That’s because of two bills that passed Haiti’s Senate over the summer. Smitchyna Charles, a Kouraj receptionist and human rights trainer, tells me that last year life in Haiti became more dangerous for her community.
The reception area is decorated with a rainbow flag and a rainbow clock.īehind the front desk sits a young transgender woman with a warm smile. But inside there’s no question where you are. The current office is on a side street, unmarked, with a plainclothes security guard out front. The group’s headquarters have moved three times after attacks. The name of Haiti’s most prominent LGBT rights organization is Kouraj (Haitian Creole for courage) - with good reason.
