Who We Are — Butterfly Barbados

Butterfly Barbados is a community-centred nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, uplifting, and advocating for transgender and non-binary people in Barbados and the Caribbean. Founded to address the urgent need for affirming spaces, resources, and education, Butterfly Barbados works to create a Barbados where gender-diverse people can live safely, authentically, and with dignity.

As one of the leading voices for trans rights in Barbados, we focus on support services, community empowerment, public education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion across homes, schools, workplaces, and government systems.

Our Story: Why Butterfly Trans Barbados Exists

Butterfly Barbados began in September 2017 as a grassroots idea to build safer, more inclusive spaces for trans and non-binary Barbadians. Many in our community faced and still face discrimination, stigma, family rejection, workplace barriers, and a lack of mental-health and social support.

By October 2019, Butterfly Trans Barbados Inc. was formally registered as a nonprofit organization, making it the first trans-led advocacy body in Barbados.

Our purpose is simple but powerful:
to make sure trans and non-binary people in Barbados never feel alone, unsafe, or unsupported.

We provide education, resources, training, advocacy, and community support while partnering with local and regional organizations to improve policies and public understanding.

Internal link cue: Link “education,” “support,” or “resources” to your Support Services or Resource Library pages.

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To uplift and empower transgender and non-binary people in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean through community support, affirming services, public education, and advocacy for equal rights. We work to ensure that every gender-diverse person has access to safety, dignity, inclusion, and accurate information.

Our Vision

A Barbados where trans and non-binary people live openly and authentically, free from discrimination, violence, or fear — and where families, schools, workplaces, and institutions are equipped to support them.
We envision a Caribbean where gender diversity is respected, protected, and celebrated.

Internal link cue: Link “equal rights” or “advocacy” to your Advocacy page.

Meet Our Founder — Raven Gill

Raven Gill is a Barbadian transgender woman, activist, and the founder of Butterfly Barbados. Known for her courage and leadership, Raven has become one of the most recognized voices for transgender rights in Barbados and the Caribbean.

Her advocacy includes:

• Leading community-driven visibility efforts
  
• Speaking publicly about discrimination, gender identity, and Trans lived experiences
  
• Contributing to legal challenges against colonial-era laws that harmed LGBTQ+ people in Barbados
  
• Building programmes that support Trans and non-binary youth, families, and adults
  

Raven’s leadership is deeply personal. She has experienced firsthand the challenges many gender-diverse people face, from stigma and safety threats to the emotional toll of living authentically in environments that are not always supportive.

Her lived experience shapes Butterfly Barbados into an organization that is for the community, led by the community.

Our Values

Everything we do is grounded in four core values that guide our work, our partnerships, and how we support our community:

Dignity

Every person deserves respect, care, and the recognition of their inherent worth – regardless of gender identity or expression.

Safety

We strive to create emotionally and physically safe spaces where trans and non-binary people can access support without fear of judgment, harm, or discrimination.

Inclusion

We believe in a Barbados that welcomes and affirms LGBTQ+ people regardless of identity, background, or experience. Our services, resources, and programmes are designed to be accessible to all.

Authenticity

We celebrate the right of every person to live as their true self. Authenticity is not a luxury – it is a human right.

Why Our Work Matters

Trans and non-binary people in Barbados continue to face:

• Workplace discrimination
  
• Barriers to healthcare
  
• Social stigma and misinformation
  
• Housing and employment insecurity
  
• Safety concerns
  
• Lack of affirming resources
  

Butterfly Barbados exists to bridge these gaps – providing support, education, community, training, and advocacy that uplift real people and create real change.