Do you think the Buggery Law should be?

The Safe House Homeless LGBTQ Project 2009 a detailed look & more


In response to numerous requests for more information on the defunct Safe House Pilot Project that was to address the growing numbers of displaced and homeless LGBTQ youth in Kingston in 2007/8/9, a review of the relevance of the project as a solution, the possible avoidance of present issues with some of its previous residents if it were kept open.
Recorded June 12, 2013; also see from the former Executive Director named in the podcast more background on the project: HERE also see the beginning of the issues from the closure of the project: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

Friday, September 9, 2011

Ragashanti on "Old Harbour bisexual mix-up"

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Right in the middle of Bisexuality month with the 23rd being bisexuality day comes another trope from controversial online radio man Ragashanti who loves the gossip it seems regarding gay and bisexual issues, why this constant and or steady stream of stories in a supposed homophobic environment? and when these stories come out the participation from the audience quadruples and is far more intense than normal. 

Strange......

Biphobia or just poking fun?

Have a read and see:

Old Harbour bisexual mix-up
with Ragashanti 


Brap! Brap! Brap! Move! Move! Move! Fast! Fast! Fast! An mind unu kin ova! LOL. Mi deh ya. Mi deh ya. Mi deh ya! Wa a gwaan peeps. Right ya now mi jus a give tanx seh mi live through anneda birthday an mi deh ya wid mi belly full. Mi jus bax dung some dumpling wid cabbage weh well steam dung wid black peppa, scotchi peppa, thyme an some oda seasoning. It noice nuh faaleetee! A mi fi tell yuh!




Anywayz, mi waan big up all a unu who celebrate mi birthday wid mi pon Outa Orda! ova Tambareen Radio pon Tuesday night. An tonx to everybody who sen een dem blessings. Mi very grateful fi true. May God bless unu always, an all obeah weh set fi unu get tun back an claat up unu enemies.

Next ting, big up all a unu weh sen on unu responses to di dead matey mix-up. As unu can see fram some a di responses weh mi publish inna Tuesday's Star, dere was a lot a different perspectives. Big up unu self.

Awright, kicky back an medz da mix-up ya fram Old Harbour.



Old Harbour Bisexual Mix-UpRaga mi and dis bwoy did deh enuh. Di bwoy walk and call up mi name behind ma back bout how mi swipe him and mi a lesbian and how nuff man a sort me out. Him all call mi motha and tell mi motha how mi a sort out nuff man and mi swipe him and seh mi wud a sort out mi own motha. Anyways me feeel like —— and thing, fi know seh nuthing nuh guh suh enuh Raga. The bwoy mad, caah all a weh him do, him still a call me bout him love me and want marry me, etc. So Raga u nuh know seh mi a look revenge.

Anyways the bwoy a bi curious. Me run joke wid him and ask if him wud let a man sort him out and him seh no. After a while him seh him wud a love to dweeet. Anyways him call mi one night and mi record the convo how him a seh him want 2 man ram him and him want swipe dem. And mi mek him co-workers dem hear it. Anyways, sum believe and sum nuh believe caah him tell dem seh a me do sinthing pon computer mek it sound like him. Afta that the bwoy still a call me enuh bout him still want relationship. But all I wanted was revenge for what he did. So mi chat to him ova di phone and fren him, until mi seh to him one day fi stop call me and him seh him will do anything fi mi talk back to him and have a relationship.



So mi seh what cums to ur mind that u want to do? Him seh him want a guy sex him. Him seh him want feel all di pain weh mi feel wen him did call up mi name. I said ok. Wen the night cum an him do dat mi record it Raga, and u nuh know seh mi av it pon mi phone and thing. The bwoy then guh tell smaddy how mi swipe him the night. DWL! Who guh tell him fi do that? I circled Facebook with the picture, not the video though. Anyways the bwoy had to run weh; right now him deh a MoBay a hide out. And all dis mawning him call me a ask y mi neva answer him last nite. Damm idiot. If mi record him voice mek people hear, y wudnt I record a video and show people? Idiot! Raga dis happen inna Old Harbour.


Aaaaaay bwoy! First, mi did have fi edit yuh letta cause yuh use a whole heap a hot wud weh cyaan publish inna diStar.

Next: HOW YUH FI SEN MI DA PITCHA DEH WID DI BWOY A SWIPE A NEXT MAN??!! Mi nuh waan see dem ting deh, wid man have dem big helleva sinting deh inna dem mout. Yuh neva did haffi sen di pitcha, di letta was enuff. An look how him face all well exposed an everyting. If a da pitcha deh yuh post pon Facebook, den yuh well cold. A really revenge yuh a tek.

Now hear dis, da bwoy deh a muss mad man fi guh mek yuh sweet talk him an win back him trust an guh sleep wid man roun yuh an mek yuh video it - AFTA YUH DID DONE ALREADY RECORD AN EXPOSE HIM. Is eeda him desperately in love wid yuh fi true or di man mussi dagga out sense out him.
Next: yuh a guh really haad wid di revenge ting, an yuh definitely need to be more careful. Di two a unu fi lowe di almshouse, cause unu may gwaan an gwaan till di ting get wicked an one a unu get physically hurt.

Finally, of course there's much more to di story weh yuh neva share, including details surrounding di fact dat yuh nuh have any problem a sleep wid a man who also loves to sleep wid oda men. A WEH YUH A HIDE??!! Write mi back an tell mi di rest.

Bless up.


Reach Ragashanti at mixupraga@gmail.com or 
PO Box 5866, Liguanea PO, Kingston 6.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Busy Signal's "We Nah Dweet" hits out at Down Low life & a certain Kartellic act

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So another tune from the dancehall hits out at down low gay life In Jamaica and certain references in the song are clearly directed at Metrosexual demi god, Erotic sexually laced tunes DJ and King of the Rub (skin bleaching) Vybz Kartel 


Vybz Kartel changed image that caused some negative reactions

who continues to blur the lines of male sexuality in Jamaica while still remaining ever popular, that is also not to say he is the only one as others before such as Elephant Man (orange hair and pink clothes etc), Harry Toddler (blonde hair with puffs and ribbons) to name a few, Kartel in this instance has merged the public persona of Michael Jackson one of his favourite artists into his own while keeping a metro-sexual/hyper-masculine tinge to it as well while also breaking the rule of colour clothing and dawning the sometimes male despised PINK with the transformation right before our eyes all the time promoting the "Cake Soap" he is loved by gays and straights alike although in some circles his heterosexual following has been uncomfortable with his ever changing and seemingly outrageous appearances and his stereotypically gay themed clothing as described in some quarters, his songs are played repetitiously everywhere more than any other DJ right now which makes him the envy of many not to mention how infectious they even children know them verbatim. 

The Busy Signal track which first came out in July 2011 has been getting some attention both on radio and in the dancehall inclusive of the ever popular mixtape marketing tool. Apart from hinting that there are thugs or hyper-masculine types who are on the downlow he also hits out at oral sex which is a regular formulae used by dancehall acts to not to make the message exclusively anti gay but mixed, possibly to avoid direct criticisms and scrutiny from pro gay activists.

 Busy Signal

Busy Signal's song lyrics goes as follows: (the subtle hints are translated)
Hothead
See it deh
Caw from wah day
di man dem lock di music star
and dem nah, yuh see it
Deam a lead di yutes dem astray
caw yuh see it, caw
Alrite hey shane, Stephen

Chorus
Well a dis unnu fi know
gangsta nuh walk wid dem pants drop down
(gangsters do not walk with their pants dropped down)
and dem boxers a show
Dis unnu fi know, kiss gal pon dem mout lip
all di navel me nah go below
Dis unni fi know
no bo can chat bout dem sign me
and beat me like damn poppyshow
dis unnu fi know star a star,
we shine bright but some boy link wid di 
(we are shinning bright while some boys link with rainbow) [suggesting gaydom]
rainbow. Hothead.

verse 1
Boy a boy, big man a big man
bait a bait, see dem deh inna fish pond
(bait is a bait see them in the fish pond) [FISH in dancehall suggests homosexual] 
dem a walking dead, john crow soon pitch pon
We nuh haffi sey a word, caw unnu know a which one
What a ting, oh what a ting
only ting missing from dem a di scale and a fin
Hold on, stick a pin mek me ask assassin
A nuh dancehall dat? no a blues dem a sing
Di CD a spin and di fans listening
see di closet fly deh, unnu sight everything
(see the closeted fly we are seeing everything) [suggesting Vybz Kartel is in the closet]
Dem bite everything
Dem a use di wrong marketing
Paparazzi a write everything
Ha
Tell dem dis keep yuh lifestyle to yuhself
(tell them this keep your lifestyle to yourself)
Wha gwaan in yuh room, no show nobody else
Mi nuh waan see what some boy a do fi gain wealth
Mi linky,

Refrain
Wha me hear dem a drink and eat
(what I hear them drink and eat)
we nah dweet it, we nah dweet it
(we not doing it we not doing it)
Di dutty lifestyle dem a force pon di street
(the dirty lifestyle they are forcing on the street)
We nah dweet it, we nah dweet it
Mi linky
Wha me hear dem a drink and eat
we nah dweet it, we nah dweet it
Di dutty lifestyle dem a force pon di street
We nah dweet it, we nah dweet it
Mi linky

Repeat Chorus

Verse 2
Hothead
Wha dema bring to di yutes pon di road?
Hardcore yutes, a nuh fruits pon di road
(hardcore youths are not fruits on the road) ["fruits" is another name for gays in the dancehall]
yuh can't lef out yuh roots pon di road
nuh follow dem get confuse pon di road
Wha yuh a teach do di pickney
blues, fi dem lifestyle nuh fit me , refuse
Di way dem talk, di way dem laugh
dem a nuh gangsta, nuh bwoy can trick mi
yutes

Refrain

Chorus

Rept Verse one

Refrain

ENDS



Vybz Kartel's public persona being feminized by possibly his detractors as the source of origin of this one of many replaced head images are unknown.

Overall the song also represents a backlash of sorts of the protectionism of the much guarded "Jamaican machismo" that is so cherished that even hyper-masculine types on the down low will resort to public homophobia to protect their space or person from any effeminate references or acts from other males viewed as lesser than male.

Peace and tolerance

H

Prejudices prevent recognition of LGBT rights, ..... Mariela Castro

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Prejudices prevent recognition of LGBT rights, Mariela Castro tells Fernando Ravsberg in this interview with Havana Times.

Mariela Castro is the director of the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), from where she along with hundreds of activists struggle to ensure respect for the rights of Cuba’s community of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBTs).
The daughter of the president of Cuba, Raul Castro, she has achieved important advances in making homophobia socially visible, authorizing free sex-change operations and bringing the community out of its marginalization by organizing its members in the defense of their rights.

This past weekend, activities centered around CENESEX during the observance of World Sexual Health Day, where books and audiovisual materials were presented, as well as workshops organized for young rockeros (rock fans), punks and emos – whose place in society is being questioned by part of society.
Taking advantage of the occasion, Mariela granted us an exclusive interview.

Q: When did you begin work in the defense of the rights of the LGBT community?

A: Starting in 2000 we begin working more directly to give visibility to sexual rights, especially those of LGBT people, which had been greatly hampered by the prejudices of Cuban society.

Q: How much progress has been made since then?

A: Our ties with institutions have strengthened our position in society for bringing to light the issues we’re dealing with. This has served in training more professionals and strengthening the network of activists who work with CENESEX.
The dialogue that we’ve achieved with the Ideological Department of the Communist Party has been very important because, though at the beginning they were quite alarmed, now they’re our allies.

Q: But all those relationships haven’t served in getting the National Assembly to pass the Family Code, which is legislation that includes the rights of the LGBT community …

A: These obstacles demonstrate that the prejudices are even stronger than the institutions we hope to develop.
The Family Code is already edited but we know that in the Ministry of Justice is re-editing it in an attempt to change it — based on their own prejudices — to make it different from what we’ve proposed. But if what they approve doesn’t respond to the rights of LGBT people, we won’t accept it.
We regret that they haven’t included us in that debate, because they’re creating a puzzle out of what we proposed and their prejudices.

Q: How might this affect the alliance between the Catholic Church and the Cuban government?

A: I believe there should be alliances between all institutions in a society. The Catholic Church has been consistent in outlining its disagreement with what we’re doing, but it isn’t waging war against us. I don’t feel that they’re the obstacle.

Q: Your dad has spoken about discrimination against blacks, women, religious believers and even the youth. 
How is it that he hasn’t gotten to the point of mentioning the LGBT community?

A: Because evidently there are still many people close to him who are homophobic, so for him to achieve consensus is not going to be so easy. He’s introducing the issue, though he hasn’t been able to throw it open all at once. According to what delegates who attended the 6th Party Congress told me, he spoke about the issue and said that it was now necessary to make decisions in this respect and to overcome those problems. That gave me a great deal trust and faith. I’m hoping this issue will be raised in the upcoming party conference [scheduled for January].

Q: What are the main obstacles?

A: The obstacles exist because prejudices dominate institutional decisions here, something that can change beginning with this general process of change that Cuba is going through. To the degree in that it continues to be participatory, like it began, that will facilitate this issue entering into the wheels of decision making.

Q: Many people complain that it’s a waste of Public Health resources to provide free sex-change operations.

A: Here in Cuba, we don’t lack resources for life-or-death operations; if we don’t have them we go look for them. That was a position championed by Fidel and one which fortunately has remained. Also, sex-change operations are not so expensive and they’re not performed on mere whims.
This is a question of law, and if public health is a right of everyone then people who are transsexual cannot be excluded.

Q: I remember hearing many of those same concerns of yours reflected in your mother’s (1) thinking?

A: Her work at the head of the Federation of Cuban Women gave her the opportunity to understand other problems, like those that stigmatize the LGBT community. Even in the era of UMAP (2) and the Quinquenio Gris (the Gray Five Year Period) (3), she was one of the voices that opposed those processes.

When the Family Code approved in 1974 or ’75 was presented, my mother proposed that marriage be considered “a union between two people,” so that homosexual couples wouldn’t have any problems.
My dad also conveyed much to me. Although people don’t know it, he was not in favor of many of these things (repression against gays) but he had to move within the consensus of a very complex circle.

Thanks to my mom, he didn’t agree. He came from a patriarchal and homophobic culture but he recognized that it could change thanks to her influence.

For the original report go to http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=50300

Monday, September 5, 2011

From the pen of one of our homeless brothers ........

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Some background to the homeless issue

As we continue to highlight a dark chapter in our LGBT history that on the face of it some would rather kept hushed this matter of homelessness among our same gender loving males and teens has created deeper rifts between supporters of the established LGBT organizations Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays its parent Jamaica AIDS Support (for Life) and others in the trenches both NGOs were set up originally to deal with and included in their mission aspects of front-line activism for seriously marginalized individuals or groups, sadly the systems have seriously fallen down in that department with a glaring absence of psycho social interventions and at least a resident social worker to deal with the psychological and behavioural problems that has beleaguered the aforementioned NGOs from the men but what does one expect if there are no behaviour change mechanisms in place? 

J-FLAG, among other things:

1. provides support in the event of a crisis or impending crisis; emergency housing assistance, counselling and assistance with medical bills

2. does significant personal development and community building in the gay community;

3. offers counseling and referral services to gay people and their families;

4. has consultations and collaborations with noted local and international figures and human rights/health/political interest groups, in the process of working for constitutional and other legislative changes;

5. has made written submissions to the Joint Select Committee of the Houses of Parliament for the inclusion of “Sexual Orientation” as a basis on which the Constitution of Jamaica prohibits discrimination;

6. has provided documentation for asylum cases based on sexual discrimination and violence in Canada, Great Britain and the United States;

7. maintains a library and archive of resource for academic research 

According to their website:

J-FLAG’s mission is to work towards a Jamaican society in which the Human Rights and Equality of Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays are guaranteed. To foster the acceptance and enrichment of the lives of same-gender-loving persons who have been, and continue to be, an integral part of society. J-FLAG holds the vision to move forward in a spirit of oneness, love, dignity and respect towards the establishment of a Jamaica, and world, devoid of prejudice, injustice, discrimination and oppression. And, furthermore, to ensure the human rights of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, as set out in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This vexed issue of homelessness which has driven an even sharper wedge between present and former advocates close to the populations has been of concern for some including yours truly who saw the trouble of the rapid growth of the group some two and half years ago with the outright closure of a pilot Safe House homeless project in 2010 due to "bad behaviour" as the given reason, remember all this with the long standing absence of sustained resident social services towards the population and the subsequent displacement from a gay party DVD that ended up on our streets for sale thus exposing persons to violence many fled their homes to other parts of the island and finally landing in Kingston adding to the already displaced . August 23 and 24 has gone down in history as the second civil disobedience action by this group (this time they had no allies) (the first being in January 2010) and was spontaneous which leaves us to ask what are the NGOs whose remit this population falls under are doing? given the ban is still in effect and no public utterances on the matter since the damning Jamaica Observer article some say deliberately as the focus is transfixed on the rejected tolerance campaign advert concerned persons have lashed out at the ineptitude of the advocacy groups towards this population in particular and the insular way business is conducted. In the midst of all this was a protest in western Jamaica as seen below by the groups combined and joined by AIDSFREEWORLD who sometimes seem to be the public relations arm for JFLAG: 

Please also see:

Hypocrisy, Continued damage control via stands or a genuine call for inclusiveness in western Jamaica?

 The dark side to the homeless issue .............


To ban the men is one thing which has caused strong reactions in opposition to the decision from some quarters but  then to turn and protest "exclusion" from  a conference on HIV in Montego Bay (photo above) using of all things "homelessness" which was never used as a reason for previous protests and stands before when they knew all along they were not apart of that conference, the timing of this is most inopportune and hypocritical and smacks of an unethical culture that seems to permeates the groups as more and more strange posturings have been brought to bear. At the very top of this post is a scanned hand written summary of how one of the homeless men felt entitled "Homeless Homosexuals" as penned on Tuesday August 31, 2011, barring the slight grammatical errors it is clear this nineteen year old man is not off with his expression and given the right assistance can assimilate into society to make something of himself:

Our brother wrote (abbreviated and errors corrected):

"It's difficult being homeless and a homosexual in Jamaica an anti gay country first you have to be dealing with homelessness and its hardship then secondly being a homosexual people look down on you for being gay and to top that homeless being gay and on the streets means you have to keep an open eye out for the police, straight men, cocaine addicts. We are all Jamaican citizens that are entitled to our rights like everyone else but yet society looks down on us, sometimes we are attacked by men and when we go to the police to seek rescue we are then beaten again and sometimes shunned. It's hard to know you can't even run to the police for safety when that's what they are there for "To Serve, To Protect, To Reassure" is their motto and we get the opposite, even they themselves beat and assault us at times and there is no one to say stop and show some sympathy. We are not having sex in the public and whatsoever we do in private is our business.  

We are living in a civilised world and should be treated civilised. At times we behave boisterously and indecent because because of things happening but the citizens say we are good for nothing and should be got rid of. Being in the streets require street behaviour to survive sometimes we use the boisterous behaviour as protection and to let our voices be heard, I think that the Prime Minister needs to do something about homosexuals being mistreated in the country as is we are alienated. We as gay people aren't the ones bringing in the guns and cocaine in the country and we are not the ones forming the garrisons. We are amicable people and it's full time society looks at us for what we are. 

The Prime Minister needs to decriminalize the country by dismantling the garrisons so that we can go home back to our family and friends and feel more comforted and love. The Prime Minster accepts dons and garrisons but not us and it's sad. Lots of us on the streets are educated,  creative and talented it's just the helping hand we need to become someone meaningful to society and show that we are human beings and we can be successful and contribute to society in a positive way. My message to country is to stop and listen we have issues that need to be dealt with."

ENDS







I hope who has ears to hear let them hear or who have eyes to see let them see.

Some of the homeless men came from a party DVD going public as highlighted in this video report from 2009 when JFLAG kinda still meant something and even then the cracks were widening. Other men joined the population afterwards from their own respective cases of forced evictions and ostracism from their homes.


Peace and tolerance

H



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A look at the fear of the feminine (Effemophobia) by Jamaican standards & how it drives the homo-negative perceptions/homophobia in Jamaican culture/national psyche.



and



After catching midway a radio discussion on the subject of Jamaica being labelled as homophobic I did a quick look at the long held belief in Jamaica by anti gay advocates, sections of media and homophobes that several murders of alleged gay victims are in fact 'crimes of passion' or have jealousy as their motives but it is not as simple or generalized as that.

Listen without prejudice to this and other podcasts on one of my Soundcloud channels

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Aphrodite’s PRIDE JA tackles gender identity, transgender misconceptions .....



Nationwide New Network, NNN devoted some forty five minutes of prime time yesterday evening to discuss the issue and help listeners to at least begin to process some of the information coming from the most public declaration exercise as done by Jenner. Guests on the show were Dr Karen Carpenter Board Certified Clinical Sexologist and Psychologist, ‘Satiba’ from Aphrodite’s P.R.I.D.E Jamaica of which I am affiliated and Lecturer (Sociologist) and host of Every Woman on the station Georgette Crawford Williams (sister of PNP member of parliament Damian Crawford); one of the first questions thrown at Satiba by host Cliff Hughes was why has Jenna waited so long at 65 years old to make such a life changing decision?

Satiba responded that many transwomen have to hide their true identity in life .... given her life when she was younger she was a star athlete she would have been under tremendous precious to stay in from the expectations by the public and her team etc, also owing to the fact that she had a family as a man with children one may not want to upset the flow at that time until the kids are old enough. There is a lot of burden of guilt that some persons carry in weighing the decisions of coming out or transitioning so suppression of one’s true self is the modus operandi.

Dr Carpenter cautioned after a heated exchange:

“We really must remember as professionals we must stay in our lane I will never pronounce as a Sociologist cause I am not a Sociologist ............When we have an opportunity to speak publicly we must be careful of what we say unless it is extremely well informed......”


Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website


Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website on December 1 2015 on World AIDS Day where they hosted a docu-film and after discussions on the film Human Vol 1






audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

See posts on APJ's work: HERE (newer entries will appear first so scroll to see older ones)

Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?


Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?


It seems like homosexuality is on everyone's tongue. From articles in the newspapers to countless news stories and commentaries, it seems like everyone is talking about the gays. Since Jamaica identifies as a Christian nation, the obvious thought about homosexuality is that it is wrong but only male homosexuality seems to influence the more passionate responses. It seems we are more open to accepting lesbianism but gay men are greeted with much disapproval.

Dancehall has certainly been very clear where it stands when it comes to this issue with various songs voicing clear condemnation of this lifestyle. Currently, quite a few artistes are facing continuous protests because of their anti-gay lyrics. Even the law makers are involved in the gayness as there have been several calls for the repeal of the buggery law. Recently Parliament announced plans to review the Sexual Offences Act which, I am sure, will no doubt address homosexuality.

Jamaica has been described as a homophobic nation. The question I want to ask is: What are we afraid of? There are usually many reasons why homosexuality is such a pain in the a@. Here are some of the more popular arguments MORE HERE

also see:
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation


Sexuality - What is yours?

Promised conscience vote was a fluke from the PNP ........



SO WE WERE DUPED EH? - the suggestion of a conscience vote on the buggery law as espoused by Prime Minister (then opposition leader) in the 2011 leadership debate preceding the last national elections was a dangling carrot for a dumb donkey to follow.

Many advocates and individuals interpreted Mrs Simpson Miller's pronouncements as a promise or a commitment to repeal or at least look at the archaic buggery law but I and a few others who spoke openly dismissed it all from day one as nothing more than hot air especially soon after in February member of parliament Damian Crawford poured cold water on the suggestion/promise and said it was not a priority as that time. and who seems to always open his mouth these days and revealing his thoughts that sometimes go against the administration's path.

I knew from then that as existed before even under the previous PM P. J. Patterson (often thought to be gay by the public) also danced around the issue as this could mean votes and loss of political power. Mrs Simpson Miller in the meantime was awarded a political consultants' democracy medal as their conference concludes in Antigua.


War of words between pro & anti gay activists on HIV matters .......... what hypocrisy is this?



War of words between pro & anti gay activists on HIV matters .......... what hypocrisy is this?

A war of words has ensued between gay lawyer (AIDSFREEWORLD) Maurice Tomlinson and anti gay activist Dr Wayne West (supposed in-laws of sorts) as both accuse each other of lying or being dishonest, when deception has been neatly employed every now and again by all concerned, here is the post from Dr West's blog

This is laughable to me in a sense as both gentleman have broken the ethical lines of advocacy respectively repeatedly especially on HIV/AIDS and on legal matters concerning LGBTQ issues

The evidence is overwhelming readers/listeners, you decide.


Fast forward 2015 and the exchanges continue in a post from Dr Wayne West: Maurice Tomlinson misrepresents my position on his face book page and Blog 76Crimes

Tomlinson's post originally was:






Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II






Following a cowardly decision by the Minister(try) of Education to withdraw an all important Health Family Life, HFLE Manual on sex and sexuality

I examine the possible reasons why we have the homo-negative challenges on the backdrop of a missing multi-generational understanding of sexuality and the focus on sexual reproductive activity in the curriculum.

also see:

and





Calls for Tourism Boycotts are Nonsensical at This Time





(2014 protests New York)

Calling for boycotts by overseas based Jamaican advocates who for the most part are not in touch with our present realities in a real way and do not understand the implications of such calls can only seek to make matters worse than assisting in the struggle, we must learn from, the present economic climate of austerity & tense calm makes it even more sensible that persons be cautious, will these groups assist when there is fallout?, previous experiences from such calls made in 2008 and 2009 and the near diplomatic nightmare that missed us; especially owing to the fact that many of the victims used in the public advocacy of violence were not actual homophobic cases which just makes the ethics of advocacy far less credible than it ought to be.

See more explained HERE from a previous post following the Queen Ifrica matter and how it was mishandled

Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14



debate by hosts and UWI students on the weekly program Issues on Fire on legalizing polygamy with Jamaica's multiple partner cultural norms this debate is timely.

Also with recent public discourse on polyamorous relationships, threesomes (FAME FM Uncensored) and on social.

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Violence & venom force gay Jamaicans to hide



a 2009 Word focus report where the history of the major explosion of homeless MSM occurred and references to the party DVD that was leaked to the bootleg market which exposed many unsuspecting patrons to the public (3:59), also the caustic remarks made by former member of Parliament in the then JLP administration.

The agencies at the time were also highlighted and the homo negative and homophobic violence met by ordinary Jamaican same gender loving men.

The late founder of the CVC, former ED of JASL and JFLAG Dr. Robert Carr was also interviewed.

At 4:42 that MSM was still homeless to 2012 but has managed to eek out a living but being ever so cautious as his face is recognizable from the exposed party DVD, he has been slowly making his way to recovery despite the very slow pace.

Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

Thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.

Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this blog(immediately below, GLBTQJA (Blogspot), GLBTQJA (Wordpress) and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact: glbtqjamaica@live.com or lgbtevent@gmail.com



Activities & Plans: ongoing and future
  • Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives

  • To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

  • Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere

  • Welcoming, examining and implementing suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public

  • Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner

  • Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise

  • Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL
Thanks again for your support.

Tel: 1-876-841-2923




Peace

Information & Disclaimer


Individuals who are mentioned or whose photographs appear on this site are not necessarily Homosexual, HIV positive or have AIDS.

This blog contains pictures that may be disturbing. We have taken the liberty to present these images as evidence of the numerous accounts of homophobic violence meted out to alleged gays in Jamaica.

Faces and names withheld for the victims' protection.

This blog not only watches and covers LGBTQ issues in Jamaica and elsewhere but also general human rights and current affairs where applicable.

This blog contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please view labels, post list or exit.

Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics.

This blog is not designed to provide medical care, if you are ill, please seek medical advice from a licensed practitioner

Thanks so much for your kind donations and thoughts.

As for some posts, they contain enclosure links to articles, blogs and or sites for your perusal, use the snapshot feature to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.

Recent Homophobic Cases

CLICK HERE for related posts/labels and HERE from the gayjamaicawatch's BLOG containing information I am aware of. If you know of any such reports or incidents please contact lgbtevent@gmail.com or call 1-876-841-2923

Peace to you and be safe out there.

Love.


What to do if you are attacked (News You Can Use)


First, be calm: Do not panic; it may be very difficult to maintain composure if attacked but this is important.

Try to reason with the attacker: Establish communication with the person. This takes a lot of courage. However, a conversation may change the intention of an attacker.

Do not try anything foolish: If you know outmaneuvering the attacker is impossible, do not try it.

Do not appear to be afraid: Look the attacker in the eye and demonstrate that you are not fearful.

This may have a psychological effect on the individual.

Emergency numbers

The police 119

Kingfish 811

Crime Stop 311

Steps to Take When Contronted or Arrested by Police


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist

c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tensed) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports

f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)

g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible

h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violated. When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions

j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it

What to do


a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone

b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council

c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state

d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police

e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number

f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided

g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence

h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail

i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail

j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence

Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you

The following may apply:

1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries

2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial

3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.

4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.

5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence

6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts

7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.

Sexual Health / STDs News From Medical News Today

VACANT AT LAST! SHOEMAKERGULLY: DISPLACED MSM/TRANS PERSONS WERE IS CLEARED DECEMBER 2014





CVM TV carried a raid and subsequent temporary blockade exercise of the Shoemaker Gully in the New Kingston district as the authorities respond to the bad eggs in the group of homeless/displaced or idling MSM/Trans persons who loiter there for years.

Question is what will happen to the population now as they struggle for a roof over their heads and food etc. The Superintendent who proposed a shelter idea (that seemingly has been ignored by JFLAG et al) was the one who led the raid/eviction.

Also see:
the CVM NEWS Story HERE on the eviction/raid taken by the police

also see a flashback to some of the troubling issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless GBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

May 22, 2015 update, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston



THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts


THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts 




The Prime Minister (Golding) on Same Sex Marriages and the Charter of Rights Debate (2009)


Other sides to the msm homeless saga (2012)


Rowdy Gays Matter 21.08.11 more HERE



Ethical Professionlism & LGBT Advocates 01.02.12 more HERE


Portia Simpson Miller - SIMPSON MILLER DEFENDS GAY COMMENT 23.12.11


2 SGL Women lost, corrective rape and virtual silence from the male dominated advocacy structure


Al Miller on UK Aid & The Abnormality of Homosexuality 19.11.11


Homosexuality is Not Illegal in Jamaica .... Buggery is despite the persons gender 12.11.11 MORE HERE 


MSM Homelessness 2011 ...my two cents


Black Friday for Gays in Jamaica More HERE


Bi-phobia by default from supposed LGBT advocate structures?


Homeless MSMs Saga Timeline 28.08.11 (HOT!!!) see more HERE


A Response to Al Miller's Abnormality of Homosexuality statement 19.11.11


UK/commonwealth Aid Matter & The New Developments, no aid cuts but redirecting, ethical problems on our part - 22.11.11


Homophobic Killings versus Non Homophobic Killings 12.07.12


Big Lies, Crisis Archiving & More MSM Homlessness Issues 12.07.12


More MSM Challenges July 2012 more sounds HERE


GLBTQ Jamaica 2011 Summary 02.01.12 more HERE


Homosexuality Destroying the Family? .............. I Think Not!


Lesbian issues left out of the Jamaican advocacy thrust until now?


Club Heavens The Rebirth 12.02.12 and more HERE


Should gov't provide shelter for homeless msm?


National attitudes to gays survey shows 78% of J'cans say NO to buggery repeal


1st Anniversary of Homeless MSM civil disobedience (Aug 23/4) 2012 more HERE


JFLAG's rejection of rowdy homeless msms & the Sept 21st standoff .........


Atheism & Secularism may cloud the struggle for lgbt rights in Jamaica more HERE


Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II and more HERE


MSM Community Displacement Concerns October 2012


The UTECH abuse & related issues


Beenieman's hypocrisy & his fake apology in his own words and more HERE


Guarded about JFLAG's Homeless shelter


Homophobia & homelessness matters for November 2012 ................


Cabinet delays buggery review, says it's not a priority & more ...........................(November 2012) prior to the announcement of the review in parliament in June 2013 More sounds HERE


"Dutty Mind" used in Patois Bible to describe homosexuals


Homeless impatient with agencies over slow progress for promised shelter 2012 More HERE


George Davis Live - Dr Wayne West & Carole Narcisse on JCHS' illogical fear


Homeless MSM Issues in New Kgn Jan 2013 .......


Homeless MSM challenges in Jamaica February 2013 more HERE


JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness 2013


Poor leadership & dithering are reasons for JFLAG & Jamaica AIDS Support’s temporary homelessness May 2013 more HERE


Response To Flagging a Dead Horse Free Speech & Gay Rights 10.06.13