BLIC: Empowering Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals Across the Caribbean

BLIC is a transformative regional programme designed to enhance the knowledge, partnerships, and capacities of LGBTI communities, civil society organisations, and states across the Caribbean. With a clear focus on reducing human rights violations and combating negative attitudes towards LGBTI people, BLIC works towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. In its third phase, the programme centres on the economic empowerment of transgender and gender-diverse individuals in Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

Aim and Objectives

• Policy Review and Reform: The project supports governments in reviewing and revising policies that promote the social, economic, and labour inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. By advocating for the implementation of inclusive policies, it seeks to remove barriers and create a level playing field for all, regardless of gender identity.

   

• Building Organisational Capacity: BLIC is committed to strengthening the capacity of transgender-led or focused organisations, equipping them with the tools, resources, and support needed to effectively advocate for policy change. These organisations play a critical role in pushing for the revision of economic and labour inclusion policies, ensuring that transgender and gender-diverse people can access equal opportunities in every sector.

   

• Promoting Economic and Labour Inclusion: At the heart of this initiative is the drive to foster the economic and labour inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. By challenging societal biases and advocating for equal rights, BLIC seeks to create a society where transgender and gender-diverse individuals can thrive, contribute to the economy, and be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

   

Target Audience

The focus of the project is on transgender and gender-diverse individuals in Guyana, particularly in Regions 3, 4, 5, and 6, though its impact resonates across the entire Caribbean. By addressing the unique needs of these communities, BLIC works to ensure that they are not left behind in the pursuit of social and economic equality.

Through its efforts, BLIC fosters tolerance, understanding, and acceptance across the Caribbean. By challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting the rights of transgender and gender-diverse people, the programme contributes to a more inclusive, compassionate, and just society where everyone, regardless of gender identity, can flourish and live authentically.