Human rights and revolutionary love are deeply interconnected for a variety of reasons. Human rights protect the inherent worth of every individual while revolutionary love motivates people to see humanity in others, despite apparent differences. There is not one without the other.

Bermuda Is Love’s foundation is built on love. Hence the name. It is built on loving one another. Without revolutionary love, the pursuit of human rights risks being impersonal or mechanical. And without human rights, revolutionary love lacks the structure and framework needed to achieve lasting, impactful societal change. The two go hand in hand; and, when believed in and worked upon, can mend gaps and build bridges.

This February, think of love not just as red hearts and romantic relationships. Think of love not just as feelings and emotions. Instead, think of love that goes beyond that. Love that challenges the status quo. Love that is fostered in empathy and rooted in compassion. Love that fights oppression and embraces solidarity and inspires action. Revolutionary love seeks to create a world where equality, dignity and respect are fundamental rights for all. Revolutionary love wants to ensure everyone has adequate access to basic, physiological rights, so each and every human being can focus on living, not surviving. Relationship love is beautiful as well. It’s personal. It’s nurturing. But revolutionary love is expansive. It’s transformative. It is the most powerful tool that can be used in taking steps towards a more just and equitable world.

Bermuda’s history of colonialism, slavery and racial segregation has been undoubtedly a huge factor in shaping the social and political landscape of the island. And while achievements have been made in taking the necessary steps forward, there are still prevalent and unresolved issues with regard to inclusion and equality. The Bermuda Human Rights Act was enacted in 1981. This legislation affords rights and opportunities without discrimination to all. Yet, almost 45 years later, there are still social gaps between those of different races, classes, abilities, etc. While at times we can be ignorant of Bermuda’s lack of inclusivity, statistical and factual reports shed light on the systemic barriers faced by marginalised groups that contribute to the racial inequality on island. Housing, employment and disability discrimination highlight areas of inequity and are an example of still-standing issues.

As of the most recent data, 811 individuals are homeless on the island (Home, 2023). With a population so small, the number of homeless individuals is, comparatively, quite large. Twelve per cent of people are uninsured in terms of healthcare. Healthcare in Bermuda is tied to employment and insurance. However, if you are already experiencing financial challenges, you cannot afford health insurance. And in many instances, caring for your health becomes your last priority.

It’s surprising how significant the disparity in financial status is on an island that is only 21 square miles. Financial disparity in Bermuda is not just a matter of upper-class and middle-class differences. One third of households are food-insecure. About 7,150 people do not know where their next meal will come from. When you search up Bermuda on the internet, the most commonly used adjective to describe our economy is “prosperous”. But how prosperous can an economy be when one third of the population is living in poverty? (Harvard Journal, December 2024).

Compassion can be a catalyst in transforming our island. However, it requires empathy and solidarity across racial, economic and cultural divides. A country full of rich, cultural heritage and endless beauty cannot let racial disparities, economic inequality and social division be its biggest shortcoming. Ensuring human rights for all is a shared responsibility; and Bermuda Is Love aims to encourage people not only to address these challenges, but to take action in working towards a better Bermuda.

This month, Bermuda Is Love has launched the #RevolutionaryLove Campaign. At a time when division, inequality and environmental destruction dominate headlines, the campaign challenges the status quo by redefining love. Not as a passive or private emotion, but as an active, revolutionary force.

This campaign envisions a transformed world where we value radical care. Where we ensure universal healthcare and nurture the Earth as the planet we call home. Where we see justice and equity for all. Where we picture a future of restorative justice, equitable resource distribution and the dismantling of systemic injustices.

Finally, revolutionary love means living in liberation and freedom. A way of life many of us take for granted is simply unrealistic to even dream of for millions. When you are in a position of privilege and advantage, it is easy to view life solely through the lens of your own experiences. This limited perspective can make it difficult to truly understand the struggles faced by those who are marginalised and denied basic human rights.

Every human life matters. Regardless of what country they are from. Or what religion they follow. Or what shade their skin is. Your life is as important as mine. And their lives are as important as ours. When individuals claim others do not deserve basic human rights, they perpetuate systems of injustice. Rights are not earned or bestowed based on personal preferences or biases. Everyone deserves dignity, not because of who they are or what they are, but because they are human.

Revolutionary love calls on those in privileged positions to expand their perspective. It asks them to listen to the stories of the oppressed, acknowledge their own advantages, and stand in solidarity with those fighting for their rights.

Bermuda Is Love is hosting six free-of-charge events this month and would love for you to be a part of the revolution of love that transforms our world. On February 8, a Children’s Workshop for Compassion and Justice was held at the Western Zone Community Centre. Our futures lie in the hands of our children. Educating the generations to come will only improve the lives they one day lead. On February 9, at the Treehouse for a Love Letters Writing Workshop, participants authored heartfelt letters infused with revolutionary love — letters to loved ones, the community, marginalised voices, future generations, policymakers, or to themselves, reinforcing love as a force for justice and human rights.

We are appreciative of those who helped to spread the love on Valentine’s Day at our Kindness Station. It was a day of celebration that included handing out notes of kindness, compassion and love. The next day at the Bermuda Society of Arts, we hosted a Poetry Workshop where attendees found peace in expressing themselves in a beautiful and poetic way. And for the last weekend of the month, starting on Saturday, we are exploring love as a radical act of justice through our Empathy Circle at the Sammy Wilson Central Zone Community Centre. To end the love and passion-filled month, join us for a Walk for Revolutionary Love with the community on Sunday.

If you want to learn more about what love means when human rights are involved, or if you want to share your thoughts with someone else, join us. And together, let’s fix what’s broken and repair the cracks in our society. We all love our island; no doubt about that. The ocean. The sand. The trees. The sun. But we cannot claim to love what we don’t celebrate. Our futures depend on our courage to love beyond differences. And only through this love can we create a brighter and fairer future for all.

• Zarah Siddiqi, a Year 12 student at Somersfield Academy and member of Bermuda Is Love, is a passionate advocate for education