The Silver Lining Foundation - Addressing Violence and LGBT Youth Support in Trinidad and Tobago

Father’s Day 2024: The Power of Parental Support and Acceptance

Posted on June 16, 2024 by Earl Edmund

Father’s Day is a time to honour the impact that father figures have in our lives. For many in the LGBTQI+ community, the support and acceptance of our fathers or father figures have played a pivotal role in our journey to self-acceptance and happiness. It is crucial to recognise and appreciate the significance of parental support, especially from fathers, in the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals. Today is a day to celebrate the diverse forms of fatherhood and to honour the…

#SwipeToSafe: Precautionary Tips for Safer Online-to-Offline Meetups

Posted on June 9, 2024 by Earl Edmund

In today’s digital age, meeting people online can lead to real-life encounters, but ensuring safety during these meetups is more important than ever. While dating apps can be helpful for some, they also raise the risk of encountering violent predators. LGBTQIA+ persons may face even higher risks as attackers believe they are less likely to report violence due to fears of exposing their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to further stigma and discrimination. While all dating app users face…

Celebrating Diversity and Unity: IDAHOBIT 2024

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Earl Edmund

Today, we stand together, proud and resolute, in commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). It’s a day that marks not just a fight for equality but a celebration of diversity, a recognition of the struggles faced by the LGBTQI community in the pursuit of equal rights and a reaffirmation of our commitment to ensure that no one is left behind. This year’s theme, “No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All,” serves…

Mother’s Day 2024

Posted on May 12, 2024 by Earl Edmund

Today, we celebrate the incredible love, support, and acceptance that mothers give, especially those who embrace and uplift their LGBTQIA+ children. At The Silver Lining Foundation, we honour and cherish all forms of motherhood—biological, chosen, and everything in between because love knows no bounds. Whether you’re a biological mother, a chosen mother, or a mother by proxy, your love and support is powerful and invaluable. Every mother deserves to be celebrated for the unconditional love they provide, regardless of gender…

Transgender Day of Visibility and Beyond

Posted on March 31, 2024 by Earl Edmund

Commemorating Transgender Day of Visibility 2024: Ways to Support Transgender and Non-Binary People Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on March 31st to honor and celebrate transgender and non-binary individuals and raise awareness about the issues they face, providing support and promoting visibility, inclusivity, and equality. Transgender and non-binary individuals face unique challenges, exacerbated by discrimination, marginalization, and violence. At SLF, we strongly believe in creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender…

IWD 2024 – #InspireInclusion

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Earl Edmund

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th. This special day is dedicated to honouring the achievements of women throughout history and advocating for gender equality. This year’s theme is “Inspire Inclusion,” which is a call to action for people from all over the world to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. International Women’s Day has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1900s when women in the United States and Europe…

12th Anniversary Message by Executive Director

Posted on February 24, 2024 by Earl Edmund

Full transcript of video by Executive Director & Founder, Jeremy Steffan Edwards, commemorating the 12th Anniversary of The Silver Lining Foundation. Twelve years ago, we embarked on a remarkable journey with a singular mission: to create a safe and empowering space for LGBTQ+ youths to learn, thrive, and succeed in their own country. As we celebrate another anniversary, I am proud to say that we have made significant strides in advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ people in Trinidad…

The Do’s and Don’ts of Coming Out: A Guide to Sharing Your Truth

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Earl Edmund

Coming out refers to the process that people who are LGBTQ+ go through as they work to accept their sexual orientation or gender identity and share that identity openly with other people. It is a very courageous thing to do, and it is extremely personal and different for everyone. Coming out is a personal decision that has no guidebook. There’s no one right way to come out. Your emotions when coming out may range from scared and anxious to elated…

The Power of Allyship: Tips & Strategies for How to Be an Ally for the LGBTQ+ Community

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Earl Edmund

As society moves towards full acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, it has become increasingly important for individuals to become allies in the fight for equality. Allyship is not just a buzzword, but rather an act of support, empowerment, and solidarity. It involves standing up for people and supporting them in their pursuit of inclusion and equality, while providing them with a safe and supportive space. Allyship requires constant learning and is an ongoing process. It involves showing open support for fair…

Speaking Up Against Bullying: Tips for Being an Upstander and Not a Bystander

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Earl Edmund

Bullying definitions are diverse but often share similar traits. An act of bullying involves aggressive behaviour over a period of time that is unwanted on the part of the victim, has a negative impact on an individual(s) and involves an uneven balance of power. It is not a one-off incident but rather persistent and repetitive acts of aggression. The effects of bullying can be devastating, leaving one feeling weak, oppressed, threatened and vulnerable. Bullying includes actions such as making threats,…

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