Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

History continues to be made, as T&T Pride 2019 comes to an end this weekend, with three major events scheduled.

On July 25, veteran actor, director and artist Mervyn de Goeas will host ACTING UP! Chapter 2 – Queer Representation on Stage, Film and Television. The event is a follow-up to last year’s event, which detailed the history of LGBTQI+ theatre in T&T. Thursday’s presentation will include performances by de Goeas, Anthony Medina, Aurora Tardieu, Cecilia Salazar, Karen Francisco and Kevin Humphrey. The event will take place at Drink! Wine Bar and Bistro, beginning at 7:30 pm. Admission is free.

DIVA Returns takes place on July 26 at the Little Carib Theatre, Corner Roberts and White Streets, WoodBrook, Port-of-Spain. This drag queen fashion and talent show is being held by Pride TT in honour of Raymond Choo Kong and Gregory Singh, two members of the theatrical and LGBTQI+ communities whose lives were taken in similarly tragic circumstances in 2018 and 2019. Pride TT Pride TT Chief Coordinator Rudolph Hanamji said “Raymond came on board to support Pride TT in 2018 given his belief that it would benefit many young persons and even those who are young-at-heart. For 2019, he agreed to bring his highly acclaimed production DIVA back to the stage just for Pride TT and at that time to honour Gregory Singh. A cast was chosen and rehearsals began. Unfortunately, Raymond has also now been taken from us but the cast and crew, including co-directors Anthony Medina and Mervyn de Goeas, are proceeding with the show as Raymond would want it to go on, and in honour of those we have lost. While the production’s initial purpose was to provide financial support to the Pride Parade, Pride TT commits to creating a fund to support upcoming LGBTQI+ theatre in T&T.” Tickets for the show cost $200.

The highly anticipated event on July 28 comprises a fair, fun day, two mini-concerts and parade at the Nelson Mandela Park, Port-of-Spain. The market and fair, composed of local artisans, along with games and activities, opens at 9 am. The first mini-concert will feature special guest artistes from the LGBTQI+ community and allies, including dance, music and drag performances, beginning at 10:30 am. The Parade begins at 1:30 pm and is carded to last three hours, and the closing mini-concert begins at 4:30 pm. Hanamji said “the event will include a commemoration of the life of Raymond Choo Kong, and other fallen members of the LGBTQI+ Community. The recent violent physical and verbal attacks on the community highlight the need to focus on ‘equity and equality for all’, which is the theme of this year’s Pride TT celebrations. Members of the LGBTQI+ community and allies will once again take to the streets to proclaim the former’s presence, positive contribution to national development and their demand for equitable and equal protections for, and access to, human rights such as the right to life and liberty. While Raymond lived long enough to speak his truth at Pride TT 2018, the way he was taken from us motivates us to maintain the struggle and represent all those whose are yet unable to speak.”

For more information, go to www.pridett.com, email info@pridett.com, and call 480-9470, 461-5289, 749-4515 and 316-7595.