Bid To Strengthen Support Systems For Lgbt Community
By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Chief Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FOUR days of pride celebrations will kick off this weekend in a bid to strengthen existing support systems for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community.
Organisers
yesterday confirmed that the “Bahamas Pride Freedom Weekend” will take
place at an all-inclusive resort on eastern Grand Bahama beginning this
Friday.
The event was originally scheduled for the Labour Day weekend, but was postponed.
In
a recent interview with The Tribune about the event, organiser Victor
Rollins underscored the critical need for outreach and empowerment
within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community.
He
said he envisioned the pride weekend as an opportunity to target the
marginalised community, members of which he felt were often stigmatised,
manipulated or exploited.
“The
Bahamas Pride Freedom Weekend will cater to the various layers that
impact the lives of LGBT Bahamians,” a press statement released on the
event yesterday read.
The
press release continued: “This event is not the first event of its kind
and leading up to Bahamas Pride Freedom Weekend, members of the now
defunct Rainbow Alliance Bahamas, Bahamian Gays and Lesbians Against
Discrimination and Hope Through Education and Awareness will be
highlighted and given tribute for the cornerstones that they have laid
for the community during their active period.”
The
statement added: “The event will also have a moment of memoriam for all
LGBT individuals who were victims and or lost their lives because of
hate crimes or HIV.”
The
weekend will feature seven themed parties, including a talent showcase
and pageant; however, organisers also pointed to a Health Fair as
integral part of the event. Activities highlighted include: a Great
Gatsby themed all-white affair, a pyjama party, a retro party and
signature beach and pool parties.
Society
Against STIs and HIV (SASH) Bahamas, a nonprofit organisation, was
listed as a major stakeholder in the planning of the event.
Amard
Rolle, executive director SASH Bahamas, said: “The community needs a
much needed boost of new energy, safe spaces and structured environments
to truly be innovative.
“We agreed to be a part of this event because we at SASH Bahamas are committed to being social helpers and community builders.”
Yesterday, organisers could not confirm how many persons were expected to participate this weekend.
August 28, 2014
Tribune242
