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

Nine Years Ago

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Brandon Kalyan

Nine years ago, The Silver Lining Foundation (SLFTT) staked a claim to protect the lives of young LGBTQI+ people, to empower them and shield them from navigating the world feeling afraid or alone. We committed ourselves to triangulate support, education and advocacy to protect young, queer people. Our mandate to support young people struggling with mental health issues, to educate and sensitise people to the myths and misconceptions of queer existence and to advocate for the development and upkeep of…

Women and Girls have a right to be safe.

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Brandon Kalyan

Written by Dr Gabrielle Jamela Hosein / Facebook. Republished with permission. Tamika Griffith. 16. Shot in the head while being shown a gun. Rest In Peace.But more generally, and in reference to this time in Trinidad and Tobago, whatever the circumstances and context, there are some basics to know. Women are not being harassed, raped, threatened and killed in these numbers by other women. Male violence, the use of violence and sexual violence against women and girls, and the threat…

Happy New Year from SLF!

Posted on December 31, 2020 by Earl Edmund

As we approach the dawn of a new year, we take a moment to pause and reflect on the past year even as we weigh the joy of expectations for what is to come. Traditionally, during this time our hearts are filled with joy and anticipation looking towards the future. Often this is done with renewed strength, hope and optimism. As the final curtain falls on 2020, we understand that many are left with uprooted plans, unfulfilled dreams and unpleasant…

Recover Better for Human Rights Day 2020

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Brandon Kalyan

This year’s Human Rights Day theme relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses on the need to build back better by ensuring Human Rights are central to recovery efforts. We will reach our common global goals only if we are able to create equal opportunities for all, address the failures exposed and exploited by COVID-19, and apply human rights standards to tackle entrenched, systematic, and intergenerational inequalities, exclusion and discrimination. 10 December is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of…

World Aids Day 2020

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Brandon Kalyan

Each year, on 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Each World AIDS Day focuses on a specific theme, which this year will be Global solidarity, shared responsibility. This year’s theme joins a growing list of challenges that World AIDS Day has alerted people to globally. “In an interview with the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday in…

Transgender Day Of Remembrance 2020

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Brandon Kalyan

Today, on #TransgenderDayOfRemembrance, we remember the lives of our brothers and sisters lost to transphobic violence. We remember and honour those who’ve been lost to hatred and prejudice as we remind ourselves of the challenges that transgender people continue to face every single day. The trans experience is independent of sexual orientation; transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual or any part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Some may even consider conventional sexual orientation labels inapplicable to them. We…

Coming Out Day 2020

Posted on October 11, 2020 by Brandon Kalyan

❤️ Your journey & identity are valid.🧡 Take your time; come out when you’re ready.💛 It’s normal to feel worried.💚 Reach out to someone if you feel burdened.💙 You are loved & supported.💜 Owning your truth may be difficult but it will be worth it.Today, on the heels of #WorldMentalHealthDay, we celebrate the courage it takes to tell the world who you are and celebrate your very existence. Wherever you are in your journey, we love you, we support you…

Your New Normal, Our New Normal

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Earl Edmund

With the reopening of schools, albeit in a different mode of learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Silver Lining Foundation (SLF) takes this opportunity to extend best wishes to all students, parents, educators and education stakeholders for a successful new academic year. Life during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a challenge for a lot of educators, parents and children. Given the difficulties of the situation across the globe, authorities should definitely assess the educational, public health and socio-economic factors, in…

Finding Pride in Mental Health- Live!

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Brandon Kalyan

In this live and interactive webcast we will be focusing on one’s mental health, the lived #LGBT+ experience and how we are building stronger relationships between #LGBTQI persons and their families 🏳️‍🌈👭. Featuring guest panellist Dr Katija Khan (Clinical Psychologist),Mr Rian Merrick (MSc. Clinical Mental Health Counselor)Ms Kelly Mc Farlane (Clinical Psychologist, Organisational Psychologist) 0:00:00 Countdown0:00:15 Introduction0:00:35 Topics0:00:50 Discussion0:03:15 Safe Spaces0:06:20 Building Stronger Families0:16:40 Mental Health During Pride Month0:20:05 Adverse Experiences & Trauma0:24:55 Conversion Therapy0:28:55 Family Acceptance0:38:00 Lasting Ally Support0:41:15…

#RaiseTheFlag

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Earl Edmund

Written by: Scott Marchack (@thepsychtivist) “To the world – you were cruel to a great extent, but I forgive.” These were the last words written by Sarah Hegazi before taking her own life. Middle Eastern laws that criminalise “sexual deviance” and “debauchery” together with Egyptian president Abdel Fatah Al-Sissi’s clampdown on free expression have been used to target and arrest queer persons. After her arrest for raising a pride flag at a concert in Cairo, Hegazi was allegedly tortured and sexually assaulted. She sought asylum in Canada, where her trauma reached its peak. And across…

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