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, November 12, 2010

Intersex Activists Want ....................

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Claudia Astorino (FFA)



Intersex activists, in general, are fighting for the following:

1) Awareness of what intersex is, what it is not, and that intersex individuals exist.

2) Understanding that intersex bodies are healthy, natural, normal bodies that don't need "fixing." Intersex is thus not a medical issue, and shouldn't be treated like one.

3) Intersex individuals must have a right to consent to anything done to their own bodies, especially since such "treatment" is not for medical/health purposes. No one else - whether guardians and/or clinicans - can truly consent for each intersex individual. (So, for example, there's no argument that an infant that needs a heart transplant shouldn't get one because that infant doesn't understand what a heart is, or the complications involved in transplant surgery. On the other hand, an individual doesn't incur any health risks if their clitoris is enlarged, or if they happen to have a vulva and XY chromosomes. These aren't medical concerns, and therefore don't require medical treatment.)

4) Intersex individuals are normal people, even if we possess less typical suites of biological traits. The only reason these suites are considered atypical is because they aren't so easily shoehorned into one of two acceptable bodily forms - "male" or "female." They still fit into the normal ranges of human biological variation. Thus, intersex individuals' bodies shouldn't be shamed, fetishized, and exploited.

5) The shame, stigmatization, isolation, and trauma many intersex individuals feel result from medical "treatment," and not from knowledge of one's intersex. One must stop such treatment in order to end lasting emotional and psychological harm.

6) Intersex people shouldn't shut up and eat their shame. Intersex individuals are prevented from connecting with one another, and from decrying abuses against them by the medical community because we're told that one's intersex is a personal issue that shouldn't be discussed for fear of being shamed. Really, our shame comes from being told, whether directly or indirectly, that our conditions are shameful; conversely, reaching out and advocating for ourselves would allow us to empower ourselves and generate change. Our voices need to be heard and not silenced.

7) Intersex doesn't necessarily have anything to do with one's gender identity, gender role (including presentation and performance), sexual orientation, sexual behavior, or anything other sex-and-gender variables. Intersex is biological in nature, even though it's considered a social emergency, because some individuals expect that based on one's sex, all those other variables have to line in in a particular way according to "male" or "female" standards. Even if sopme of these other variables are at least partially informed by biology, you can't make predictions about how someone will identify with regards to any of them just by knowing that they're intersex. (Really, you can't do this for anyone, whether they're intersex or not.) After all, lots of people who are not intersex identify in ways that are considered not to "match up" to other aspects of themselves (e.g., a male-identified person that wears skirts).


It's important to note that not all activists are fighting for the same things, though. Many activists would add a 8th condition:

8) Repealing the use of "disorders of sexual development (DSD)" as a replacement for "intersex." While the term "intersex" itself is problematic, and some have no issues with changing it to something else (as I've previously posted), DSD is a poor choice for several reasons. DSD really came into being through ONE intersex person (Cheryl Chase) working with medical doctors and academics (notably, Alice Dreger). Can one intersex individual speak for how all intersex individuals wish to identify? Likewise, can an outside group (here, the medical community) determine how another group must identify, even if it's not how that group prefers to identify themselves? I would strongly argue no to both questions. DSD is also a term that falls in step with how other medical jargon sounds ("So science-y!"), further reinforcing the flawed view that intersex is a medical condition requiring treatment. (As well as allowing for eugenics. Some estimate that as methods of pre-natal screening become cheaper, less invasive, and more accurate, it may be more common to "diagnose intersex" and subsequently abort fetuses simply for being intersex.) Furthermore, DSD is not able to be used as an identity; one can identify as intersex, but one would be very hesitant to identify as a "disorder," which absolutely carries negative connotations in English. Hida Viloria states that in other languages, translations of "disorders of sexual development" misrepresent intersex as transgender or having a queer sexual orientation or something non-intuitive and confusing, which simply violates the first objective of intersex activists. You can read more about DSD here.

Not all intersex activists are on board with repealing DSD, however. Some individuals that have worked closely with Chase and ISNA in its earlier, progressive days feel ambivalence about the term, or feel that since some parents and doctors like DSD, that using it is okay. I would definitely question, though, whether this term has gained widespread support among intersex individuals themselves, and if not, whether using it is still acceptable. I would also question if those intersex individuals supporting it do so because they have inherently always felt that their bodies are disordered and need fixing without outside influence, or whether they feel this way because of the shame induced by clinicians, parents, and mainstream society at large.

It's also important to note that not all intersex individuals are supportive of what intersex activists are fighting for. Many individuals view their intersex as a medical "condition," as it was very very very likely described to them by the medical community. Those that have never been exposed to alternative perspectives may never have questioned whether intersex is truly medical in nature, and whether it is ethical to alter one's body without consent if such alterations are not medically necessary. Some intersex individuals feel an affinity with the queer community, even if they don't identify as queer themselves, because queer activism targets attempts to repress autonomy based on perceptions of what they are supposed to be and do with their bodies - something in line with intersex activism. Others don't want to have any involvement with queer communities, and greatly oppose inclusion, as I've posted previously.

Finally, it's important to note that activists not engaged in intersex activism may confuse the efforts of intersex activists with other movements'. For example, some assume that all intersex activists want to repeal sex-and-gender binaries for good. I am all for allowing for full sex-and-gender expression, whether individuals wish to use traditional "female" or "male" identifiers, or with other more complex, fluid, and non-static identities. However, I do not advocate for these goals specifically as an intersex activist because right now, the immediate concern must be ending harmful "treatment" practices that cause psychological, emotional, and even *actual* health problems (!) for intersex individuals. Other individuals are going to be less receptive to questioning the utility of the sex-and-gender binary, and how well it actually resonates with others' lived experiences than they will be to simply consider whether it's ethical to poke, prod, and lop off parts of healthy bodies without consent. If we tried to go from that angle, we'd probably be waiting much much longer to end the very immediate, very real trauma intersex individuals are undergoing now. Focusing on the human rights issues at hand are where our priorities must lie, regardless of whether intersex activists ALSO support others' expression of their sex and gender identities.

So, despite the fact that there isn't total consensus, there are a lot of things intersex activists are collectively fighting for. Let's work toward meeting intersex individuals' needs, thus gaining equal rights soon.

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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Antinausea Drug Stops HIV Too? .... testing in humans now needed says researchers

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The antinausea drug Emend (aprepitant) doesn’t just help settle the stomach—it also has fairly potent anti-HIV activity when combined with protease inhibitors (PIs). This finding was published in the November 27 issue of AIDS.

Although the current antiretroviral (ARV) drugs exhibit remarkable activity against HIV, typically reducing HIV replication to the minutest levels, they do not shut down HIV completely. When the drugs are stopped, the virus nearly always comes roaring back to life within days.

Researchers have determined that there are sanctuary sites, such as the brain, genitals and other compartments in the gut, which ARVs fail to reach fully. Not only do these sanctuary sites offer HIV a place to hide out from the drugs and the immune system, but they also serve as a source of ongoing immune inflammation that can lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognitive disorders.

Not long ago, scientists discovered that a class of drugs used to fight nausea might also have HIV-fighting potential. These drugs, called neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) antagonists, reduce inflammation by blocking substance P, a neurotransmitter, from binding with neurokinin-1 receptors in the brain. Not only does blocking substance P reduce nausea, it also reduces the ability of HIV to infect immune cells. It accomplishes this by causing the cells to display fewer coreceptors on their surface. When fewer coreceptors, such as CCR5 or CXCR4, are present, HIV has a more difficult time infecting the cell.

Given that cognitive disorders and brain inflammation are sometimes quite high despite effective ARV therapy, it is hoped that the NK1R antagonist Emend might exert particular antiviral and anti-inflammatory pressure against HIV in the brain.

To take these findings one step further, Mark Manak, PhD, from SeraCare Life Sciences Inc., in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and his colleagues, tested the anti-HIV activity of a handful of NK1R antagonists against common strains of HIV in cell cultures. They found that Emend, which is approved in the United States for patients with chemotherapy-associated nausea, had the most antiviral activity.

Manak’s team next challenged the infected cells with Emend, combined with a number of ARV drugs. They found that when Emend was combined with Invirase (saquinavir) and Norvir (ritonavir) at the same time, it boosted their HIV-fighting ability by more than five times. This effect was not seen with any other class of drug, leading the team to conclude that Emend must be combined with PIs to achieve its HIV-fighting potential. They also concluded that Emend’s antiviral properties were likely achieved by several mechanisms, only one of which was blocking substance P.

While Emend has few side effects when given at the dose used to treat nausea, the authors stated that higher doses will be needed in HIV. Also, the drug can interact with a number of other drugs. In fact, it can significantly boost the blood levels of Norvir.

The authors concluded by saying that Emend’s safety, in combination with HIV medication, must now be tested in humans, and they revealed that a Phase Ib clinical trial is currently under way to do exactly that.

Sex therapist Dr Sidney McGill says "Lesbianism is on the rise in Jamaica & world-wide with even young girls in co-ed schools preferring other girls"

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Bill's a 1 in bed; Luke's a 10 -
When women rate men and the changing rules about sex

By DONNA HUSSEY-WHYTE and SIMONE MORGAN All Woman Writers

ONCE upon a time, men were the ones who couldn't wait to brag to their friends just how many women they conquered and how good (or not) their conquests were in bed. The more women they had the more of an ego boost they got, and many men created literal or figurative notches in their bedposts to celebrate their achievements.
On the other hand, women were so reserved and shy that they wouldn't tell even their best friends who they 'mistakenly' slept with.

But gone are the days when women marry as virgins and blush when the word 'sex' comes up.
According to sex therapist, Dr Sidney McGill, women are becoming more assertive in bed, not waiting for the men to make their approach, but instead using all their feminine wiles to conquer him and then rate his performance afterwards.
Recently, 22-year-old Duke University graduate, Karen Owen, wrote a pretend thesis rating the men she slept with in college, complete with graphs. Her 42-page presentation entitled An Education Beyond the Classroom: Excelling In the Realm of Horizontal Academics, sparked a controversial gender debate when it was leaked on the Internet.
Was she too brash to have rated her men? Did she go overboard? Was society ready for a situation where women were now counting the notches in their bedposts? Worse yet, were men now willing to be rated, publicly?

Owen's thesis skilfully spoke of her sexual conquests of 13 of the university's athletes. It not only provided ratings on a scale of one to 10 for the performance of each athlete she slept with, but she also provided the names, dates, photos, and physical attributes they all possessed, including the length and girth of their members.

And though Owen got a lot of flak world over for her openness, still many other women -- and men -- celebrated her bravery in turning the wheels on female sexuality.
"I believe women -- especially women who are financially independent -- are becoming more assertive generally," Dr McGill says. "More of them are telling their sex partners what they want, initiating sex, being actively involved in foreplay and even experimenting with sex positions that require some degree of acrobatic skill. There are more sex toy shops around and women tend to be the ones who visit these stores more regularly."

He added: "I think we live in a sexualised era. [We] live and breathe sex during our waking hours. The moral boundaries are surely not as high as they were say 15 years ago. So women have greater freedom to choose who and what they want -- including other women -- and refuse the macho facade of many young and inexperienced studs out there."
He says as a result of this era, lesbianism is on the rise in Jamaica and world-wide, with even young girls in co-ed schools preferring other girls and young female teachers over their male peers.

He noted that for years the working world was a man's domain, but with far more educated women vying for management positions in the corporate world, women have learned to adjust to the macho workforce culture in order to move up the corporate ladder.
"So the view of the stereotyped woman has been crumbling," Dr McGill says. "Many young girls cannot cook and think nothing of the lack of home making skills. With the gradual collapse of male/female stereotypes a woman is not concerned about being termed a 'slut' because she enjoys multiple sexual partners."

Like the 22-year-old Owen, Cristine T, a Kingston resident, boldly speaks about her sexual escapades.
The 27-year-old cosmetologist and mother of a nine-year-old son says she has lost count of the number of persons she has slept with, several of whom were females.
"I am not afraid to go after any man or even woman that I see fitting to my eyes and after I spot my prey(s) they are mine for the night -- it's as simple as that," Christine stated in a recent interview with All Woman.

But does she consider her actions to be unladylike? Cheap?

Not at all, and she is quick to point out that she is just being genuine and pleasing herself.
"I am in control of my sexuality and I really don't care what others think. I am just being genuine and pleasing myself," she says. "In society a man is considered to be a gyalis or macho when he sleeps with one or more woman per day and brags about it. Yet when a female does the same she is considered to be promiscuous. Well I honestly don't care what the world thinks of me, I am just proudly satisfying my sexual curiosity."

While some members of the opposite sex may take favour in Owen's and Christine's sexual patterns, there remains others who believe their behaviour is a sign of emotional instability and loose morals.

"When all is said and done a woman will never be seen equal to man as it relates to sex, as a man's outlook on sex will always be different than that of a woman," bank teller Christopher Scott says. "Unless a woman is a prostitute she usually does not have sex with a man she does not feel emotionally attached to and should not have more than one sexual partners. That behaviour spell promiscuous."

Dr McGill says though, that although some of the rules have changed, the one regarding 'one woman to one man' hasn't totally. He says people still eventually want an exclusive, loving relationship that does not include competitors for a partner's love and attention.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Lady Switch Hitters & the Boyfriends who complain ...

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This post was developed on the strength of two recent complaints of threats of two separate butch females who were threatened in some way by the boyfriends of the partners they were seeing at the time.

Switch hitters here is not used in the sporting sense that of baseball or cricket where ambidextrous participants can manipulate the ball used or bat with both hands but it refers to persons who are for the most part innately bisexual or those experiment at best sexually speaking with both sexes. The problem of men in Jamaica who react negatively when who knowingly or unknowingly have their female partners who also have lesbian relationships on the side seems to be a growing. It is hard to say whether these switch hitters are innately lesbian or bisexual and for now there are no known studies locally to help us analyse the practices involved but the trend exists.

There seems to be another trend within this new major trend in that the men do not seem to mind as long as the "lady partner" to their female love interest is not "butch" or masculine looking or acting, the proverbial butch dynamic. There have been cases where the men who are aware of their lady loves who have lady lovers or who are knowingly bisexual allow these unions to occur alongside their own and some even entertain sexual liaisons much sometimes to the upset and disgust of those of whom the requests are made, stories of requests made by men who want to be voyeurs watching the ladies have sex or participate with sex toys are not uncommon. The practice of men who attend exotic entertainment clubs who request this group sex lesbian activity is also common in some parts of Jamaica as I recall my days working in the HIV programs with exotic dancers and commercial sex workers who relate their experiences at times.

The aforementioned ladies who have complained have now decided not to date bisexual women and insist on asking their love interest about their preference. This mistrust of bisexual women and bisexuality in general adds to the biphobia that exists out there either by default through ignorance of the issues they face or persons stigmatizing them as unsatisfied and frustrated sex addicts or nymphomaniacs. One of the cases in question the partner who she was dating at the time did not disclose she had a boyfriend and it so happened that he burrowed his love interest's cell phone to make a call when he pounced upon stored messages as it turned out from a female name stored in the phonebook he proceeded to call the number and had a heated exchange which as described to me by the butch lesbian were not kind. He demeaned the perceived sexual activities between women and said he will move to another town to avoid her seeing his woman.

The other case was more harsh but threats were also made by the male partner of the woman involved, she however did inform her "butch partner" that she had a boyfriend and he was apparently aware that she was a practicing bisexual.

So why the insecurity from the brothers?

Maybe there is a feeling the woman would be more good at satisfying their women thus causing them to drift or leaning more to lesbian sex, given how highly sexualized we are as a nation with sex used to consummate many unions gay or straight more so than personality and other human traits any "other partners" are viewed with great skepticism. Bisexuality is not a matter that is discussed with any regularity either from the advocates or nationally as homophobia and by extension the country abhorrent attitude to male homosexuality takes centre stage more than anything else related to LGBTQI issues.

How can we begin to deal with these problems?

If you have any suggestions share them but more and more cases are coming forward and as many folks literally get into homosexual and lesbian activities while having heterosexual common law or married unions due to the long held perceptions that there is money and improved lifestyles to be had from being involved in gay sex will we see more of these intersections causing more social problems in the future?

Are identity issues a part of the problem as well as many do not really know who they are and just struggle with what society says versus their own urges and feelings?

There was a case some time ago where an alleged lesbian couple were murdered and it was surmised that the boyfriend of one of the girls was the culprit he also was said to be familiar with the lesbian partner of his girlfriend. One of the ladies was described in the article as "progressed from being a bisexual to an outright lesbian" as if they can detect orientation or maybe they were trying to suggest she was practicing lesbian sex only but texts like that can be very misleading.

Here is the article from the Star News: "They Were Lesbians" or HERE



Let us continue to watch this though and see if we can continue the discourse on this issue.

Peace and tolerance

H


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

On sexual orientation .. "homosexuality and bisexuality are natural phenomenon of the manifestation or expression of human sexuality"

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By Julian Kenny

Human homosexuality and bisexuality, historically, have been well documented parts of, and accepted by, established civilisations, as were polygamy and polyandry. Indeed, pederasty in ancient Greece was openly accepted by the public as the norm, with older men consorting with openly willing post-pubescent boys. There are even pictorial records of homosexuality in ancient Egypt. Homosexuality, however, has also been proscribed, with the most severe of sanctions in religious scripts from the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and the Qur'an.

There is no ambiguity about the message of the words of Leviticus 18:22 or Leviticus 20:13.

"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination". "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."

Or Romans 1:26-27.
"For this reason God gave them up to passions of dishonour; for even their females exchanged the natural use for that which is contrary to nature, and likewise also the males, having left the natural use of the female, were inflamed by their lust for one another, males with males, committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error."


Or Qur'an 7:80-84.
"Do you commit such indecency in a way that no one has preceded you in the worlds? You approach men lustfully instead of women. Truly, you are a nation who exceed. The only answer of his nation was: 'Expel them from your village. They are people who keep themselves purified.' We saved him and all his family, except his wife, who was made to remain, and we rained down upon them a rain. So look how was the end of the evildoers."

Perhaps what must certainly be the ultimate in homophobia was the systematic murder of homosexuals by Hitler (raised a Catholic) and his Nazi psychopaths, greatly overshadowed by his murder of millions of Jews from throughout Europe. Even in our times right wing fundamentalist Christians in North America openly spout their venom about HIV and AIDS being a curse on people for homosexual behaviour while violence is rained down both verbally and physically in Jamaican "culture".

There are, however, some facts that simply cannot be denied. Homosexual behaviour amongst unrelated animals, especially birds and mammals, has been observed in the wild under natural conditions. Second, homosexuality has been known throughout recorded human history. Third, many homosexual and bisexual persons in western liberal democracies have made significant contributions to society.

One inevitable conclusion that may be drawn is simply that homosexuality and bisexuality are natural phenomenon of the manifestation or expression of human sexuality and, while less frequently occurring, must be as natural as heterosexuality.

There is, of course, the counter argument that it is unnatural — it is against nature and therefore the natural law — the sort of medieval thinking of Aquinas. This argument is noisily presented by religious groups, even by the odd born-again American televangelist who was having a bit of something on the side. Some religions have even softened the condemnation with accepting the reality of homosexuality — the sort of loving-the-sinner approach — but hating the act of sodomy.

How do they justify celibacy when it would be equally unnatural not to behave naturally? To be celibate is to be biologically useless as potential genetic combinations are simply lost (at least officially).

While some scientists and thinkers may be somewhat reluctant to extrapolate from animal behaviour to human behaviour, many must agree that although a clear genetic basis has not yet been proven differences in microanatomy of human brains suggests a possible physical link between hormones/brain wiring and sexual orientation.

In Trinidad and Tobago it is hardly likely that the society will progress much beyond the hard and irrational prejudice and non-acceptance of the fact of variability of basic human behaviour as modulated by cultural influences. Religions of all flavours thrive in our society, all forgetting history and the roles of the various religions in the power structures of countries. Most forget that values shift in time and that religions, particularly monotheistic Christianity and Islam, condoned or actively participated in warfare, slavery, torture, oppression and genocide and their leadership continues to be male dominated.

There is always some variation of meanings of scriptural text but the theme of Romans permeates custom in the monotheistic religions — natural use of the female. Reflect on the term.

Might it not mean the manifestation of deep Y chromosome-generated-male insecurity? After all, parthenogenesis and male-to-female sex reversal is known in vertebrate animals, some species of which actually occur in T&T. The next time you eat a big grouper steak, note that it may once have been male!

And while the Equal Opportunities Act Chap. 22:03 loftily seeks to prohibit discrimination and promotes equality between persons of different status, it neatly enshrines another form of discrimination by explicitly stating in the interpretation clause that the word sex "does not include preference or orientation". Forget the rights of privacy enshrined in Section 4 of the Constitution!

• Julian Kenny is a biologist and natural history author. He is a former UWI Professor of Zoology and Independent senator

See the Other parts from the Trindad Express Newspaper and on Gay Jamaica Watch's Blog



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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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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