🌈 About Project Pride Girmitiya (PG)
Decolonizing the Narrative | Celebrating Global Queer Resistance
The Pride Girmitiya Project amplifies the powerful work that Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) are doing to combat homophobia and transphobia worldwide. Started in Toronto, the most multicultural city on Earth. Our project recognizes a difficult truth: colonialism remains one of the root causes of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination across the globe.
British colonial rule imposed Section 377–style “Unnatural Offences” laws throughout the empire, criminalizing same-sex relationships and suppressing gender diversity. These laws—despite being foreign to many pre-colonial cultures—continue to shape legal systems, fuel stigma, and influence political narratives today.
We honour the activists, scholars, artists, and community leaders in formerly colonized nations who are challenging these colonial legacies and building safer, more inclusive futures.
Why the term “Girmitiya”?
The word Girmitiya traces its roots to the Sanskrit term for “agreement” (girmits)—a reference to the contracts signed by Indian Indentured Labourers who were transported across the British Empire from the 19th to early 20th century. These so-called agreements were often coercive and deceptive, laying the groundwork for systemic exploitation and human rights abuses.
Today, we reclaim Girmitiya as a powerful symbol of resistance and resilience. The Pride Girmitiya Project draws a bold parallel between colonial-era tactics and the ongoing impact of discriminatory legislation in former colonies—especially those targeting LGBTQ+ communities. By invoking this term, we honour a legacy of survival and transformation, while challenging the myth that queerness is a “Western import.”
Our mission is to spotlight the brilliant work of BIPOC LGBTQ+ activists, historians, leaders, and cultural experts who are rewriting the narrative—celebrating identities that have always existed, and always resisted. Our modern girmit, or agreement, is a commitment to:
- Decolonizing LGBTQ+ history
- Uplifting BIPOC voices
- Reframing global queer narratives beyond Western lenses
- Celebrating the resilience of formerly colonized communities
🫱🏿🫲🏾 Get Involved
1️⃣ Stay Connected with Project PG:
Register to keep up with the inspiring work of BIPOC LGBTQ+ communities as they challenge homophobia, transphobia, and rewrite history with pride. Project PG (Pride Girmitiya) is your front-row seat to stories of resistance, brilliance, and bold transformation.
2️⃣ Know an organization or activist doing incredible work?
We’d love to amplify their impact! Send us their details, and we’ll proudly feature their contributions on our platform. Let’s celebrate the changemakers together.