The following information was provided in a 3 March 1997 telephone interview with an AIDS/HIV education consultant and member of the Steering Committee for the Caribbean Forum for Lesbians and Gays (FLAG) coordinated by Orguyo, the Curaçao Association of Gays and Lesbians.

According to Grenadine legislation, a known homosexual can be barred from entering Grenada on the basis of his or her sexuality. The source noted that although this law is in effect, it is difficult to enforce. The source also stated that same-sex relations are illegal in Grenada.

Grenada has a reputation of being less tolerant towards homosexuals than the neighbouring islands of Barbados and Trinidad. The source was of the opinion that homosexuals are not able to openly practice or admit their sexuality in Grenadian society, noting that to do so would bring ostracism and discrimination. While conducting a recent AIDS/HIV awareness and prevention educational campaign on the island of Grenada, the source stated that because of the stigma that AIDS and homosexuality carry in Grenadian society, it was not possible to conduct the campaign an open or formal manner. Instead the campaign was conducted through one-on-one sessions in order to assure the privacy of participants.

The source stated that there is no documentation on police abuse and/or systemic discrimination against homosexuals, but noted that because of social stigma these activities likely go unreported.

The source stated that he was unaware of any gay or lesbian organizations or support groups operating in Grenada.

The ILGA Annual Report 1996 (1996, n.p.) and the Third Pink Book (1991, 286) state that legal information on the status of homosexuality in Grenada is unavailable. However, the Third Pink Book notes that "there is no visible support for gay and lesbian rights" (ibid.)

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Power, Lisa and Micha Ramakers. 1996. ILGA Annual Report 1996. Brussels: International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA).

Steering Committee for the Caribbean Forum for Lesbians and Gays (FLAG), Curaçao. 3 March 1997. Telephone interview with representative.

The Third Pink Book: A Global View of Lesbian and Gay Liberation and Oppression. 1993. Edited by Aart Hendriks et al. Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books.

Index on Censorship [London]. Quarterly. Jan-Feb. 1995.

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Committee (IGLHRC) Action Alert [San Francisco]. Bi-monthly. Jan. 1994-Dec. 1996.

International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) Bulletin [Brussels]. Quarterly. Jan 1995-Dec. 1996.

Out in the World: International Lesbian Organizing. 1991.

Four oral sources consulted did not provide information on the requested subject.

On-line search of media sources.