Haitian Studies Association

Past Conferences, Photos & Videos, Videos, Working Groups

The Rights to Live Creatively (October 20, 2021)

This event was part of the Haitian Studies Association’s 33rd Annual Conference “Nou La Pi Rèd Toujou! Embodying a New Praxis”.



View Recorded Livestream


Wednesday, October 20, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT

As the first official convening of the HSA Sexualities Working Group, this event builds on “The Rights to Live Creatively,” a series of conversations and roundtables we facilitated in Fall 2020. We gather to share knowledge and galvanize our commitments, interests, and labor. The first hour of this meeting will feature presentations by Haiti-based community organizers Merlin Jean and Vadson Nicholas, Directors of Cap Haitien-based human rights organization Heritage; Sandy Pierre, Community Activist of Organisation Arc-en-Ciel d’Haiti (ORAH); and Soeurette Policar, Executive Director of Organisation de Développement et de Lutte contre la Pauvreté (ODELPA). In the second hour, we will move into conversation and action planning with all attendees. What are the stakes of “living creatively” in Haiti at this moment? How might we build transnational solidarity projects together?

Sexualities Working Group co-conveners:
  • Josué Azor
  • Dasha A. Chapman
  • Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper
  • Mario LaMothe

Featuring Community Organizers:

  • Merlin Jean (Heritage)
  • Vadson Nicholas (Heritage)
  • Sandy Pierre (Arc-en-Ciel d’Haiti)
  • Soeurette Policar (Organisation de Développement et de Lutte contre la Pauvreté