Not even the heavy rain could dampen T&T’s second annual gay pride parade held at Nelson Mandela Park, St Clair yesterday.
Young and old came out to partake in a variety of activities while others simply showed their support for the event themed, “Equity and equality for all.”
Co-ordinator of the T&T Pride Arts Festival Rudolph Hanamji explained this year was dedicated to the trans community which remains the most vulnerable section of the LGBTQI.
Participants also commemorated the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising which took place 50 years ago and galvanized the modern gay rights movement.
“Although only in its second year, the event has grown by leaps and bounds. We have close to a 30 per cent uptake on every activity this year,” Hanamji said.
He noted that while more people have been comfortable to openly declare their sexual orientation, some gays were still ill-treated by society.
“T&T has always been a lot more tolerant society than others but there’s a lot of abuse and violence still taking place as well as homophobia especially from some members of certain religious groups,” Hanamji said.
Brandy Rodriguez, President at T&T Transgender Coalition who also spoke said strides have been made to address gender-based violence.
“There is growth and there is room for more. It’s not where we want to be at this time but we are quite satisfied in terms of where the growth is...we are seeing where people are willing to hear us.
“Even police officers are willing to hear what’s going on. It wasn’t like that in the last decade,” Rodriguez said.
Eva Chavez, head of Women’s Caucus noted more members of the LGBTQI have been finding the courage to report crimes meted out against them.
Police Commissioner Gary Griffith was also praised for his efforts in assisting the LGBTQI community not only organise yesterday’s parade but also for helping pave the way forward.
“Pride TT made history this year as it was the first time we meet with a police commissioner and we continue to look forward to his support.
“He assured us about a safe pride and moving forward no discrimination against us,” Chavez added.
However, there were a couple of detractors at yesterday’s event.
Sheldon Matthews who stood at the entrance with a placard denouncing homosexuality said he wanted to proclaim the word of God.
“I want the gays to know God loves them but he hates their involvement in homo behaviour,” Matthews added.