Cayman’s Pride parade will return as a free event this year, Cayman Islands LGBTQ Foundation founder Noel Cayasso-Smith has confirmed.
Speaking on the Cayman Compass talkshow ‘The Resh Hour’ Wednesday Cayasso-Smith said, following criticism last year, the decision was taken to make the parade free to the public.
He said, although the numbers were not too bad at last year’s parade, he is hoping for a better turnout this year.
“We’re hoping that this year that everyone will come out. We’ve also cancelled the pre-registration because dealing with that was hectic,” he said, adding that he was aware that everyone was worried about the public display of affection (PDA) rule.
This year, he said, there will a relaxation of that rule.
However, he said he is encouraging those participating in the parade to be mindful of attendees and adhere to respectful standards of behaviour, especially as Cayman’s Governor, Jane Owen, will be leading the 5 August parade.
“We lead by example and I think that jumping around and throwing each other to the ground and acting in that kind of manner is not something that I’m willing to be a part of, because I’ve never been a part of something like that even in the other events that happen here,” he said.
He added there will be no alcohol allowed during the parade again this year.
“We’re encouraging people to design their own outfits for Pride. But we just want them to bear in mind as well that, as an organisation and a committee, we still have the last say,” he said.
Cayasso-Smith stated he is still awaiting confirmation of Premier Wayne Panton’s attendance, but he said Deputy Governor Franz Manderson has said he will participate in the parade.
Cayman’s community has come a long way judging by the response over the last two years to the Pride events, he said.
“We are being accepted a lot more and people are beginning to relax and realise that we are a part of the community. We are human beings and we should be judged not because of our sexuality but who we are. And we contribute to society, just like anyone else here. We pay our bills, we do things, we volunteer, we do a lot of things that any normal person would do, so why should we not be treated as a normal person?” he asked.
Cayasso-Smith said there is still a stigma on the community, but he believes eventually Cayman will crossover to a better understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The raising of the pride flag will be held on 3 June at Public Beach starting at 5pm, he said, to mark the start of Pride Month.
Cayasso-Smith said on 15 July, the Foundation will hold a rainbow light walk at Public Beach starting from 6pm. The fundraiser walk, he said, will go from Public Beach to the Ritz and back.
Registration for the walk is $25 which includes a Pride t-shirts and a rainbow glow light for the walk.
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