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, June 10, 2016

CCJ Dismisses Gay Activist case due to lack of evidence .

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Well the long awaited judgement on the immigration action brought against the state of Belize and Trinidad has come to hand. I was not hopeful as it was clear to myself and others as we watched the proceedings via live stream at the time when the fundamentals were being pursued by the prosecuting attorney for Trinidad.

Questions were asked of the claimant Tomlinson as to whether he actually declared he was gay at the point of entry and if the immigration team refused him such at the time as he was attending an event to which he said no.

The Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ has dismissed the case filed against Belize and Trinidad and Tobago by Jamaican Gay activist Maurice Tomlinson.

Mr. Tomlinson had brought a case regarding circumstances concerning his entry into both countries.

Tomlinson is an attorney at law.

He had alleged that he has been prejudiced in the enjoyment of his right as a CARICOM national to enter Belize and Trinidad and Tobago without hassle.

Tomlinson conceded that he was never refused entry into Belize or Trinidad and Tobago.

But he contended that the Immigration Acts in both countries, which purportedly include homosexuals as a class of persons prohibited from entering these territories – should be rejected by the CCJ.

Tomlinson argued that the mere existence of the statutory provisions prevented him from entering both countries since, in so doing, he would be breaking their domestic laws. Commendable in principle but to bring a case without definitive proof and expect to win on mere principle is not the way to go I contend.

He told the CCJ that his rights as a CARICOM national would be prejudiced in contravention of his right to free movement under Article 45 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

The CCJ statement/release also read in part:

In the case of Belize, the Court, agreed with the State’s view that homosexuals (and others) are prohibited from entering the country only where they are seeking financial gain either by offering sexual services themselves or by profiting from those performed by others. As such, the provision would not be applicable to Mr. Tomlinson. 


Critically, the Court indicated, this interpretation is bolstered by the practice of the Immigration authorities of Belize who apply the legislation in a manner consistent with this interpretation. 

see the summary judgement HERE

The Court agreed with Trinidad & Tobago that their Immigration Act differs from the Belizean statute in that it appears to view “homosexuals”, as a category of prohibited persons, although the Court suggested that a more liberal interpretation of the Act was possible. It was shown, however, that Trinidad and Tobago’s Immigration Department does not apply this prohibition to homosexual CARICOM nationals. Therefore, the State argued, 

Mr Tomlinson should have no fear that he would be prejudiced in enjoying his right of entry. 

The Court agreed with this view, noting that Trinidad and Tobago’s practice of admitting homosexuals of other CARICOM Member States is not a matter of discretion (something they could choose to do or not to do) but a legal requirement based on Article 9 of the RTC. Similarly, Mr. Tomlinson, as a university graduate and Community national under Article 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, is entitled to a right to seek employment in, and thus to enter, CARICOM Member States and that these rights have been incorporated into the domestic laws of Trinidad and Tobago through the Caribbean Community Act, 2005 and the Immigration (Caribbean Community Skilled Nations) Act 1996. 

The Court concluded that (a) homosexual CARICOM nationals have a right to freedom of movement essentially on the same terms as any other CARICOM national and (b) the State practice of both Belize and Trinidad and Tobago is in keeping with that right. Nevertheless, the Court cautioned that Member States should strive to ensure that national laws and administrative practices are consistent with the right of free movement of all CARICOM nationals, and that this is a necessary component of the rule of law which is the basic notion underlying the Caribbean Community. The Court also emphasized that continuing inconsistency between administrative practices and the apparent meaning of legislation is an undesirable situation as the rule of law requires clarity and certainty, particularly for nationals of other Member States who are to be guided by such legislation and practice. 

The Court ultimately dismissed Mr. Tomlinson’s claims against Belize and Trinidad and Tobago and refused the requested remedies. 

Also see
CCJ Reserves Judgement In Maurice Tomlinson Immigration Case ....... No restrictions on Caricom gays, TT officials say

See the latest video of the actual proceedings HERE, HERE and HERE from the CCJ website.

Peace & tolerance

H

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Tenofovir Vaginal Ring Provides Protection Against HIV in Women

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An intravaginal ring loaded with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, Viread) provided mucosal tenofovir concentrations high enough to protect against ex vivo HIV challenge in a 14-day placebo-controlled trial that enrolled healthy women. Product-related adverse events were all grade 1.

TDF with or without emtricitabine has proved effective as oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in women and men. The high tissue and cell penetration of TDF and its long intracellular half-life make it a good candidate for intravaginal ring administration, which could promote better adherence than daily or as-needed oral or gel TDF. Also, TDF retains anti-HIV activity in the presence of seminal plasma. A TDF intravaginal ring completely protected macaques from 16 weeks of intravaginal simian SIV challenge.

U.S. academic researchers recruited 30 healthy, sexually abstinent women 18 to 45 years old and randomized them after cessation of menses in a 1:1 ratio to insert a polyurethane reservoir intravaginal ring bearing TDF or to insert a placebo ring. Participants gave blood and vaginal swab samples on study days one, three, seven and 14, and they removed rings on day 14. They provided additional samples two to four and seven days after ring removal. Researchers also collected an ectocervical biopsy on day 14 for pharmacokinetic analysis and rectal swabs on days seven and 14.

Age averaged about 29 years in study participants and body mass index about 25 kg/m2. One woman withdrew from the study. Rings remained in place for 14 days in all other women, all of whom reported it was very easy or somewhat easy to wear.

Researchers recorded 29 adverse events in 12 women randomized to the TDF ring and 14 adverse events in seven women randomized to placebo. Eight events judged to be product related occurred in six women randomized to TDF and in one randomized to placebo. All product-related events involved cervical or vaginal discharge and were grade 1. There were two nonproduct-related grade 2 adverse events and no grade 3 or 4 or serious adverse events.

The TDF ring provided high tenofovir disoproxil (TFV-DP) and tenofovir concentrations in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) from the vagina, ectocervix and introitus within one day of insertion, and concentrations remained high through day 14. After ring removal, median initial tenofovir half-life in CVF from the vagina, ectocervix and introitus stood respectively at 14, 12 and 11 hours. Median tenofovir concentrations remained above 1000 ng/mL two to four days after ring removal, a finding suggesting that the ring could protect women who remove the device before sex.

Median tenofovir and TFV-DP concentrations in ectocervical biopsies collected on day 14 were respectively 5.4 ng/mg and 120 fmol/mg. Rectal tenofovir could be measured in five of five participants who agreed to anoscopy on day seven and in four of five on day 14. Median CVF vaginal-to-rectal fluid ratio was 104 on day seven and 240 on day 14.

An ex vivo model using T cells challenged with HIV-1 in the presence of CVF collected from the cervix indicated 29% median inhibitory activity at enrollment, 96% inhibitory activity on day seven and 94% inhibitory activity on day 14.

The researchers conclude that the TDF ring "is safe, well tolerated, and results in mucosal tenofovir concentrations that exceed those associated with HIV protection." On the basis of their results, the authors "anticipate that the ring will continue to deliver ~5-6 mg/day of TDF for 30-45 days and will result in very rapid steady state tissue TFV-DP concentrations that exceed those achieved following oral TDF PrEP in adherent women, but with significantly lower systemic concentrations, thus avoiding potential toxicities."

Monday, June 6, 2016

Making a valid will ......

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The content of your will is just as important. Your first duty is to think it through carefully, that is, what you want to say from the grave about your estate and then write it down. Yes, write down all that you own and then decide who should be the beneficiaries, your executors, your witnesses and who should keep your will.

You must first decide what is your name. This is not always easy. Funny, but true. Look at your birth certificate or passport. You may also consider in what name you own some of the things you own. So, your correct name is John Joe Brown, but you are also called Joe Brown and some of your land titles are in name Joe Brown and, in later years, you sign as J. Joe Brown, to the extent that your name on the last two Benz cars and the vacation home in Montego Bay is J. Joe Brown. In light of the above, your name in the will could be John Joe Brown, also known as Joe Brown, also known as J. Joe Brown.

EXECUTOR

Your next big decision is to determine who should be appointed as executor to gather and administer your estate as at the date of death. You may appoint more than one executors. Good friends, beneficiaries and family members are excellent choices. You should be careful to think about someone who is likely to have the energy and drive to instruct lawyers and accountants. The executor must also be able to deal with matters in court, if required to do so.

You can say who you wish to make arrangement for your funeral. For instance, you can direct, in your will, if you wish to be buried or cremated or what exactly what should happen to your remains.

If you have certificate of titles for your properties, you should make them available for the drafting of your will as this is necessary to ensure accuracy in the description of your property. The same thing would apply for your insurance policies, motor vehicles, bank accounts, among other things.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Should you have books, jewellery, watches, paintings and other personal items to be given to your beneficiaries, you should provide a list with a description of each item and the person who should receive these items.

In your will, you can make provision for your church or charity organisation or even for persons who you do not wish to name personally by saying, for instance: "The sum of $10,000,000 to Andrew Graham from my savings account at NCB to distribute in accordance with my instructions".

You may direct your executors to sell any property and share the proceeds amongst beneficiaries or direct that the beneficiaries take the items or properties for their own use absolutely or that they take in equal share, or you could divide the shares by way of percentage.

Another important decision is to decide on the two persons who should witness your will. At least one of the two witnesses should be around to sign documents to have your will probated. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the person is not nomadic, but can be easily found.

Now that your will is drafted and signed by you [testator] in the presence of the two attesting witnesses, it is important to think about how this important document will be stored and kept safely and in good condition until your passing. For the purpose of safe keeping, you may consider using the attorney-at-law who drafted the will, a justice of the peace, one of the executors, or you may even keep it yourself. What is important is that a few people know who has the will in safe keeping.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Pope Francis reveals new church law to deal with paedophile priests

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Move to remove Catholic bishops from office if they fail to sack known child abusers is response to demand by victims

Source: Guardian

Catholic bishops who fail to sack paedophile priests can be removed from office under new church laws announced by Pope Francis.

The move, announced by the pope on Saturday, answers a long-running demand by victims of abuse to make bishops responsible if they fail to stop clergy sexually abusing parishioners.

Is the pope serious about confronting child abuse?
Paul Vallely

Many have long accused bishops of simply moving priests accused of abuse to another parish, rather than report them to police or church authorities.

While acknowledging that church laws already allowed for a bishop to be removed for negligence, Francis said he wanted the “grave reasons” more precisely defined. However, doubts remain about the Vatican’s commitment to tackling the issue.

The move comes shortly after the pontiff moved to defend a French cardinal accused of covering up abuse. Philippe Barbarin, the archbishop of Lyon, is facing criticism for his handling of allegations made against Bernard Preynat, a priest in the diocese who has been charged with sexually abusing boys.

Investigators have not yet decided whether to bring charges against Barbarin, who travelled to the Vatican on 20 May for a private meeting with Francis and has denied any wrongdoing. The pope has said it would be “imprudent” to call for the cardinal’s resignation while the case continued, arguing if he did so it “would amount to an admission of guilt”.

“Based on the information that I have, I believe that Cardinal Barbarin in Lyon took the necessary measures and that he has matters under control. He is courageous, creative, a missionary. We now need to await the outcome of the civil judicial proceedings,” Francis told Catholic newspaper La Croix last month.

Closer to home, the pope faces a key test next week in choosing whether to hold onto his financial chief, Cardinal George Pell, who has been accused of covering up historical abuse in Australia. Pell appeared in February before the country’s royal commission into institutional responses to abuse, during which he denied knowledge of priests abusing children as he rose through the ranks of the Catholic church.

The cardinal was appointed head of the secretariat for the economy in 2014 and reaches the official retirement age of 75 on Wednesday. While the date marks an opportunity for Francis to appoint a successor, the pope is expected to reject Pell’s customary resignation and request he continue as the Vatican’s financial tsar.

Juan Barros was appointed a bishop in Chile in March 2015. He had been accused of ignoring reports of abuse by Father Fernando Karadima, a Chilean priest who was found guilty of molestation by the Vatican in 2011. Victims claimed Barros not only helped cover up the crimes, but in some instances observed the abuse. Barros has denied the allegations and the Vatican said he had the church’s support.

Peter Saunders, a British abuse survivor who sits on a papal commission to protect children, said Francis had been vocal about the abuse scandals. However, he criticised the church’s handling of another case in Missouri, where bishop Robert Finn has remained in power even after being convicted of failing to report clerical child sex abuse.

A former Vatican ambassador, Józef Wesołowski, died before he was due to go on trial at the Vatican for possessing child pornography.

During his visit to the US last September, the pontiff met victims of Catholic church sex abuse and vowed that those responsible would face justice. It was the first time Francis had met abuse victims outside of Rome, where he had done so once before. The pope had already apologised for the church’s inadequate response to the US abuse crisis.

The scandal has severely tarnished the church’s reputation and cost $3bn (£2bn) in settlements in the US.

HIV Long-Term Survivors Day

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Every year people join together to celebrate and honor the Long-Term Survivors of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Please join with us in raising awareness about the needs, issues and journeys of HIV Long-Term Survivors (HLTS) as we mark two significant milestones – it has been 35 years since HIV was identified on June 5, 1981. It is 20 years since Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) was introduced.



There are a few definitions of Long-Term Survivor (LTS)

• Pre-HAART LTS — Longest-term survivors are individuals who acquired HIV in the 1980s and 1990s, before the advent of highly effective antiretroviral therapy (pre-HAART) when having HIV was considered a death sentence. Those living longest with HIV have physical and psychosocial implications that are vastly different from those who acquired HIV later in the epidemic.

• Post-HAART LTS — those who tested past 1996 and living with HIV for over 10 years.

There are long-term survivors of a different stripe that are often left out of the discourse. They are the survivors who remain HIV-negative. They were lovers, caretakers and frontline healthcare workers. They were lesbians who stepped in to take care of people with HIV and AIDS. They too suffered enormous losses.

It has been over thirty years since the Denver Principles began the self-empowerment movement for people living with HIV but long-term survivors now find our voices muted. Our issues are sidelined by the agencies we helped to form. Conferences devoted to HIV are focused on newer topics while relegating long-term survivors to the sidelines and affinity sessions off the main stage.

The theme for 2016 is “Moving Forward Together”. It celebrates those who have defied the odds by living with HIV for decades. Our focus is on ensuring that HIV Long-Term Survivors and Older Adults Living with HIV are not invisible and forgotten in the current HIV dialogue. We want to change the narrative from surviving to thriving. Achieving that goal requires older adults with HIV to be equipped for healthy aging. Long-term survival, once an almost unimaginable concept is now the norm.

With courage and compassion, we survived the darkest days of the plague. Without access to effective treatments, we were forced to rely on each other and ourselves. As individuals and a community, we exhibited strength we didn’t know we had. Now we’re face the conundrums of aging. Celebrating our lives is what the day is all about.

Today over half of all people living with HIV in the US are over 50. By 2020 that will increase to 70 percent. The mew face of HIV is aging. However, HIV and Aging is not a monolith. A case can be made that Pre-HAART survivors and Post-HAART survivors are separate cohorts with overlapping but different medical and psychosocial needs. Longest term survivors, those who acquired HIV before 1996, face different medical issues and decades of planning to is having an impact on our lives now.

We now find ourselves confronting the realities of aging— something that was unimaginable before 1996. We’re the generation who were told to plan to die young. By the end of that year, in the U.S. we witnessed the deaths of 362,004 of our loved ones and community. 6.4 million people had died form AIDS worldwide.

We chose June 5 to commemorate the day the CDC first announced the mysterious illness that was killing young gay men. It was the beginning of HIV/AIDS awareness before it was known as HIV/AIDS.

There’s a meme that “we lost an entire generation.” While we did a lot of our generation their are by recent estimates, 26% of Longest-Term Survivors alive now. Let’s celebrate, honor and appreciate that they still have years go and it is all our job to help them become the elders of our tribe.


The Challenges

Long-term survivors face a myriad of interconnected psychosocial, practical, and medical challenges rooted in HIV-stigma, aging, ageism, and economic distress that impacts functional health-related quality of life (HRQoL) issues.

Psychosocial

The AIDS epidemic has been a series of complex traumatic events. Long-term stress like that experienced by long-term survivors, is unique and we now know that survival itself can also have trauma-related implications. The legacy of our past is having an effect on our lives now, and too many survivors are unaware of what is happening to them.

The effects of ongoing trauma now present in combinations of depression, anxiety, emotional numbness, anger, survivor guilt, insomnia, nightmares, hypervigilance, hopelessness, sometimes substance abuse and or sexual risk-taking. It also includes emotional numbness, low-self esteem, avoidance, social withdrawal and isolation, a lack of future orientation and loss of self-regulation that occurs when survival dominates how a person thinks, feels, and behaves in every area of his or her life. It is that sense of feeling lost or “not myself”. It often includes an exaggerated and persistent negative outlook about one’s identity that breeds a sense of hopelessness and despair.

It is a natural response to the sort of complex posttraumatic stress that often occurs years after the the immediate danger is over. We do not think a perfectly human response should be stigmatized by calling it a disorder. But in psychological terms ASS id s version of Complex PTSD. Another name sometimes used to is Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified (DESNOS). 

Here is the thing, surviving AIDS for decades is unique. The DSM-5 paints PTSD with a broad brush and ignores the nuances of something this unique. The bible of therapy is the recently revised DSM-5. It only hints at symptoms of complex PTSD, but in the end has left them out of the manual and lumps posttraumatic stress under PTSD. We deserve something that better describes what many of are living with.

More HERE
Related Posts with Thumbnails

AddThis

Podcasts You may have missed or want to re-listen




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



and



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

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

More uploads




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



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

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

Dr Carpenter cautioned after a heated exchange:

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


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


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






audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

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

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


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


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

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

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

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


Sexuality - What is yours?

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



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

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

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


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



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

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

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

The evidence is overwhelming readers/listeners, you decide.


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

Tomlinson's post originally was:






Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II






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

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

also see:

and





Calls for Tourism Boycotts are Nonsensical at This Time





(2014 protests New York)

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

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

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



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

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

Some Popular Posts

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

Did U Find This Blog Informative???

Blog Roll

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

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

Violence & venom force gay Jamaicans to hide



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

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

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

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

Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

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

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



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

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

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: 1-876-841-2923




Peace

Information & Disclaimer


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

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

Faces and names withheld for the victims' protection.

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much for your kind donations and thoughts.

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

Recent Homophobic Cases

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

Peace to you and be safe out there.

Love.


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


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

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

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

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

This may have a psychological effect on the individual.

Emergency numbers

The police 119

Kingfish 811

Crime Stop 311

Steps to Take When Contronted or Arrested by Police


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to do


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following may apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sexual Health / STDs News From Medical News Today

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





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

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

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

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

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

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

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



THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts


THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts 




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


Other sides to the msm homeless saga (2012)


Rowdy Gays Matter 21.08.11 more HERE



Ethical Professionlism & LGBT Advocates 01.02.12 more HERE


Portia Simpson Miller - SIMPSON MILLER DEFENDS GAY COMMENT 23.12.11


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


Al Miller on UK Aid & The Abnormality of Homosexuality 19.11.11


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


MSM Homelessness 2011 ...my two cents


Black Friday for Gays in Jamaica More HERE


Bi-phobia by default from supposed LGBT advocate structures?


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


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


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


Homophobic Killings versus Non Homophobic Killings 12.07.12


Big Lies, Crisis Archiving & More MSM Homlessness Issues 12.07.12


More MSM Challenges July 2012 more sounds HERE


GLBTQ Jamaica 2011 Summary 02.01.12 more HERE


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


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


Club Heavens The Rebirth 12.02.12 and more HERE


Should gov't provide shelter for homeless msm?


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


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


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


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


Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II and more HERE


MSM Community Displacement Concerns October 2012


The UTECH abuse & related issues


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


Guarded about JFLAG's Homeless shelter


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


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


"Dutty Mind" used in Patois Bible to describe homosexuals


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


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


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


Homeless MSM challenges in Jamaica February 2013 more HERE


JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness 2013


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


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