FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. November 12, 2024 — BLINC (Black LGBTQ+ Liberation Inc.) and Island SPACE Caribbean Museum are pleased to announce Queer Caribbean Voices: Shaping Inclusive Spaces, a compelling panel discussion on creating and maintaining LGBTQ+-affirming spaces in the Caribbean and the United States.
The event will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, 8000 West Broward Blvd, Suite 1202, Plantation, FL.
The Caribbean LGBTQ+ Experience
Many LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face discrimination in various areas of society, including employment, housing, health care, and the public arena. According to a Center of American Progress (CAP) 2023 study, “The current patchwork of nondiscrimination laws in states across the country and existing gaps in federal civil rights laws leave millions of LGBTQI+ people without protection from discrimination.”
Additionally, there is fear that policies may be introduced to roll back many of the rights LGBTQ+ people in the US now have. There is an even greater challenge in the Caribbean for LGBTQ+ individuals due to various factors such as entrenched cultural norms, archaic laws, and misperceptions about LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Caribbean experience for LGBTQ+ individuals is complex. It varies from country to country—ranging from those that criminalize same-sex activities and encourage violence and discrimination to others that have been pushing for a more equitable society for their LBGTQ+ population. LGBTQ+ advocates and allies are tasked with creating and implementing strategies to build inclusive and supportive communities in the US and the Caribbean. The discussion will explore how this can be accomplished.
Championing Inclusivity
BLINC’s co-founder and executive director, G Wright, will moderate the conversation with enlightened and insightful panelists as they explore the unique challenges and successes of fostering inclusive environments in the Caribbean and the US.
“We’re honored that Island SPACE has invited us to host a panel discussion centered on the Queer Caribbean community. This partnership highlights the power of allyship in uplifting underrepresented stories, helping us all move toward a more inclusive and accepting society. We’re creating a space to openly share our community’s success, struggles, and resilience,” said Wright.
The collaboration is also an essential endeavor for Island SPACE, which consistently moves beyond the status quo in the causes it supports.
“Island SPACE Caribbean Museum takes great pride in being a trailblazer and in our commitment to inclusivity. We have welcomed our friends from BLINC and Thou Art Woman to host collaborative events with us in the past, and we’re looking forward to learning and to educating our Island SPACE family even more with this panel. Like us, we hope more spaces happily welcome the LGBTQ+ community,” said Calibe Thompson, Island SPACE co-founder and board president.
Participating Thought Leaders
The panelists leading this discussion are from diverse professions, and all have done advocacy work to help improve the state of the LGBTQ+ community. Psychologist Dr. Charlene Désir, a professor at Nova Southeastern University, works to empower marginalized groups through her organization, T.E.N. Global; Jonielle McIntosh, co-founder of Pride Freeform Jamaica, is an economist and outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ women’s rights; and Kishi Chad is a mental wellness advocate who has dedicated a significant part of his efforts to various LGBTQ+ organizations in South Florida and causes like PrideFête, an LGBTQ+ Caribbean Festival. Their expertise and commitment to LGBTQ+ issues will ensure a robust discussion.
“We’re inviting everyone to come out and participate in this event as we explore ways to create more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and foster a more equitable existence for all,” said Wright.
The event is free and includes entertainment and refreshments. Guests are asked to register to attend: https://islandspacefl.org/blincpanel24
This event is made possible in part by the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, The Our Fund Foundation, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund.
About BLINC
Black LGBTQ+ Liberation, Inc. (BLINC) is a South Florida-based nonprofit focused on helping BIPOC LGBTQ+ people lead happier and healthier lives through the arts, health and wellness programs, and strategic community partnerships.
About Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Caribbean arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives in South Florida and across the diaspora. Located at the Broward Mall, 8000 West Broward Blvd., Suite 1202, Plantation, Florida 33388, the museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children. Group tours are available by reservation.
For more information, visit islandspacefl.org or call 954-999-0989.
