THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Guyana marked its 21st anniversary with a research symposium that brought together scholars, activists, and policymakers to discuss the state of LGBTQ rights and experiences in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

Held at the Herdmanston Lodge on Tuesday, the event also served as the launch pad for a new book chronicling the lives of LGBTQ individuals in the region.

Dr Nikoli Attai, a Trinidadian author, presented his book “Defiant Bodies,” which explores the real-life experiences of LGBTQ persons in the Caribbean.

Dr Attai highlighted the significant role Guyana played in his research, noting that the time he spent in the country greatly enriched his work.

President of SASOD, activist and one of the many faces of LGBTQ rights in Guyana, Joel Simpson, explained that the event sought to spark discussions between speakers and those present.

Moreover, he stated, “As some may know that SASOD’s actual anniversary was June 7th, not July 16th. But because we were in the last lap of pride, we did not to have an activity to mark or commemorate our 21st anniversary. So, we wanted to launch this book and this symposium because our work is a big part of it.”

Among the notable speakers was Preity Kumar, a Guyanese scholar and activist with a Ph.D. in Gender, Feminist, and Women’s Studies from York University.

Kumar’s virtual presentation delved into the historical context of LGBTQ issues in the Caribbean. She emphasised the lasting impact of colonial history on contemporary attitudes towards the LGBTQ community.

“Historically, as we all know, the Caribbean has been shaped by centuries of colonial expansion, transatlantic slavery and economic dependency, creating a complex background that means contemporary issues of gender and sexuality unfold. The influence of global capitalism has only intensified these dynamics, perpetuating cycles of economic marginalisation and disparity. Yet queer Caribbean bodies often labour to resist these projects, both in their embodiment and through their defiance,” she said.

The symposium also addressed the political aspects of LGBTQ rights in Guyana.

Member of Parliament, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, contributed to the discussion, highlighting the role of the judiciary in recent legal changes.

“The cross-dressing law came into being not because there was political will on our part. It was a result of our apex court which touched on constitutional rights. So, my question is, what measures should we adopt so that we can create a culture so that there is political will on our part so that a lot of laws can be decriminalised? It may start with a culture shift, but we have to start with awareness,” she said in her remarks.

Meanwhile, Dr Nastassia Rambarran, a Guyanese Public Health Consultant and Physician based in Barbados, provided insights into the growth of LGBTQ organisations in Guyana.

Her research revealed a significant expansion in the number of organisations serving the LGBTQ community.

Also joining virtually, she shared that, “There has been expansion of queer organisations through the timeline of 2001 to 2022. From 2001 to 2010, there were already seven more organisations catering to LGBTQ persons in Guyana.”

Dr Rambarran also outlined the trajectory of queer activism in the country and stated, “I formulated that the trajectory of queer activism, which of course had occurred for decades and maybe even centuries outside of formal organisations.

“Then from 2010s, the arc has been one of diversification, amplification, and increasing visibility,” she added.

The symposium provided a platform for open discussions on these issues, encouraging dialogue between different stakeholders in the LGBTQ rights movement.