Report on the 2025 Trinidad and Tobago Pride Parade: A Call for Equality in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Event Overview

The 2025 Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Pride Parade, held on July 20 in Port of Spain, functioned as both a cultural celebration and a significant advocacy platform for human rights. Approximately 200 participants, including local citizens, activists, and international diplomats, convened for a procession through Woodbrook. The event underscored a collective demand for legal equality and social inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, framing these issues within the context of national development and international human rights standards.

Advocacy for Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) and Gender Equality (SDG 5)

The parade’s core message directly addressed the objectives of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Organizers and participants articulated a clear demand for the elimination of discriminatory practices and the promotion of social and political inclusion for all citizens, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Call for Equal Treatment: TT Pride co-founder Kennedy Everett Maraj stated that the LGBT community seeks equal and fair treatment as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, urging national leaders to acknowledge their presence and contributions.
• Visibility as a Tool for Change: Dr. Ryan Abraham emphasized the importance of visibility, noting that the event is named “pride, not shame,” to counter societal prejudice and highlight the community’s presence.
• Personal Testimony: Participants described the parade as a safe and affirming space, free from the judgment they may face elsewhere. This highlights the need for inclusive environments that support the well-being of all individuals, a key component of reducing inequality.

Call for Justice and Stronger, Inclusive Institutions (SDG 16)

A significant focus of the parade was the call for legal and institutional reform to align with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which advocates for non-discriminatory laws and policies. Speakers identified specific legal barriers that prevent the full realization of human rights for LGBT citizens.

Key Legal and Institutional Challenges Identified:

1. The Equal Opportunity Act: Kennedy Everett Maraj highlighted that the Act explicitly excludes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, creating a legal foundation for discrimination. This is in direct conflict with the principles of SDG 16.b, which aims to promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws.
2. The Constitutional “Savings Clause”: It was noted that this clause perpetuates colonial-era laws that are discriminatory, effectively denying LGBT people the full rights, privileges, and protections afforded by the Constitution.
3. Barriers to Justice and Basic Rights: Dr. Ryan Abraham detailed how legal deficiencies create tangible inequalities, preventing access to fundamental services. These include:
   • Insurance and banking rights.
   • Healthcare access, particularly regarding the recognition of a partner as next of kin.

Actress Cecilia Salazar supported this call for reform, stating that national laws must be changed to ensure everyone is equal, reinforcing the link between legal frameworks and the achievement of universal human rights.

Socio-Economic Inclusion and Well-being (SDG 3 & SDG 8)

The parade also brought attention to issues impacting the socio-economic well-being of the LGBT community, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

• Workplace Discrimination: Dr. Abraham noted that LGBT individuals are a highly vulnerable population, facing a lack of support in professional environments. This undermines the goal of decent work for all.
• Health and Well-being: The denial of rights related to next of kin directly impacts the health and well-being of individuals, creating barriers to care and support in critical moments.

International Solidarity and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

The event demonstrated strong international support, reflecting the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The presence of foreign dignitaries and visitors underscored that the struggle for LGBT rights is a global human rights issue.

• Diplomatic Support: British High Commissioner Jon Dean attended to support human rights, citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states all people are born equal in rights and dignity. Diplomats from the European Union, Spain, Mexico, Canada, and Australia were also reported to be in attendance.
• International Participation: Pride TT director Tracy Sheppard noted that individuals travelled from other Caribbean islands and the United States to participate, seeking a safe environment to celebrate Pride. This highlights Trinidad and Tobago’s potential role as a regional leader in fostering inclusive societies.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  While often focused on women and girls, the core principle of SDG 5 is to achieve gender equality and end all forms of discrimination. The article’s focus on the rights of the LGBT community directly relates to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, which are integral components of gender equality. The call for equal treatment and the celebration of diverse identities at the Pride parade align with the goal’s ambition to ensure full and effective participation and equal opportunities for all.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This is a central SDG in the article. The entire narrative of the TT Pride parade is a demand to reduce the inequalities faced by the LGBT community in Trinidad and Tobago. Kennedy Everett Maraj explicitly states, “LGBT people still remain on the fringes of society,” and calls for them to be “treated equally and fairly.” The article highlights legal inequality, citing the “Equal Opportunity Act that excludes LGBT people,” which is a direct barrier to reducing inequalities within the country.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is highly relevant due to the article’s emphasis on legal reform and access to justice. The demand for changes to discriminatory laws, such as the Equal Opportunity Act and the challenge to the “savings clause” that protects colonial-era laws, is a call for more just and inclusive institutions. Dr. Ryan Abraham points to “legal barriers” that prevent access to basic rights like insurance and healthcare, underscoring the need for “equal access to justice for all” as promoted by SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

   The article is a clear example of a community demanding social and political inclusion. The parade itself is an act of visibility to promote inclusion. Kennedy Everett Maraj’s statement, “We are citizens of this country and we want to be respected,” is a direct call for the inclusion of LGBT people, who fall under the “other status” category of this target.

2. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.

   This target is explicitly addressed when the article mentions the “Equal Opportunity Act that excludes LGBT people.” The demand to amend this act is a direct effort to eliminate a discriminatory law. Furthermore, the critique of the “savings clause” for denying “rights, privileges and protections” is a call to dismantle legal structures that perpetuate inequality of outcome.

3. Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

   The entire theme of the article supports this target. The participants and organizers are advocating for the creation and enforcement of non-discriminatory laws. Actress Cecilia Salazar’s comment, “we need to change some of our norms and laws, so everyone is equal,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this target. The goal is to have a legal framework that protects all citizens equally, which is precisely what the Pride movement in the article is demanding.

4. Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

   Although the target specifies women and girls, its principle of using “enforceable legislation” to promote equality is applicable. The call to reform the Equal Opportunity Act is a demand for precisely this kind of strengthened, enforceable legislation that would protect individuals based on gender identity and sexual orientation, thereby promoting a broader understanding of gender equality.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Existence of non-discriminatory laws and policies: The primary indicator mentioned is the status of the “Equal Opportunity Act.” Progress would be measured by whether this act is amended to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected statuses. Kennedy Everett Maraj directly points this out as a key issue.
• Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against: The article implies a high level of discrimination. Dr. Ryan Abraham states the LGBT community is a “highly-vulnerable population” and that “The average person won’t support someone who is gay or lesbian, especially in the workplace.” He also mentions specific denials of “insurance, bank rights and health rights.” A formal indicator would involve surveying the LGBT population to track reported instances of discrimination over time.
• Public participation and social inclusion: The article provides a proxy indicator for this through the description of the Pride parade. The turnout (“Almost 200 people”), the presence of “a lot of first-timers,” and the participation of allies and diplomats are all measures of the community’s visibility, social acceptance, and inclusion in public life.
• Government engagement and institutional mechanisms: Kennedy Everett Maraj’s statement, “We are always open to positive engagement and collaboration with the government,” implies a current lack thereof. An indicator of progress would be the establishment of formal dialogue, partnerships, or consultative bodies between the government and LGBT organizations like Pride TT.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newsday.co.tt