The #GetTheWordOut winner is here!
“Being LGBTI in the Caribbean” has just announced the winner of its #GetTheWordOut youth contest. The International Jury, composed by representatives from CARIFLAGS, the United Caribbean Trans Network, the UNDP and the United Nations Free and Equal Campaign, had a hard time selecting a winner amongst the powerful and creative videos sent by 12 young LGBTI people from seven Caribbean countries. Participants were invited to produce short clips expressing their concerns, aspirations and proposals to advance in the full enjoyment of their rights and freedoms.
Today, November 15th, is International Stand Up to Bullying Day, and we would like to share these videos as a reminder of the challenges many LGBTI students face in these countries. Young LGBTI people are much more likely to be bullied, abused and isolated -simply because of who they are or whom they love-, and many of the submitted videos by young participants in the Contest are a reflection of homophobia or bullying suffered during their youth. Today we use the #GetTheWordOut contest and it’s winner to show our support to LGBTI youth and to remind you to take a stand against bullying!
Edouard Louis, from Haiti, submitted a powerful video denouncing homophobia in public schools and its impact on the ability of LGBTI students to access education. Edouard Louis will have the opportunity to be part of the “Being LGBTI in the Caribbean” Regional Dialogue. Our International Jury appreciated his braveness and originality speaking about such a complex topic.
The #GetTheWordOut regional winner will have the opportunity to actively participate in the LGBTI virtual Regional Dialogue, hand in hand with representatives from Caribbean civil society, international organizations, Government and private sector amongst many others. Two special mentions were also awarded.
The #GetTheWordOut special mentions come from Haiti and Jamaica. Rodneyson and MX expressed how important it is to understand that LGBTI people have the same rights than anyone else, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our international jury loved how Rodneyson and MX videos are creative and full of colours. Watch MX video HERE, and Rodneyson’s video HERE.
With this initiative, the “Being LGBTI in the Caribbean” project has wanted to become a platform for hearing the voices and giving visibility to young LGBTI Caribbean people, contributing to UNDP’s objective of leaving no one behind.
