(CMR) As part of a regional organizational expansion, Colours Caribbean, the first LGBTQIA+ non-profit organization incorporated in the Cayman Islands, has announced the appointment of Em DeCou as its new President and the appointment of founder Billie Bryan to Global Director.
Bryan has resigned as the local President to assume her new role. As President, DeCou will be the leader and a Director for the Cayman branch of Colours Caribbean, with Bryan taking the helm of regional leadership to further the missions of Colours Caribbean in other regional British Overseas Territories.
“It is with great pride that we announce our expansion to growing Colours Caribbean in other regional BOTs and congratulate Billie and Em on their new positions within the organization. In addition to her community work for the LGBTQIA+ community, through Em’s role within Colours as Youth Coordinator, she has demonstrated a justice-driven commitment to equal rights for all. There was no hesitation in recommending her to be appointed to President,” shares Colours’ Legal Advisor, Dr. Leonardo Raznovich.
“As Youth Coordinator and President of Colours, I am proud and excited to continue the work done in Cayman by our pioneering founder Billie Bryan and to support our community through our resources,” shares Em.
To serve the local community, Colours Caribbean offers a safe space for youth through their Centre (opened in mid-2023), provides DEI and sensitivity training and workshops for local businesses and organizations, and offers guidance and resources to LGBTQIA+ folx seeking support.
In addition to these recent organizational changes, Colours said it was pleased to announce that the Court of Appeal has refused an application to appeal the judicial review of the Civil Partnership Act, which Colours intervened in to support the CPA’s validity being upheld.
Further, Colours has shared that the United Nations Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (UN SOGI) would be presenting at the 78th UN General Assembly that, under international human rights law, there can be no justification for the continued criminalization of same-sex intimacy or gender diversity by the British Privy Council. The expert encourages a study on international responsibility resulting from the Privy Council’s decisions. The UN SOGI Expert’s presentation relied on submissions of strategic advocacy publications authored by Dr. Raznovich and supported by Billie’s leadership, which were written to increase visibility and shift the judiciary attitude towards LGBTQIA+ people and rights.
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