A su vez SASOD ha adoptado el lema de este año y se han puesto en marcha una campaña llamada “Self(ie) expresión” álbum como su zona de libre expresión en su página de fans en Facebook. Durante las pasadas semanas, SASOD ha estado alentando las personas a presentar sus fotos con una declaración de la lucha contra la homofobia y la transfobia. La respuesta ha sido abrumadora y recibieron más de 100 fotos de personas y organizaciones tanto a nivel local como en el extranjero diciendo que no a la homofobia y la transfobia y pidiendo la igualdad LGBT en Guyana y en todo el mundo. “Estos mensajes de esperanza y solidaridad son una fuente de aliento e inspiración para LGBT guyaneses y ciudadanos que apoyan la igualdad y los derechos humanos para todas las personas”, comentó el vicepresidente de SASOD, Ulelli Verbeke.

Album Self(ie) expression 

In observance of International Day Against homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) launched the Self(ie) Expression Album on Facebook on Monday, May 13 and the SASOD Cine Campaign at Moray House on Friday, May 16, 2014.

A statement from SASOD now follows:

SASOD capitalized on this year’s theme and launched the self(ie) expression album as a free expression zone on its Facebook page. For two weeks individuals were encouraged to send their selfies with a statement tackling homophobia and transphobia. The response was overwhelming as we received more than 150 photos from persons, and organizations both locally and abroad saying no to homophobia and transphobia and calling for LGBT equality. Those messages served as a source of encouragement and inspiration for the local LGBT community.

SASOD’s signature event for commemorating this global day was the launch the SASOD Cine Campaign which highlights issues of violence and discrimination meted out to members of the LGBT Community. The Campaign is made up of documentaries which exemplify exactly what the day was created to highlight.

The campaign is innovative and interactive and utilizes film technology and social media to highlight issues of homophobia and transphobia affecting LGBT Guyanese which deter them from accessing healthcare and other basic social services. The documentaries will be aired on local television stations and online. The SASOD Cine Campaign blog was also launched, the blog will serve as a platform for the dissemination of information about the campaign and documentaries.

LGBT communities, allies and officials gather for IDAHOT 2014 commemorations in Guyana.

Social media campaign in Guyana for IDAHOT 2014.

“These messages of hope and solidarity are a source of encouragement and inspiration to LGBT Guyanese and citizens who support equality and human rights for all people.” – SASOD Co-Chair, Ulelli Verbeke, IDAHOT 2014.

“Violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are not only human rights violation themselves, but they have an insidious effect on other basic rights issues like access to healthcare and other basic social services. There should be no place for hate in Guyana.” – SASOD Advocacy and Communications Officer, Schemel Patrick, IDAHOT 2014.

To see photos of this year’s events click here.

To see the video montage, click here.

Media coverage:

1. SASOD launches Cine Campaign to end discrimination against LGBT Guyanese – http://www.inewsguyana.com/sasod-launches-cine-campaign-to-end-discrimination-against-lgbt-guyanese/
2. SASOD launches Cine campaign to erode discrimination against LGBT – http://www.stabroeknews.com/2014/news/stories/05/17/sasod-launches-cine-campaign-erode-discrimination-lgbt/
3. ‘Selfie’ campaign to fight homophobia – http://www.capitolnewsonline.com/2014/05/16/selfie-campaign-to-fight-homophobia/
4. SASOD launches Cine Campaign to End Discrimination against LGBT Guyanese – Facebook “Self(ie) Expression” extended to Mark Independence Day – http://www.sasod.org.gy/sasod-blog-sasod-launches-cine-campaign-end-discrimination-against-lgbt-guyanese-facebook-%E2%80%9Cselfie

SASOD se prepara para celebrar el Día Internacional contra la Homofobia y la Transfobia (IDAHOT) con el lanzamiento de la Campaña SASOD Cine.La Campaña SASOD Cine es una innovadora campaña destinada a poner de relieve los temas de la homofobia y la transfobia que afectan a las personas LGBT tales como la atención de salud y otros servicios sociales básicos.

El Campaña de Cine SASOD también busca reducir la homofobia y la transfobia en la sociedad.

Para mas información pueden visitar su pagina de Facebook o el evento.

The action was organised by the Guyana Equality Forum and its partners. The GEF is a local network of civil society groups who support equal rights and justice for all Guyanese. The coalition is chaired by Red Thread, while SASOD serves as its administrative secretariat.

Organisers advised: ‘This year’s event was titled “Painting a Brighter Future” under the theme, “The Children are our Future” to raise awareness of the issues children face in Guyana, such as violence, abuse, and discrimination based on sexuality and gender. IDAHO was also utilized to keep a local spotlight on the Select Committee of the National Assembly that is currently holding consultations on the abolition of corporal punishment in schools and the need to create a safe and enabling environment for children, regardless of race, religion, social status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. IDAHO was therefore acknowledged by highlighting the immense work of Guyanese groups advocating to advance human rights protections of all citizens.’

The event took place on Saturday May 18, 2013 at 3:00pm.

Images from the event. Source.

For more information see:

• SASOD Blog: GUYANA: International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO)