AMSTERDAM--Twelve representatives of human rights and LGBTQIA+ organizations from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Maarten and Saba are participating in WorldPride Amsterdam this week, joining forces to promote visibility, mutual respect and equality across the Caribbean. The regional participation was organized through an initiative of the EQ Bonaire Foundation.
The delegation has taken part in several WorldPride activities, including the August 1 Canal Parade through Amsterdam. The representatives sailed aboard a boat hosted by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, proudly displaying the flags of Bonaire and Curaçao and signs carrying the message “Rèspèt! Nos t’ei, We are here!”
Representatives said their presence at WorldPride is especially important at a time when intolerance and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people are increasing in many parts of the world.
Egmar Irausquin of Aruba’s Fundacion Orguyo said visibility gives members of the community reassurance that they are not alone.
“It’s important to be visible and for the community there on our islands to know that someone is at least doing something for them or trying at least,” Irausquin said. “There is still much to fight for.”
He also pointed to the Pride flags displayed throughout Amsterdam on shops, private homes and government buildings, saying that the feeling of not being alone is essential. Irausquin said Aruba would also benefit from having a permanent community space similar to the COC facility in Amsterdam.
Bonaire is being represented by Judith Brekelmans, Caroline Singh and Clarissa Korstjens of the EQ Bonaire Foundation. Singh said participation in the Canal Parade provided an opportunity for people throughout the Caribbean to see their communities represented on an international stage.
“The whole world can see us via Socials. That is inspiring for everyone, but certainly also for our people in the Caribbean, such as young people on Bonaire,” Singh said.
She called for greater education, information and public awareness on LGBTQIA+ issues in Bonaire, as well as a permanent space where members of the community can meet for support and activities beyond social events.
Nadjesca Gumbs, representing the St. Maarten/Saint-Martin Alliance for Equality, said the community continues to experience discrimination from some religious leaders and increasing hostility on social media.
“We see heavy influence by some churches; there are a few religious leaders who discriminate the community when they have a platform to do so. We also see the increase in discrimination and hate comments being written on social media,” Gumbs said.
She encouraged persons who may be afraid to live openly because of concerns about their safety and security to reach out for assistance.
“We know some may be afraid to be themselves due to, for example, their safety and security, but if there is ever a situation, the organization will seek resources to assist,” Gumbs said.
The participating organizations also highlighted the difficulty of finding committed volunteers and allies willing to publicly support their work. Representatives said visible support from individuals and institutions can have a meaningful impact on acceptance and equality throughout the Caribbean.
Curaçao representative Charlysen Jansen said the WorldPride experience had strengthened cooperation and learning among the islands.
“I got goosebumps from all those people supporting us. After the attack during Pride in Berlin, I felt it was especially important to show ourselves,” Jansen said.
The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is also working to make funding available for projects on the six Caribbean islands over the next three years.
The regional delegation said its participation in WorldPride sends a clear message to LGBTQIA+ people throughout the Caribbean that they are seen, supported and not alone.
