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BLIC

Being LGBTI in the Caribbean

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

 

The Being LGBTI in the Caribbean (BLIC) Project is a transformative regional initiative designed to address the challenges faced by LGBTI individuals, with a focus on empowering transgender and gender-diverse communities. Now in its third phase, BLIC prioritizes the economic empowerment of transgender and gender-diverse individuals in Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

By reducing human rights violations, challenging negative attitudes, and promoting inclusion, the project fosters a more equitable society. Central to its mission are policy advocacy, capacity building, and economic and labour inclusion initiatives tailored to the unique needs of these communities.

 

Key Objectives

  1. Policy Review and Reform:
    • BLIC collaborates with governments to review and revise policies that promote social, economic, and labour inclusion for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
    • By advocating for inclusive reforms, the project seeks to eliminate barriers and create equal opportunities regardless of gender identity.
  2. Building Organisational Capacity:
    • The programme strengthens transgender-led and transgender-focused civil society organisations (CSOs), equipping them to advocate for critical policy changes.
    • Organisations like Guyana Trans United (GTU) and Proud to be Trans (PTBT) are integral to these efforts, driving grassroots advocacy for inclusion.
  3. Promoting Economic and Labour Inclusion:
    • BLIC emphasizes fostering economic inclusion through skills training, education, and access to resources.
    • Initiatives like TransFormED provide direct support to transgender individuals, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

TransFormED Initiative

In Guyana, the TransFormED programme targets transgender individuals from Regions 3, 4, 5, and 6. Through partnerships with GTU and PTBT, it offers:

  • Psychosocial support from psychologists and social workers, addressing mental health and guiding participants in accessing social services.
  • Educational and vocational training funds to prepare participants for workforce entry and entrepreneurship.
  • Seed funding grants for small business startups, enabling participants to achieve economic independence.

Community Engagement and Visibility Initiatives

  1. Low-Value Grants for Community Events:
    • Pride Activities (August 2024): BLIC supported GTU and PTBT in hosting Pride events that celebrated the transgender and gender-diverse community while fostering inclusivity and awareness.
    • Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 2024): Funding was provided for reflection evenings in Regions 3 and 4 to honour the lives lost to violence or illness, offering a safe space for grief counseling and solidarity.
  2. Research for Advocacy and Policy Reform:
    • Access to Social Services Study: Conducted in Guyana, Jamaica, and Barbados, this research examines barriers faced by transgender individuals in accessing healthcare, education, and social security. The report will be published in January 2025.
    • Barriers to Workforce Inclusion Study: Using interviews with CSOs, government agencies, and private sector entities, this research explores workforce challenges for transgender individuals, with results set for release in January 2025.

Impact and Legacy

BLIC’s third phase has culminated, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, empowerment, and inclusivity. By building tolerance, understanding, and acceptance, the project fosters a more equitable Caribbean where transgender and gender-diverse individuals can flourish authentically, free from discrimination and barriers.