The first Pride Parade was held in 1969 as a result of the Stonewall Riots. Forty-five years later, Jamaica will hold its first set of events for Pride this year, in conjunction with the nation’s Emancipation and Independence celebrations. Pride parades recognize the LGBTI community and over the years, have become joyful celebrations.

Activists here in Jamaica have been planning Pride for awhile now, which in itself has attracted attention. The response, not surprisingly, has not been all that welcoming. A couple of months ago, JFLAG had to reassure people there would not be a parade, stating that Jamaica is not ready for that.

Once again, this week JFLAG reassured people there would not be a parade due to security concerns, but rather a series of events. These include a flash mob on Emancipation Day, a flag-raising ceremony, an art exhibition, a symposium and an open mic night. In addition, local businesses deemed LGBTI-friendly will offer discounts for the week of Aug. 1-8.

Here is JFLAG’s associate director Latoya Nugent:

“I believe together we can and we will demonstrate to all of Jamaica and the world, in the spirit of this year’s Independence theme, that we are proud and free Jamaicans breaking the rules of oppression,” she added.

Progress, not perfection, an old saying goes. And progress is certainly being made, forged by these courageous individuals and this resilient community.