TODAY I would like to talk about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. Last weekend, the LGBT coalition held Guyana’s first Gay Pride Parade and despite receiving some undeserving backlash, it was a huge step forward for our people. It was considered a success where hundreds of people gathered to support gay rights, end discrimination and bring overall awareness to what the LGBT community still has to unfairly endure.

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, 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 2018, a large number of LGBT individuals still have to hide their true sexuality and therefore, their true identity; that they still have to overcome much negativity and hatred.

I think the biggest issue is the lack of understanding about the community. I don’t typically blame all Guyanese because having lived in a few different countries myself, I’m aware that we are not exposed to much in Guyana, members of the LGBT being no different.
There are quite a few reasons why people are gay.

These reasons may include biology/genetics, personality, culture or even traumatic life experiences. The majority of my clients explain to me that being gay is not a choice while very few have told me it is for them, based on sexual abuse from the opposite sex. However, for the majority, for as long as they can remember, they have been attracted to the same sex without a choice, just as I am attracted to the opposite sex. We all know that most of the time, we can’t choose who we love.

I decided to do some research and there were many studies that have determined biological reasons why people are gay. They go in depth about male proteins on Y (male) chromosomes and honestly, it’s a bit hard to understand. However, we don’t really have to understand it; we just have to accept and respect it as someone else’s makeup.
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 times higher in gay individuals than straight ones. LGBT youth were four times more likely to have mental disorders and three times more likely to attempt suicide. 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, self -hatred and being subject to bullying. It’s absurd that simply being a part of this community comes with less job and sponsorship opportunities as well as serious family dysfunction and the fall of many relationships, which very often leads to homelessness in Guyana. These individuals are also often 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 same-sex couples who can never wed. This is only one example of what is being denied to this specific community.
While writing this article, I asked a few of my clients what, in their opinion, is the hardest part about being a member of the LGBT community in Guyana.

Not surprisingly, everyone had the same response- the stigma, discrimination and the lack of education and understanding on the topic. A few expressed loneliness as they feel it impossible to have a healthy or open relationship within our society. Others even consider leaving Guyana for a life without all of the above. However, this really doesn’t have to be the case.

For those of who you experience slander and negativity, stay strong, realise that you are not alone and reach out for help. If you would like someone to talk to, make contact with the following organisation.

Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) 
SASOD is a non-profit organisation in Guyana with intention of ending all forms of homophobia in Guyana as well as decreasing mental health issues faced by LGBT Guyanese.  They encourage individuals to come into their centre, talk to a staff member, in order to work out the best possible solution for each individual.

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

I want to briefly mention the transgender community in Guyana. To those who are not aware, a transgender is an individual who recognises their gender identity as different from their assigned sex. I don’t think I have to go into detail about how difficult this must be, especially in an intolerant community. Support groups for transgender 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, my favourite question – is this stigma and lack of opportunity a problem for just the individual or the entire community? As I mentioned, in many places, LGBT members are not allowed to donate blood, to adopt children, and even sometimes, to be community leaders. Not to mention, an intolerant society increases migration and reduces immigration and tourism.

How does this not affect our entire society? It is my hope that we can all accept and respect our own.

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:

Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department:
Monday- Friday – 08:00hrs-12:00hrs
Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!