OutBermuda marks global day supporting LGBTQ+ community
A worldwide observance to raise awareness about human rights breaches against members of the LGBTQ+ community will be recognised on the island by OutBermuda.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia is marked annually on May 17.
It was established in 2004 to co-ordinate efforts that stimulate interest in rights violations globally and became an occasion to campaign for meaningful change and celebrate community resilience.
A spokeswoman for OutBermuda said: “As we observe IDAHBT this year commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Human Rights Declaration, OutBermuda also marks significant anniversaries that reflect our community's journey towards liberation.
“It is the 30th anniversary of the Stubbs Bill which decriminalised same-sex activities in 1994 and just over a decade since the Human Rights Amendment Act 2013 included sexual orientation as a protected category.
“These milestones highlight the progress achieved and remind us of the ongoing challenges such as the lack of data collection, combating the bullying and harassment facing LGBTQ+ youth, and enhancing support and legislation for the trans and non-binary community.
“This year’s IDAHBT theme, No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice For All, resonates deeply with OutBermuda’s mission of actively working to create a future in which LGBTQ+ Bermudians and residents feel that they are safe, valued, seen and thriving.”
She added: “The theme also aligns with the theme for Bermuda Pride 2024, Family Affair.
“Both themes emphasise the importance of inclusivity and support for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, with the latter focusing particularly on recognising the diverse forms of family within the LGBTQ+ community, from biological and adopted families to the vital chosen families that have been the way in which we as a community have collectively tried to ensure no one is left behind.”
OutBermuda recently appointed six new members to its board of directors.
It sights were set on development and growth and the organisation aims to become more visible and proactive.
The spokeswoman said: “As Bermuda's sole LGBTQ+ charity, we recognise the significant responsibility we carry and promise to push forward, ensuring that our actions and advocacy reflect the strength and diversity of our community.
“Stay engaged with our content and events to help us build a more inclusive, equitable and just society.”
OutBermuda has allocated $5,000 to individuals and $5,000 to groups through its Empowerment Grant to support programmes positively impacting Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ community.
To find out more or to apply, visit www.outbermuda.org.
For the Government:
• Recognise and observe important dates to both the local and global LGBTQ+ community including the passing of the Stubbs Bill and Human Rights Amendment Act 2013, as well as IDAHBT and the start of Pride Month
• Recognise and show support for Bermuda Pride as an essential part of Bermudian culture through sponsorship, promotion and active participation
• Enhance data collection around the LGBTQ+ community including adding sexual orientation and gender identity to all future censuses starting from 2026
• Engage in regular dialogue with OutBermuda and other community stakeholders to further understand and address the needs of the local LGBTQ+ community
For private sector businesses and charities:
• Encourage a culture of inclusion and develop a connection with the local LGBTQ+ community by hiring local LGBTQ+ speakers from a variety of backgrounds to share their experiences
• Engage with OutBermuda’s resources and services including its Safe Zone Training
• Continue to generously support Bermuda Pride as a cornerstone event for Bermudian culture but also seek to support some of its other programmes that run throughout the year or co-develop new projects
For individuals:
• Showing up is perhaps the most vital thing you can do: attend OutBermuda events/initiatives — and other LGBTQ+ events — engage with its social media posts, and stand with the LGBTQ+ people in your lives
• Volunteer with OutBermuda if you have the passion, time and energy. To sign up to volunteer for Bermuda Pride 2024 visit www.pride.bm/volunteer
Information provided by OutBermuda
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