As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Communities across the world recognise and observe International Pride month this June, Pride Barbados, led by a committee of local organisers, commemorated another pride month.
The month’s celebrations ended today with the Pride Barbados parade in Bridgetown which started from Golden Square, Freedom Park.
The pride parade was the third to take place in Barbados and the first to happen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ro-Ann Mohammed of the Pride Barbados committee said, “It is a particularly momentous event that celebrates the visibility and belonging of LGBTQ+ people in Barbados, advocating for inclusion, respect of gender and sexually diverse people, in recognition of the community as belonging and as fundamental contributors to Barbadian society and culture.”
She added that the parade is an event where all Barbadians are welcome to celebrate the incredible human rights victories which have been achieved through the activism of the LGBTQ movement, like the repeal of Barbados’ colonial-era serious indecency and buggery laws.
“It is also a moment where we advocate for social inclusion, equity and freedom from persecution on the basis of our sexual orientation and gender identity. Regardless of our personal morale, value system or beliefs, the Barbadian society needs to collectively recognize and respect each person’s inalienable human rights and the right for us all to live with dignity. Subjugating an entire population will not discontinue their existence, but will contribute to the splintering of Barbados’ diverse and multifaceted population.
“We celebrate our progress and hold gratitude to the community members and allies throughout Barbados that continue to make it possible. As we move towards a more inclusive Barbados, let us commit to honouring and celebrating the beauty in the diversity of the people that share this space which we call home,” said Mohammed.
