and sponsorship opportunities, and are subjected to hostility and harassment, which causes many to live in fear within our society.

I hear many people argue, “They can’t get married, so what? It’s not a big deal.” Without really focusing on what this means, I would be inclined to agree, but it would be to everyone’s benefit if we really understood what is being taken away from an entire community.
In most parts of the world, marriage is a sacred union that enforces a life partnership in the legal sense. It allows for a formal and open proclamation of love and security. However, what about the other benefits? Marriage brings about new laws and rights for immigration, financial security and protection, family rights and, most importantly, health care and insurance. These rights are, therefore, all denied to sa me-sex couples who can never wed.

So, isn’t that a big deal? They deserve and should have the right to get married and punish like the rest of us. That was a joke; marriage is beautiful.

NICK’S EXPERIENCE
I conducted a brief interview with a friend of mine, Nick, who is an openly gay man in Guyana. After our conversation, we both realised that he has been quite lucky, having great support from his family and friends while generally dealing with minimal discrimination from the public. I thought he was a great person to interview, as he can provide hope and goals for those who are not as lucky; allow those who are suffering to believe they won’t always have to.
I asked Nick what’s the hardest part of being gay in Guyana, and he said that despite the unwavering support from his immediate social circle, it is really difficult to deal with the stigma that comes from the uncultured Guyanese who have never travelled or been exposed to many different types of people; the kind of people who believe in name-calling and that your sexuality is an insult.

He claimed these to be “crass interactions”, and found it best for his mental health to distance himself from these individuals, and surround himself with the people who matter; who do not care whether he is gay or straight.

Nick said he has never felt a lack of opportunity in Guyana due to his sexuality, which is fantastic to hear. He does, however, at times consider leaving Guyana, simply because it is almost impossible to have a serious and private relationship here. We all agree with that one though, don’t we?

HIS ADVICE
When I asked Nick what advice he has for those who do not have support and struggle with this every day, he said, “Stay strong! Ignore the slander and negativity! Look for support and never feel indifferent. Never feel as if you are not equal because you were born to be you and the best you.”

Nick also said he knew of no support groups for members of the LGBT community in Guyana. I made contact with Joel Simpson, founder and Co-Chair of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) to confirm.

SASOD is a non-profit organisation in Guyana, and its objective is “ending all forms of homophobia in Guyana, including transphobia, biphobia and lesbophibia.” The organisation is also dedicated to decreasing mental-health challenges faced by LGBT Guyanese.
While they do not have any support groups available, they do, however, create/take part in many community outreaches and activities which promote awareness and support. They encourage individuals to come into their centre and talk to a staff member in order to work out the best possible solution for each individual. I encourage those who are having a hard time to use this opportunity.

Joel also spoke about the upcoming events at SASOD. On Saturday December 10, which is Human Rights Day, there is an “orange walk” to raise awareness of gender-based violence in Guyana.
It starts at 07:00hrs from SASOD’s 169, Charlotte Street office, and ends there with a short closing session.

Address for SASOD: 169, Charlotte Street, Georgetown, Guyana.
Telephone number: 225-7283
Or visit their website at: http://sasod.org.gy/

OTHER MATTERS
I want to briefly mention the trans-gender community in Guyana. To those who are not aware, a trans-gender is an individual who recognises their gender identity as being different from their assigned sex. I don’t think I have to go into details about how difficult this must be, especially in an intolerant community like Guyana. Support groups for trans-gender persons living with HIV, as well as those who have attempted suicide are offered by the Guyana Trans United Organisation. Give them a call at 231-4703.
Now for my favourite question: Is this stigma and lack of opportunity a problem for just the individual or the entire community?
As mentioned before, in many places, LGBT members are not allowed to donate blood, to adopt children, or to be community leaders such as boy scouts.
Something worth bearing in mind is that an intolerant society increases migration, and reduces immigration and tourism.
How does this not affect our entire society?

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com, or come in to see me at:
**The Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 08:00hrs – 12:00hrs.

**Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department
Drug and Alcohol group meetings – Mondays 16:15hrs

**Good mental health group meetings – Wednesdays @ 16:15hrs.

**Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!