Monday, September 28, 2020
By KHRISNA RUSSELL
Tribune Chief Reporter
krussell@tribunemedia.net
PRIDE Bahamas 2020 will kick off next week and organisers say it will be a week-long series of virtual events geared toward making The Bahamas a country that is more accepting and inclusive of LGBTQI+ people.
“Pride 2020 for our committee, and we hope it will soon be for all of you, is more than just a moment; it’s a movement, the culmination of years of advocating and energy to make The Bahamas a more accepting and inclusive space for its LGBTQI+ citizens,” organisers said in a press release.
“For this reason, Pride 2020 has been constructed as a safe space for education and awareness for both the LGBTQI+ community and the wider Bahamas to best facilitate a much-needed dialogue on the concerns of the LGBTQI+ community.
“We have sessions focused on safe sex practices, the inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons in art, media and writing, the importance of religious faith in the lives of LGBTQI+ persons, and a variety of other timely topics for discussion.
“We also will not hesitate to bring to light the deep trauma faced by community members and will commemorate the LGBTQI+ lives lost over the years to various incidents of violence, neglect and hate at the hands of homophobic societal norms.
“In all, Pride 2020 is a call for the wider Bahamas to recognise the rights of its LGTBQI+ community and citizens. It is the first step in sensitising The Bahamas to the vital role its LGBTQI+ community plays in the societal and cultural structures of The Bahamas.
“Pride 2020 will make it clear that the needs and concerns of the LGBTQI+ community can no longer be pushed aside, it’s a reminder that we have a voice and will not be afraid to advocate for a more welcoming and inclusive country.”
The events had to be retooled due to restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
In May, Pride Bahamas spokesperson Alexus D’Marco said the events, which initially were set to be hosted in a public forum, would likely be hosted virtually in view of the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.
The event’s theme is “The Rebirth of Pride Bahamas: Centering LGBTIQA+ People in The Bahamas’ Future”.
Comments
joeblow says...
Unfortunately, the mentally ill may always be stigmatized. Its worse when they try to normalize and thrust their illness down your throat!
Posted 29 September 2020, 9:30 a.m. Suggest removal
ISpeakFacts says...
Mentail Illness is correct! Sadly, its only a matter of time until a lil boy says he wants to turn himself into a girl or vice versa! I remember when it was only called the **LGB** which I had no problem with, now they went ahead and turned it into the LGB**TQQIP2SAA**. You don't need no damn parade for this nonsense!
WTF IS THIS SH*T??? **ENOUGH IS ENOUGH**! Next they'll be telling our youths that there are more than 2 genders!
Posted 29 September 2020, 10:11 a.m. Suggest removal
trueBahamian says...
I don't understand some of the labeling. You have the label gay but that's attach to a guy, but a woman who is gay is a lesbian. Why the differentiation? Another thing, the labels keep going. Now, you have non-binary which apparently leads to the use of "they", "them", etc. At some point we will need an encyclopedia to keep track.
I won't debate nature vs. nurture. At some point, shiuod there be a psychological evaluation? If a bkack.man identifies himself as a white man, do we accept him or try to get him help. There is a concept of too far.
Posted 29 September 2020, 11:57 a.m. Suggest removal
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