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Content warning: This post contains mentions of gender-based violence, multiple forms of abuse and discriminatory behaviour towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Gender-based violence(GBV) refers to any act of violence experienced by someone specifically because of their gender. It’s an umbrella term that can include domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence and a host of other violations. Though many believe that only women and girls can experience GBV, one can be subjected to a violation regardless of their gender identity. That common misconception comes as a result of the centring of only one narrative when survivors’ stories are shared. Instances, where perpetrators aren’t men, are underreported and oftentimes, survivors of psychological, financial and other types of non-physical violence are not aware that what they experience is actually unacceptable.
In the Caribbean, Gender-Based Violence(GBV) remains prevalent for an array of reasons, we maintain patriarchal ideals and societal norms which perpetuate abuse-apologetic behaviour and normalize violence. Young men are conditioned to use aggression and violate consent to be perceived as dominant. There is one identity that is expected to hold all of the power and those who are not hypermasculine, cisgender, heterosexual men are more often the victims of violence. This becomes even more dangerous when we consider how social systems affect reporting, addressing the instances of GBV and supporting survivors. There are insufficient and ineffective measures taken to protect vulnerable groups from GBV and assist them when it occurs. Because a violent act is unlikely to have repercussions, no one is discouraged from perpetrating one.
For most, when considering GBV the immediate thought is of traditional domestic disputes where the patriarch is the perpetrator of sexual assault. For example, one doesn’t immediately think of LGBT+ individuals being forced to undergo Conversion Therapy or being misgendered as GBV. This contributes to the erasure of the diversity of identities who may experience GBV. Any harm(physical or otherwise) exacted towards someone based on a Queer Identity is gender-based because it occurs as a result of their deviation from society’s expectations of their ‘assigned sex.’
Queer people are already an especially vulnerable group in the Caribbean region due to social stigma, discriminatory legislation and a limited number of organisations with resources dedicated to their needs. These factors exacerbate their vulnerability to gender-based violence.
As legal protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation are rare and accurate gender markers aren’t often available, LGBT+ persons who are unable to conceal their identity may struggle to find or keep stable employment in addition to having specific needs which may incur additional expenses(accessing hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming procedures, etc.) This in turn can force them into high-risk fields like Sex Work where persons are more susceptible to violence from both clients and the Police. Laws against ‘prostitution’ discourage workers from reporting violence faced on the job.
In Guyana, a law prohibiting “cross-dressing” was only recently repealed which would have prevented transgender persons from presenting in alignment with the way they identify in public. This made it extremely difficult for many trans* persons(especially trans women) to pursue justice for acts of violence they experienced. If their mere existence warranted action from the authorities, how were they to go into a police station to make a report without being arrested? Even after this, it would be burdensome to show up to a courtroom where being repeatedly misgendered would be unavoidable.
The violent anti-LGBT legislation in our region impacts the self-esteem of innocent members of the Queer Community. It’s inevitable that they begin to feel as though there is something wrong with them or that they deserve any violence or maltreatment that comes their way. This is the message that comes from the Media, the Government and the people who are all around us in our everyday lives. None are hesitant to express their disdain for those who are categorized below the LGBTQIAP+ umbrella. Social stigma remains and Queer people are left to handle the severe emotional impact of living in a society that treats them as sub-human. In addition, many do not consider violence that is not physical to be valid and thus, may be unwilling to report it as there is no guarantee that any justice will be delivered. LGBT+ persons may experience GBV in ways that frequently go unnoticed.
Consider...
Lani is a 19-year-old who is Queer. At home, he urges his parents to accept and respect his identity but instead of doing this, they threaten to ‘cut off’ Lani, refusing to continue funding his university tuition if he continues to be open about his ‘orientation.’ Along with this, they insist he must see a counsellor to help him overcome his “homosexual tendencies.” Feeling as though advancing his education would be the only way to escape that unsafe environment and that he has no choice, Lani agrees.
In this instance, Lani’s parents are abusing his vulnerability both Psychologically/ Emotionally and Financially.
Transgender woman Regina has worked at the Licensing Office for over a decade. She began her medical ‘transition,’ wearing make-up, dresses and other traditionally ‘feminine’ accessories after suppressing her gender expression at her place of employment for years. Her manager instructs her not to return to work until she is ready to “be a man.” As there are no laws in place to protect her from discrimination based on her gender identity in Grenada, she is left with two options. Regina can either remain unemployed or endure abuse on the job. She decided on the former. As a result, she looks into to Sex Work to help her afford her estrogen HRT. However, instead of paying her, one of Regina’s clients hits her and runs away. When she goes in to report the attack, the police call her slurs, make fun of her, misgender her and make it extremely difficult for her to make a report.
Those are examples of unique ways LGBT+ individuals can be affected by GBV. To some folks, reporting may not always be the best course of action. Their lives may be unnecessarily disrupted by doing so. For instance, some individuals would prefer to endure Psychological Abuse rather than expend energy on the emotional labour of reporting. Or, the perpetrators may hold them, hostage, using financial resources as a leverage tactic. This is especially common when it seems likely that nothing good will result from a report which is the most probable outcome.
Queer Youth who might be struggling with their queerphobic guardians may be hesitant to report for valid reasons. Due to ineffective child protection agencies and systems, they may be placed with relatives who are also disapproving or lose the level of comfort attached to their standard of living by being sent to a replacement home. And even then, that is only if their situation is identified as “high-risk” by the Children’s Authority. Otherwise, they remain in the care of their families who are neither affirming nor accepting. In addition, they would also have to face the after-effects of an investigation which would usually mean an even more toxic environment.
There are a few strategies that should be considered to limit the occurrences and diminish the effects of GBV on LGBT+ folks. Firstly, educating the public around GBV and emphasizing the diversity of who it affects and the different ways it manifests itself is recommendable. Secondly, ensuring that resources are always readily available to those who need them in terms of knowing how to report, making it simple to report and providing guidance and protection throughout the process. Then, providing psychosocial support for survivors to tackle the lasting psychological impact that GBV has on a person and to help them deal with the emotional distress that may come from pursuing legal action against a perpetrator. Finally, forming safe spaces for survivors and ensuring that each possesses staff members that are properly sensitized about the unique needs of LGBT+ individuals. This would minimize the further trauma that is often imposed by shelters, especially those that only recognize survivors who are cisgender women and children. Living as a Queer individual is a difficult enough task on its own. This struggle is only exacerbated when faced with additional challenges.
If you are LGBT+ in the Caribbean and have been affected by GBV, know that you are not alone. There are organisations such as CAISO, TTTransCoalition and TransWaveJA and many others that work towards creating a world where such a travesty is eliminated and may provide the support you need, should you reach out to them.
About the Author
Saidah Joseph(he/him) is a Queer, vegan, womanist writer. He is also a performer, organiser and advocate. To read more of his work, visit the womanist writer, his blog.