Friday, June 28, 2013

Press Release: “SASOD at 10” Documentary Now on YouTube


Celebrating its diamond, 10th anniversary, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) hosted a series of activities at Moray House on Camp and Quamina Streets on Monday, June 24.  A 20-minute documentary titled “SASOD at 10” highlighting SASOD’s work on equality in Guyana over the past decade was launched. The film’s Producer, renowned local journalist, Gordon Moseley, in his remarks, shared insights on making the documentary, and reflected on SASOD’s growth since 2003, encouraging all Guyanese to support indigenous NGOs like SASOD who are working on issues related to human rights and equality in the country.

Ten diamond-shaped plaques were then presented as appreciation awards to organisations and individuals who have supported SASOD’s work on equality for lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality over the years. Guest speaker, Pandit Deodat Tillack, in his feature remarks, emphasized the need for human beings to live in harmony without prejudice to others, and emphatically thanked the awardees for their support to SASOD, re-affirming his own as well.

Pandit Deodat Tillack delivering his feature remarks.

The 10 appreciation awards were presented by SASOD representatives in these categories:

Media
1.      Print Media: Stabroek News
2.      Broadcast Media: HBTV Channel 9 First Look News
3.      Internet Media: Demerara Waves
4.      Journalist: Johann Earle

Civil Society
5.      Civil Society Group: Red Thread
6.      Civil Society Ally: Ms. Margaret Lawrence

Private Sector
7.      Private Sector Entity: Sidewalk Café & Jazz Club
8.      Private Sector Ally: Mr. Clinton Urling

Specific Sectors
9.      Human Rights Lawyer: Mr. Gino Persaud
10.  Faith Leader: Bishop Francis Alleyne, O.S.B.

SASOD’s 10th anniversary cake was cut by Mr. Frédéric Roberts, Programme Manager for External Relations of the Regional Section at the Delegation of the European Union (EU), and Ms. Zenita Nicholson, Secretary of SASOD’s trusteeship board, whose birthday was that day. The EU is one of SASOD’s principal donors through a partnership with UK-based INGO, Equal Rights Trust, with funding from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights.

 Mr. Frédéric Roberts and Ms. Zenita Nicholson cutting the 10th anniversary cake.

Ms. Joan McDonald, Administrator of Moray House Trust, cut the ribbon to open the week-long “SASOD at 10” photo-exhibition. SASOD trustee Ms. Ulelli Verbeke - the photographer who captured the images and curated the photo-exhibition - was also at Moray House on Monday.

Ms. Joan Mc Donald cuts ribbon to open SASOD’s photo-exhibition at Moray House.

SASOD’s Advocacy and Communications Officer, Mr. Leon Bacchus, who chaired the day’s activities, commented that “this event showcases the evolution and some of the progress SASOD has made over the years through its work on LGBT human rights in Guyana and I am proud to share these achievements with the public. SASOD will continue to hold public events like these to reach out and further inform and sensitize members of the public about LGBT issues in Guyana.”

SASOD’s 10th anniversary events were supported by British High Commission Georgetown and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as well as the DC-based Centre for Black Equity.

The “SASOD at 10” documentary can be viewed on SASOD’s YouTube channel at:


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