Jun 22
As a queer, brown-skinned, transgender woman from a British
Colony in the Caribbean, who recently immigrated to Europe and
is now residing in the United Kingdom, I’ve been searching the
region high and low for a group, organisation or anything of the
sort where I could feel safe, seen and supported....Read more
As a queer, brown-skinned, transgender woman from a British
Colony in the Caribbean, who recently immigrated to Europe and
is now residing in the United Kingdom, I’ve been searching the
region high and low for a group, organisation or anything of the
sort where I could feel safe, seen and supported. Try as I
might, I never could find that sense of community I so
desperately craved. And the sad fact is, I am by no means alone.
The stark reality is that, centuries later, many LGBTQIA+ people
like me from across the Caribbean Diaspora are still severely
impacted by the lasting effects of British
Colonialism—homophobia, misogyny, racism,
transphobia—particularly in the former colonies and six
remaining territories. We have been fighting for our lives for
generations and continue to do so to this day. So, this Windrush
Day, it is with honour and pride that I’m announcing the next
chapter in my career of political activism… Introducing People
Of Colours UK. An off-shoot of Colours Caribbean, which I
founded 10 years ago in the Cayman Islands, People Of Colours UK
will be the first charitable organisation based in the United
Kingdom that caters specifically to people-of-colour from the
Caribbean Diaspora born or residing in England, Scotland or
Wales. People Of Colours UK specialises in matters relating to
advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people, particularly those identifying as
transgender, intersex, non-binary, aromantic and asexual; as
well as in the defence and promotion of human rights. Under the
stewardship of its founder and trustees, People Of Colours UK is
committed to understanding and addressing the many nuances of
queer people-of-colour who are facing obstacles while adapting
to life in a foreign country, guided by their collective
extensive knowledge and lived experiences. I hope that you’ll
follow me on this bold, new journey and lend your support
whenever possible. And if you yourself are in need of assistance
of any kind, I encourage you to reach out. Watch this space for
much more to come in the near future. —Billie "Bee"
Bryan Founder, People Of Colours UK
