The Caribbean Equality Project is a Queens based organization that seeks to end stigma of LGBTQ people in the Caribbean diaspora, as well as increase visibility of LGBTQ people in the diaspora. They hold meetings and events that involve support and education. In the past, they have participated in and or held marches and walks, events educating about HIV/AIDS, support groups and online multimedia projects. Their group demonstrate how there is increasing awareness for these issues how they can improve the lives of the LGBTQ diaspora (Noel).
I went to the AIDS Walk 2017 and walked with the Caribbean Equality Project. Through this I was able to talk with members of the organization and see their interactions with their diaspora. Caribbean culture was of course a large part of their presentation. Music was constantly being played and members would often begin to dance with other walkers also joining in. It brought a sense of Carnival to the Walk. Flags of several Caribbean Countries were on display, resulting in many other walkers coming by and joining our group to show their pride for the Caribbean, their LGBTQ identity or both. It was evident that despite any discrimination the LGBTQ community faces, their Caribbean roots still are a huge part of their identity.
At the walk I received some items from the CEP I was able to keep. I received a t-shirt, hat, rainbow flag, fan, and selfie stick. The clothing, flag and fan was representative of the group’s goal to increase visibility for the LGBTQ Caribbean diaspora. The selfie stick emphasized the importance of social media and the internet for the CEP. Their Facebook acts as the way people can become informed of the organization, their goals and events. Members of the group took photos and video that were later added to their social media pages. Other walkers who spoke with members were encouraged to visit their Facebook page to learn more about their organization.
https://www.facebook.com/CaribbeanEqualityProject/
In addition to their social media presence, they also create multimedia projects. An example is their “My TRUTH My STORY” campaign, a storytelling campaign. LGBTQ people of Caribbean heritage tell their story that “promote visibility and empowerment through powerful messages of self-acceptance, love, respect, renewal and hope” (The Caribbean Equality Project). In the video below a Guyanese man tells his story of coming out to his friends and family and living with HIV.
Their multimedia projects provide a voice to the LGBTQ Caribbean Diaspora and demonstrate the importance of outreach and community in overcoming discrimination.
Mohammed Q. Amin and I
During the AIDS Walk I was able to speak with one of the leaders of the group: Mohammed Q. Amin. He told me how the CEP is the first organization of its kind for the diaspora and the importance of increasing visibility and education amongst the diaspora. He further elaborated about how the lack of representation and research done for the LGBTQ Caribbean diaspora was part of the reason the organization was formed.
The Caribbean Equality Project demonstrates how that the LGBTQ Caribbean diaspora still maintain a strong Caribbean identity. As well, it shows how the internet has provided new possibilities to perform outreach and support.
