Harold Hopkinson, a 71-year old businessman, has conquered the racing and sharp shooting arenas and now has his sights set on rallying fellow parents and the state to support the removal of an outdated law that discriminates against gay men in Guyana and passage of anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers. Hopkinson’s mission is fueled entirely by his love for his son Quincy, who is a 47-year old medical professional now residing overseas.
In his message, Hopkinson, a security executive, highlights the brain drain associated with these laws. “It hurts deeply that he felt he had to leave Guyana because of our country’s outdated laws criminalising intimacy between men,” Hopkinson says as he believes the current laws discriminating against LGBT people do not reflect Guyanese values. “They rob us of bright, hardworking people like my son,” he pointed out.
Hopkinson wants a collective response from parents and lawmakers on this issue. “We must stand against these discriminatory laws and pass laws that reflect our national values,” he demands. “Guyana is growing fast, and it is time for our country to also grow in fairness and respect for all people, including our gay citizens,” he added.
Hopkinson’s message is featured in Guyana Together’s fifth video message being released to commemorate Father’s Day. In this message, Hopkinson, a father of seven, talks about his love for his children and his special bond with Quincy. “I love my son and I am very proud of him,” Hopkinson shared. “He reminds me a lot of myself: we share the same sense of humour, we are both artistic, and we can fix almost anything,” Hopkinson said.
Guyana Together’s fifth video message will be aired both on local television and across a wide range of social media platforms. It complements four other videos launched from 2023 to 2025. The campaign’s first video features a young lesbian, Krystal Trim, and ally Eusebia Liverpool, who has been a mother figure in Trim’s life since her biological mother passed away when she was a teenager. The second video features Guyanese Model and Pageant Queen Kristal Inshan and her gay, best friend, fashion designer Avinash Narine and captures support through friendship. The third video saw sister Kaisha Davis and her transgender brother Tarique. Their love and support transcend a mere sibling relationship as it cemented an everlasting bond of trust. The campaign’s fourth video featured 80-year old grandmother Romanie Viola Simpson and Hollister. Hollister was assigned the sex of male at birth and now identifies as a transgender woman. Simpson’s message highlights her love, protection and support for Hollister who lost her mother at a tender age. The video puts a spotlight on the duo’s relationship and how they both value each other. All the Guyana Together videos capture real stories of immeasurable love and support from family and friends for gay and transgender Guyanese from all walks of life.
About Guyana Together
Guyana Together is a grassroots campaign aimed at growing public support and understanding for LGBT people and calling for the repeal of the country’s outdated, colonial-era law criminalising intimacy between men. The campaign brings together leading business voices, faith leaders, and over 200 Guyanese organisations – all while elevating the voices of everyday Guyanese people who believe in respect for their fellow gay and transgender citizens. A national 2022 poll shows a majority of Guyanese nationwide support the repeal of the laws criminalising same-sex intimacy and super-majority support for workplace protections for LGBT people.
All of these videos have seen positive support publicly. All videos can be accessed online on the Guyana Together website at guyanatogether.gy and the campaign’s social media pages on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube at the handle @GuyanaTogether. The website also provides more information on the campaign and how supporters can become involved.
