Pride events include discussion on LGBTQ+ family challenges
The impact on members of the LGBTQ+ community of being ostracised by family is among the topics at an upcoming panel discussion.
A series of events is being organised by Bermuda Pride, led by the talk on August 28, which will include speakers with first-hand experience of either being part of or supporting the community.
Najib Chentouf, the Pride project manager, said: “We are looking to explore family and family connections within the LGBTQ+ community.
“There are challenges with acceptance, with folks who feel ostracised and feel like they have to choose a family because their blood family is not supportive of them.
“There are also challenges with parents who hadn’t anticipated having queer children, and are faced with unlearning and relearning.
“There are struggles with religious beliefs and cultural norms in Bermuda.
“All of these things affect the queer individuals within the family, as well as families navigating being supportive of the queer family members.
"There are people who have left the island or do not feel safe living on the island and can’t fully be themselves in Bermuda. They have gone elsewhere.
“We will also be discussing marriage and unions where members of the LGBTQ+ community are unable to achieve the family structure they desire.
“They are unable to legally marry their partners and there is not much of a framework for adoption, IVF and having children.”
Mr Chentouf said that at the discussion, which is open to all, panellists and attendees will be invited to share personal stories.
The panellists are Joanne Herbert, Daren Herbert, David Stubbs and Yesha Townsend.
There will be education and resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families and loved ones.
Mr Chentouf added: “Resources include the programming OutBermuda has for youth groups as well as entities that are very supportive when it comes to counselling and mental health such as Solstice, which is open and willing to support the community.
“I think there will also be connections to be made at the panel discussion.”
Other Bermuda Pride events this year include an open-mike night, the Pride Parade, a night party, a Sunday service and a family beach day.
• August 28: Panel discussion at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute from 6pm. The event is free but registration is required via pride.bm
• August 29: open mike at the Bermuda Society of Arts in City Hall from 6.30pm. Tickets are $10 and there will be a cash bar
• August 30: Gala and Icon Awards at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. General admission is $125 and youth tickets [18 to 24] are $75. Doors open at 6pm
• August 31: Pride Parade starting and ending at Victoria Park. The park opens at 9am and the parade begins at 10am. There will be a party in the park from 11am until 2am
• August 31: Party at Pier Six on Front Street from 10pm. General admission is $25 and VIP tickets are $150
• September 1: Sunday Service at Wesley Methodist Church from 11am to midday. There will be a “one-day choir” performing following just one day of rehearsals. Anyone wishing to sign up should visit pride.bm/events
• September 1: Family Beach Day at Turtle Bay on Cooper’s Island in St George’s. The event is from 2pm to 6pm.
The Pride Parade, Bermuda Pride’s signature event, is to take place on August 31 starting at 10am from Victoria Park. There will also be a party at the park from 11am until 2pm.
There will be performers on the route including Marcus Tizzebra, a performing artist, Raven Baksh, a musician, and DJ Pogi.
Mr Chentouf said: “This is the fourth Pride Parade and I’m expecting a great turnout. We’re looking forward to seeing all of the costumes and other forms of self-expression.
“Pride events are open for everyone to attend. They centre on and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community but all are welcome.
“Members of the queer community are family members, our co-workers, our neighbours and members of the broader community. They deserve acknowledgement and inclusion, and we should come out and support them.”
• For more information and a full list of Bermuda Pride events, visit pride.bm
Fortitude Re has returned as a major “rainbow” sponsor for Bermuda Pride 2024.
Najib Chentouf, the project manager for Bermuda Pride, said: "On behalf of all the many people who are working tirelessly to ensure Bermuda Pride is a beautiful reflection of our LGBTQ+ community, we thank wholeheartedly our sponsors, especially returning rainbow sponsors like our friends at Fortitude Re, without whose support we could not make this all happen.”
Amanda Stewart, the senior vice-president of employee experience at Fortitude Re, added: “At Fortitude Re, we are proud to sponsor OutBermuda’s Pride week celebrations again this year.
“By sponsoring this event, we not only honour the courage and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community but also reaffirm our commitment to fostering a workplace where everyone is respected and embraced for their authenticity.
“We ask others to join us in celebrating this event and continuing the journey towards a more inclusive future for everyone."
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