While Trinidad and Tobago often describes itself as a tolerant society, some LGBTQI+ groups and advocates argue that the language and behaviour seen even within Parliament suggest otherwise.

Advocates point to repeated taunts and insults directed at male politicians, including insinuations about their sexuality and the delibe­rate use of feminine pronouns as insults, as evidence that homophobia and gender-based ridicule remain deeply rooted in the country’s poli­tical culture.

Community outreach: Caiso director Angelique V Nixon, back row, centre; Chinyere Brown, second from left; and Johannah-Rae Reyes, left, with other members of the Caiso Wholeness and Justice Team during the launch of the Growing Spaces initiative at the Kapok Hotel, Port of Spain.