Over the years, the celebration of Pride month in the Caribbean has slowly been morphing from one that has operated in hushed spaces, towards one that is steadily visible in all of its flamboyant glory. Given the immense harm that is usually perpetuated against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans persons, it can often seem as if no significant progress is being made. But I think now of the changing landscape and the impact this can have on both young and old queer people that are still struggling with their identities.
Many older LGBT people were raised in environments where they had to live lives removed from themselves and community. It can be an isolating existence when who you are results in people labeling you as being “unnatural.” As exposure around the lives, struggles and accomplishments of LGBT Caribbean people continue to pick up steam; there is more space for openness and a burgeoning community space that helps to challenge the feeling of isolation that often exists amongst us.
In years prior and today, coming out of the proverbial closet is no easy task, particularly in environments where one’s safety can be threatened if their true identity is known. There is often a rhetoric that is spread during this time that one needs to be “out and proud” to be considered part of the community, but you owe no one your story. The entire concept of coming out really is one that I have really not ever truly understood, although I get where it comes from. So to those for whom it is still unsafe, still uneasy and for those who simply do not want folks in their business, that is perfectly valid and it does not make you less than those who are “out”. Pride has always been centred on community and providing space for freedom and growth to those that might not have experienced it in their own families.
As corporate commercialization of Pride takes centre stage, there does however seem to be the unfortunate occurrence of community cohesion taking a backburner to optical celebration. Many businesses are now quick to slap on a pride flag as a commercial strategy, while their beliefs, attitudes and actions towards LGBT persons are unsupportive and often hateful. This really takes away from the foundational reasons for Pride, which is centred on resistance against the ways in which society oppresses these minoritized groups. Don’t get me wrong; I believe that there is space for nuance as it relates to both the commercialization of Pride and the affirming feelings that can come from seeing rainbow coloured merchandise and supportive statements.
The improved positive representation of LGBT persons within the local media is something to be celebrated. Positive visibility is always good, but it is important however that we do not get stuck there. As there is growing pressure for conservative societies to be and appear more progressive, we have seen a rise in positive representations of minority groups, but this visibility is rarely ever supported by actions and policies that can make their lives easier.
Examples of this empty allyship can be seen amongst Guyana’s parliamentarians over the years. Previously one would’ve been hard-pressed to find parliamentarians openly supporting LGBT persons and having public consultations with representative groups. That is not really the case now. An example of this was seen earlier in the year when Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand shared some graphics stating that LGBT persons have a friend in her. The sentiment was nice, but it was empty and demonstrative of the ways in which politicians often weaponize progressive rhetoric to further build their support base while doing absolutely nothing to ensure that the rights of minority groups are respected. At the end of the day, regardless of the motivations and public posturing of politicians, it is clear that all it really comes down to is staying power and ensuring that they do not do anything too drastic that might cause backlash from their support base.
As local groups and allies celebrate this Pride month, it would do us all good to consider the ways in which we can truly contribute towards LGBT liberation and do away with the hatred pushed by conservatives.
