As LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) persons become more visible throughout the Caribbean, they have begun to advocate to reduce active discrimination in areas of education, healthcare, labour and entertainment, among many, and eliminate the stain of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. Prevailing responses to anti-LGBTQI sentiment continue to focus on men who … Continue reading
One of T&T’s oldest NGO’s, the Child Welfare League, was founded in 1918 to reduce the high infant mortality rate at the time. Originally named the Baby Welfare League, it gave milk and other necessities to mothers to care for their children. Executive Director Bernadette McKie said the League also made significant contributions to health … Continue reading
Teenage mothers have traditionally faced stigma from society, including being forced to drop out of school. The Choices Adolescent Mothers’ Program run by the Child Welfare League of T&T provides support for some of these young mothers, allowing them to return to school and complete their education. Social work Annette Preito said the main objective of … Continue reading
Bullying is an ever-present problem in schools, and for LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) youth, it can often lead to depression and suicidal thoughts and actions. The Silver Lining Foundation (SLF) reaches out to these and other marginalized youth whose needs for attention and support are often not met by school and other … Continue reading
Around the world, the 25th of each month is celebrated as ‘Orange Day’, as part of a call by the United Nations Secretary General for organizations to reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against women and girls by wearing orange. As part of the observation of this day in August, the Network of NGOs of … Continue reading
Founder of Hollaback! Trinidad, Cherry Boodhan, 28, said street harassment is a form of sexual harassment that takes place in public spaces, typically against women and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) persons. She believes “it’s gender-based violence that should be stopped as it makes the target feel intimidated and scared to walk the streets.” Street … Continue reading
I enjoyed doing this interview with Khadija Sinanan, in August 2015, because it was awesome to be able to show that young persons in T&T were being respected and had a voice. It was also exciting to highlight issues and topics that are important but too often are whispered about but never really spoken … Continue reading
This was the first article I wrote for the World of Women magazine in the Trinidad Guardian in August 2015. I remember being so nervous when I went to the event and was telling people I work for the Guardian. I was wondering if I’d get the right information, something I still wonder about when … Continue reading
Trinidad-born, US-based Judge G Helen Whitener says the rights of LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) people are human rights and they are asking for respect and the right to be themselves without being persecuted. Judge Whitener, who is openly gay, sits on the Pierce County Superior Court, the highest trial court in … Continue reading
Originally posted on grrlscene:
Post 182. At one primary school, the friendly teacher interviewing Ziya looked up from reading her form when, under religion, I listed ‘none’. ‘None?’ she clarified incredulously, examining me anew, like I was a zaboca that beguiled with firm, green potential, only to appear blackened when cut open. Inside I chuckled,…
Writer. Teacher. Adventurer.
Books With Bite
Learn to write characters very different from you sensitively and convincingly
Where the world meets Caribbean Literature #OurStoriesMatter #OwnVoices
Caribbean Sexual and Reproductive Health Blog
