Out of the Margins - Renae Green
Renae Green, TransWave Jamaica, Jamaica, Economic Wellbeing Working Group
What is the situation for LBT+ communities in Jamaica?
LBT+ issues are on the back burner. Women’s issues only came to the forefront about four years ago and trans people's issues about three years ago. With trans people’s issues, there’s usually only a focus on trans women and it's around HIV. Women's issues are still trying to find a place and a voice. That has always been an issue and a problem. Trans people aren't recognised legally and we really have no protection in any form under the laws. Trans people and trans rights aren't respected.
What change do you hope to see?
Data is an issue in Jamaica. With a lot of the issues and the things that we raise, the pushback is that we have no data or information to support it. Even talking about poverty, people will say they don't think a lot of trans people are poor because they don't see any data to reflect that. That's the hope – to have concrete proof and something to show that this is the reality of trans people and this is why it's so important that more resources are going to working with the community.
How have you found the Expert Group Planning Meeting and collaborating with Stonewall?
It’s good. I really would like to see what else we're going to be doing with Stonewall and I'm really hoping this isn't just a one-off thing and greater things can come of it, whether it is through financial support or helping to build that capacity or establishing formal partnerships. I'm hoping that we can create a stronger relationship.