The Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (Caiso) has expressed concern that many of the murders of LGBTI+ people in T&T remain unsolved.
In a statement expressing outrage at the murder of artist and designer Marc Anthony Singh, the group noted the "alarmingly low conviction rates in Trinidad and Tobago that allow criminals to continue their attacks on the most vulnerable."
Caiso added: "We urge the police to launch a thorough investigation and deliver justice for Anthony and all who have been murdered. At the same time, we amplify our calls to the State to increase budgetary allocations and ensure that the Gender-Based Violence Unit (GBVU) is well resourced and equipped to provide support and effective services to victims of all forms of gender-based violence."
The group said Singh, who was found dead in his El Dorado home on Monday night deserved to live in peace and love and not be made a victim to violence and expressed condolences to his friends, family, and "all those who had the privilege of sharing in his light."
The statement continued: "Our diverse LGBTI+ communities continue to experience violence and violations, but we persist in our calls and work to end homophobia and transphobia, and to ensure the protection and safety of all members of our community. We insist that LGBTI+ violence be understood as a form of gender-based violence that must be taken seriously.
"While Caiso continues to work with vulnerable communities, the police, and other national stakeholders to address all forms of gender-based violence (which we know affect women and girls at unspeakable rates), we must also raise the alarm once again on the increasing vulnerability of LGBTI+ people, who experience violence disproportionately because of sexual orientation and gender identity.
"We are mindful of people’s increased vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened economic hardships for many. And in the broader landscape of national safety and security, we are certainly aware of the lack of access to justice of far too many people in our society, especially migrants who have limited access to protection on so many levels."