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

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Concerns about labels & abuse towards same gender loving women

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Concerns have been raised and are being vigorously debated in the same gender loving female communities and by extension the MSM and bisexual arenas as well, the following poll question was posed in a particular group on Facebook which sparked some serious debate with a thread having some one hundred and fifty plus responses and comments. Some persons were not aware based on those responses in the thread that lesbian and bisexual women were going through the public backlashes we have been seeing as of late, well to be precise this blog has been carrying the marked increases on attacks and lesbophobia towards same gender loving women since its inception in 2008.

The verbal assaults have seen a marked increase especially since 2011 and some leading to unprovoked physical exchanges and beatings. The usual names that were used before as included in the poll captured above were

"Dyke" (a more US used title but burrowed here),

"Man Royal" (a more localized colloquial description of butches set to be derived from the dancehall arena where artists such as Beenieman have captured in song),

"Pot Covers" (another local colloquial derived from the use of pot covers for noise making or neighbourhood watch alarm systems and the analogy that two pot covers when clanged together cannot produce anything but noise and is non productive juxtaposed to procreation),

"Crotch rubber/rug muncher (local colloquial as well from the dancehall/exotic nightclub arena where same sex themes have slowly crept into the mix and are accepted by male attendees in selected spots across the island to include a now defunct nightclub owned by a dancehall performer in New Kingston),

"Sadamite Gal" (local colloquial, patois for Sodomite girl, emphasis on the enunciation of the words when heard to reflect the disgust of the lifestyle),

"Dutty Suck pussy sadamite" (an extension to imply serious hatred of lesbianism, also a to declare a threatening posture close to some violent action when heard with emphasis on the enunciation as well)

"My Yute" (a more friendly description normally used by men in the company of close friends but used here towards a butch sister viewed as "one of the boys" or "one of us" bearing in mind the homosocial trends in Jamaican culture by males that also is supported in dancehall)

These of course are just a few of the many names conjured up within the past years as the opposition always seem to use the new names to continue the hate and stigma, sadly many of the sisters have seen their fair share of abuse, forced evictions (two in May 2011) profiling as seen above in the question posed, the sister who posed it was verbally attacked and almost accosted by a group of domino playing men in a section of Half Way Tree in April, another sister was almost abducted in April as well as has since then lived as a hermit barely venturing out to the streets except for needed occasions.

Another sister was driven down by a taxi driver also near the Half Way Tree area as well who was clearly not pleased with her aesthetic presentation accusing her of "taking away women" from men and the other awful stereotypes of same gender loving women. I encourage everyone to be vigilant out there although sadly some folks have a simple minded view that persons "cause" incidents to reach them simply by how they look so they recommend persons must change their look in order to avoid attacks or abuse, should we change to suit others who are ignorant?

No, I say we must be ourselves no matter what persons may think, frankly speaking some homophobes make it their business to get into others business, an unneeded move on their part.

Peace and tolerance

H

Weirdo Uncle’s ‘come on’ post to nephew disturbing

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So a social media post by a disturbed young man has made the rounds and has caused some serious reactions by those who have seen it thus far.

The actual post unedited except for spacing read:

“GUYS I WAS SO UPSET YESTERDAY I ACCIDENTALLY LEFT MY TAGGED PROFILE OPEN AND MY UNCLE WENT AND SAW EVERYTHING!!!!! MY MESSAGES, PICS U NAME IT AND AFTER HE SPOKE TO ME AND SAID THAT HE WAS GAY ALSO WELL TECHNICALLY HE'S BI, BECUZ WELL HE HAVE KIDS , ANYWAYS I WAS LIKE WHEW!! ATLEAST IM SAFE, BUT..............

HE WENT FURTHER AND ASK IF I AND HIM COULD BE TOGETHER I WAS LIKE, WHAT! HELL NO!!! AND BESIDES YOUR MY FAMBILY!!!!! THATS INCEST!!! EEEW!!!! SO I TOLD HIM NO, AND HE SAID O.K THEN BUT IF ITS THE LAST THING HE'LL FUCK ME.

I WAS SHOCKED AND SURPRISE TO HEAR THIS FROM HIM, NOW IM PREPARED AND EQUIPT WITH A KNIFE IF HE TRIES ANYTHING, OH! AND HES A POLICE OFFICER AS WELL WHICH MAKES IT MUCH WORST, SO GUYS I NEED UR ADVICE WHAT SHOULD I DO????????”


ENDS

This shows yet another case of poor management of social media spaces and profiles, a problem that had been rising since social media has becomes the newest way for LGBT people to reach out and link up and so on. I have not used my Tagged in quite a while come to think of it as there are certain features on there that leave my open to exposure apart from someone getting direct access as this case shows by viewing on another device. But the post above goes further than just the typical hunt online but a threat implied that the uncle will have his way in the final analysis by obviously sexual assault. It was suggested to the man who made the post that he should report the matter to the police but he in turn said he was concerned about the repercussions and family fallout if it got to the courts.

His concerns are valid if he does not have any sort of support systems and indeed the patience to fight this in our creaking justice system. If the uncle is advancing hints of violence to get his way then what could he be capable of if he is accused of being gay and pursuing his nephew? Worse yet the man is a police as well and this would not go down well in the squaddie mentality or psychology of the force as well in as far as reputation on his part, the ridicule that could come from this if it goes too public may even cause him to exact violence so as to project strength or bravado. This one is catch 22 situation in my eyes and as for the incest part I am not so sure about that, technically it man on man sex if it happened and children cannot come that way outside of stem cells reprogramming that allows for that without any sexual intercourse.

One of the main purposes of an incest law is to address the children aspect of it and religious or ecclesiastical laws on same as the outcomes can have handicapped offspring as blood lines get too linked with family genes. Others in the social media group suggested he should tell the man’s woman and out him as a freak, others suggested he should try and get a job and move out and not alert him as to where he lives. Family same sex relations are not new as close as cousins, uncles and nephews and even one case some years ago in one of the tabloids (XNEWS) declaring gay sex between brothers allegedly, the item caused outrage nationally as the story spread and led to a backlash against gay men and homosexuality and to a lesser extent a call for keeping the buggery law, as if to suggest that buggery laws are inextricably linked to anal sex by men when heterosexual couples who have men who penetrate women anally.

Sad that the man could not be satisfied with just coming out as gay or technically bisexual if not behaviourally so and not have a predatory imperative, some have asked if he was so “thirsty” for a man that his won relative would be prime target for his advances. This also suggests this man may have had an eye on his nephew all along and now that all has been revealed he can now pounce. The choice is the young man and one hopes this does not escalate into something else more egregious, let us say that this outing did not happen by surprise discovery would this alleged police man would have done as his thirst and urges got more intense? Was the threat meant to be a daring joke or endearment?

Jokes if it was are not to be taken lightly in any way shape or man, when a man declares that kind of thought it can be contemplation and be transformed into action.

Commendations are in order for the young man in openly sharing this and I am in no doubt it was a fabrication given the discourse that ensued in the thread, some in the NGO establishment and JFLAG do not take kindly to these kinds of public discourse on matters, and would prefer things are kept hushed for purposes of being politically correct to sound and look good. What hypocrisy?

Remember to be vigilant on your internet profile/footprint and the requisite privacy.

Peace & tolerance

H

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Treatment Is Affected by the T-Cell Coreceptor HIV Uses

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The coreceptor used by HIV to infect CD4 cells (referred to as its tropism) affects how well standard HIV treatment works, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases. This is the first study to suggest that viral tropism affects the response to treatments other than the drug Selzentry (maraviroc).

Toward the end of the last decade, scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) made one of the most important discoveries regarding HIV: that the virus uses receptors other than CD4 to enter and infect T-cells. These coreceptors function somewhat like doorknobs, and HIV must first bind and attach to CD4, and then to one of two other coreceptors, either CCR5 or CXCR4, to enter cells.

After detecting these coreceptors, researchers made several other key discoveries. First, they found that people whose virus prefers to use CXCR4 tended to have lower CD4 counts and faster HIV disease progression than people whose virus prefers CCR5. Second, they found that those born without the ability to make the CCR5 coreceptor were highly resistant to HIV infection. This led to the development and approval of a drug to block CCR5, that drug being Selzentry. For Selzentry to work, however, a person must only carry CCR5-tropic virus and not CXCR4-tropic or mixed-tropic virus.


What hasn’t been studied until now, however, is whether a person’s viral tropism would have an effect on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment responses to drugs other than Selzentry. To explore this, Eduardo Seclén, MD, and his colleagues from the Hospital Carlos III in Madrid, examined blood samples from HIV-positive people enrolled in the ARTEN study, which compared a regimen containing Viramune (nevirapine) to a regimen containing Norvir (ritonavir)–boosted Reyataz (atazanavir).

The participants in both groups were similar in most respects, and overall the study found that the two different regimens had similar efficacy. Seclén’s group, however, was interested not in how those treatments compared with one another, but in how a person’s HIV tropism would affect his or her response to starting either treatment.

Of the 482 participants in the study who were treated for at least 48 weeks, 14 percent had CXCR4-tropic virus at the start of the study. The rest had CCR5-tropic virus. Also, 22 percent had a strain of HIV (called a clade) other than clade B, the most common strain in Western Europe and the United States.

Seclén and his colleagues found that a person’s tropism significantly affected the response to treatment. Overall, while 92 percent of those with CCR5-tropic virus had an undetectable viral load after 48 weeks of treatment, this was true in only 77 percent of those with CXCR4-tropic virus. When multiple factors were considered, a person’s tropism remained significant until the 24-week point. In people with clade B virus, however, tropism was significant at both 24 and 48 weeks. Contrary to other studies, those with CXCR4-tropic virus had similar increases in CD4 counts as those with CCR5-tropic virus.

“In antiretroviral-naïve patients beginning antiretroviral therapy, baseline…tropism seems to be an independent predictor of virologic response,” conclude the authors, adding that “this observation may have important clinical implications for the monitoring of antiretroviral therapy and interpretation of comparative trials.”
ENDS

More on Tropism and drugs prescriptions HERE

your alt text

Your doctor needs to know your HIV tropism before prescribing co-receptor antagonists. Your HIV has its own unique identity. Tropism refers to the co-receptor that a particular HIV strain uses to enter the CD4+ cell. The two most common co-receptors are CCR5 (R5) and CXCR4 (X4). Trofile™ is a novel test that pinpoints your tropism status –R5, X4, or a combination of these known as dual/mixed. Trofile reveals if your virus primarily uses the CCR5 co-receptor. This can help your doctor decide to prescribe a CCR5 antagonist. This new class of antiretrovirals targets CCR5-specific HIV entry into the cell.

How does tropism affect my treatment plan?

If your HIV tropism is CCR5, there’s a new kind of medicine that can help stop HIV from getting in.

Peace and tolerance

H

Remembering Brian Williamson (September 4 1945 - June 9, 2004)

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a special post outside of the October History month but relevant non the less

the good days with his dog Tessa at home

Brian Williamson (September 4 1945 - June 9, 2004) was a Jamaican Gay rights activist and co-founder of the Jamaican Forum for Lesbians and Gays, J-Flag. He was known for personally housing and looking after gay people in Jamaica. A pleasant smile was what one would get upon entering his complex up until his death and he sought to it that homeless persons were assisted in what ever way he could, which may explain my push in this regard as my early exposure to that side of on the ground advocacy and his own struggle to convince others to include that part of crisis interventions into the mix.

He was murdered with a machete, suffering multiple stab wounds to neck and face.Williamson's confessed murderer, Dwight Hayden, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after fifteen years.

Other posts and articles on Brian:
Gleaner on Remembering Brian Williamson June 20, 2004
More related posts that named Brian: HERE
More from Gay Jamaica Watch: HERE
More from GLOBALGAYZ: HERE

Sadly missed
One of the founding members of JFLAG, Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals & Gays (worth repeating)

Owner of one of the most successful gay entertainment spots in Jamaica, The Entourage and a dedicated activist. One of the memorable moments in our GLBTQ history is an appearance on Jamaican television then known as (JBC) Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation coming out to the nation and by extension the world and putting a face to the gay community.

The VHS tapes should be available at JFLAG's archives in Kingston, we hope they have been stored properly and not left to go the route of the Gay Freedom Movement archives that subsequently what was left of those were retrieved by it's founder Larry Chang and archived overseas were not in proper condition due to poor handling and storage, sad as Jamaica should have been the repository for such important materials.

A pity as he must be turning in his grave now to see how we are at odds over what is to be done for the movement in totality of the LGBTQI communities instead we are left with a joke of an advocacy with criticisms of dissenting voices described as "bickering" as if the establishment are infallible when the engagement of everyone for or against should be the thrust forward in dealing with not just the repulsion of the buggery law while affixing HIV/AIDS issues which seems to be the main focus while the urgently required social interventions for certain sections of the community to uplift and rebuild their lives. Sadly it seems more about self-aggrandizement coupled with an elitist agenda with a general intolerance for views outside the system. The ordinary LGBTQI body politic seems relegated to just followers with selected individuals given a platform. The loss of a former volunteer and contracted individual earlier this year via a gruesome murder with not so much as some formal recognition for however small his contribution was glaring to say the least.



All this was not the original plan when The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays was first formed and launched albeit that from the get go if I am to go from memory the signs of the aforementioned opposition to certain types of intervention ideas were knocking at the door but were not as pronounced as today.

Let us however move towards working together for the greater good of those down trodden and or displaced with a sense of hopelessness, rest assured the criticisms will not and cannot be stopped as it is by picking the meat from same and having real forumatic activities that the solutions will come.

Love always

Peace & tolerance

H

Monday, June 6, 2011

Community members who have left us

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Since 2011 we have lost many friends and members of the community to all kinds of reasons at a most alarming rate. Two of those promoted died under very tragic and strange circumstances according to reports and investigations on the evidence presented. Certainly the belief that when death comes in our community it seems to come in sets of threes a phenomenon that is yet to be explained and understood.

Yesterday June 5 we lost a key transgender entertainment figure due to a domestic dispute that went horribly out of control leading to a stab wound inflicted she reportedly died on the spot, condolences are flying from all angles as this post is prepared.

We also lost former Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays Management Committee Head and founder of Caribbean Vulnerable Community Coalition CVC Dr. Robert Carr who died in his sleep in Canada where he was residing, he passed in his sleep and was discovered some time after. His body was cremated and a service was held in memory of him on Saturday June 4th.

Garfield aka Biggy also passed just days after Dr. Carr's departure in his sleep as well here in Jamaica, he was recovering from a prolonged hospital stay due to kidney and other related health problems, this is the one that hits me the most as he was close to me by virtue of being involved in a crisis intervention exercise of which he was a subject of homophobic abuse some twelve years ago, ever since then we have kept in close contact and he often attends parties where I act as DJ dancing up a storm when he could before diabetes and kidney problems took over.

(taken from sister blog on wordpress, three tragic deaths in April 2011):
As the doleful expressions continue to pour out from the community following Wednesday April 6th’s stunning revelation on social networking sites and subsequent confirmatory phone calls and an impeccable police source that a former lgbt advocate who was associated with JFLAG at one point was found in his upper St. Andrew apartment after being dead for several days (it is surmised from as early as the Friday April the 1st). The man (name will be withheld for now) in his early twenties was found with several stab wounds. An on the spot post-mortem had to be carried out and my combined sources suggest that the body was ordered for immediate burial due to the state of decomposition.

Actual cause of death is not known clearly but reports suggest it may be related to his rocky relations he was having with another friend, the body was found by his partner who returned home after not seeing or hearing from the deceased for a short time as he was out of town on business he went to the home and was greeted by the offensive odour only to make the gruesome discovery, it is also surmised that more than one attackers may have been present to over power the deceased as his physical built would not permit one person to successfully over power him. As the investigations continue the police are tight lipped but it is strongly suspected that the deceased was lured to his home by his attackers when he met his untimely demise.



Personal effects including cellphones, a laptop and his car were missing there were no signs of a break in but some sections of the apartment were ransacked suggesting the intruder(s) had conducted a search before making good their exit. The body was said to have over 12 stab wounds and his penis was severed according to reports. The father of the deceased showed no mercy for his son as he openly blasted his homosexual lifestyle and at one point was restrained as he attempted to remove items from the home which was still a crime scene as investigations continued.

Even in death homophobic cruelty is so glaring the advocate who was known to many as a quiet dude with strong opinions some of which clashed with mine in the occasional debate over drinks or at socials also had his share of problems with his outing and subsequent temporary displacement and run ins with his father coupled with ostracism from the church flock of which he was a part, what is even more disturbing is the way in which the deceased father insisted on not taking the body after the pathologist ordered an immediate burial following the on the spot post mortem, the morgue attendants and funeral home representatives offered to do what they could to reshape the body for a proper closed casket service and burial despite the circumstances that prevailed but his father flatly refused and said he wanted no part in the burial while using the derogative anti gay remarks to castigate his son while his body laid mutilated at the scene, so upset were persons present that they could not help but vent their frustrations at his behaviour and the position taken. The police however who were on hand helped to calm the nerves of the parties so as to avoid any physical confrontation and contamination of the crime scene, The body was later removed and reportedly placed in a sufferer’s box as it is known in some circles and taken to the May Pen Cemetery where it was laid without any proper rights accorded much to the hurt and sorrow of many of his friends and associates.

He was with the advocacy group Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays (JFLAG) for a short time involved in Administration and some Crisis Interventions as well, he also hosted lymes and small parties at his home from time to time and also sat on the GLABCOM (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Community) Steering Committee associated with the Targeted Interventions of Jamaica AIDS for Life just over a year. He assisted many young turks who were coming out at the time in their late teens through his work with the performing arts for a short period of time as well. Sad that JFLAG was silent on the matter despite his short tenure there, they could have assisted in his burial.

RIP dear J

Man found dead in St. Ann

Reports also are coming in from another section of North Central Jamaica where a popular party figure was found with one stab wound and throat cut as well last Tuesday April 12th, again details were hazy as there are several theories and conflicting reports he was however said to have left home to meet with someone who was to have sold them some items but was missing for some time and was found in the state as described above. Confirmation soon came and a western based newspaper carried the story describing the speculation surrounding his death as strange circumstances, he was laid to rest at the end of April.

Known for his dancing style at parties he was given a particular nick name and frequented events mostly in central Jamaica but would make the occasional trek to Kingston to shake a leg. He too has been laid to rest as a close relative handled the issue quietly to avoid any backlash.

RIP Kelly K K

There are three other unconfirmed deaths said to have taken place in Kingston with one at the very spot where a previous murder of one of our family members took place December 2, 2010 by the National Works Agency building as more is available there will be adjustments to this post.
Sadly every year we go through this blood-letting exercise where we loose many of our brothers to sometimes unexplainable and horrific acts of murder and sadly they always seem to come in sets of threes, superstitious or not one wonders who will be next and if these awful occurrences are being done by homophobes or are there deeper issues we are not really taking a look at.

Please be safe out there friends, watch out for your neighbour look out for yourselves.

Peace and tolerance

H

Community members who have left us

0 comments
Since 2011 we have lost many friends and members of the community to all kinds of reasons at a most alarming rate. Two of those promoted died under very tragic and strange circumstances according to reports and investigations on the evidence presented. Certainly the belief that when death comes in our community it seems to come in sets of threes a phenomenon that is yet to be explained and understood.

Yesterday June 5 we lost a key transgender entertainment figure due to a domestic dispute that went horribly out of control leading to a stab wound inflicted she reportedly died on the spot, condolences are flying from all angles as this post is prepared.
We also lost former Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays Management Committee Head and founder of Caribbean Vulnerable Community Coalition CVC Dr. Robert Carr who died in his sleep in Canada where he was residing, he passed in his sleep and was discovered some time after. His body was cremated and a service was held in memory of him on Saturday June 4th.

Garfield aka Biggy also passed just days after Dr. Carr's departure in his sleep as well here in Jamaica, he was recovering from a prolonged hospital stay due to kidney and other related health problems, this is the one that hits me the most as he was close to me by virtue of being involved in a crisis intervention exercise of which he was a subject of homophobic abuse some twelve years ago, ever since then we have kept in close contact and he often attends parties where I act as DJ dancing up a storm when he could before diabetes and kidney problems took over.

(taken from sister blog on wordpress, three tragic deaths in April 2011):
As the doleful expressions continue to pour out from the community following Wednesday April 6th’s stunning revelation on social networking sites and subsequent confirmatory phone calls and an impeccable police source that a former lgbt advocate who was associated with JFLAG at one point was found in his upper St. Andrew apartment after being dead for several days (it is surmised from as early as the Friday April the 1st). The man (name will be withheld for now) in his early twenties was found with several stab wounds. An on the spot post-mortem had to be carried out and my combined sources suggest that the body was ordered for immediate burial due to the state of decomposition.

Actual cause of death is not known clearly but reports suggest it may be related to his rocky relations he was having with another friend, the body was found by his partner who returned home after not seeing or hearing from the deceased for a short time as he was out of town on business he went to the home and was greeted by the offensive odour only to make the gruesome discovery, it is also surmised that more than one attackers may have been present to over power the deceased as his physical built would not permit one person to successfully over power him. As the investigations continue the police are tight lipped but it is strongly suspected that the deceased was lured to his home by his attackers when he met his untimely demise.



Personal effects including cellphones, a laptop and his car were missing there were no signs of a break in but some sections of the apartment were ransacked suggesting the intruder(s) had conducted a search before making good their exit. The body was said to have over 12 stab wounds and his penis was severed according to reports. The father of the deceased showed no mercy for his son as he openly blasted his homosexual lifestyle and at one point was restrained as he attempted to remove items from the home which was still a crime scene as investigations continued.

Even in death homophobic cruelty is so glaring the advocate who was known to many as a quiet dude with strong opinions some of which clashed with mine in the occasional debate over drinks or at socials also had his share of problems with his outing and subsequent temporary displacement and run ins with his father coupled with ostracism from the church flock of which he was a part, what is even more disturbing is the way in which the deceased father insisted on not taking the body after the pathologist ordered an immediate burial following the on the spot post mortem, the morgue attendants and funeral home representatives offered to do what they could to reshape the body for a proper closed casket service and burial despite the circumstances that prevailed but his father flatly refused and said he wanted no part in the burial while using the derogative anti gay remarks to castigate his son while his body laid mutilated at the scene, so upset were persons present that they could not help but vent their frustrations at his behaviour and the position taken. The police however who were on hand helped to calm the nerves of the parties so as to avoid any physical confrontation and contamination of the crime scene, The body was later removed and reportedly placed in a sufferer’s box as it is known in some circles and taken to the May Pen Cemetery where it was laid without any proper rights accorded much to the hurt and sorrow of many of his friends and associates.

He was with the advocacy group Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays (JFLAG) for a short time involved in Administration and some Crisis Interventions as well, he also hosted lymes and small parties at his home from time to time and also sat on the GLABCOM (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Community) Steering Committee associated with the Targeted Interventions of Jamaica AIDS for Life just over a year. He assisted many young turks who were coming out at the time in their late teens through his work with the performing arts for a short period of time as well. Sad that JFLAG was silent on the matter despite his short tenure there, they could have assisted in his burial.

RIP dear J

Man found dead in St. Ann

Reports also are coming in from another section of North Central Jamaica where a popular party figure was found with one stab wound and throat cut as well last Tuesday April 12th, again details were hazy as there are several theories and conflicting reports he was however said to have left home to meet with someone who was to have sold them some items but was missing for some time and was found in the state as described above. Confirmation soon came and a western based newspaper carried the story describing the speculation surrounding his death as strange circumstances, he was laid to rest at the end of April.

Known for his dancing style at parties he was given a particular nick name and frequented events mostly in central Jamaica but would make the occasional trek to Kingston to shake a leg. He too has been laid to rest as a close relative handled the issue quietly to avoid any backlash.

RIP Kelly K K

There are three other unconfirmed deaths said to have taken place in Kingston with one at the very spot where a previous murder of one of our family members took place December 2, 2010 by the National Works Agency building as more is available there will be adjustments to this post.
Sadly every year we go through this blood-letting exercise where we loose many of our brothers to sometimes unexplainable and horrific acts of murder and sadly they always seem to come in sets of threes, superstitious or not one wonders who will be next and if these awful occurrences are being done by homophobes or are there deeper issues we are not really taking a look at.

Please be safe out there friends, watch out for your neighbour look out for yourselves.

Peace and tolerance

H
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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