Do Young LGBT Belizean have Freedom of expression

-
Posted December 9th, 2012

When a high school student takes a position contrary to a schools position, does the the school have a a right to suppress a student right to freedom of expression to take a position contrary to the school position? Next question, if the school says you can use the name of the school without permission, does that mean it trumps a student right to freedom of expression? This was an issue that was faced by gay student,Amircito Gonzales before he graduate in 2012 from his high school. Amir explained when he placed the video on youtube, his classmates found out and wanted to get back at him. He perceived that someone told the principal and she had him sit down in his office to discuss the issue. He also explained that the school have rules about the use of cell phones as well. but felt even the presence of such rules was was balanced and. The center of the controvery is this video link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzFlKjuzf0s&feature=plcp

When we speak of freedom of expression, it seems broad for the general public, but when it comes to advocacy, its becomes a structural issues that is amplified by the Christian Right television station PlusTV. Back in October 11,2011, a young group of LGBT individuals worked on creating a mural that had a rainbow in it and it was promoting Peace and Equality Day by the Mayor. There was even a Proclamation signed by Mayo De la Fuente. However, it was reported by PlusTV that the mural was a problem. See link for details at http://www.plustvbelize.com/News/NewsDetails/tabid/63/ArticleId/1255/Gay-pride-logo-painted-on-Orange-Walk-Town-Hall.aspx

What was the offending imagery:


This was launch with 33 persons, including US Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally who did the opening remarks ,Peace Corps Director Nina Hernandez,Mayor of Orange Walk Town Phillip de la Fuente,Principal of St Peters Anglican School Ms. Rossana Briceno, President of OW DAVCO Mr. Fidelmar Hernandez,Guests from Ministry of Education,Local teachers,Guests from YFF,Guests from Post Office,Guests from OW DAVCO Board,Peace Corps,equALL Belize Youth Group,CTV3 Media,Guests from Hospital,Guests from Special Olympics,Guests from Co-Op Dept,Guests from Local businesses.

The results of PlusTV coverage led to its covering and then repainting. The only consolation prize was that our name remained on the wall as a sponsor.


 Even thought part two, section twelve speaks to the right of expression, the young LGBT individuals wish to express themselves was institutionally denied, not only by the Mayor, but remain unrecognized by the community as well. It is this context, the we work to get our message out and remain challenged by the atmosphere of a fair space.


 Who were the young people who did the mural as proud of doing something positive for their community. they along with Zach Pullin can be scene below in their T-Shirts along with the Mayor of Orange Walk De La Fuente in Red:



 We were most proud to see that the US Ambassador started the unveiling with opening remarks as seen here.It is clear that the work needs to continue in public education.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

UniBAM at UN: It was about LGBT Politics, Humanity and Defiance

-
Image
Post 19th October, 2016 On September 21st, Belize was placed in a room of power at the United Nations General Assembly side event meeting. An event organized  by the U.N. L.G.B.T Core Group, which includes more than 20 countries and European Union. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders spoke at the meeting alongside Biden.        I had two cool parts to the event, the first was meeting Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koender and discovering the down to earth nature of the man while waiting for Vice President Biden at the door to the hall. Koender made me feel me l so at ease while waiting for Vice-President Biden that I was comfortable enough to speak to Biden sister for a few seconds. I learned latter, the Dutch Foreign Minsiter had passed or near through Belize once, years ago. The highlight of the event for me was meeting Vice President Biden, I had asked
Read more

Dear Silly Straigghtish Belizean men

-
Image
  16/4/2022 16/4/22 Dear Silly Straightish men of Belize: I write to inform you that if you must express your fears behind my back at a bar and be homophobic and verbally violent, you’re not straight, you’re in the closet. If you must be bothered by me going to the bathroom, you’re not straight, your just want the D, but don’t know how to ask. If you need to cut your eye behind my back, while I am a customer too, you’re not straight, you’re just a gay man in waiting or at the worse frustrated because you are experiencing a malfunction with your third leg. When I walk the street, it not your job to police my body, my gender expression or sexuality. Please feel free to take care of your smelly braids, remember to ensure your children have an education, eat and clothes on their back, even if you’re unemployed. If you were clear about pulling down that zipper, you should be clear about how they will eat as they did not ask you to come into this world. Cutting into my business does no
Read more

The Curtains Always fall in Advancing LGBT Rights in Belize, but...

-
Image
 11th September, 2020 "History despite its wrenching pain cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." Maya Angelou. In filling section 53 with the leadership of The University of West Indies Rights Advocacy Project was history making in the region. It generated 300 plus interviews over a decade, nationally and numerous references in the international press.    I was on the world stage meeting diplomats, parliamentarians, prime ministers, Lords and Baroness, often, making interventions about strategy and resources that led to five years of grants. We were the first case that helped launch The Human Dignity Trust global mandate to decriminalize same sex intimacy around the world.  The case triggered, constitutional march protest, a menacing message from an old classmate and  threats from evangelical believers in Belize. But this is not about, threats or legal launches or the high level relationships.There were global decriminalization  meetings in Na
Read more