Queer rights group to highlight positive social impact to combat discrimination

In an effort to counter negative portrayals of queer individuals in the media, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is turning the spotlight on the positive contributions of LGBTQIA+ persons in society.

Speaking during the launch of the LGBTQIA+ Manifesto 2025 on Wednesday, SASOD Managing Director Joel Simpson said the organisation is focused on shifting the narrative around LGBTQIA+ persons by highlighting their everyday impact and achievements.

Too often, queer people are judged or ridiculed because of the behaviour of a few within the community, Simpson noted, but one person’s actions do not represent an entire group. Just as a disorderly heterosexual person doesn’t define all heterosexual people, the same standard must apply to LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Through its Guyana Together Campaign, SASOD will feature real stories from LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families, friends, and coworkers to help change public perception.

“By showcasing the lives of LGBTQIA+ people in Guyana—caring for elderly parents, tutoring nieces and nephews, contributing to their communities—we aim to shift the focus from negative stereotypes to everyday realities,” Simpson said. “We don’t see enough of these positive stories in mainstream media. That needs to change.”

Simpson also highlighted the work of SASOD’s sister organisation, Guyana Trans United, which recently completed a mental health and counselling training programme with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These sessions help uncover the root causes of behavioural issues, which often stem from trauma and discrimination.

“At the root of certain behaviours is often a history of violence and discrimination. Sometimes, people act out because it’s the only coping mechanism they know,” Simpson explained.

SASOD is also partnering with the Ministry of Health’s National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) to increase awareness around HIV prevention, especially regarding the underutilised availability of free medication.

“We’re ramping up our education on PrEP [pre-exposure prophylaxis] because it’s underused, largely due to a lack of information,” Simpson said. “One of our approaches is to train members of the community as PrEP ambassadors to help spread awareness.”

By amplifying positive narratives and improving access to health resources, SASOD hopes to reduce stigma, promote inclusion, and improve the well-being of LGBTQIA+ persons in Guyana.