Widening the Concept of Families in Belize
In 2018, Our Circle was approved funding from UNDP and COC to continue its work to ensure all same-sex couples have the legal protections necessary to sustain their relationships and families in Belize. But winning the right to domestic partnership, civil union or marriage begins with sensitizing the key policy makers and the
LGBT community simultaneously. Due to the invisibility of the LGBT community and LGBT relationships and our diverse families, Our Circle sees the need to empower real couples with real stories to build the case that in Belize all relationships deserve equal protection under the law.
On any given day across the country, LGBT persons are engaged in conversations and activities about their families. Yet not all discussions of family are equally welcomed in social, legal and political spaces. There currently is no estimate to indicate the number of LGBT persons, nor the number of LGBT persons in steady relationships, who are in turn legally disadvantaged. Due to the fact that legally there is no recognition in same sex relationships in Belize, little is known about the experiences of LGBT-headed families across the country.
In order to fill this crucial gap in our knowledge of LGBT relationships in Belize. Last year OC undertook a
small study to capture a glimpse into the demographics and existence of same sex couples in Belize. This baseline survey suggested that there are numerous LGBT persons in stable relationships and legal excluded children in LGBT-led families. For this purpose OC wishes to embark on the Widening the Concept of Family in Belize Project in order to confirm the existence of same-sex couples and LGBT-led families and ultimately influencing the establishment of an inclusive definition to family as well as establishing a base to encourage the visibility and inclusion of same-sex relationships.
This project aims at identifying and supporting same-sex families in their rights to a creating a family and those obstacles that prevent the enjoyment of these rights should be removed. It also aims to support the development of role models into front liners and to build critical mass within the community and institutions.
Lastly, it introduces a sustainability plan into Our Circle’s activities in order to become self sustained.