-urges political parties to commit

IN a push to ensure that the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ Guyanese are prioritised in the national political agenda, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Guyana, on Wednesday, launched the Guyana LGBTQIA+ Manifesto 2025.

The launch was held on Wednesday at the Herdmanston Lodge Hotel in Queenstown, Georgetown.
The manifesto, which outlines ten priority issues grouped under five broad thematic areas, calls on political parties contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections to adopt its recommendations in their own manifestos — and to deliver on them if elected.

SASOD’s Managing Director, Joel Simpson, described the launch as the first major activity for the LGBTQIA+ movement during this electoral season and stressed the importance of civic engagement within the community.

“A majority of Guyanese believe it’s time for the LGBTQIA+ community to be treated with respect under Guyanese law,” Simpson stated, pointing to recent survey findings that show 54 per cent of Guyanese support repealing outdated laws that criminalise intimacy between men, while 72.4 per cent believe workplace protections should extend to LGBTQIA+ workers.
Simpson underscored the community’s resolve to make their voices heard at the polls on September 1. “These are common-sense values that Guyanese of all backgrounds currently honour. We must make our voices heard at the ballot box and cast our ballots for candidates who match our values,” he urged.

The Guyana LGBTQIA+ Manifesto 2025’s priorities span a range of legal, social, and economic reforms, including the repeal of discriminatory laws, the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in national non-discrimination legislation, mandatory training on Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion for state service providers, and greater inclusion in education, economic opportunities, quality health services, and social protection — including safe housing and emergency shelter for LGBTQIA+ youth fleeing violence.

Local entrepreneur and LGBTQIA+ advocate, Enzo Matthews, also lent his voice at the event. Matthews, whose businesses have endorsed SASOD’s ‘Guyana Together’ campaign, emphasised that the priorities outlined are not special privileges but minimum requirements for a just and modern Guyana.

“With elections quickly approaching, this event was strategically planned to ensure that Government and all who are contesting the elections hear these conversations,” Matthews said. He called for unity, reminding fellow Guyanese to embrace each other regardless of sexual orientation. “Let’s come together as friends, colleagues, and even those we meet on the street — and just love each other.”

As Guyana prepares for the September polls, SASOD says it will continue to engage parties and voters to ensure that equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination remain at the forefront of the national conversation.