By Ceola Wilson

One of the original members of the Rainbow Alliance has formed a new advocacy group for Bermuda’s gay community.

Jordan Sousa said the move to create the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) started out of need.

The group’s mantra is ‘empowering people to fight homophobia and transphobia; striving for equality and fairness for all’.

“Some of our most challenging work in the Rainbow Alliance has been counselling young members of our community with the tough challenges they face.,” Mr Sousa said.

“Challenges include homophobia within their own families, and forced discredited curative ‘therapies’. The value of the organisation is not in question.

“That said, the activities of the Rainbow Alliance would not have been possible without mostly straight partners including the ever bold Gavin Smith and Deidra Lee of the Chewstick Foundation and other financial partners that wish to remain nameless.”

The GSA will provide educational, advocacy, activism, and lobbying activities for the gay community.

“The Rainbow Alliance was never created to be a political or educational organisation,” Mr Sousa added.

“Ideally at this point we would like people to join our Facebook page, send us e-mails, get involved,” he said.

“If you can’t, write a cheque we welcome hearing from everyone prior to the formation of our formal strategic plan and charity registration.”

For more information e-mail info@gsabermuda.com or visit www.facebook.com/GSAbermuda.