International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

The new campaign promoting respect and acceptance in Seychelles – Viv, Lanmour, Respe’ – is now being promoted in a series of SPTC bus advertisements launched this week.

The launch coincides with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia being observed today, May 17. The day aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide.

The branded SPTC buses will be in circulation as from this week and will continue into Pride Month this June 2022 in support of the ongoing campaign.

‘Viv, Lanmour, Respe’ showcases the stories and voices of Seychellois citizens, with an emphasis on equal treatment and unity in Seychelles.

The campaign also includes public service announcements (PSAs) aired across all major Seychellois TV channels and radio stations this week, supported by LGBTI Sey.

The testimonies seen and heard in the films and radio announcements are from members of the Seychellois LGBTI community, and they each speak from personal experience about how a more inclusive society would benefit them.

The campaign is also relevant to issues such as sexism and racism, as it highlights how all Seychellois people can benefit from increasing tolerance and acceptance.

By targeting SPTC buses, LGBTI Sey hopes to further promote this message of love, respect, and equal treatment within the community.

Naddy Vidot, chair of LGBTI Sey, said: “On this International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia we mark 7 years of LGBTI Sey’s campaign for the advancement of human rights in Seychelles. As part of our campaign for legislation against hate crimes, we launch the circulation of the SPTC buses with our message of ‘love’. We must all continue to come together to better protect the most vulnerable in our society. On behalf of LGBTI Sey, I thank all of our partners and those who support our cause, both locally and internationally, and we look forward to moving ahead as a country for greater equality for all persons, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation.”

Emily Gonthier, vice-chair of LGBTI Sey, said: “We hope the campaign will spark a widespread conversation about the importance of accepting our individual differences. We are at our best as a society when we embrace Seychellois citizens in all our diversity.”

Source: Seychelles Nation