Transgender women add their voices to We Are Jamaicans

There's been a lot of encouraging international news about transgender people this past week.

While the passing of the House of Commons transgender rights bill C-279 was being praised here in Canada, transgender people in Jamaica have bravely stepped forward to have their voices heard.

On January 17, the non-profit organization Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays launched the We Are Jamaicans video campaign to raise awareness about and understanding of Jamaican LGBT people.

While the first few videos presented featured gay and straight allies, the latest videos feature two transgender women who express their desire to be seen as human.

In one video, Whitney talks about the challenges she faces as a transgender person, including losing her job and friends. Undeterred, she speaks with confidence and poise about who she is and the Jamaica she wants to live in.

Meanwhile, Tiana Miller explains how even though life is difficult for her, she plans to stay in Jamaica and she remains committed to the fight for equality.

The Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition funds the campaign. More information about the campaign and other LGBT efforts in Jamaica is available at the J-FLAG website.

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