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

ASJA Review

Posted on December 19, 2015 by admin

On November 19, 2015, Krystal Ghisyawan, representing the Silver Lining Foundation, met with the Parent-teacher Association of the Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association (ASJA) Primary School in San Fernando. There were approximately one hundred parents in attendance. Krystal spoke for fifteen minutes on the parents’ role in raising future adults, their responsibility for stemming the spread of bullying by teaching how to respect others and empathise, as well as how to deal with bullying in schools. The talk was followed…

SLF Reaches out to LGBTI Youth

Posted on September 14, 2015 by admin

Trinidad Guardian Newspaper Sunday 6th September 2015 By Paula Lindo “Bullying is an ever-present problem in schools, and for LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) youth, it can often lead to depression and suicidal thoughts and actions. The Silver Lining Foundation (SLF) reaches out to these and other marginalized youth whose needs for attention and support are often not met by school and other support systems. The Foundation was founded in February 2012 in response to the September 2011…

The passing of George Kazanjian

Posted on September 13, 2015 by admin

Today marks the 4th year anniversary of the passing of George Kazanjian. While the pain and sadness still lingers on in many of us, given the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, the Silver Lining Foundation would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to George’s family and friends during this difficult time. As we reflect today with sadness in our hearts on what might have been, we also look towards the infinite possibilities that the future holds through George’s legacy. The…

Happy Pride, 2015!

Posted on July 25, 2015 by admin

Let’s get out the rainbow flags and go dancing in the streets. Pride month is a global celebration of the diversity, beauty and strength of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community but, what is the significance of this? Why do we celebrate? LGBT Pride; as a celebration, came about as a response to discrimination and victimization of the LGBT community by society. The attitudes towards people with different sexual orientations in earlier times were not so warm or welcoming,…

A Safe Space – Minister’s Speech

Posted on May 11, 2015 by admin

“A SAFE SPACE” The Honourable Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, Minister of Public Administration Everyone, regardless of race, colour, creed, gender, nationality or sexual orientation needs a safe space. The history of humanity is one of struggle and inequity brought about by the inevitability of the strong preying on the weak, the powerful oppressing the powerless, and the rich grinding the poor into the dirt. From Genesis to Revelations, from Cain to Abel, violence is endemic in this human “hit” parade. Our passage…

A Safe Space – Chairman’s Speech

Posted on May 11, 2015 by admin

Remarks by Jeremy Steffan Edwards, Chairman of The Silver Lining Foundation at the premiere of “A Safe Space”. The Honourable Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, Minister of Public Administration and Member of Parliament for San Fernando West Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of The United States, Port-of-Spain, Ms. Margaret Diop and other members of the Diplomatic Corps. Our friends from the various supporting NGOs, Members and Friends of The Silver Lining Foundation, Members of the Media, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen Good evening. It…

IDAHO Flag-Raising

Posted on April 26, 2015 by admin

Remarks delivered by Jeremy Steffan Edwards of The Silver Lining Foundation for The British High Commission IDAHO flag-raising – 19 May 2014 Good afternoon, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the Media, fellow colleagues and advocates, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to specially thank the British and German Foreign Missions for allowing us to participate in today’s historic proceedings. The Silver Lining Foundation is proud to be associated with the members here as they seek to engage their…

Generation Change

Posted on April 20, 2015 by admin

In October of 2013, The Silver Lining Foundation received international funding to launch a Caribbean youth LGBT movement. The aim of this movement was to assemble a coalition of young voices throughout the Caribbean calling on regional leaders to consign to their promises of equality for and inclusion of LGBT people in their countries. It is hoped that this initiative will beget a new generation of change in the region as young people become empowered to stand up and demand…

Happy 3rd Anniversary, SLF Family!

Posted on February 24, 2015 by admin

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Francis of Assisi The initial vision of The Silver Lining Foundation was to do what was necessary as much as possible. Three years later, the vision remains the same; we’ve managed to do some grand impossibilities. The Foundation was founded by a group of young, motivated individuals seeking an avenue to assist and provide a safe place for those who were plagued with…

Christmas Message 2014

Posted on December 25, 2014 by admin

Do you know what our most cherished gift is? YOU. Throughout all of 2014, you’ve stood at our side in the push to end bullying and discrimination. We welcomed new members and we joined with new ambassadors who fought on all levels- from the boardroom to the classroom and even the online chatroom. The Foundation saw an expansion of the Safe Space initiative to different tertiary educational institutions and the formation of the new anti-bullying coalition, spearheaded by United Nations…

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