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

SLF Calls on Political Parties to End Political Homophobia

PORT OF SPAIN – The Silver Lining Foundation (SLF) notes the rise of homophobic slurs and innuendos which has overwhelmed the general tone of the election race amongst all parties, candidates and their supporters. The Foundation is calling all parties and candidates contesting this year’s General Election and their supporters, to refrain from using discrimination as a cheap political plot against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community to garner political support and votes. Given the “no position”…

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…

No More ‘Playing Politics’ With People’s Lives

According to Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Trinidad and Tobago is not yet ready to decriminalize homosexuality. Additionally, she states that it is not an issue for the Government to decide but one the people must decide. This statement brings to light an abdication of responsibility by the Prime Minister. Is Trinidad and Tobago willing to let the majority decide whether the minority gets fundamental rights or not? Rights are not given to citizens based on whether or not the majority…

Activists Condemn Commonwealth

Posted on November 11, 2013 by admin

T&T activists condemn Commonwealth refusal to discuss human rights for LGBTI citizens Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bisessar should ‘lead a movement for change’. Commonwealth urged to listen to all its people. Human rights defenders in Trinidad and Tobago have called on the Prime Minister, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, to speak out in favour of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this week. The activists, from the Silver Lining Foundation, said the…

“Safe Space” Initiative Pilot Programme

Posted on October 1, 2013 by admin

Frustrated with unanswered questions about your sexuality or other LGBT youth issues? Got Questions that you demand answered or concerns that you would like to discuss in a supportive, discrimination-free, Safe Space? The Silver Lining Foundation is a local, youth led NGO focused on anti-bullying and anti-discrimination among youth. The Silver Lining Foundation and the Counselling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at the UWI are working together to introduce a Safe Space initiative on campus this semester. With trained facilitators who…

US Embassy awards $9400USD to The Silver Lining Foundation The U.S. Embassy has disbursed over TT$485,000 (US$77,000) in grants to several local NGOs in the last three months. The grants will be utilized for a variety of projects to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. At a signing ceremony presided over by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Margaret Diop at the U.S. Embassy, she said “I’m very impressed with how dynamic and active the NGO community in…

Letter to Belize PM

Dear Prime Minister Barrow Re: Independence Day message Greetings to you, your Government and the people of Belize from The Silver Lining Foundation, an organisation born out of passion of young people of Trinidad & Tobago to highlight, promote and advocate the elimination of bullying and violence within the framework of sexual diversity. We were extremely heartened to learn of your Independence Day message to the nation and the bold and noble stance taken on LGBT rights and freedoms. The…

Sexual Assault Is No Laughing Matter

Posted on April 14, 2013 by admin

The Silver Lining Foundation pleads for sensitization training and a special victims unit among an insensitive police service in order to effectively deal with the increasing number of sexual assaults cases, and regain the faith of Trinidad & Tobago’s youth. Recent report from CNC3 news showed a young man who has lost faith in an insensitive police service after he desperately reported being sexually assaulted many times by a known male drug pusher in his area, only to be laughed…

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