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

Thursday, December 10, 2009

JFLAG is 11 years Old - December 10, 2009

2 comments
It was 11 years ago that JFLAG was formed on the same day as Human Rights Day, J-FLAG's mission is or was 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 according to its website says it 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 .


Legal Reform and Advocacy
J-FLAG has been actively lobbying for legal reform. They summited a Parliamentary Submission to amend the non-discrimination clause within the Constitution to include sexual orientation was reviewed by the Joint Select Committee on the Charter of Rights Bill. In December, 2001, the Committee made its recommendations to Parliament. It declined to support our proposed amendment but did recommend that the House consider repealing the Buggery Law. It still tackles this area along with some crisis intervention for persons who have been abused and suffer from homophobic violence related issues.


They say they are strengthening efforts to ensure the successful passage of this bill through parliament, and will continue to push for the amendment to the constitution and continue to challenge all forms of discrimination and censorship by releasing regular press statements on current issues affecting the gay, lesbian and all-sexual community, and by publishing position papers on topics related to human rights, and by engaging entities such as the Ministry of National Security and Justice, Jamaicans for Justice, Amnesty International, etc.


Education Programmes
Their Education Programme which was designed to striving to disseminate information regarding J-FLAG's existence and purpose, and issues affecting sexual minorities and their impact on society at large has been defunct for some time. They also attempt to promote self-awareness and self-empowerment within our community and use a variety of formats to achieve these goals including;

Various publications such as informational brochures; SOH!, our quarterly newsletter; our website; editorial letters; and press releases
Email announcements and updates to local and international organisations
Interviews in newspaper, radio and television media
Discussions on our Hotline and chat room (now defunct)
Presentations to target groups
Face-to-face discussion forums on special topics
Display booths at public events
Research assistance through their library and media watch archive



There are more questions than answers these days in the community as to what is JFLAG doing now? as they seem to have gone too quiet in as far as the forumatic activities are concerned and engaging the GLBTQ community directly in trying to solve to the problems facing us. Many of the activities listed above have been discontinued for years and one waits to see if any improvements will materialise. The website has been criticised severely by Jamaican and international visitors alike. Persons and groups are willing to join and help but more has to be done urgently by the flaggers before persons feel so moved to assist.


All in all the movement is welcomed and we must in our own way do our parts to arrive at tolerance and understanding.


H

Uganda 'to remove death penalty from anti-gay bill'

1 comments
Uganda will reportedly drop plans for the execution and life imprisonment of gays.

An 'anti-homosexuality' bill has been passing through the country's parliament but according to news agency Bloomberg, some of the most drastic measures will be removed.

The bill provoked worldwide outrage when it was first tabled. America, the UK and France all expressed concern, as did countless human rights and gay organisations.

Gay rights groups have urged Commonwealth leaders to throw Uganda out of the Commonwealth unless it drops the proposed law.

The minister for ethics and integrity, James Nsaba Buturo, reportedly said a more "refined" set of punishments would be favoured instead of execution.

Although it is not clear what this means, he pointed to so-called 'gay cure' therapies, saying the bill would promote counselling for gay people.

Buturo said the modified draft bill would come before parliament within two weeks.

If the provisions for execution and life imprisonment are dropped, the bill still places severe penalties on gay people, their families and those who work for gay organisations.

Other offences include promoting homosexuality, aiding and abetting homosexuality and keeping a house "for purposes of homosexuality".

Some have suggested the bill is so badly written, it could threaten two men who hug with jail terms.

The MP who tabled the bill, David Bahati, has argued his bill will protect children, youths and the "traditional family".

The reported concessions come days after a Swedish minister suggested that aid funds to Uganda could be cut if it persevered with the proposed laws.

Buturo retorted: "It is revealing that support to Uganda literally translated means that it is on condition that Uganda should do the bidding of givers of such support regardless of what Ugandans themselves think."

Monday, December 7, 2009

Dancehall impacts the rise of transgender community

0 comments
270,000 gay, bisexual, and transgendered people live in Jamaica

Steven Jackson - Jamaica Observer
Sunday, December 06, 2009

The homophobic dancehall culture can stop the rise of local transgendered community, argued the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-Sexuals and Gays (JFlag) following the recent party photos of cross-dressers.

JFlag said that the dancehall culture castigates such individuals but fails to crush them.

"The genre of music called dancehall ... has certainly played its part in preventing the kind of dialogue that would allow for a greater understanding of this particular minority grouping," asserted Jason McFarlane, programmes manager at JFlag in response to Observer queries. "(But) homophobia does not prevent the emergence of transgendered persons it only prevents dialogue around transgender issues as many have not yet dealt with the reality of homosexuality."

BARBIE… first made headlines in late October when ‘she’ was held and subsequently released by the police

JFlag added that transgendered persons are stepping out, but fear prevents them from fully expressing their gender identity.

The gay lobby estimates that up to 270,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people live in Jamaica. That represents "between three to 10 per cent of the population". Of that figure a "smaller percentage" are transgendered persons which includes transvestites (cross-dressers) and transsexuals (surgical augmentation).

"The reality is that this already exists but many don't have the space or the vocabulary with which to express and articulate this," he said.

Not all transgendered persons are private, as the nation's latest celebrity, Barbie (crossdresser) posed in a series of party pictorials published this week. The fashionable Barbie however was not alone and posed with two crossdressing friends. All three were dressed for the spotlight with big hair and tiny skirts and tops. The photos made headlines because Jamaica is arguably the most homophobic country in the western hemisphere. Proponents of this view cite gay murders and attacks but opponents counter stating that most of these murders are committed by gays in crimes of passion.

JFlag added that transgendered persons have the right to freely exist in Jamaican society.

"What would be beneficial is the acceptance of diversity of whatever prevents itself in a way that as a society we can have a rationale discussion and come to some understanding of its place in a Jamaican society," he said. "It would in turn be beneficial to those who express as this third gender as there is whole sector of people who never get to understand and experience who they are because of social constraints."

JFlag added that transgenderism is to gender what homosexuality is to sexuality. In other words a transgendered person does not have to be gay. "Sexuality and gender are separate markers and the distinction needs to be made because people continue to believe that someone who is transgendered is gay and this is not true. The concern of the transgender community is one of a disconnect between how they feel and how they see their body expressing how they feel. Simply put, what is between the ears doesn't match what is between the legs, so someone feels that they are female but carries male genitalia and vice versa."

Barbie first made headlines in late October when 'she' was held and subsequently released by the police. The police say they noticed a man and a 'woman' arguing in a Toyota Mark II motorcar parked at a lonely spot along Manchester Avenue in May Pen. The police took both persons to the May Pen Police Station where it was discovered that the 'woman' was a man. Police suspected that the cross-dresser propositioned the male for sex. Barbie had subsequently refuted the claim of prostitution. The man reportedly fumed when he discovered that he was intimate with a man. The police inspected the crossdresser's driver's licence and voter's ID which showed a Gregory Park, St Catherine address. As news spread, a crowd converged on the police station to see Barbie who was clad in a tight-fitting blouse, jeans shorts, high heeled shoes, loop earrings and a wig. The cross-dresser sported false eyelashes and neatly shaven eyebrows. The police say they admonished and discharged both men. Barbie subsequently has claimed that policemen with romantic interests have been calling 'her' phone.

Lesbians Rushed ……….. Left with a warning

0 comments
On the evening of Friday December 4, 2009 was the scene in the busy commercial district of Half Way Tree in front a popular furniture store where two females were accused of being lesbians and too friendly in public were verbally chastised by vendors who at that time regularly and illegally spread their wares on the sidewalks after store closing hours to catch the evening sales.


The spot is known for couples or passers-by who would sit under a famous national tree to converse eat or listen to the sound system blaring by the nearby Informal Commercial Importers arcade. The ladies were clearly being watched from their approach to the spot by the vendors based on the utterances I heard upon reaching the shouting match between one of the ladies and several irate male vendors. They were upset that this “Butch” or (Jamaican colourful expletive) “Man royal” woman was taking away a beautiful female from the male population. Several other passers-by were curious but a few continued their way lamenting that all Jamaica was becoming gay while some argued that if the women weren’t doing anything illegal then there shouldn’t be an issue.

My intervention however came when I said that they the vendors shouldn’t be judging or accusing anyone as they were vending their wares illegally on the street and would loose if they went to court or any other matter arose out of the exchange. I was quickly rebuffed with strong Jamaican expletives by the group of accusers and one man in particular suggested I was defending the ladies too much with their nasty lifestyle. I kept my stance however and reminded them that there was nothing in law that stopped anyone of the same sex from socializing publicly.

"Unu lef de oman dem alone, a tru unu can get dem fi fuck das why unu vex,” a fat woman exclaimed as she walked away, she too was a vendor, the small crowd burst out laughing in one of the more lighter moments of the exchange. “Some a unu man can do nuttin wid unu bleach out face an a battyman unda de quiet,” she continued, at this point the conversation regained it seriousness and the man who took me on before continued his line of argument saying the women shouldn’t be there doing that with support from others.

“fiya fi unu, bout unu a bring dem ting deh ya yasso” he pronounced with others supporting him. Other vendors said they didn’t actually see the women in a compromising position neither did the other heterosexual couple whom I proceeded to question, they said they saw nothing “funny” the male of the two said. They were clearly surprised at the happenings.

The irate male vendor continued accused them of hugging, kissing and being romantic and by this time two other bleached faced male vendors seem to support his line even though as it turned out they never witnessed the actual embrace. I maintained my stance on the issue and the exchange continued for a while before cooling down. The ladies were visibly shaken as they never experienced this kind of backlash before, this I learned after talking with them as we walked to the main square, I warned them however that they should be careful when in public as people will say all kinds of things to embellish their beliefs or assumptions of what they think is about to or has happened.

Thankfully the situation did not escalate into a violent attack, I assume because there is a certain tolerance for lesbianism and the criticism by the fat woman during the light moment. This has brought light to a stereotype of a specific section of bisexual or gays as bleached faced men who also act masculine and have “Suga Mommas” in the vending community who take care of their needs financially while the men “perform” sexually for the favours granted. It was clear to me at that juncture when the remark was made that the tone and fervency of the opposition heightened at first in typical fashion but was reduced rather quickly which begged the question did she know something or was he and his other cronies guilty?
The accused women were thankful for the support from myself and the other passers-by and commented that people in general are thinking and slowly adjusting to tolerance when it comes to lesbianism and homosexuality in general. One of the ladies made the same observation on the fat woman’s comments and also expressed her support in the belief. She continued that she believed that some of the men who are like “that” just can’t stand to see other gay people together as it bothers them.

Closeted/clandestine gays vs out/identifiable homosexuals? hhhmmmmm.

My caution to us is the same just be vigilant and careful when traversing the streets.

I was upset though that my two companions who were walking with me before disappeared when we came up on the scene, while I know that some may fear happenings like these I also feel we must learn to engage issues of this nature towards an amicable and peaceful solution, we can’t keep running all the time.

H

Human Rights Lawyer Hilaire Sobers takes on the Observer on recent Gay incident article

0 comments
Sunday, December 06, 2009

Your recent articles on so-called homosexual violence are stunning for their flagrant infidelity to intellectual rigour, and, indeed, to even the most rudimentary precepts of journalism. In the first article entitled Gay man gouges out lover's eyes, your reporter relies entirely on what the police told him to ground his conclusion that the alleged assailant and his victim were both homosexual, and that the attack was based on "jealous fit of rage". Nowhere in the story is there any report of direct testimony from either of the parties, or an eyewitness.

Like many journalists, he appears to accept the police account of what occurred, without question. In the absence of any corroborating testimony from either of the parties or an eyewitness, an objective observer (pardon the pun) might be inclined to consider the writer's conclusions about sexual orientation or the motive for the alleged attack as premature and lacking in forensic rigour...

The writer goes on to report that the alleged victim was "treated at the same hospital for a gunshot wound to his buttocks close to two months ago and created a stir when medical personnel attending to him had to remove a 'G string' underwear off him while treating the wound". He further titillates his readers, stating that: "He nearly brought the house down when the doctors and nurses treating him had to remove a pink 'G string' off him." This is tabloid journalism at its very worst. Even if this story is true, of what relevance is it to the story of the alleged victim having his eyes gouged out?


SOBERS... is wearing G-string underwear really news?


And really, is wearing G-string underwear really news? Would you report on the style of underwear of a female who has been attacked by her male spouse or boyfriend? The gratuitous juxtaposition of the gunshot wound with the eye-gouging, together with the salacious disclosure of his choice of underwear, reveals nothing more than undisguised editorial contempt for the victim, coupled with a malicious intent to publicly humiliate him...

And really, is wearing G-string underwear really news? Would you report on the style of underwear of a female who has been attacked by her male spouse or boyfriend? The gratuitous juxtaposition of the gunshot wound with the eye-gouging, together with the salacious disclosure of his choice of underwear, reveals nothing more than undisguised editorial contempt for the victim, coupled with a malicious intent to publicly humiliate him...

The Rev Aaron Dumas has fairly well-known anti-gay theology, in keeping with his faith. How then, does your writer come to rely on him as an expert on gay psychology and violence? He does not enlighten us on Mr Dumas' credentials, other than to offer the bald assertion that Mr Dumas has counseled 'troubled gays'? There is no indication that the writer made any effort to elicit the views of the gay community on anything relating to gay violence or indeed on the credentials of so-called experts like Mr Dumas.

For that matter, I'm not aware that the reporter made any effort to elicit the views of the broader human rights community. Instead, he is content to draw facile conclusions, such as: "Homosexual spin doctors in lobby groups such as Kingston-based Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All Sexuals & Gays (J-FLAG) and London-based Outrage! often attempt to deflect blame onto 'homophobic' Jamaicans, a ploy, critics suggest, to pressure the Government into relaxing anti-gay laws" and "Homosexual groups claim that there have been over 50 acts of fatal violence against their members in the last five years, although they failed to say how many of those were committed in their own camp".

The intellectual dishonesty is breath-taking. When exactly did any of these groups claim that there had been over 50 murders against their members, and when exactly, did he interview any member of these groups? And if any of them 'failed' to say how many murders were committed by other homosexuals, did your writer inquire as to why they were unable to say?

...So at the end of the day, the writer starts and ends with the unsubstantiated premise that homosexuals are more prone to vicious acts of violence than non-homosexuals. Apart from speculation and innuendo, he relies on two clerics and a psychiatrist to support what amounts to no more than a deeply entrenched prejudice against, or aversion for, the gay community. There is not even the slightest attempt to incorporate the views of the gay community or human rights community. For me, that is not journalism; that's propaganda.
Related Posts with Thumbnails

AddThis

Podcasts You may have missed or want to re-listen




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

More uploads




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.

Some Popular Posts

Are you ready to fight for gay rights and freedoms?? (multiple answers are allowed)

Did U Find This Blog Informative???

Blog Roll

What do you think is the most important area of HIV treatment research today?

Do you think Lesbians could use their tolerance advantage to help push for gay rights in Jamaica??

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