OUTCAST UK Exposes LGBTQ+ Rights Crisis in Trinidad: Listen to the Groundbreaking New Season

In a brave and unprecedented move, the internationally acclaimed LGBTQ+ podcast OUTCAST UK has launched its latest season with a powerful episode recorded on location in Trinidad and Tobago — a nation that recently saw a devastating reversal of its LGBTQ+ rights.

Host Graeme Smith and his husband Steven John journeyed into the heart of the Caribbean island, where same-sex intimacy now carries a frightening five-year prison sentence after a shocking new court ruling. This timely episode offers firsthand accounts, heartfelt interviews, and crucial historical insights into the battle for equality that still rages on.

Table of Contents

Same-Sex Intimacy Criminalized Again: A Step Backwards for Human Rights

The High Court’s Alarming Decision

In a deeply concerning turn of events, Trinidad and Tobago’s High Court has reinstated criminal penalties for same-sex relationships. For the LGBTQ+ community — both locally and globally — this ruling represents more than just a legal setback. It is a stark reminder that human rights gains can never be taken for granted.

Penalty Reinstated: Same-sex intimacy punishable by up to five years in prison
Immediate Backlash: Outrage among human rights groups and LGBTQ+ activists
International Concern: Potential ripple effects across former British colonies

OUTCAST UK on the Ground: Graeme Smith’s Journey to Trinidad

A Personal and Professional Mission

Determined to understand the reality beyond headlines, OUTCAST UK’s Graeme Smith embarked on a deeply personal journey to Trinidad, accompanied by his husband. Together, they explored:

Conversations with local LGBTQ+ individuals
Meetings with activists on the front lines
Direct engagement with those fighting legal battles

“Being in Trinidad brought home the harsh truth: LGBTQ+ rights are under siege everywhere — and we must all stay vigilant.” — Graeme Smith

Spotlight on Jason Jones: A Human Rights Hero

The Man Behind the Landmark 2018 Victory

The podcast’s documentary episode centers around Jason Jones, a legendary human rights activist who once led the fight to decriminalize same-sex intimacy in Trinidad and Tobago back in 2018.

Jones’s 2018 court victory marked a historic step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the Caribbean. However, the battle is far from over.

Past Triumph: Successfully challenged the colonial-era “Buggery Law”
Current Struggle: Preparing to appeal to the Privy Council in London
Wider Implications: A case that could impact over 44 million LGBTQ+ people across Commonwealth nations

“This fight is not just for Trinidad. It’s for every queer person still living under colonial shadows.” — Jason Jones

Understanding the Buggery Act: A Legacy of Colonial Oppression

The Roots of Discrimination

To truly grasp the weight of the current situation, one must look back in history.

1533: England’s Buggery Act introduced under King Henry VIII
Colonial Spread: Law exported across British colonies
Present Day: Many Commonwealth countries still cling to these outdated statutes

Jason Jones passionately explains how these antiquated laws continue to plague LGBTQ+ citizens in dozens of nations, long after the end of formal colonial rule.

The Sinister Rise of Evangelical Influence in the Global South

Billions Spent on Anti-LGBTQ+ Agendas

Adding a disturbing new dimension to the crisis is the growing influence of US-based evangelical groups, who are investing billions to push anti-LGBTQ+ ideologies across Africa, the Caribbean, and other parts of the Global South.

Financial Power: Multibillion-dollar backing
Ideological Warfare: Exporting homophobia under the guise of “family values”
Global Strategy: Targeting countries with vulnerable legal systems

“What happens in Trinidad today could echo in London, New York, or Johannesburg tomorrow.” — Graeme Smith

Why This Fight Matters Globally

Beyond Borders: A Shared Responsibility

The situation in Trinidad and Tobago is not an isolated incident. As OUTCAST UK’s documentary reveals, the erosion of rights in one nation often signals a broader pattern:

Precedent Setting: Other nations may feel emboldened to follow suit
Migrant Impacts: LGBTQ+ refugees at greater risk
Global Backlash: Setbacks in one country weaken the global fight for equality

As Graeme Smith notes, complacency is dangerous. Today’s attacks on LGBTQ+ rights in the Caribbean could easily seep back into Europe, North America, and beyond if left unchallenged.

OUTCAST UK: Amplifying Voices That Matter

A Platform for Real Stories

OUTCAST UK has once again proven itself to be more than just a podcast — it is a vital lifeline for stories that often go unheard. By traveling to Trinidad and speaking directly to those affected, the podcast shines a much-needed light on:

Lived Experiences: Local LGBTQ+ individuals share their fears and hopes
Activist Struggles: Frontline warriors fighting for change
International Solidarity: How listeners around the world can help

Conclusion: The Battle for Equality Continues

The latest season of OUTCAST UK is a bold and timely reminder that the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over.

With compelling storytelling, courageous journalism, and an unwavering commitment to truth, Graeme Smith and Jason Jones are challenging injustice — and inspiring listeners worldwide to do the same.

Whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this episode is a must-listen. Because, as the events in Trinidad make heartbreakingly clear: Freedom is never guaranteed. It must be defended, over and over again.

Listen Now

OUTCAST UK is available wherever you get your podcasts — tune in and stand in solidarity with those who need your voice now more than ever.