‘Visibility is key’

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS - Representatives of various Human Rights and Queer/LGBTQIA+ organizations from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saint Martin, and Saba are participating in WorldPride in Amsterdam this week.

Twelve representatives are joining forces at the initiative of the EQ Bonaire foundation from Bonaire. They are committed to mutual respect and equality.

It is a busy week, but they are happy to actively participate in the various activities. For instance, on August 1st, they sailed along in the famous Canal Parade through the Amsterdam canals.

They were on the boat of their host, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). The Bonairean and Curacao flags and cardboards signs with Rèspèt! were proudly held high. Nos t’ei, We are here!

Aruba

Visibility is essential, explains Aruban Egmar Irausquin of Fundacion Orguyo: “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.” He mentions the increasing intolerance worldwide: “There is still much to fight for.” Egmar points to the many Pride flags waving from the facades of shops, private residences, and municipal buildings in Amsterdam.

“The feeling that you are not alone, that is very important.” In Aruba, a building of its own, like that of the COC in Amsterdam, would be welcome, says Egmar.

Bonaire

Judith Brekelmans, Caroline Singh, and Clarissa Korstjens came over from Bonaire as representatives of the EQ Bonaire foundation. Caroline also emphasizes the importance of visibility, for example during the Canal Parade: “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.” Caroline would like more information, awareness, and education on the theme in Bonaire. And a permanent place to come together, not just for parties.

Saint-Martin

Similar sentiments are echoed on Saint Martin, says Nadjesca Gumbs on behalf of Sint-Maarten/ Saint-Martin Alliance for Equality: “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.

She encourages her community: “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.”

All representatives are struggling to find motivated and available volunteers for the large amount of work that needs to be done, and to find ‘allies’ who openly express their support and can thus have an impact.

Curaçao

Charlysen Jansen from Curaçao enjoys working together with the other islands in this way and learning from one another. He never thought he would sail on a boat himself: “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.”

Funding

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is working hard on making funding available to carry out projects on the six islands over the next three years.

For additional information, you can contact one of the following organizations:

Curaçao: www.curacaopride.org and https://www.humanrightscaribbean.org/ and https://www.instagram.com/fundashonorguyokorsou/

Aruba: https://orguyo.org/

Bonaire: https://www.facebook.com/EQBonaire

Saint-Martin: https://www.instagram.com/safe.sxm/

Saba: https://www.bmssaba.org/