Harold Hopkinson, a 71-year-old businessman who has conquered the motor racing and sharp-shooting arenas, now has his sights set on rallying fellow parents and the state to support the removal of an outdated law that discriminates against gay men in Guyana, and the passage of anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons.
Hopkinson’s mission is driven entirely by his love for his son, Quincy, a 47-year-old medical professional, who now resides overseas.
In his message, Hopkinson, a security executive, pointed that he believes some of the “brain drain” Guyana is experiencing is linked to discriminatory laws against the LGBT community.
He said it is painful knowing that his son felt compelled to leave Guyana because of legislation that still criminalises intimacy same sex partners.
“It hurts deeply that he felt he had to leave Guyana because of our country’s outdated laws criminalising intimacy between men,” Hopkinson said, adding that such laws do not reflect Guyanese values. “They rob us of bright, hardworking people like my son.”
Hopkinson is calling for a collective response from both parents and lawmakers to address the issue. “We must stand against these discriminatory laws and pass legislation that reflects our national values,” he urged. “Guyana is growing fast, and it is time for our country to also grow in fairness and respect for all people, including our gay citizens,” he added.
His message is featured in Guyana Together’s fifth video release to commemorate Father’s Day. In the message, Hopkinson, a father of seven, also reflected on his bond with Quincy.
“I love my son and I am very proud of him,” he said. “He reminds me a lot of myself, we share the same sense of humour, we are both artistic, and we can fix almost anything.”
Guyana Together’s fifth video complements four other videos launched from 2023 to 2025. The campaign’s first video features a young lesbian, Krystal Trim, and ally Eusebia Liverpool, who has been a mother figure in Trim’s life since her biological mother passed away when she was a teenager.
The second video features Guyanese model and pageant queen Kristal Inshan and her gay best friend, fashion designer Avinash Narine, and captures support through friendship.
The third video features sister Kaisha Davis and her transgender brother Tarique. Their love and support transcend a mere sibling relationship, as it has cemented an everlasting bond of trust.
The campaign’s fourth video featured 80-year-old grandmother Romanie Viola Simpson and Hollister. Hollister was assigned male at birth and now identifies as a transgender woman. Simpson’s message highlights her love, protection, and support for Hollister, who lost her mother at a tender age. The video spotlights the duo’s relationship and how they both value each other. All the Guyana Together videos capture real stories of immeasurable love and support from family and friends for gay and transgender Guyanese from all walks of life.
Guyana Together is a grassroots campaign aimed at growing public support and understanding for LGBT people and calling for the repeal of the country’s colonial-era law criminalising same-sex intimacy. The campaign brings together leading business voices, faith leaders, and over 200 Guyanese organisations, while elevating the voices of everyday Guyanese people who believe in respect for their fellow gay and transgender citizens.
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