Sep 7, 2026
3 min read
A recent poll shows that 53.9 per cent of Guyanese support the repeal of the colonial-era law criminalising same-sex intimacy, while 72 per cent back workplace protections for LGBT people, according to Guyana Together, a campaign marking its third anniversary this month.
The findings come as the campaign celebrates 250 organisational endorsers who have pledged support since it was launched in September 2023 as a grassroots effort to increase acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and reduce stigma and prejudice. It was founded by four local organisations: the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Black Entrepreneurs Association, Guyana Press Association and SASOD Guyana.
Since then, the campaign said it has won support from hundreds of Guyanese businesses and civic organisations spanning sectors including energy, legal, food and entertainment, media, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism and hospitality. Several of its endorsing partners marked the milestone with statements underscoring why they backed the campaign.
Among them was Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples (GOIP) Youth Focal Point Shane Thomas, who said reaching 250 endorsing organisations shows Guyanese from every part of the country can stand together for a fairer nation. "As indigenous peoples observe Heritage Month, we know the importance of respecting the dignity, identity and rights of every person and community," he said, adding that no one should be treated as a criminal or denied a livelihood because of who they are or who they love.
Echoing that sentiment, Wanderlust Adventures GY Inc. Founder and Managing Director Roselyn Sewcharran said Guyana's diversity, including its people, cultures, communities and landscapes, is the country's greatest strength. She said hospitality begins with treating everyone with dignity, respect and fairness, adding that as the tourism industry grows, it is important to build a society and workplace culture where people feel safe and welcomed.
From the private sector, Scotty's Smoke House Executive Chef and Co-Proprietor Lennox Scott said food brings people together, and as an employer, he believes everyone deserves fair and respectful treatment at work. He said his restaurant supports stronger workplace protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
Similarly, Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc. (GOGSS) Founder and Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer said the country's growing oil and gas sector depends on a workforce free from discrimination. He said the company is proud to stand with more than 250 businesses and other organisations for a more inclusive Guyana.
The campaign said these statements reflect a shared call among its endorsers for equality, respect, protections against discrimination and the repeal of laws criminalising same-sex intimacy. It also credited organisations including the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Guyana Public Service Union, the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union, the Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Guyana and the Rotary Club of Georgetown for helping spread its message through training and open conversations over the years.
