Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now: Human Rights Day 2024

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” – Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 

This year’s commemoration of Human Rights Day carries a powerful message: “Our rights, our future, right now.” It is a call to action for societies everywhere to affirm equality, dignity, and freedom for all people, regardless of who they are or who they love.

In recent years, Trinidad and Tobago has made significant strides in the fight for equality. The historic 2018 “Jones v T&T” ruling that decriminalised same-sex activity was a landmark victory, affirming the principle that all citizens deserve the right to live free from criminalisation based on their identity. Conversations about LGBTQIA+ rights have also gained a strong foothold in public discourse, driven by grassroots efforts and visibility and inclusivity efforts from the public and advocacy groups.

However, the journey toward full equality is far from over. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals in Trinidad and Tobago still face stigma, discrimination, and exclusion. Systemic marginalization continues to impact access to crucial services such as healthcare, education, and employment, and also contributes to challenges that disproportionately affect our community, including an increased risk of violence. Today, we reflect on the collective work we have done and continue to do to reduce inequalities and advance human rights for LGBTQIA+ people in Trinidad and Tobago. We also recognize the efforts still needed to ensure fair and equal representation of LGBTQIA+ people in legislation and civil society. 

Equality in the recognition of human rights is not just a moral imperative; it is a necessity for creating a better society. A society that recognizes the humanity of LGBTQIA+ citizens is one that values compassion, diversity, and progress. We call on policymakers, change agents and our leaders to take more decisive steps to address these inequalities, including implementing policies that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, promote inclusive education, and support mental health initiatives tailored to marginalised communities.

With this in mind, we are proud to share that we have partnered with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to expand our most recent short film, “My Maxi”. This new take on the short film will broaden its focus to address anti-discrimination and anti-bullying, aiming to empower youth and create safer classrooms for all. By tackling these issues at their roots, we hope to foster a culture of inclusivity and respect that radiates throughout society. This new short will feature some familiar faces and will be launched soon.

This Human Rights Day, we urge everyone to reflect on the theme, “Our rights, our future, right now,” and to act in solidarity in the fight for equal rights. We strive to create an inclusive environment where respect and self-acceptance are encouraged, reminding everyone that while we are all different, we are all equal. Together, we can create a Trinidad and Tobago where every person feels valued, respected, and safe to live their truth.