On the occasion of International Day of Families, Guyana’s LGBTQIA+ advocates voiced optimism that newly elected Pope Leo XIV will carry forward the inclusive legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, particularly with regard to the recognition of LGBTQIA+ families.
Celebrated under the theme “Family-Oriented Policies for Social Development,” the day offered LGBTQIA+ leaders in Guyana an opportunity to reflect on the strides made under Pope Francis and to express their hopes for continued progress under the new pontiff.
Pope Francis is remembered for fostering unprecedented openness within the Catholic Church, meeting regularly with gay and transgender people, supporting LGBTQIA+ ministries, and allowing same-sex couples to receive blessings. He also approved baptism and the role of godparent for transgender individuals, declaring that LGBTQIA+ people are “children of God.”
In a landmark 2023 interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis denounced laws criminalising LGBTQIA+ people as “unjust,” stating unequivocally that “being homosexual is not a crime, but a human condition.”
Locally, Bishop Francis Alleyne, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Guyana, publicly echoed the Pope’s stance. He argued that consensual same-sex intimacy should not be criminalised — a rare but welcomed position within the region. The Guyanese Catholic Church has historically spoken out against the country’s colonial-era anti-LGBTQIA+ laws.
Guyana remains the only South American nation that still criminalises private, consensual same-sex acts. Despite a 2022 public opinion poll showing majority support for decriminalisation, these laws remain on the books — placing Guyana among just 65 jurisdictions globally with such statutes.
Joel Simpson, Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, said, Pope Francis built a bridge toward LGBTQIA+ families. He helped many feel seen for the first time within the Church. “We hope to see the new Pope continue with this vision of an inclusive and accepting church,” he said.
Savannah Williams, Co-Chairwoman of Sexualities, Women and Genders (SWAG), noted that Pope Leo XIV brings with him a long history of advocacy for marginalised groups during his two decades as a religious leader in Peru. “The Guyanese LGBTQIA+ movement remains hopeful that his leadership will continue on the path of increasing recognition and acceptance for all families,” she added.
International Day of Families, observed annually on May 15, is a United Nations-designated day that aims to highlight the importance of family-inclusive policies and raise awareness of issues facing families around the world.
