This is a list LGBT rights organisations in Belize.
Table
United Belize Advocacy Movement
The United Belize Advocacy Movement, also known as UNIBAM or UniBAM, are a Belize-based non-governmental organisation that advocate against the discrimination and stigmatisation of the LGBT community in Belize.
History
UNIBAM trace their origins to a 2005 multi-centre study of men who have sex with men, lead by Paul Edwards of the Ministry of Health, and Chad Martin of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study prompted discussions, primarily in Orange Walk Town, which lead to the founding of UNIBAM's predecessor organisation, UNIDAD 96, by Alex Avalos, Fernando Novelo, Caleb Orozco, William Smith, and Jerry Mendoza, 'along with many other nameless colleagues.' On 16 February 2006, in space provided by Arnulfo Kantun of the National Development Foundation in Belize City, UNIBAM was established by Caleb Orozco and '10 other persons from Belize City and Orange Walk.' UNIBAM were registered as a non-governmental organisation on 4 May 2006, and secured their first grant in October of that year from the Tides Foundation.
Notably, UNIBAM successfully challenged the long-standing statutory criminalisation of homosexuality in Belize in the 2010–2016 Orozco v Attorney General case.
Activities
UNIBAM aim 'to reduce stigma and discrimination [against members of the LGBT community in Belize].' Their primary activities include research and advocacy, including formal representation of the Belizean LGBT community before national and international bodies, and informal representation via national media. As of 2008, the primary bodies liaised with included the UN Human Rights Council, UN Human Rights Committee, the Organisation of American States, the Caribbean Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays, the Belize Alliance Against AIDS, and the Belize Family Life Association.
Promoting Empowerment Through Awareness of Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Promoting Empowerment Through Awareness of Lesbian and Bisexual Women, more commonly known as PETAL, are a Belize-based non-governmental organisation that advocate for and provide support services to LGBT women in Belize.
History
PETAL were established in 2011 by Marla Simone Hill, then Vice President of the United Belize Advocacy Movement, who had observed 'that very little advocacy was being done for the women in the LGBT community [of Belize].' The following year, the organisation engaged the support of social activist Abigail McKay, and began Conversations, their hallmark programme, deemed 'a critical component of PETAL's work.' In 2015, they secured a six-month grant from the United Belize Advocacy Movement, and registered as a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation on 29 December 2015, with a pro tempore board consisting of Simone Hill, Ifáṣínà Efunyemi, Charrice Talbert, and Abigail McKay. Their inaugural general meeting was held in December 2018, with an active membership of 'over 60 women.'
Activities
PETAL aim 'to achieve social, economic and gender justice for all women in Belize[,] especially [lesbian and bisexual] women[,] through advocacy and empowerment.' Their 'signature' programme is Conversations, 'a safe and brave space in which women sit together in a circle to learn, share, listen and support each other,' held since 2012. Other notable programmes include an annual conference during International Women's Day, a Valentine's Day gala, family programming during Mother's Day, monthly gender-based violence outreach, and various sensitisation and awareness workshops. By 2019, PETAL had an active membership of 75 women across the country, and were serving 'more than 100 women and girls.'
Belize Youth Empowerment for Change
The Belize Youth Empowerment for Change, also known by their acronym BYEC, are a Belize-based non-governmental organisation that advocate for LGBT individuals, particularly young ones, in Belize.
History
BYEC were registered as a non-governmental organisation in 2013, by fellows and alumni of the Youth Leadership in Sexual and Reproductive Health and the Environment Programme of GOBelize. They spearheaded the annual celebration of LGBT pride in Belmopan, Cayo, in 2015.