Guyana Together observes its third anniversary since its launch in September 2023, by celebrating 250 organisational endorsers who have pledged support for this historic campaign. Guyana Together was launched as a grassroots effort to increase acceptance levels among Guyanese and to reduce the level of stigma and prejudice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The campaign was launched by four local organisations: Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Black Entrepreneurs Association, Guyana Press Association and SASOD Guyana. Over the short span of time, the campaign has won support from hundreds of Guyanese businesses and civic organisations across the country.
Guyana Together is proud to recognise many of the organisations who have endorsed the campaign from various sectors. These include industries like energy, legal, food and entertainment, media, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality. This milestone is being lauded on the campaign’s third anniversary by some of its endorsing partners.
Shane Thomas, Youth Focal Point of Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples (GOIP) shared that “reaching 250 organisations endorsing Guyana Together shows that people from every part of Guyana can stand together for a fairer country.” He added that “as indigenous peoples observe Heritage Month, we know the importance of respecting the dignity, identity and rights of every person and community. We share a belief that every Guyanese deserves to live with safety and respect. No one should be treated as a criminal or denied the ability to make a living because of who they are or who they love.”
For Roselyn Sewcharran, Founder and Managing Director, Wanderlust Adventures GY Inc., “Guyana’s greatest strength is its diversity; our people, cultures, communities and extraordinary landscapes all contribute to what makes our country such a unique destination. At Wanderlust Adventures GY Inc., we believe that hospitality begins with treating every person with dignity, respect and fairness.” She pointed out that “as our tourism industry continues to grow and Guyana welcomes more visitors from around the world, it is important that we continue building a society and workplace culture where people feel safe, respected and welcomed. We are pleased to stand with Guyana Together in supporting a more inclusive and welcoming Guyana for everyone.”
Lennox Scott, Executive Chef and Co-Proprietor of Scotty’s Smoke House, shared that “I know food brings people together; and as an employer, I believe everyone who works in my restaurant deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. That’s why I’m proud that we are part of Guyana Together and support stronger workplace protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Everyone deserves to live with dignity, respect and freedom.”
Similarly, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc. (GOGSS), posited that “as an employer in Guyana’s growing oil and gas sector, we know our country’s future depends on having the strongest and most talented workforce possible. That means everyone should be able to contribute and thrive in a workplace free from discrimination. We’re proud to support Guyana Together and stand with more than 250 businesses and other progressive organisations for a more inclusive Guyana.”
These statements speak to the heart of the Guyana Together campaign, all calling for equality, respect, protections against discrimination and for repeal of laws that criminalise same-sex intimacy. The campaign salutes all endorsing organisations and Guyana Together looks forward to growing into actions and changes that can benefit LGBT people in Guyana.
The overwhelming support of these agencies reflects sentiments across Guyanese society – with the latest poll showing a 53.9% majority of Guyanese support the repeal of the colonial-era law criminalising same-sex intimacy and 72% support workplace protections for LGBT people.
Guyana Together also hails several organisations that have worked with the campaign over the years to take our message to core groups, allow for open conversations and training. Among them are the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Guyana Public Service Union, the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Guyana and Rotary Club of Georgetown. Proudly celebrating its third anniversary, the campaign continues to bring together leading businesspersons, faith leaders, trade unionists, media agencies and civic voices who believe in respect for their fellow gay and transgender citizens.
Among the highlights of the campaign are five videos of messengers who share their stories of love and acceptance of their loved ones and friends. The most recent video this past June featured businessman Harold Hopkinson who highlighted his love for gay son who migrated as he called for the repeal of Guyana’s outdated laws. In 2023, the first video featured 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. In 2024, the second video featured Guyanese Model and Pageant Queen Kristal Inshan and her gay, best friend, fashion designer Avinash Narine and captures support through friendship. In the same year, the third video saw sister Kaisha Davis and her transgender brother Tarique Williams. Their love and support transcend a mere sibling relationship as it cemented an everlasting bond of trust. In 2025, the fourth video featured 80-year old grandmother Romanie 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 and support for Hollister who lost her mother at a tender age.
Guyana Together’s full list of endorsing organisations are available on the campaign website: https://guyanatogether.gy/endorsements/
If any Guyanese organisation wishes to endorse the campaign, they can do so via the campaign website at https://guyanatogether.gy or by email at guyanatogether@gmail.com.
