Despite having a well-developed framework of equality laws, Guyana retains laws which criminalise same-sex conduct between men and cross-dressing by both men and women. LGBT persons are subject to severe stigma, violence and discrimination in all areas of life. We are working to increase support for LGBT equality and to improve implementation of laws protecting from all forms of discrimination.

Our achievements include:

• Subjecting Guyana’s record of discrimination against LGBT persons to scrutiny by UN bodies such as the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women;
• Supporting our partner, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination, to improve its public profile and increase its advocacy impact;
• Establishing the Guyana Equality Forum, a broad coalition committed to combating discrimination, including the decriminalisation of same-sex conduct and cross-dressing;
• Training more than 100 civil society activists on equality concepts and standards.

At present, our priorities include completing a comprehensive report on discrimination in Guyana and campaigning for the elimination of laws which discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.