Washington wants Dominican gays to feel pride

Santo Domingo.- For the US government the situation of the young people who make up Dominican Republic’s LGBT community must change and has sent its special envoy for the rights of non-heterosexual people, Randy Berry in that effort.

"The LGBT youth of this country should not have to leave their homes, their families, friends and loved ones to live openly and have the opportunity to find love in their lives without discrimination," said US ambassador James W. Brewster in the activity accompanied by his husband Bob Satawake.

He said the country cannot allow its young and educated citizens to leave for foreign lands on fears of discrimination, intolerance and lack of protection.

Brewster said during his 18 months as envoy in the country he and his husband have seen an extraordinary commitment by leaders of broad sectors who work to create better opportunities for Dominicans and part of that commitment involves their collective desire to ensure equal treatment for all citizens including LGBT.

The diplomat said many of the 1.5 million Dominicans living in the US left not to return because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) who can to live their lives openly in America.

The meeting

As part of Gay Pride Month activities Berry delivered the speech to open the event.

He said the fact that gay tourism’s global purchasing power is over US$2.0 billion makes that community very important for the country’s hospitality industry.