Guyana Together campaign officially launched.

In an effort to harmonize and sensitize the nation on the importance of kindness and understanding, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Black Entrepreneurs Association (BEA), Guyana Press Association (GPA) and The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) has launched the Guyana Together campaign.

This campaign aims to increase acceptance and respect and reduce stigma and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Guyana, fostering inclusion and understanding of all Guyanese.

Guyana Together aims at becoming a national movement with its many social media platforms and media reach, which will highlight the plight and stigma attached to LGBTQ persons living in Guyana and how they are being affected by the social norms of the country.

The launch was held at the Guyana Marriot Hotel on Wednesday and saw the attendance of members of the Diplomatic Corps and persons who have partnered with Guyana Together as they begin this momentous journey.

The (GCCI), represented by Chairperson of the Membership and Diversity Committee and Councilor of the GCCI, Karensa Greavesande -Bart, has pledged support to the campaign.

She stressed on the importance of improving economic climate and noted that the values of the campaign align perfectly with the GCCI’s objective.

She stated that the aim is to support the voices of the LGBT and actively participate in sharing their stories to raise awareness and provide tangible solutions, while encouraging other organisations to get on board to aid in the revision of laws to end discrimination and provide equal treatment to LGBTQ members.

Meanwhile, Reverend Patricia Sheeratan-Bisnauth of the Guyana Presbyterian Church encouraged the breaking of barriers and showed her support, noting that Guyana stands on the side of a fractured society.

She expressed that as a nation, there is a moral obligation to support all Guyanese regardless of sexuality and the fact that they are being denied equal rights under the law is concerning, noting that freedom from discrimination hurts the nation.

Managing Director of SASOD Joel Simpson revealed that it took close to two years, as significant works went into the gathering of information for stories and videos, to launch and promote this campaign.

He disclosed that approximately 63 organisations have endorsed Guyana Together so far and assured there are many more endorsements on the way.

While encouraging the nation to follow the campaign on social platforms, he assured that Guyana Together will not be a short- lived campaign.

The intention is to spark conversation to take things to the next level in order to attain respect for the LGBTQ community.