Orden David took the government of his island nation of Antigua and Barbuda to court to end his country’s anti-sodomy law. Last year, a top Caribbean court ruled the law unconstitutional. David has welcomed the ruling and LGBTQ-rights activists say it has set a precedent followed by other island nations. Since the decision, St. Kitts & Nevis and Barbados have struck down similar laws that often seek long prison sentences. But many members of the LGBTQ community still fear for their safety across the socially conservative and devoutly Christian Caribbean.

For years, Orden David was persecuted in his native Antigua and Barbuda — a frequent complaint by many LGBTQ people who fear for their safety across the conservative and mostly Christian Caribbean, where anti-gay hostility is widespread. […] Facing ostracism and risking his life as the public face of the LGBTQ movement, David took his government to court in 2022 to demand an end to his country’s anti-sodomy law.

[…]Last year, a top Caribbean court ruled that the anti-sodomy provision of Antigua’s sexual offenses act was unconstitutional. LGBTQ-rights activists say David’s effort, with the help of local and regional advocacy groups, has set a precedent for a growing number of Caribbean islands. Since the ruling, St. Kitts & Nevis and Barbados, have struck down similar laws that often seek long prison sentences.