Speaker: Janice
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Over de spreker
Bio Janice Tjon Sien Kie is a Surinamese-born LGBTQ+ rights activist, strategist, entrepreneur, and spiritual practitioner based in Curaçao. Since 2007 she has been working on queer acceptance and visibility in the Caribbean, organizing some of the earliest precursors to what is now Curaçao Pride. When politicians refused to move on marriage equality, she took action. Through her foundation Human Rights Caribbean, she initiated and led the landmark legal case that resulted in marriage equality in Curaçao in 2024, fought all the way to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands with pro bono support from Nauta Dutilh, one of the country's largest law firms. The verdict opened doors for Sint Maarten as well, creating a precedent that moved an entire Kingdom. Her current advocacy focus is Suriname. She is the founder of OutCaribbean, a queer travel media platform and app promoting safe, inclusive, and culturally aware travel throughout the Caribbean while supporting local LGBTQ+ communities. She was selected for the TUI Care Foundation and IGLTA FutureShapers mentorship programme, nominated for the Appeltje van Oranje, the prestigious Dutch royal social impact award presented annually by Queen Máxima, and recognised by OutThere Travel Magazine for her contribution to inclusive travel. Alongside her activism and entrepreneurship, Janice is a practitioner of Reiki and Pranic healing, and brings a deep commitment to spirituality and emotional intelligence to everything she does. She believes that when we truly know each other's cultures, we build deeper understanding and compassion, and that travel is one of the most powerful tools we have to get there.