– Campaign says growing support reflects calls for greater inclusion, workplace protection

GUYANA Together, the campaign which has been advocating greater acceptance and reduced stigma and prejudice against LGBT people, is marking its third anniversary with 250 businesses, civic organisations and other groups having endorsed its call for a more inclusive Guyana.
The campaign, launched in September 2023 by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Black Entrepreneurs Association, Guyana Press Association and SASOD Guyana according to a press release, said the milestone reflects growing support from organisations across a wide range of sectors.

Among those represented are businesses and organisations in the energy, legal, food, entertainment, media, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality sectors.
The campaign’s third anniversary comes as endorsing organisations reiterate calls for equality, respect, protection against discrimination and the repeal of laws that criminalise same-sex intimacy.
Youth Focal Point of the Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples (GOIP), Shane Thomas, said the 250-organisation milestone demonstrates that people from different sections of Guyanese society can support a fairer country.
He said, particularly as Guyana observes Amerindian Heritage Month, there is an appreciation of the importance of respecting the dignity, identity and rights of every person and community.
Thomas said no one should be treated as a criminal or denied the opportunity to make a living because of their sexual orientation or who they love.
The campaign’s release further noted that it has also received support from businesses in the country’s expanding tourism and hospitality sector.
Adding to this, Founder and Managing Director of Wanderlust Adventures GY Inc., Roselyn Sewcharran, said Guyana’s diversity is among the country’s greatest strengths and stressed the importance of treating everyone with dignity, respect and fairness.
She said as Guyana’s tourism industry continues to grow and welcomes visitors from around the world, it is important to foster workplaces and communities where people feel safe, respected and welcomed.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Scotty’s Smoke House Executive Chef and Co-Proprietor Lennox Scott, who said everyone working in his restaurant should be treated fairly and with respect.

Scott said his business supports stronger workplace protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
Additionally, Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc. (GOGSS), Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, said an inclusive workplace is important to ensuring that Guyana can attract and retain the strongest and most talented workforce as the oil and gas sector expands.
Guyana Together said the support is also reflected in recent polling, which found that 53.9 per cent of Guyanese support repeal of the colonial-era law criminalising same-sex intimacy, while 72 per cent support workplace protections for LGBT people.
The campaign also highlighted collaboration with organisations including the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Guyana Public Service Union, Clerical and Commercial Workers Union, Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Guyana and Rotary Club of Georgetown.
Over its three years, it was stated that Guyana Together has produced five videos featuring Guyanese sharing personal stories of acceptance and support for LGBT relatives and friends.
The campaign said it intends to build on the 250 endorsements by translating the support into actions and changes that can benefit LGBT people in Guyana.