Equality Jamaica

The issues facing LGBTQ+ Jamaicans are not abstract. They are not imported. They are local, lived, and long-standing. Violence. Discrimination. Lack of legal protection. As Glenroy Murray reminds us in his interview with Jamaica Gleaner, these are the realities that demand attention, NOT POLITICAL DISTRACTION! #EqualityForAll #TransLivesMatter

“Man is a man. Woman is a woman.” This isn’t just a statement, it’s an oversimplification of gender that erases the lives of transgender Jamaicans. Gender isn’t always binary, yet statements like this, repeated by public figures, reinforce stigma, justify exclusion, and put queer and trans people at risk. From Bruce Golding’s “not in my cabinet” to the recent use of anti-gay song “Chi-Chi Man” by Daryl Vaz on his campaign trail, such rhetoric shapes culture, policy, and safety. Queer and trans Jamaicans are not new. We are not a trend. We are not imported. Our lives, identities, and contributions have always been part of our society. So we have to ask… Who gets to belong - and at what cost?

We stand firm in our call for leadership that protects dignity, affirms identity, and respects the lived realities of ALL Jamaicans. In response to recent remarks by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Equality for All Foundation Limited and TransWave Jamaica (@TransWaveJA ) are urging a shift away from harmful narratives that deepen stigma and exclusion. Words matter. Leadership matters. Queer lives matter. Transgender lives matter! #EqualityForAll #TransRightsAreHumanRights #EndStigma #Jamaica #LGBTQJA

A meaningful moment for advocacy and partnership 🤝🏾 Executive Director, Glenroy Murray and Programmes & Advocacy Manager, Nickoy Wilson met with Alicia Herbert OBE, the recently appointed British High Commissioner to Jamaica, for a courtesy call on Tuesday, March 17, engaging in important dialogue on the realities facing LGBTQ+ people in Jamaica today. The discussion highlighted the ongoing need for dignity, safety, and equal access, while reaffirming EFAF’s commitment to advocacy, human rights, and strengthening support for our community. Conversations like these move us closer to a Jamaica where everyone can live freely and with dignity. #EqualityForAll

✨ From The ED’s Desk | February Newsletter “Our community is so traumatised by our society that we are still learning how to truly love each other.” In this month’s reflection, Executive Director, Glenroy Murray speaks to the deep realities of queer life in Jamaica; the resilience of our community, the history of our activism, and the ongoing work of healing from the harm we have faced. Building a stronger community means more than advocacy; it also means learning how to show up for each other with compassion, care, and understanding. Spaces like Love Fest and our internalised stigma sessions are part of that journey - creating opportunities for healing, connection, and healthier expressions of love within our community. 📖 Read more in the February edition at the link below tr.ee/3OfoBI4DOm #EqualityJA #FromTheEDsDesk #QueerJamaica #CommunityHealing #IriePride LGBTQJamaica StrongerTogether 🌈

🌟 Ambassador Highlight: Dej Introvert at heart but vibrant around their community, Dej is a gamer, anime lover, and music and nature enthusiast 🎧🌿. For Dej, community means belonging; sharing stories, supporting each other, and making sure no one is left behind. 🔗 Visit the link below to read Dej’s full highlight and the February newsletter. tr.ee/3OfoBI4DOm #IriePrideNewsletter #AmbassadorHighlight #EqualityForAll

💜 LBQ ladies, we wanna hear from YOU! 🌈 We want your voice in shaping our upcoming LBQ Women’s Social Series! 🌈 Take our quick online survey - it’s open until Sunday, March 22nd. Your feedback matters and helps us create events YOU want to see! 💖 👉 Fill out the survey via the link below! forms.office.com/r/qeFbJXipUz #LBQCommunity #QueerWomen #SocialSeries #YourVoiceMatters #EqualityForAll

Celebrating Jamaican Queer History, Love & Identity 🌈 Our February edition of IRIE PRIDE highlights the stories, voices, and reflections that shape our community — from honouring queer trailblazers who paved the way, to exploring perspectives on queer love, community, and identity in Jamaica. ✨ Featuring a message from our Executive Director and a special Ambassador Spotlight with Dej. 📖 Read the full newsletter at the link below tr.ee/3OfoBI4DOm #EFAF #IriePride #CommunityEmpowerment #EqualityJamaica

Got ideas about the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Jamaica? Your voice matters. The Equality For All Foundation Jamaica Ltd. IDAHOT 2026 Essay Competition is now open to all Jamaicans 18+. 📝 Essay Topic: “Considering the current legal and social status of queer people in Jamaica, how can the vision of the Queer Agenda particularly for Family Life, Education and Training and Employment be realized?” Submission Guidelines: ✔️1,500 – 2,000 words ✔️Written in English ✔️APA citation with reference list ✔️Must incorporate recommendations from the Queer Agenda ✔️Include author name and essay title ✔️AI-generated essays are not permitted 🏆 Prizes: 🥇 $30,000 | 🥈 $20,000 | 🥉 $10,000 📅 Deadline: April 10, 2026 (5PM) 📧 Submit to: adrian@equalityjamaica.org Subject: IDAHOT Essay Competition 2026 Share your ideas. Shape the conversation. Help imagine a more inclusive Jamaica. #IDAHOT2026 #EqualityJA #QueerAgenda #LGBTQRightsJA #IDAHOTEssayCompetition

Today we celebrate the brilliance, courage, and leadership of women everywhere, and we give special honour to the queer women who have shaped movements, protected communities, and pushed the world closer to justice. From global trailblazers to regional advocates across the Caribbean, to the fearless women here in Jamaica who organize, care, and speak truth to power, your impact continues to transform lives and expand freedom. At Equality for All Foundation, we recognize that the fight for equality has always been strengthened by queer women whose advocacy, culture-making, and community leadership challenge discrimination and build spaces where LGBTQ+ people can live with dignity and pride. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate you, we thank you, and we recommit to a future where every woman; including lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans women, can live freely, safely, and boldly. ✨🏳️‍🌈💜 #HappyInternationalWomensDay #InternationalWomensDay #EqualityForAll #EqualityJA

Do you have experience in curriculum development and inclusive healthcare training? Equality for All Foundation Jamaica Ltd. is looking for a consultant to help update our training curriculum to better equip healthcare workers to deliver inclusive, non-discriminatory care for LGBTQ+ people in Jamaica. 📅 Deadline: March 27, 2026 at 5PM 📩 Apply: smascull@equalityjamaica.org with subject “Consultancy Application: Healthcare Workers’ Training” 🔗 Full details at the link below tr.ee/ay6dn_hZSl

Considering the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa and the emotional toll it may have taken on our community, we are offering free mental health support as part of our hurricane relief efforts. Disasters can bring heightened stress, anxiety, grief, and trauma - especially for individuals already facing social or economic vulnerabilities. These virtual therapy sessions will be facilitated by trained professionals via Zoom or other secure online platforms, ensuring accessibility and confidentiality. 🧠 How to access support: 📞 Call the Equality Helpline at 876-399-4357 📧 Email sean@equalityjamaica.org to register your interest Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you or someone you know needs emotional or psychosocial support during this time, we encourage you to reach out. You are not alone. #EFAFCares #EqualityJA

Considering the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa and the emotional toll it may have taken on our community, we are offering free mental health support as part of our hurricane relief efforts. Disasters can bring heightened stress, anxiety, grief, and trauma - especially for individuals already facing social or economic vulnerabilities. These virtual therapy sessions will be facilitated by trained professionals via Zoom or other secure online platforms, ensuring accessibility and confidentiality. 🧠 How to access support: 📞 Call the Equality Helpline at 876-399-4357 📧 Email sean@equalityjamaica.org to register your interest Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you or someone you know needs emotional or psychosocial support during this time, we encourage you to reach out. You are not alone. #EFAFCares #EqualityJA

Considering the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa and the emotional toll it may have taken on our community, we are offering free mental health support as part of our hurricane relief efforts. Disasters can bring heightened stress, anxiety, grief, and trauma - especially for individuals already facing social or economic vulnerabilities. These virtual therapy sessions will be facilitated by trained professionals via Zoom or other secure online platforms, ensuring accessibility and confidentiality. 🧠 How to access support: 📞 Call the Equality Helpline at 876-399-4357 📧 Email sean@equalityjamaica.org to register your interest Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you or someone you know needs emotional or psychosocial support during this time, we encourage you to reach out. You are not alone. #EFAFCares #EqualityJA

We’re extending the call to reach more persons in need - but spaces are limited. 🏠💛 If Hurricane Melissa set you back, now is the time to apply for housing and infrastructural supplies. 👉 Apply right away via the link below tr.ee/gF1tnjH1OU Only a limited number of applications will be accepted. #EFAFCares #EqualityJA

From chosen family to lifelong friends and special someones, Love Fest celebrates LOVE IN ALL ITS FORMS! 🥰✨ #LoveFest2026 #ValentinesDay2026 #CelebratingQueerLove

Single, taken, or it’s complicated… just don’t miss Love Fest 2026 💋 RSVP now so we can plan for YOU. Link below! tr.ee/v2cicd78pS Pay at the gate, party inside. Limited spots. Unlimited vibes. #LoveFest2026 #QueerLoveJA #ValentinesInJA

We’re Hiring: Consultant - Emergency Shelter Assessment Equality for All Foundation (EFAF) is seeking a qualified consultant to evaluate the preparedness, safety, functionality, and inclusiveness of emergency shelters in Jamaica, with a focus on identifying barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people and strengthening the national emergency response system. * Scope includes mapping shelters, assessing access barriers, and delivering a comprehensive evaluation report with recommendations. 🗓️ Duration: March - April 2026 (45 working days) 📩 Apply by February 27, 2026 at 5PM to smascull@equalityjamaica.org 🔗 See the Terms of Reference in the link below for full details. tr.ee/RpiBQrtnWP Help us build safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone. #EFAF #EqualityJamaica #ConsultancyOpportunity #LGBTQJamaica #HumanRights

January was all about reflection, resilience, and empowerment. From New Year goal-setting tips and vision boarding, to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts and upcoming community empowerment sessions, this month’s newsletter is packed with updates and opportunities to get involved. 📩 Read the full newsletter via the link below and stay connected with the movement. tr.ee/RGS9_8OHKY #EFAF #IriePride #CommunityEmpowerment #EqualityJamaica