Dear Colin…
The Silver Lining Foundation (SLFTT) celebrates the life of our friend and colleague, Colin Robinson. Like many others, no amount of preparation could have made us ready to say goodbye and truly, we are still not ready. His passing leaves us saddened and heartbroken. No words or emotion fully conveys the sadness and grief we all share over this loss. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this time.
Colin epitomized passion in activism and advocacy for many of us. As the founder of CAISO, he has always supported us at SLF. He believed in the power of the youth and today, 9 years later, we are better with his guidance, his mentorship and support. He was a loved, admired and revered pillar in our collective work and our community, by extension.
Without even knowing it, he influenced so many of us to become advocates and activists. As a youth-led and youth-focused organization, we are certain that many young, queer people would have seen themselves represented in Colin in any of his TV interviews. To see someone speaking so openly and unashamedly about the queer experience and about human rights was truly awe-inspiring and motivating to us to do the work we have done and continue to do.
Colin paved the way for LGBTI activism and visibility, by being unapologetic, unashamed and deliberate. He has lived a full life, dipping his feet into activism, policy work, literature, art, even tutoring at UWI’s Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and so much more.
Colin was a pioneer and will continue to represent leadership, justice and change for the LGBTI community. He was ever-present and visible, standing in solidarity with the Women’s Rights and Feminist movements. For all that he was, we honour him with love, compassion and gratitude.
As we usher you into ancestorship, we won’t cry for long. We know that you would not have wanted that. Know that we, along with our sister organizations, will continue to carry the torch that you so bravely and boldly carried for us, Colin. We will celebrate you at every turn, at every bend and at every milestone. Like those who have gone on before, we will continue to fly our flags high in your name and in your honour. Your life has touched so many people; you will definitely be in our history books but most importantly, in our hearts.
Thank you for all you have done, thank you for your guidance. Thank you for being you.
Fly high with the angels, friend. Till we meet again.
