A recent stroll into my archive took me back to Guyana 2018 and the powerful trans-women of Guyana Trans United. These stills were taken during the shooting of the documentary ‘A Blossom Pink World’ I directed and shot along with @zanededlow – an assignment for Frontline Aids, NGO, about the struggles and successes of the trans community in the Guyanese capital Georgetown. Jason Florio – photographer & filmmaker
Transgender activists in video: A blossom pink world
Transgender Guyana – Guyana Trans United’s ground-breaking campaign to repeal British colonial ‘buggery laws’ has found support from high-profile government officials.
Activists share their experiences, hopes, and aspirations as they challenge the legal framework that has led to transgender people not accessing the health services that they are entitled to, and need… read more HIV/AIDS Alliance.
“My name is Chantelle, but now I mostly like to use Lorraine. After my mother died I kind of love hearing her name. Every time someone calls me Lorraine I always remember her.” HIV/AIDS Alliance.
When Lazayne goes to work selling sex in Georgetown, Guyana, she knows other young transgender women have been killed doing the same.
It’s not just at work she confronts risks: “I face stigma in health services, on public transport, literally walking down the street in public, but it’s normal, I’m accustomed to it now.” HIV/AIDS Alliance.
More news of further travels for HIV/AIDS Alliance, in South Africa, coming soon
On a recent documentary assignment to Guyana and Zimbabwe – filming interviews with transgender, and LGBTI communities – being so open and free to be who you are is not an option. In fact, doing so can lead to arrest, prison, stigmatization, and discrimination… and, tragically, in some cases, being murdered.
