By: Sueann Wickham
In Guyana, where diverse cultures intertwine, Avinash Narine stands as a poignant symbol of resilience and courage. At 39, Avinash is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, leading a life of commitment to fostering acceptance. In this article, the Guyana Standard unfolds his story, a testament to the power of love and how an unyielding spirit can propel change.
In his interview with this publication, Avinash candidly shared, “My journey as a gay person living in Guyana is not an easy one and often hindered by those around me.” His words echoed the struggles of countless LGBTQ+ individuals navigating societal expectations. Avinash dismantled the misconception that being gay is a choice, recounting his attempts to suppress his feelings, even engaging in heterosexual relationships to conform to “societal norms.”
“There are moments when I do not love myself, doubt myself and want to change, but then I snap out of it and realize my own uniqueness is what makes us all special,” he reflected, while revealing the internal battle fought for self-acceptance. Avinash’s journey is a rollercoaster of emotions – from grappling with feelings of inadequacy to the pivotal realization that self-acceptance is the beacon guiding him out of the shadows.
In the dim recesses of despair, Avinash contemplated an unthinkable exit. “I felt like I was a disappointment to my family, that no one would love me, and I had no future. Suicide felt like it was the best option for me and those around me,” he reflected. The gravity of his words is palpable, underscoring the immense societal pressure faced by individuals like Avinash. Yet, from these depths emerged a story of resilience, and overcoming the darkest moments to embrace the light within.
Joining the Guyana Together Campaign
Amidst the shadows of Avinash’s struggles, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of the Guyana Together Campaign. This grassroots movement, with its primary mission to foster acceptance, reduce stigma, and ignite conversations around LGBTQ+ issues, found in Avinash a compelling voice. The campaign sought not only to champion the rights of the LGBTQ+ community but also to humanize the stories of acceptance and support.
Avinash recalls the moment Guyana Together reached out to him: “They wanted to share not just my journey but also that of an ally who supported me as a gay man and a professional.” It was an opportunity for Avinash to shed light on the transformative power of allies, exemplified by his friend Kristal Inshan. “Having an ally, my friend Kristal, tell her support in her own words was very inspirational for me,” he shared. Kristal’s support became a crucial narrative thread, illustrating the profound impact allies can have on the LGBTQ+ community.
The campaign, Avinash emphasizes, goes beyond mere advocacy. “Guyana Together is on the right path to promoting and saying to everyone who has such a story, ‘hey, it is important to speak out about your love as an ally, as a friend, and a mother or father.'” The resonance of Avinash’s words lies in the campaign’s ability to amplify the voices of those who dare to challenge societal norms, advocating for love, acceptance, and understanding.
Avinash’s pride in being part of a movement that humanizes acceptance is palpable. “I feel proud to be part of any movement that not only champions rights and support for the LGBTQ+ community but ultimately humanizes what acceptance and support mean.” He said it’s a declaration that transcends individual narratives, inviting us all to reconsider the essence of acceptance and support within the broader context of humanity.
Evolution of LGBTQ+ Acceptance and Impactful Moments
In Guyana, acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community has undergone transformation, yet challenges persist. Avinash reflected on this evolution, asserting that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done. “Acceptance has evolved in some ways, but we still have a lot of work to do to ensure people understand that this remains a human rights issue,” he affirmed.
He passionately advocates for the removal of discriminatory laws and the establishment of fundamental rights for the LGBTQ+ community. “Give us the right to freedom of expression; right to work and earn; the right to social services and health services without discrimination. We deserve those very basic rights,” Avinash stated, encapsulating the core aspirations of the Guyana Together Campaign.
Amidst the challenges, Avinash highlighted moments that stand as beacons of hope. The Guyana Together Campaign, with its vivid portrayal of allies accepting their LGBTQ+ family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, has the potential to change hearts and minds. “We have never seen real-life stories of allies accepting their gay and trans family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours like this in the mainstream media before,” Avinash remarked.
Envisioning the Future and Positive Changes
Looking ahead, Avinash envisions a future for LGBTQ+ individuals in Guyana shaped by the ongoing efforts of the Guyana Together Campaign. “The campaign is still young. It is new and fresh. But it is obviously making inroads when it comes to support,” he noted, hinting at the burgeoning confidence among people to express their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
In a heartfelt acknowledgment, Avinash emphasized the need for campaigns like Guyana Together. “We often forget that while we have differences as a people, our values of respect, love, and support should unite us as Guyanese.” The campaign, he believes, serves as a unifying force, fostering understanding and compassion in a society marked by diversity.
Reflecting on positive changes since the campaign’s launch, Avinash shared, “Since the campaign launched and I spoke at the launch event in early September, the positive feedback has been overwhelming.”
Strangers, moved by his bravery, have reached out, commending him for sharing his story publicly. In these moments, the collective impact of individual narratives becomes evident, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of inclusivity.
Avinash was quick to emphasize that the campaign is not just for himself but for the younger generation. “I want queer youth to know that there is space for them in this country. We must be included, and our voices must be heard.” His words resonate beyond the borders of Guyana, carrying a universal message of inclusion and acceptance.
Advice and Insights for Others
“Psycho-social support is important when coming to grips with your sexuality,” Avinash emphasized. His words echo the significance of community, family, and friends in providing a foundation of support for individuals facing the complexities of self-discovery.
Avinash encourages those struggling with sexuality or gender issues to reach out to organizations like SASOD Guyana, recognizing the pivotal role they play in offering support. “We know the campaign will inspire others to share their stories, and that’s great,” he added, highlighting the transformative potential of every narrative shared.
In these moments of advice, Avinash extends a hand to those who may feel alone, reminding them that support is not only available but crucial for the journey ahead. His words reverberate as a call to action for communities to rally around their LGBTQ+ members, fostering an environment of understanding, empathy, and acceptance.
Avinash Narine’s story is intricately woven into the fabric of Guyana’s societal evolution and serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. From the shadows of personal struggles, he emerged as a fervent advocate for acceptance, playing a pivotal role in the transformative narrative of the Guyana Together Campaign.
This is more than a story of an individual; it’s a collective journey toward a future where love transcends boundaries, where acceptance is not a distant dream but a tangible reality. The Guyana Together Campaign, with Avinash at its forefront, is a testament to the power of unity, understanding, and the unwavering spirit that propels societal change.
Through every word spoken, Avinash invites us all to reconsider the meaning of acceptance, urging us to envision a world where love knows no bounds.
