Pride in Action is an LGBTQ community building organization for university students and aims at promoting their health, wellness and empowerment.
In Jamaica, homophobia is deeply embedded in society and sexual activity between men is illegal. Therefore, LGBTQ persons can face threat and discrimination in mainstream sports facilities. Pride in Action set up a safe space/gym to allow them to freely train and participate in sports. They hope that participants experience increased self-esteem and confidence.
With our funding Pride in Action succeeded in establishing this safe space, including all the necessary sports and exercise equipment. At the moment of finishing their project, they reached 68 young members of the LGBTI community with their sports activities. Pride in Action will continue its work for the community, and will receive a permanent place to settle from the University of the West Indies.
“… It’s been really great to have a space and equipment where I can work out without feeling intimidated, because the gym on campus has a homophobic vibe…”
DM, bisexual man
Project results
PlanetRomeo Foundation funding enabled Pride in Action to:
- setting up a safe space;
- organize a day of sports and a series of fitness sessions and dance exercises;
- hire a sports instructor;
- purchase gym and exercise equipment and a table-tennis table;
- purchase equipment for badminton, basketball, football, and table-tennis;
- purchase 50 Pride in Action branded t-shirts.
