‘Understand before you judge’: an awareness-raising day against LGBTQIA+phobia
Three groups of around fifteen people took part on Sunday in dance workshops organised by SAFE, the only active LGBTQIA+ organisation in Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy. The initiative was organised to mark IDAHOT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, with the aim of raising public awareness of discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.
To mark this international day – (LGBTQIA: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Aromantic or Agender) – the SAFE association focused on physical expression, creativity and dialogue. Three dance workshops, led by professional dancers and choreographers, were held at the Grand Case Beach Club, followed by a round-table discussion on issues of diversity, inclusion and the fight against discrimination.
Is it harder in the Caribbean?
The association now has around fifty members. A modest figure that also illustrates the difficulty in accurately assessing the number of people affected in the region, as issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity remain taboo in certain families and social circles. Through its network of members, SAFE offers support accommodation to people finding themselves in difficulty, sometimes even within their own families. In particular, an agreement has been signed with the FLAG association. The latter mainly brings together police officers, gendarmes, public officials and security staff committed to combating discrimination linked to sexual orientation or gender identity.
It works to support victims, raise awareness among law enforcement agencies and provide training on issues of discrimination. Every year in Saint Martin, SAFE assists at least two people facing emergency situations.
Other issues arise, such as support for transgender people, which is non-existent in the territory. To begin a transition process, most must travel to mainland France for two years to access the transition pathway, with full coverage of care costs if undertaken within the public health system.
Advancing LGBTI equality in Europe
There are numerous initiatives around the world, but political action is needed to bring about change. Hosted by Denmark in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers and co-organised with the Council of Europe, the 2026 edition of the European IDAHOT+ Forum will focus on the theme ‘Advancing LGBTI equality: addressing challenges and shaping the future in Europe’. It will be followed, on 20 and 21 May, by the meeting in Copenhagen of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics. This committee will continue its intergovernmental work, including finalising the draft Council of Europe Strategy on LGBTI Rights (2027–2032), and will contribute to the development of a more structured and forward-looking approach to equality.
Founded in Sint Maarten before establishing itself in Saint Martin, the SAFE association has also been active in Saint Barthélemy for nearly 18 months. Although it does not yet have premises on the Northern Islands, it organises travelling awareness-raising campaigns and discussion sessions throughout the year to promote dialogue and interaction.
It will be active again on 11 October for ‘Coming Out Day’, and then, as last year, on 22 November for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, in partnership with the Nous Toutes association. Throughout the year, it also organises drinks and discussion events and is developing a programme dedicated to “civic awareness”, with the aim of promoting mutual understanding and community life.
