Portrayal of LGBT people in popular music

See also: Murder music

Jamaica's popular culture has a strong tradition of music, particularly reggae and dancehall. As a consequence performers are high profile, either (depending on perspective) seen as influencing popular opinion or reflecting it. Artists such as Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Elephant Man, Sizzla, Capleton, T.O.K., Anthony B and Shabba Ranks, write and perform songs that advocate attacking or killing gays and lesbians.
Apologists argue that these artists are simply championing Rastafarian values in contemporary reggae music by recording material which is concerned primarily with exploring Rastafarian themes, such as Babylon's corrupting influence, the disenfranchisement of ghetto youth, oppression of the black nation and their abiding faith in Jah and resistance against perceived agents of oppression. Homosexuality is enmeshed with these themes.

One of Beenie Man's songs contains the lyrics: "I'm a dreaming of a new Jamaica, come to execute all the gays." Lyrics from Sizzla's songs include: “Shot batty boy, my big gun boom” (Shoot queers, my big gun goes boom). "A Nuh Fi Wi Fault" by Elephant Man boasts: "Battyman fi dead!/Please mark we word/Gimme tha tech-nine/Shoot dem like bird".
Shabba Ranks's reputation was badly damaged by his explicitly homophobic views and lyrics. This was evidenced by a notorious incident on the Channel 4 programme 'The Word' where he advocated the crucifixion of homosexuals. This view was also aired, for example, on his track "No Mama Man", where the following lyrics can be heard: "If Jamaica would a legalize gun / to kill battyboy would be the greatest fun".

An international campaign against homophobia by reggae singers has been launched by OutRage!, UK-based gay human rights group., the UK-based Stop Murder Music Coalition (SMM) and others. An agreement to stop anti-gay lyrics during live performances and not to produce any new anti-gay material or re-release offending songs was reached in February 2005 between dancehall record labels and organizations opposed to anti-gay murder lyrics. As of July 2006 this agreement seems to have been revoked.

The Canadian High Commission in Jamaica is also requiring performers who wish to tour in Canada to sign an Entertainer Declaration that states that they have read and fully understand excerpts from the Criminal Code of Canada, Charter of Rights and Human Rights Act and "will not engage in or advocate hatred against persons because of their… sexual orientation."
The most recent rising star of dancehall reggae to use violent homophobic lyrics is Dr. Evil, aka Mr.Evil of the duo Leftside and Esco. In his song "JA don't like gay" he uses lyrics which include, "I bought this AK to spray on all gays." In 2008 he collaborated with dancehall star Sean Paul.

Visit Wikipedia for more

Jamaicans hypocritical about gays? ....where does this pastor lives?

read this letter and the response and ask yourself ....where does this man lives?

The Letter
Dear Pastor,
I am absolutely horrified about the situation my brothers and sisters of gay and lesbian identities face in Jamaica.
I should be proud of my father's homeland, but I am not. I am ashamed. When my father came here to England, he faced terrible abuse for being black.

Cannot help our sexuality
He was considered, like all other Jamaicans in the country, to be no less than an animal, in fact, a sub-species. He was spat upon, reviled and sometimes beaten because of his skin colour. Now how do I see things changing in Jamaica? People are just as bad in Jamaica about lesbians and gays. We cannot help our sexuality. We are born with it.

Hypocrisy and bigotry
We are told God loves a sinner. If it is a sin and God loves all sinners, why are people behaving like this in the name of God? Such hypocrisy and bigotry need to be eradicated. We are sup-posed to be civilised people. What happened? Why such pain and shame? Killing people for being gay is a terrible crime.

Change these draconian laws. Why are people so threatened now by such things? Fear is no excuse. I shall do whatever is within my power to put a stop to this until the day I die.
M.D., England

The Response

Dear M.D.,
You are gay and there are many others like you. Why do you seek to condemn others who are not gay and who do not agree with your lifestyle? What laws do you want to be changed in Jamaica? I have said many times that no one should be threatened, beaten or killed because of their sexual preference.
On the other hand, those who are gay should not flaunt their lifestyle in public and expect the people of Jamaica to accept the things they do as acceptable behaviour.
Too bad you are ashamed of Jamaica. Although your father was Jamaican, you don't seem to know much about this beautiful island. You are angry. Cool down, sir. Learn about Jamaica and its people. Nobody is going to interfere with you because you are gay, but if you believe that you can get everybody in this country to accept your lifestyle you are making a very big mistake.
Pastor

Living Beyond Break, Shake, and Quake Ups

Or, What’s a Girl To Do in Times Like These?by Judith Kinney

Lately, I’ve been writing about thriving after a break up, feeling the economy shift, and thinking about earthquakes. I’m thrilled to share a perspective on upheaval that can support and inspire you to continue deliberately creating the life you desire.From a law of attraction perspective, you are always creating your experience through the energy your thoughts exude.

In other words, your external life experience is a reflection of your internal thoughts, feelings and beliefs. This creation process is always occurring, and applies to individuals, our country, and world. Additionally, there is constant dynamic exchange between your thoughts and your experiences. Sometimes the dissonance between the life you’ve created and who you’ve become results in a build up of energy. A significant shift must occur to realign your life. Thus, break ups, earthquakes and economic shake ups happen in response to a quest for a new equilibrium.

CONTINUE HERE

October is LGBT History Month US/Jamaica

October is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Histor month by American standards so I have decided to focus on our Jamaican experience based on what I could gather on the ground from archives and oral accounts.

It's sad that we don't seem to have much archival information on our LGBTQ experiences or very little is or has been done to capture and preserve the same.

So look for posts with LGBT History Month preceding the sub titles.

Also I will post the american and UK links as well as I know I have alot of readers from up north and across the sea.

If you have anything you would like to add just email me at: lgbtevent@gmail.com

H

click the icon for the glbt History month for the United States with links to pdf and audio recounts.

US accused of not overturning ban on HIV+ visitors

A New York-based LGBT immigration pressure group has accused the US government of failing to follow a new policy on HIV+ people visiting the country.
In July President Bush signed the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Act, which lifts the ban on HIV positive people from entering the United States. The bulk of the legislation aims to fight AIDS in the developing world.
At present any foreign national who tests positive for HIV is "inadmissible," meaning he or she is barred from permanent residence and even short-term travel in the United States.
Yesterday the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will issue regulations which purport to “streamline” the waiver application process for HIV-positive short-term visitors.
"The timing of these regulations is deeply troubling," said Victoria Neilson, Legal Director of Immigration Equality.
"In July, Congress issued a bipartisan message to this Administration – remove HIV as a barrier to travel and immigration.
"Instead of simply ending the HIV travel ban, the administration is again treating HIV differently from any other medical condition."
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who led the repeal effort in the House of Representatives, said:
"I am disappointed that the Administration has decided to move ahead and finalise this rule to clarify the visa waiver process for HIV positive short term visitors to the United States.
"The rule itself remains fundamentally flawed because it is grounded on an unjust and discriminatory policy that has no basis in public health."
Immigration Equality said that under the new rules a short-term traveller must meet twelve stringent criteria "that impose unnecessary burdens on HIV+ travellers and continue to stigmatise those living with HIV. Some criteria are inconsistent with current medical knowledge of HIV transmission and treatment."
Visitors who take up the waiver do not have the right to apply for a green card from within the United States – even if he or she marries a U.S. citizen.
Department of State consular officers will make decisions on waivers without sending them to DHS for approval.
"We are on the eve of lifting this ban once and for all. Why is the Administration setting new waiver requirements in stone now?" said Ms Neilson.
"The time has come for this Administration to finish the job that Congress started this summer. It’s time to lift the HIV ban."
The ban originates from 1987, when fear about the spread of the disease led US officials to require anyone with HIV to declare their status and apply for a special visa.

Teen beaten, accused of being homosexual

Two MSM stories in one day's edition, hmmmmm makes you wonder anyway read this one as well and form your own opinions.

A teen was severely beaten yesterday after he was accused of being gay.

Reports reaching THE STAR are that the teen and another male were seen in a comprising position by residents. When the residents saw what they felt was an alleged sexual encounter, they chased him and beat him up

.
The matter was reported to the Kingston Central police and they have since transferred the matter to Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse.

The teen told THE STAR that he was beaten until he was unconsciousness. "Him try fi have sex wid mi nuff time and mi tell him no and today him tek mi bag and seh is either mi have sex with him or mi haffi pay him," the traumatised and scared youth said. "All mi can say is mi feel sad and bad."

What is The Star implying?

The Daily Star again is at it, what are they trying to say.......Shottas (Gangstas) do booty too?

or is it just another embellished story to sell papers?

Click image for more, then make up your own mind.

During raid cops hold ... WANTED MAN IN BED WITH MALE
The St Andrew North Police say that yesterday they held the most-wanted man in their division in bed with another man.
THE STAR was told that during an early-morning raid carried out at a two-room house in the Harriman Close area of Jacks Hill, St Andrew, Damion Walker, otherwise called 'Bruno', was captured.
Walker was wanted in connection with a double murder that occurred on July 27, 2007, along Park Lane in the Red Hills Road area.
During that incident, Camille Daley and Clive Baker were killed. A warrant had been issued for Walker's arrest in connection with this crime.
He was also being sought by the police for the murder of Eunice Campbell, who was killed earlier this year along Oddman Lane in the Grants Pen community.
Walker, THE STAR was told, was found in bed with his driver and alleged accomplice, Jason Hart, otherwise called 'Tallman'. Hart, the police say, is being held for harbouring a fugitive, but could face other charges.

7 Reasons Why You Might Lie to Your Partner

By Richard Nicastro, psychologist and relationship coach


Most people lie to their partners or spouses at least occasionally. Since lying (especially when it becomes habitual) can have such a detrimental impact on your relationship, it's important to understand the reasons why you might lie and how to overcome the need to lie.

7 reasons why lying can creep into your relationship:

1). Self-esteem lies.

Some people lie to bolster feelings of self-importance. In this case you might lie to your partner about your achievements and accomplishments. Your goal is to look good in the eyes of your partner (and others). At its extreme, deep-seated feelings of inadequacy can lead you to become a chronic liar.

2).Avoidance lies.

The motivation for this type of lie is to avoid your partner's reaction-- such as disappointment or anger. You may feel that it's easier to lie rather than experience/endure your partner's emotional reaction. You may be someone who has considerable difficulty tolerating any perceived negative reaction. At its worst, your deceit is self-serving and hides relationship-damaging behaviors (e.g., an affair).

3).Self-denial lies.

People lie to themselves all the time. It's a form of denial--refusing to accept a reality that is too painful. All you have to do is watch American Idol to realize that this kind of self-deception is alive and well. People with absolutely no vocal ability refuse to accept the judges' critical (and often harsh) feedback. Instead, they proclaim that they are excellent singers and will someday be wildly famous. Self-denial lies stand in the way of the openness needed for intimacy to grow in your relationship.

4).Hide-and-Seek lies.

The impetus here is to hide parts of yourself from the world. Painful life experiences have caused you to feel unworthy of love to such a degree that you feel it is necessary to lie about yourself or your experiences. When you feel exposed, feelings of shame overcome you and act as a powerful motivator to hide from others (including your partner).

5).Saving-Face lies.

While closely related to avoidance lies, saving-face lies are created to help you cover up your original lie. When it starts to become apparent to your spouse or partner that you've lied, you concoct a web of more lies to avoid the embarrassment and repercussions of having lied in the first place. This is one reason lies can quickly multiply.

6).The Compassionate lie.

Sometimes the motivation to lie is altruistic--you don't want your partner to get hurt. In this instance, you're not protecting your partner from something that you've done that might be hurtful to him/her. Rather, you're trying to shield your partner from something you discovered (e.g., you overheard a neighbor say he doesn't like your wife) or an opinion that you believe would be upsetting (your wife asks if you like her new haircut and despite her uncanny resemblance to one of the Three Stooges, you respond with a definitive, "I love it!").

7).The Spiteful lie.

In this case lies are used as weapons to hurt someone. Schoolchildren often do this, fabricating rumors that are designed to put down others. In social settings such as school this is sometimes done to ostracize someone from a peer group while solidifying the liar's position in the group.

When this occurs in a marriage or relationship, it's usually when anger is at an all-time high or the relationship is being dissolved. It's less common for this type of lie to occur while the couple is committed to a future together, although some couples do report "fighting dirty" and saying hurtful, untrue things while they argue.

If you've lied to your partner recently, feel the urge to lie, or if lying has been a problem for you in general, begin to question your motivation for spinning these tales. Check your reasons with the list above to gain further clarity. It's obviously best that your relationship be built on a foundation of honesty.

Honesty is the backbone of trust--once trust is compromised, your relationship can begin to spiral out of control. But the reality is that many partners do end up lying to one another, and while your motivation to lie might be benign, lies seem to have a viral-like capacity to spread. Have you ever noticed that once you've gotten away with a lie or two, it seems to get easier to lie in the future?

Be aware of that fact and of the reasons you may lie, and you take the first important steps toward a healthier, more honest relationship.

Lesbian Dating & Relationship Blog

Horrors in Iraq

http://gayswithoutborders.wordpress.com/

Iraq: Queer Fear - Gay Life, Gay Death
by GWB-

Thriving After a Breakup (A Lesbian Review)

By Judy Kinney


How to Deliberately Create Your Life After Your Relationship Changes


The Law of Attraction is a phenomenally powerful resource that is available to ALL of us! You may have seen the movies, “The Secret”, and “What the Bleep”, that helped popularize the Law of Attraction concepts that, our thoughts create our reality. This article explores how your answers to three questions can guide you to increased sense of peace and freedom after your relationship with a lover or partner changes.


Let’s start with a quick review of how the Law of Attraction works.


Everything within the universe is comprised of energy.


Energy interacts dynamically with itself, and like a magnet, attracts that which is similar. In practical terms, the universe is always agreeing with you and the thoughts and feelings you radiate. The formula for deliberate creation is simple:

Your Desire + Your Energy Alignment = The Life You Desire

Your ongoing answers to three essential questions can tap into your desires and support your energy alignment after your break up.

• What do I want?

A key point of the Law of Attraction is that whatever you focus on expands. Since focusing on what you like brings more of it to your life, feel free to dive into your desires.Yes, begin with what you want.
It is our nature to continually notice and evolve toward our desires. So, please, don’t be shy!!! Let your self be clear about what you like AND thankful for what you have. Learn to welcome the notion that your approach to life, break up, love, romance, and dating is uniquely yours.
To tap your desires, simply make a list of what you want. What do you want this very second, and in the future? Write it ALL down, and update it regularly. Remember, this is a list of what you want, not a list of what you don’t want. How will you feel when you have what you want? Integrate these feelings into your daily life through activities, visioning, and journaling.

• What will bring relief?

The universe responds well to relief because it is free of resistance. As mentioned above, whatever you focus on expands, so resistance will only bring your more resistance.Additionally, your soul knows that you are a naturally happy, joyous, generous, and expanding being who also knows how to heal. As you take steps that feel good and bring relief, you are also tapping into your true self. This means that you get to trust what feels good to you, especially during tender and challenging times!

• What if this is the most perfect place and time in my life?

I love this question! Asking yourself this question can support, or inspire you to become the protagonist in your own life. Look around and really notice what’s going well and what you’re enjoying. The universe can only agree and give you more of what’s going well. Yes, you will also notice a few things that you want to be different. But, the adjustments are much easier to make from the relaxed and inspired place this question arouses.


How to use these questions.
These questions are simple, yet profound guides toward your ever expanding self. The first question is all about desire, while the second and third questions relate to your alignment with your desires. Since transitioning out of a relationship is a journey, your answers to these questions at one time in your life might take you to one level of insight. As you continue to take action that supports your answers to these questions, you’ll tap deeper into the peace and freedom found in your core self.


Ask these questions often, especially at the beginning and end of your day. At the beginning of your day, you’ll be setting your intentions for how you want the day to be. At the end of the day, notice and appreciate how well you integrated the answers to these questions in your life.


Enjoy, and may you always flourish. . ..


Judy Kinney is the creator of Dream and Flourish LLC, a coaching resource for lesbian, bi and queer women who are ready for love, like they know it can be.

http://lesbiansanddating.blogspot.com/ for other interesting posts

Gays in Cameroon, and we thought we had it bad

By Eric Beauchemin

In Cameroon, homosexual acts are punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine. Over 30 people have been arrested in Cameroon over the past two years on charges of homosexuality. The number may sound small for a country of 16 million people, but the arrests have created tremendous fear among the Central African nation's gays.

logo for the LGBT group in Cameroon who helped to secure his release

One of the men who recently served time for being gay is 22-year-old Lorenzo. In September of last year, two policemen arrested him at the beauty salon where he worked and told him he was being charged with embezzlement.

He recounts:
"They took me to the police station, and it was there that I discovered that I hadn't been arrested for embezzlement but for statutory rape and homosexuality. I was dumbfounded. I didn't know what to do. And then they threw me and five other guys who were also gay in prison. We weren't tried and I was never sentenced. We were just put in prison as if we were wild animals."
Prison lifeLorenzo and the other five men spent a total of seven months in jail. They were all in the same cell and were rarely allowed out. Everyone in the prison, both the guards and the inmates, knew they were gay.

"Some of the prisoners called us ugly women and faggots all the time. They'd say you shouldn't be alive. They'd hit us and throw water at us. We were tortured. They tried to rape us. We couldn't leave our cell to get fresh air because we were afraid the big boys would threaten and hurt us. Some of the guards would make fun of us too. They thought we deserved to go to hell. We really couldn't leave our cell. It was like being in a prison within a prison."

A free man? When Lorenzo was released, he had no money and nowhere to go. He moved back in with his mother and brothers and sisters. They only discovered that he was gay when he was jailed. "My relationship with my family now is difficult.

They watch me closely. They don't accept it when my friends come to visit me at home. My mother says they're all gay, even though some of them aren't. She thinks I'm possessed. Every day she calls me a homosexual. I feel rejected. I don't know what to do anymore. I'm really at my wits end. I have to start my life again from zero. I have nothing and I have no one to help me."

Lorenzo, a gay man from Cameroon >>>>>>>>