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Kréyòl Pride aims to demonstrate unity in Guadeloupe’s queer community
Leïla (psuedonym) from Secret’s Out is one of the organizers of Kréyòl Pride, taking place in Guadeloupe on July 26. (Photo courtesy My TV Caraïbes)
Recently, a collective of LGBTQ organizations announced that the inaugural Kréyòl Pride will take place in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe on July 25, 2026, celebrating the queer community in the French Caribbean territory.
This bold new event is being put together by several local groups, including Secret’s Out, Queer Super Power, Queer Gang, and Trans’Actions Guadeloupe, in collaboration with the brand-new local LGBT+ center, the Maison des Diversités et de l’Inclusion and the Bokantaj Inclusion French West Indies, a federation of regional organizations working to promote human rights and support the most vulnerable social groups, following several years of turmoil.
This new edition, organized under the umbrella of a broad platform, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to unity, following the discord of previous years.
Bringing People Together
Erasing 76 Crimes: What are your goals for Kréyòl Pride, and what are they aimed at? Also, what led you to choose this name, and have you considered organizing pre-parade festivities?
Leïla (pseudonym) from Secret’s Out: The goal is to bring together LGBTQIA+ people, the local population, and allies, including those in the diaspora.
In Guadeloupe, I’ve been leading initiatives to combat homophobia for several years, particularly in prisons. I also participated in a symposium at the University of the Antilles, on the Fouillole campus, on LGBTphobia. Furthermore, I have already conducted awareness-raising initiatives with administrative staff at the local education authority.
In addition, with Queer Gang, until last year, we organized monthly after-work events called Kaz Queer, which will resume soon.
In this context, we have been recognized by various government officials for several years now.
Thus, while LGBTQIA+ activists in Réunion island organize a Pride march every year and Martinique hosts its own festival, at our level, we believe that a street march could also be meaningful here in Guadeloupe, as a culmination of the work already accomplished, complementing the other initiatives already in place.
[Editor’s note: In 2024, the Fort-de-France city government canceled several Martinique Pride events.]
Our goal is to prove wrong those who say that attitudes in Guadeloupe aren’t ready yet. And to do so, we can count on the visibility we’ll collectively build in the media, because we’ve patiently built an inter-organizational synergy to bring Kréyòl Pride to life.”
Estelle Prudent of Queer Super Power. (Photo courtesy Instagram @estelle.prudent)
Estelle Prudent of Queer Super Power: Many people have participated in visibility initiatives in the past; we’re not questioning that. However, today the idea is to build a coalition around a collective movement, not to have a movement centered on a single person. We believe this is essential for mobilization. What we’re doing is historic.
Leïla: As for the name Kréyòl Pride, we wanted a term or expression that reflects our historical and social identity, as well as our cultural mix; that’s why the name Kréyòl Pride seemed the most natural to us.
Estelle Prudent: Kréyòl Pride will be accompanied by a month of festivities, including an opening reception, a closing event, a queer film screening, as well as a conference, artistic dance and poetry performances, and participatory workshops.
Finally, we’ll also be partying hard with balls and parties, not to mention prevention and awareness-raising efforts against discrimination, which will be led by activist organizations in a community village. The full program is online, though announcements will be made later on social media, as we want to keep the public in suspense.
Erasing 76 Crimes: Why did you decide to hold Kréyòl Pride in the middle of July? Do you have any more details about the date?
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Leïla: Many people from the Caribbean living abroad return home during July and August, especially young people. Ultimately, this time of year is one of the rare opportunities for mixing where the diaspora meets locals and families reunite. We want to harness this energy by attracting families and bringing together people of all ages.
Erasing 76 Crimes: Why did you choose Basse-Terre over any other city in Guadeloupe?
Leïla: Initially, I was thinking more of Jarry in Baie-Mahault. However, Kréyòl Pride is as much the result of collective deliberation as it is the fruit of the support it receives from Guadeloupe’s local officials, and it just so happens that in Basse-Terre, the project was met with an enthusiastic reception.
Also, in Basse-Terre, from a logistical standpoint, we as organizers have the option of having a float with music. That definitely tipped the scales in favor of Guadeloupe’s peaceful capital, situated on the slopes of La Soufrière, in a lush green setting facing the ocean.
Estelle Prudent: The city’s historical significance was also a factor.
Erasing 76 Crimes: What about the event’s economic ties with local partners, such as the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Committee or the Chamber of Commerce and Industry?
Estelle Prudent: There are currently calls for proposals underway. We’ve built several connections with contacts thanks to the other organizations participating in Kréyòl Pride. We’re waiting for feedback. We expect a clear response very soon.
You can support Kréyòl Pride by making a donation or volunteering your time to help organize the festivities—let them know here.
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