New PRIDE Parade Committee Embodies Cayman’s Diversity and Sense of Belonging

13 May 2025, 05:36 AM

General

The newly formed PRIDE Parade Committee is proud to announce its 2025 line-up and a renewed commitment to celebrating diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the Cayman Islands. The five-member committee—Tara Bush, Dr Chantal Basson, Julian Foster, Schmarrah McCarthy and Zee Wright—reflects the depth and breadth of our evolving community. Together, they represent the many facets of Cayman’s vibrant, inclusive future.

This year’s PRIDE is not just about being different—it’s about belonging. We are committed to creating safe, affirming spaces where every human being—citizen or resident—feels seen, respected, and included.

We express heartfelt gratitude to Noel Cayasso-Smith and Billie Bryan for their foundational work in bringing the LGBTQ+ community together. To Noel in particular for laying the groundwork for what the PRIDE Parade in Cayman has become and to Billie for making with the pledge and Colours Cayman (now Colours Caribbean) our community visible as such in the Cayman Islands. ”We also thank Dr James Reeves and Dr Leonardo Raznovich for their dedication through Colours Caribbean and the legal victories achieved under Dr Raznovich’s leadership. As legal counsel, Dr Raznovich successfully defended key protections in the Grand Court and Court of Appeal against efforts to overturn the Civil Partnership Act—matters now before the Privy Council.

We recognise Vickie Bodden and Chantelle Day, whose courageous legal challenge opened the door for civil partnerships in Cayman, and Walkers and Maples for sponsoring this year’s events.

However, to truly make PRIDE 2025 a success, we need more businesses and individuals to join us as partners in inclusion.

Upcoming Events:

* Flag Raising Ceremony – Date TBA

* Pickleball Family Day – Sunday, 15 June

* PRIDE Parade – Saturday, 28 June at 5:00 PM

* After Party – Boonny Moon Beach Club (confirmed)

We invite everyone, especially our frontline heroes, such as 911 operators, ambulance crews, police officers, fire service, and prison officers, to march with us. One of the most powerful human needs is the need to belong. For too long, being LGBTQ+ in Cayman has carried a stigma. It’s time to rewrite that narrative.

Join us. March with us. Could you celebrate with us? Show the world that everyone belongs in the Cayman Islands. Cayman PRIDE – where love is welcome, diversity shines, and everyone belongs.