Founded in 2015 by Mohamed Q. Amin in response to anti-LGBTQ hate violence in Richmond Hill, Queens, the Caribbean Equality Project has spent the past decade creating healing spaces. The organization supports LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and curates storytelling-based cultural programs.
The organization has also addressed food insecurity and built political power through civic engagement and legislative advocacy across New York State. On Sunday, March 29, in partnership with a diverse coalition of community organizations, it proudly joined the Phagwah Social Justice Collective. Together, they colored the streets of Little Guyana during the 2026 Phagwah (Holi) Parade.
The Caribbean Equality Project convened at the Phagwah Social Justice Collective with a coalition of Queens-based, South Asian, and Indo-Caribbean-led organizations. Chhaya Community Development Corporation provided housing advocacy; South Queens Women’s March focused on gender equity; Jahajee uplifted Indo-Caribbean women’s voices; Hindus for Human Rights advanced civil liberties; South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) supported youth empowerment; and Desis Rising Up & Moving (DRUM) focused on immigrant rights.
The collective was joined by New York City Comptroller Mark Levine and representatives from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the NYC Commission on Gender Equity. The Keeping it Classic Tassa Group performed, amplifying a shared commitment to unity, safety, and inclusion for all New Yorkers.
“Let’s march forward together — in color, community, and justice — for a New York for all,” said the group, as they took to the streets.
“To mark this milestone, CEP was honored to share this moment with the Lavender and Green Alliance, which made history in 2016 when it was approved to march in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade after years of advocacy against discrimination and exclusion,” shared Amin.
“Together, both organizations embody the power of queer immigrant visibility and solidarity across diasporas.”
“In today’s political climate, the safety and dignity of LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities remain under threat. Our visibility and advocacy are acts of resistance,” he said.
“By marching for the passage of the New York for All Act, we take a powerful step toward protecting our neighbors and strengthening our families. We call on Governor Kathy Hochul to affirm that every person who calls our great state home deserves to live in safety and with dignity.”
“This spirit of togetherness echoes CEP’s broader call to keep ICE off our streets and ensure that every New Yorker — regardless of immigration status — can live free from fear and discrimination,” said Amin.
The Caribbean Equality Project (CEP) is New York’s only Caribbean LGBTQ+ immigrant rights organization. For a decade, this grassroots organization has served Afro and Indo-Caribbean LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and Caribbean communities through advocacy for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights, gender equity, racial justice, immigration, and mental health services. CEP uses public education, community organizing, civic engagement, storytelling, and cultural programming to end hate violence in the Caribbean diaspora.
