Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender & Queer Jamaica

Love 101FM's Family Time on Homosexuality

2012-01-19T20:43:00.001-05:00

Love 101 FM carried another edition of Family Time series this week they continued on the subject of homosexuality following up on last weeks edition with none other than Dr. Wayne West on the homosexual agenda. This week they took a more Christian view on it almost conflicting as also a psychological approach was used as the guest is both a pastor and psychologist and the two seems to have almost clashed as the discourse outlined below will bring to bear but of course as Love 101 is a religious station the Leviticusal line has to be carried with a so called sympathetic approach to gays with a view for change, obviously suggesting reparative therapy. The causality issue was prominent as well where early initiation, loss of bonding from same sexed parent (old belief that is still used by the religious opposition) and effeminate men with a supposed hormonal imbalance who are rejected by society but welcomed by gays hence going into same sex activity. In other words all these persons are forced into gaydom, no mention is made of the person who realises very early that they are same sex attracted which leads me to believe the agenda here was mainly reparative therapy. The guest is also linked to the Back to the Bible which is linked to Focus on the Family and we all know (Dr.) James Dobson though untrained in psychology has deemed homosexuality an abnormality and curable.

Dr. Barry Davidson was the guest in this discussion, he is a family Psychologist, serves as Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Family Life Ministries. He holds Master Degrees in Theology and Psychology as well as a Doctorate in Family Psychology, majoring in Marriage and Family Therapy, from The Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, Pasadena, California.
Since 1981, Dr. Davidson has been counseling with couples, adults, adolescents, and families, and assisting them in resolving personal and relational problems. In May of 1989 and 1990 respectively, he received the Jeff Balswick Memorial Award, and the Faculty Award for academic performance in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Graduate School Awards Convocation, culminating his work with Project Family Outreach, an agency for ethnic minorities living with multiple or severe social, emotional, and spiritual problems in Pasadena, California.
His contributions to academia have been numerous, as a visiting lecturer at Azuza Pacific College in California, lecturer at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology and a part-time lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Dr. Davidson, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Family Life Ministries, has served this Organization since 1983 in the capacities of Executive Director, Director of Counselling, and Chairman. He is a consultant to the Executive Team of the Jamaica Psychological Society and sits on the Board of the 'Back to the Bible Broadcast'. He authored the well-known pre-marital counselling manual Before They Say "I Do", and co-authored "Healthy Families A Caribbean Perspective," with Ms. Maureen Watson.

We will use the following keys for this post - DB - Dr. Barry Davidson and the Host as The Host.

The Hosts: Who is a homosexual?

DB: Broadly defined homosexuality is an erotic attraction to persons of one owns sex although homosexuality includes sexual thoughts feelings fantasies and overt sexual acts with same sex partners, the term usually is not applied to pre-adolescents, to individuals usually young people whose curiosity leads to brief experimentation of erotic involvement with persons of the same sex or to people in prisons or to isolated same sex environments who temporarily engage in homosexual behaviour because opposite sex partners are not available, it is important I believe to distinguish between homosexual behaviour that is engaging in at least periodically in sexually stimulating actions with another person of the same sex and homosexual orientation which are feelings, sexual attraction towards members of the same sex many people with a homosexual orientation never let others know of this same sex preference and never engage in homosexual behaviour with other human beings sometimes we don't make the distinction and as a result create difficulty for people.

So when we talk about homosexuals we need to realise that what we are saying is that these are people who engage in sexual activities and sexual behaviour with those of the same sex. Man with man woman with woman

The Hosts: So you mean it's intentional not necessarily something you fell into at one time or you were testing out at some point?

DB: It's not something you experiment with it's something you have grown to like and continue to do

The Hosts: Can you describe a homosexuality type(s)?

DB: There is no such thing as a homosexual personality type or types homosexuals are of all age they come from all occupational fields and socio economic levels, some of them walk effeminately or behave effeminately some don't some are very masculine and so it is always erroneous because you see somebody who seem effeminate to assume that person is a homosexual

The Hosts: Is any person born a homosexual?

DB: The research does not support that, in at least, Masters & Johnsons did a major research some years ago and from the research that they did it suggests that homosexuality is neither inborn or nor genetic

The Hosts: If its neither inborn or genetic then is it normal?

DB: It depends on what you mean by normal, when we think of normal quite often we think of majority so it is normal for us to drive on the left hand side of the road in Jamaica because that's the norm, so when you think of normal statistically the majority of people are heterosexual and not homosexual so in that sense it would be considered abnormal because it is not the true case for the majority of people ........

The Hosts: is it wrong to experience homosexual thoughts?

DB: There are many people who experience the thoughts, there are many of us who experience all kinds of thoughts, you might experience the thought of lusting but do you act on it? you might experience the thought of stealing but do you act on it? the thoughts are things we experience because we live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with all kinds of ideas, what we need to be able to do is to recognise, understand our thoughts but to focus on the appropriate behaviour, so for instance a man who is not homosexual and is completely heterosexual and he sees a beautiful woman and so the thought of sleeping with that woman might come through his mind, does he act on it? no he can't because she is not his wife so it would be inappropriate, so we need to recognise that people do experience thoughts of all kinds, for instance one of the things that challenges us today why I believe the whole homosexuality is such a big issue is that pornography is a big thing access to pornography is very easy these days, you just have to have a computer and you go online go on the Internet and you can access thousands of pornographic sites and alot of them are homosexual sites and so you have alot of our youngsters who spend a tremendous amount of time on the computer they access these sites, they see this and observe it again and again so it becomes something that is apart of their thinking and because its a part of their thinking they now want to act on it, it is very easy for two guys to be in a room and nobody thinks anything so we don't know if any experimentation took place. Experimentation might lead to further experimentation then it might become habit and then it might form for them what is now their perspective, their preference in their own sexual expression.

The Hosts: How does someone really become a homosexual?

Get the rest here:

Love 101 FM Family Time on Homosexuality 19.01.12 by glbtqja7

Certainly we have a long way to go in the discourse and understanding between parties what is striking to me is that pastors who are psychologists tend to ignore the DSM rules in as far as homosexuality is concerned when it has not been a disorder since 1973. Other questions asked were how does one counsel a homosexual? does the Bible allow any room for homosexual relationships?
Then there were the callers who in large part opposed homosexuality as was expected. I tried calling in but the lines were busy as is usually the case whenever homosexuality is discussed on any station.

Peace and tolerance

H

Ooops! ..... Not so fast with compliments for Cuba just yet......

2012-01-19T10:31:00.000-05:00

photo credit:

In the previous post we saw news of the expected passing of gay marriage and possibly other LGBT rights for Cubans, a positive step by amidst this come awful news of a murder of a member of the community there and police harrassment of native bloggers to that island. I tend to agree with a fellow blogger who also had the post title captioned in his opinion on the new developments in Cuba.

Florida-based news website Cubanet is reporting that a young transgender woman has been beaten to death in police custody in Cuba.
¨Eighteen-year-old Leidel Luis, who was known as Jessica, originally from the province of Santiago de Cuba and who lived with her partner named Yariel in Las Tunas, died after receiving a brutal beating in Guáimaro in Camaguey, southern Cuba.

It is alledged that she was picked up at a traffic stop 4 January by police calling her "faggot, nigger and disgusting."

The report is sourced to a prison inmate, Rolando Castro Sanchez who names those he alleges beat Luis to death as police officers Galindo Yarian Larena, Juan Ramon Lorenzo, their commanding officer Heriberto, and the sector chief Boris Luis Caballero. It is alleged that her body was removed after she was found dead in her cell in the middle of the night to an unknown location.

Cuba's Communist Party Congress, which opens 28 January, will reportedly adopt pro-gay provisions. Mariela Castro Espín, the daughter of Cuban President Raúl Castro and the leading advocate for LGBT rights in Cuba, wrote on her blog this week that the revision of the Family Code in 2013 will include recognition of same-sex couples.

However, continuing police harassment in Cuba, including arrests, has been reported on a number gay Cuban blogs, such as that of the Reinaldo Arenas Memorial Foundation. Gay Cuban blogger Francisco Rodríguez Cruz has also condemned 'irregularities' committed by Cuban police, who, he says, have repeatedly fined visitors to a gay meeting spot in central Havana. In September a death in custody of a transgender man was reported in Havana...¨ read it all, ¨Muere Travesti Tras Golpiza Propinada Por Policias¨

ENDS

Sorry to hear of this tragedy. Like us in Jamaica our Cuban brothers and sisters alike have their share of drama with the authorities although same sex and transgender aesthetics are more publicly accepted than any other island in the belt here but apparently violence is still a feature as is even in more progressive or "free" states where displays of affection are normative in a sense and legislation provides protection and recourse for aggrieved persons.

The adoption however of any pro LGBT legislation may push into over-drive the demand from the ground here in Jamaica to the promised review of the Buggery Law by the new government the People's National Party, PNP. Recently after the Prime Minister's first parliamentary address on her own mandate she said to journalists that talks are proceeding and that a timeline is not set as to when the review and subsequent conscience vote will take place, but bearing in mind the makeup of the cabinet and the all important Senate with individuals who have openly expressed anti gay views over many years one wonders if they will get pass their original positions.

Earlier in 2009 the former Prime Minister Bruce Golding had used Cuba as an example in the Charter of Rights Bill debate as one of the countries who supposedly stood up to the "avalanche" as he puts it to legalizing homosexuality bearing in mind it is not illegal in Jamaica but Buggery is (despite the gender of the recipient).

We are keeping our fingers crossed things work out and as for our blogging friends there, we have you in our prayers.

Peace and tolerance

H

Cuba Makes Progress in Sex Reassignment Surgery ... expects communist party to accept LGBT rights

2012-01-17T10:02:00.000-05:00

Havana, Jan 17 (Prensa Latina) Cuban surgeons have performed 15 sex reassignment surgeries, and other transsexual people, who are assisted by a committee in compliance with international standards, are applying to that kind of procedure, an expert said on Monday.

The director of the National Sex Education Center (CENESEX), Mariela Castro Espin, explained that the first such surgery in Cuba was performed in 1988. However, it was not until 2007 that the Ministry of Public Health decided to perform sex reassignment surgeries again. As we spread this service in the media, more people going through the conflict and who do not know that they can get help will come to us, said the expert in an interview with the website Cubasi.

So far, transgender people must go through a follow-up period of two years, during which they are assisted by specialists, along with a personalized hormone therapy for the duration of the transition to the gender with which they are identified.

At the end of the process, the committee endorses those eligible for sex reassignment surgery (commonly known as sex change) and for a legal identity change, said Castro Espin.

However, she explained that surgery is not an aesthetic whim, but a scientific procedure agreed upon internationally, which benefits transsexual people.

The surgical procedure helps them to relieve the distress they experience since early childhood, as a result of prejudices that lead to misunderstanding and discrimination, she assured.

On the other hand, she noted that since 2008, Cuba has been working on an educational strategy, supported by the media, state institutions, the Communist Party and civil society organizations, to respect free, responsible sexual orientation and gender identity.

This is a profound process of cultural transformation to provide elements of analysis to dismantle the prejudices that have historically dominate people, their sexuality and their bodies.

These and other important issues will be discussed extensively in the 4th Cuban Congress on Guidance, Education and Sex Therapy, scheduled for January 23-26, at Havana's Conference Center.

The event, which will be attended by experts from the United States, Spain, Canada, Venezuela and Argentina, among other countries, will be held under the theme "Sex Education in the Processes of Social Transformation".

rma/jg/abo/msl/vm
Modificado el ( martes, 17 de enero de 2012 )

ENDS

with regards to LGBT rights in Cuba reports state:
“I believe the party conference will define an explicit policy of non-descrimination in matters of sexual orientation and gender identity and that, in turn, it will help dismantle the prejudices standing in the way of its approval,” Mariela Castro, director of the National Sexual Education Center, said in an interview on the Web site CubaSi.

She made her comments when asked about the draft bill that seeks to modify the Cuban Family Code to legalize same-sex unions, among other rights it aims to secure.

For now, according to Mariela Castro, the bill is being studied by specialists of the Justice Ministry and experts of Cuba’s National Jurists Union with the idea of including it in the 2012 legislative schedule.

For several years Mariela Castro has promoted legal reforms on the island in favor of sexual minorities.

In 2008, the Cuban government approved sex-change operations by ministerial decree, but no progress has been made in Parliament to reform the Family Code.

At certain times the sexologist has also asked the Communist Party to rid itself of anti-gay discrimination.

Cuba’s Communist Party will gather on Jan. 28 for its first National Conference, a meeting that has sparked great expectations about the possible changes and guidelines it will come up with for a generational “changing of the guard,” as Raul Castro requested at the sixth party congress last April.

But the president put a damper on such expectations last week when he told reporters “we shouldn’t get our hopes up” about the conference since this is an “internal matter” of Cuba’s only legally recognized political party.

meanwhile - VI Cuban Congress on Education, Sexual Orientation and Therapy

The National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) and the Cuban Multidisciplinary Society for the Study of Sexuality (SOCUMES) announce the VI Cuban Congress on Education, Sexual Orientation and Therapy, to be held in Havana from 23 to 26 January 2012 in its usual venue of the Palace of Conventions in Havana. Session under the theme "Sex education in the processes of social transformation."

The purpose of this event is to contribute to interdisciplinary discussion of the notion of human sexuality, and complex process of transformation in various areas of social reality.

In parallel, develop the II Symposium Transidentidades, gender and culture , the Second Symposium of Clinical Sexology and I Consensus Chronic diseases and sexual dysfunctions .

These meetings are intended to facilitate dialogue and the system of best practices and theoretical experiences, as well as joint academic partnerships between institutions and civil society groups, regional and international organizations to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and public policy around sexuality and sexual health, integrated into the processes of social transformation.

Sexuality education from emancipatory paradigms, compared to learned patterns of domination, presents us with a commitment to social transformation and weigh the humanist values of solidarity, equality and social equity.

We count on your valuable participation.
Mariela Castro Espin
Chairwoman

ORGANIZE
National Center · Sex Education (CENESEX)
· Society for the Cuban Multidisciplinary Study of Sexuality (SOCUMES)
· Palace of Conventions in Havana, Cuba

SPONSORS
Ministry of Public Health
National Council of Scientific Societies of Health (CNSCS)
Academy of Sciences of Cuba
World Association for Sexual Health (WAS)
Latin American Federation of Sexology and Sexual Education (FLASSES)
Center for Psychological and Sociological Research (CIPS)
Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECI)
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Unite to End Violence Against Women in Latin America and the Caribbean
ONUMujeres
United Nations Program for Development
FOS Belgium
Oxfam Canada
Canadian Embassy
Nations Population Fund, United
Culture and International Cooperation

Watch out, Jamaica (Observer) letter writer on atheism

2012-01-15T12:21:00.002-05:00

Dear Editor

The homosexual crusade has opened a new front in its assault on society's norms and traditional way of life. Its global centres in America, Canada and Europe have blown a gale-force wind in atheism, giving it much vitality and a new appeal.

Being atheist is now the most happening thing within the gay, lesbian and bi-sexual community. New adherents and veterans alike are now flocking to this newly found mode of awareness, and are using it as a proxy to further their foothold in society.

The choice of atheism — and not some other spiritual belief system — is an excellent preference for them. For one, it helps fortify their fundamental claim of being born gay; and further, it grants them the force necessary to help challenge the main charge against them: that homosexuality is essentially an ungodly lifestyle choice. In other words, atheism provides the free-thinking platform where homosexuals can dismissively reject the absolute notion of a God and of a final arbiter over morality.

By virtue of this, homosexuals are able to bluntly reject all forms of religious condemnation against them. This, of course, is central to their purpose, as they relish the idea of being able to use atheism as a doctrinal counterweight against all religions, especially Christianity, which has been a constant rebuking thorn in their movement's path.

Prior to this, it was the their sagacious use of the American Civil Rights laws to legitimise a lifestyle, which many still consider morally repugnant and totally contrary to the natural order of life. The Civil Rights laws, one of the greatest legislative achievements of the 20th century, was enacted to give minority groups, but primarily African-Americans who have suffered years of colour prejudice, the right to function as full citizens.

However, proponents of the gay rights movement have hijacked the Civil Rights movement and its laws, and have also cunningly used the same model of activism and advocacy as that of African-Americans to gain constitutional protection as a group.

This added protection guarantees homosexuals their civil rights and bans discrimination against them based on sexual orientation. By reason of this, homosexuals' fundamental rights are protected twice under most civil societies' constitutions; once as members of a free society and once more as members of a special group.

Like body-piercing and tattooing, the new buzz of atheism will find its way into impressionable cultures such as Jamaica that takes its cue from "foreign", so to speak.

The latest crusading effort by international organisations, under the guise of promoting human rights, has come in the form of the US State Department announcing that future foreign aid will only be doled out to countries which are deemed homosexual-friendly, thus delivering a crippling economic blow to countries like Jamaica and Uganda, which oppose homosexuality and which also rely heavily on foreign aid assistance to supplement their budgets.

Recently, an African-American parent in Washington, DC, upon learning of her lesbian daughter's recent conversion to atheism, became distraught and declared that she was more bothered by her becoming an atheist than by being gay. This has become a challenge for parents like her as the spread of Atheism rises with the support of social networking, the Internet, and social clubs.

The concept of a Black atheist or Black atheism was a misnomer in African-American culture. But now, the idea is becoming more ubiquitous and steadily making inroads in bastions such as Harlem, Brooklyn and Washington, DC. This should be cause for consternation in Jamaica, as whatever is flavourful in America, especially with African-Americans, becomes flavourful with Jamaicans.

Very soon, this exotic union of homosexuality and atheism will barrel its way onto our shores and will take with it all vestiges of sexual morality. Watch out, Jamaica, a transforming force of human secularism is heading our way

C Anderson
c.andrsn1@gmail.com

ENDS

This supposed fear and or paranoia is just unbelievable to me but then again the way how some sections of the Christian community lambaste homosexuality and dishonestly link male homosexuality in particular to predatory paedophilia without subscribing to or verifying the facts is a serious cause for concern, then it is no wonder persons turn away and become atheistic when God is for all intents and purposes is a loving God despite the sinner's sin as no supposed sin is greater than any other but homosexuality is marketed as such by some.

Sometimes I really do wonder if these over zealous persons or religious fanatics do not realise the very Antichrist which is so prophesied about is gaining more power by simply the vitriolic way theses persons condemn homosexuals without in some cases inviting dialogue or a movement towards Christ. This continued deceptive anti gay quest is becoming more of a turnoff to the average person if ever so slowly.

Personally I do believe in God but not the one that is being so presented to the world as so vengeful and hateful, how can hate and God be even in the same sentence when he came for the outcasts? only earlier today I posted on my sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch about whether Apostle Paul really condemned homosexuality per say but more so the non monogamous relationships that existed at the time in Rome where he was based.

See: Did Apostle Paul actually accepted Christian homosexuals?

The widening divide between the religious and the LGBT communities which also include LGBT Christians is worrying to me and there has to be some common ground especially here in Jamaica with talk of a promised review of the Buggery Law, knowing how influential the church still is here in Jamaica the review maybe thwarted especially when it gets to the conscience vote where members of parliament are expected to reflect their constituents' views if and when it occurs (many still see the promised buggery review as an election ploy to get pink votes in the Dec 29th polls).

As for the so called homosexual agenda, whatever that is, what agenda is the writer referring to? LGBT people have always been here but with successive generations things change and judging from the text in the letter the writer lives overseas, hypocritical that he stomachs homosexuality albeit with the necessary state protections where passed in the US and are exporting the hate to us. If I may quote a set of questions posted elsewhere: Isn't it ironic how many of these "Ministers" and Anti-Gay alliance groups readily and hastily flock to Black nations to spread this hate?
When's the last time you've heard of these groups go over to Norway or Denmark?
Makes you think what's their REAL motive in behind the targeting of specific countries and continents?

What is also very interesting is the amount of money being devoted to anti gay campaigns and full paged ads in Caribbean newspapers here (below) was one such as done by a group calling itself the Isaachar Foundation on Dec 1, 2011 bearing in mind a full page ad locally can run you up to half a million dollars depending on the day it's run.

while more pressing matters visible to all are left to simply go on, issues such as homeless kids, children in the care of the state, abused children and the umpteen missing kids here in Jamaica via the Ananda alerts in the papers daily, the zeal at which bishops and others go after or bash homos is far less energetic that developing interventions to solve those aforementioned problems but who cares really? HYPOCRITS!!!!!

Here is a look back at an exposé of homophobic evangelicals in the U.S. who support anti-gay rhetoric and violence in Uganda, thus exporting hate in the name of Christ whilst getting substantial funding in the process.

Peace and tolerance

Dealing with the gay rights issue (Observer Editorial) ........

2012-01-13T11:06:00.001-05:00

People's National Party (PNP) strategists must still be sighing with relief that there was no obvious backlash to Mrs Portia Simpson Miller's affirmation in the pre-election debate that Jamaica's buggery law needs to be reviewed.

We say 'no obvious backlash' because as we all know the PNP won the election by a 2-1 seat majority.

Like ourselves, sociologists and others with an interest in such matters must be extremely curious as to whether the election result means there is a significant softening in attitudes towards homosexuality among the Jamaican population.

It's not as if elements in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) did not seek to profit from Mrs Simpson Miller's remarks. We recall the Observer story of Saturday, December 24 reporting on how the JLP candidate for West Central St James and former Cabinet Minister Clive Mullings "armed with a Bible" lashed Mrs Simpson Miller's comments from a political platform in Montego Bay.

As it turned out, Mr Mullings' action was of no profit to him since he lost his seat.

Yet more reason, perhaps, to suggest a softening towards the gay community? We really do not know for sure.

Perhaps the promised "conscience vote" in Parliament, whenever it occurs — following suggested consultations with constituents — will provide scope for a proper exploration of how people really feel regarding this issue.

What we do believe is that Mrs Simpson Miller deserves commendation for her courage. Not only did she speak to the need to review the centuries-old law bequeathed to us by British colonialists, but insisted that she would not "pry" into people's private lives and would appoint "anyone" to her Cabinet based on "ability" regardless of suspected sexual orientation.

In one stroke, she departed from the line taken by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who had declared "...Not in my Cabinet" when asked by British television three years ago if he would consider accommodating homosexuals in the Jamaican executive.

We sensed at the time, that the cautious, middling response of the then Prime Minister Andrew Holness to the gay rights question reflected a recognition, perhaps unconscious, of the possibility of a 'softening' in Jamaican public attitudes over recent years.

Of course, any Jamaican Government must also take into consideration the realities in the outside world. For in Europe and North America and many other places, gay rights are routinely considered fundamental human rights. And as Mr Golding once pointed out, the gay lobby is "perhaps the most organised" in the world. Our anti-gay entertainers have discovered that fact at great cost.

More to the point, the rich and powerful are increasingly insisting that countries like Jamaica abide by their code.

The European Union has long used aid and diplomacy as a fulcrum in its quest to influence countries like Jamaica and its Caribbean neighbours, as well as nations across Africa and the Third World to liberalise laws relating to homosexuality.

Late last year, British Prime Minister David Cameron suggested that his Government will be linking aid to recognition of gay rights.

And since that time, the US Government publicly declared its intention to use foreign aid and diplomacy to encourage reform of gay laws.

Some among our church leaders who contend that homosexual behaviour is in breach of "God's Laws" have urged Mrs Simpson Miller and her Government to resist external pressures relating to homosexuality. But it seems to this newspaper that it would be naïve for anyone to expect that Jamaica can continue to ignore such pressures indefinitely.

ENDS

Meanwhile JFLAG tries to clear up the ultimatum versus request mess on the 100 day issue with the PM and the buggery review via yet another press release:

J-FLAG DID NOT GIVE ULTIMATUM

Kingston — January 12, 2012
The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) wishes to clarify that the organisation has NOTgiven the government an ultimatum.

On January 3, 2012, CVM TV contacted the organisation for a comment on its expectations of the new administration following the Peoples National Party’s (PNP) win in the General Elections. This was in the context of the bold pronouncements the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller had made during the leadership debate. NewsWatch reported, J-FLAG’s Executive Director, Dane Lewis as saying “To be realistic, I imagine within the first hundred days at least the issue could be raised, with a look at how to proceed.”

However, many have misinterpreted this statement of expectation as an ultimatum. Mr Lewis also highlighted that Jamaica is required by the end of 2012 to report to the UN Human Rights Committee reviewing Jamaica’s status under the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights “on what concrete steps it’s [Jamaica] making towards removal of discriminatory laws”. It is within this context that the comment was made. J-FLAG wishes to reiterate that it has not issued an ultimatum but offered a comment on what could be done by the Government within the first hundred (100) days to demonstrate its recognition of the broad human rights concerns that affect all Jamaicans. This is a common strategy which has been used by many other organisations in civil society and private sector.

Like all Jamaicans, J-FLAG remains committed to the human social and economic development of Jamaica. In so doing, J-FLAG will continue to defend the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jamaicans from discrimination, harassment and violence.

ENDS

As I hinted in a previous post on my sister blog GLBTQJA on Wordpress mistakes such as granting a telephone interview (sans any consultations with the community I might add) to the media in a "hot environment" when homosexuality or related matters are in the public domain is a no no, all the J should have done was waited and not mention anything at all to do with any time line in any way, shape or form now for it to be misrepresented as an ultimatum. We have had previous misconceptions before of JFLAG's position by media and one would have thought that as a former media participant himself the Executive Director of JFLAG Mr. Lewis would have known the ins and outs of local media with regards to hot button issues such as this. The San Francisco boycott some years ago and the suggested EGALE tourism boycott as well are prime examples of learning curves for the group and speaking just a little too much but when it's time to speak there is silence. How many mistakes are there to be made before it is perfected? one never knows/

Peace and tolerance

Betty Ann Blaine on Poverty, children and the Buggery Law .... and that awful confusion of homosexuality with paedophilia

2012-01-10T05:24:00.000-05:00

Dear Reader,

It is now very clear that the issue regarding the repeal of Jamaica's Buggery Law has found some space in the country's dialectic, so much so that interest groups have already begun to pounce.

The Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP's) youth arm, G2K, sensed that an opportunity presented itself, given the country's anti-homosexual environment, and attempted to use the buggery debate to benefit the outcome of the recent election. It failed, and that is because God doesn't like "ugly" even when the principle of the matter might be correct in His eyes.

Of course, there is vested interest in certain quarters, both inside and outside of Jamaica, and already certain constituencies have made it very clear what they would like the new administration to do. To my mind, the matter is not so simplistic, neither is it urgent.

First of all, the need to repeal the Buggery Law cannot be the most important item on the national agenda at this time and should be recognised as such. When one considers the deep and entrenched problems of poverty, dispossession, joblessness, the abominable atrocities against children, the plight of the elderly, among other day-to-day abuses, the revocation of Jamaica's Buggery Law could by no means be considered to be high on the list of priorities. If Jamaicans had to choose among the raft of pressing issues, including the 'bread and butter' ones, I suspect that the issue of buggery would be low on the list.

Secondly, and more importantly, there can be no discussion about buggery outside of a broader discourse concerning poverty and the vulnerability of the poor, especially poor children, to the risk of homosexual abuse. Let me hasten to say that I am aware that the risk of abuse by heterosexuals is equally as great.

Until the problem of poverty in general, and child poverty in particular, are adequately addressed and alleviated, the repeal of the Buggery Law cannot be considered, and anybody who is concerned about the most vulnerable groups in the society should agree.

As the founder of two major children's organisations and as a children's advocate for over 30 years, I have had to deal with many cases involving the sodomy of children. The tragedy is that they are almost exclusively children of the poor, and as a consequence, they have had little or no access to justice, let alone restitution.

It is impossible for my colleagues and I to forget the case of the nine-month-old baby boy who died after being buggered and otherwise physically abused. The tiny casket stood starkly in the front of the near-empty church on the day of the funeral. As far as I recall, no public statement was ever made by any of those groups now clamouring for the repeal of our Buggery Law.

It is common knowledge that one of the most accessible sources for those in the society who prefer to have sex with children, are the country's street boys. In my work I have come to know several of them who are now young adults who have been irreparably damaged as victims of child sodomy while living on the streets.

It is also common knowledge that there is a conspiracy of silence and secrecy surrounding a certain set of tapes involving a certain influential man in the society who was brutally murdered six years ago. It is rumoured that young boys are among those captured on the tapes. Of course, in a country dominated by class supremacy and the abuse of power by influential individuals, it is no surprise that to this day no information has been forthcoming regarding the allegations of sexual violence against the children who may have been victims of that particular circumstance.

Any discussion about repealing the Buggery Law must be preceded by a full and thorough study of buggery in the society and how those cases have, and are being been dealt with in the justice system. It is critical that the country should understand the nature and extent of the problem in order to arrive at any informed position.

That sentiment must be clearly articulated to any foreign government which thinks that it has a right to dictate the repeal of any of the laws of a sovereign state like ours, however dependent we may be. Instead of threatening sanctions, those countries concerned about our Buggery Law should instead help us to strengthen critical institutions and to eradicate poverty so that the rights of those Jamaicans who are vulnerable to the ravages of abuse from both homosexuals and heterosexuals will be protected and advanced.

At the moment, Jamaican children are at risk, both outside in the general society and behind closed doors, everywhere across the country. With an average of 200 children being reported missing each month, and with the increase in rape and other sexual offences, strengthening our laws and not weakening or repealing them must be the highest priority.

Until Jamaica begins to see a levelling of the social and economic playing field, I don't see that we can pursue any worthwhile debate about the repeal of any law that may involve the sexual abuse of the poor and of minors, whatever the sexual orientation.

With love,
bab2609@yahoo.com

Integrity Commission's Chairman hit at the buggery review proposal

2012-01-09T09:28:00.002-05:00

In an article this morning in the Gleaner another clear wipe from the Reverend Dr Wellesley Blair at the recent push by the lobby group JFLAG on the promised buggery review and subsequent conscience vote by then opposition leader voted in Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. Clearly this is a swipe on the strength of the belief that the newly installed PNP administration received money from supposed gay groups who are using their influence and also on the perception that the recent debt cut turned debt redirection to or from commonwealth countries namely from the UK is placing or foisting the homosexual agenda on the nation, have a read and see what you make of it.

Also see: Of Commonwealth, Buggery Law And Ditching The Queen (Gleaner 02.11.11)

Nedburn Thaffe, Gleaner Writer wrote:

Members of the new Portia Simpson Miller administration were yesterday urged not to give in to pressure from foreign countries and local groups, as they take over the reins of government following the People's National Party's (PNP) recent general-election victory.

"We are a sovereign nation. No one from outside must tell us what to do," urged the Reverend Dr Wellesley Blair.

"In executing your duties, please do not feel threatened by anyone, (neither in) foreign or inna the yard. No outside government or any local group, no matter what they wave in front of you. Let no man or any woman look at you and say, 'Do this or else','' the reverend warned.
Blair, who also serves as chairman of the PNP integrity commission, was addressing members of the Simpson Miller Cabinet during his sermon at the Portmore New Testament Church of God in St Catherine yesterday, where the new government ministers were in attendance.

(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Buggery law review

The prime minister, in the leadership debate ahead of the December 29 general election, had suggested it was time for a review of the country's buggery law and a conscience vote among parliamentarians. Simpson Miller's comment led to concerns among some elements across the island, including within the Church, that the PNP administration was considering amending the law to legalise the act.
Such a potential move has been seen as bowing to pressure from the United States and United Kingdom which have long called for tolerance of homosexuality.

Simpson Miller, during the leadership debate, also challenged a previous pronouncement by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in a BBC interview, where he said no gays would be allowed in his Cabinet.
Simpson Miller said she would take a more even-handed approach, adding that persons should be selected for Cabinet duties on the basis of their abilities to execute duties assigned.

In the meantime, while calling for the prime minister and her Cabinet to put God first in all decision-making, Blair said: "Loyalty to God over loyalty to foreign rulers may cause personal and even national persecution. There are some things that we are going to have to bear as a nation and we are depending on those that God has chosen (to lead)."

Blair when contacted yesterday to clarify whether his comments were in reference to the country's buggery law declined to say.
"Take it how you want to take it," he said.
The pastor also used yesterday's sermon to caution the Portia Simpson Miller administration to withhold nothing from the Jamaican people.

"I would encourage you, hide nothing from the populace. They want to know the facts ... . Tell us the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God," Blair said.

Great expectations

He said the people of Jamaica already have great expectations.

"People are looking to you to fill their pots, to fill their pockets, to send their children to school, to give better health, to do everything," he said. "Many of us don't realise it cannot work that way."

He added: "With the circumstances surrounding you, depend upon your God."

Blair also urged the prime minister to ensure that her ascendancy to office signalled a turning point in the operations of government in the country.
In the meantime, the prime minister in her greetings to members of the congregation called for them to pray for her team.
"At this time, our country Jamaica is at a crossroads, but the same way our Holy Master moved his son from the pit to the palace, and he was able to use his position to lift his brothers that plotted against him ... ; He raised up kings, and He put down kings," Simpson Miller said.

"This morning, my team ... we placed ourselves in the hands of God," she added following resounding applause from the congregation.

nedburn.thaffe@gleanerjm.com

ENDS

More...........

The Wrath of a Bishop

Let us not forget this is the same Pastor some years ago was reported as: "A homosexual only has one of two rights. It is either he changes his life or accepts the just punishment of God, as He did in Sodom and Gomorra,"

Bishop Blair also made it clear that God did not make any homosexuals or “create any Sodomites,” as they (Sodomites) made themselves that way, at least according to his interpretation of the Book of Romans chapter one.
He added that those who are talking about the setting up of a gay church in Jamaica that time, must remember that there are a few God-fearing, Holy Ghost, holiness preachers who are still around and who are very adamant that they will do everything legally and spiritually in their power to bar that.

What he really was saying is that if you set up a church that accepts gays and lesbians, watch your back.

Bishop Blair said that “Sodomites who are caught should be beaten. I believe that when the court orders lashing, some of those Sodomites who are caught and some of the criminals, should be brought in the square of Half-Way Tree and be lashed and send them home.”

Blair said he will be monitoring what goes on inside Gordon House, Jamaica’s Legislature, to see who would dare to vote for the passing of gay-friendly legislation. He said he will try to influence the Christian community to target politicians in the next election.

"If the legislation to legalize sodomy and lesbianism passes in Jamaica and it is signed into law, and God does not do something about it, God would have to wake up Sodom and Gomorra and beg them pardon," said Blair.
Three gay men at that period were beaten in the streets of Jamaica by a mob for being gay. Last year two lesbians were found murdered in an apparent hate crime. In recent years, gay hate crimes in Jamaica have skyrocketed to all time high numbers proving that Jamaica could quite possibly be the most homophobic place on Earth.

ENDS

also see Dr Blair's other Reverend brother Bishop Herro Blair as well who also happens to be the political Ombudsman now here in 2007:

Blair warns politicians - Hits at campaigns, abortion, gay marriage - August 6, 2007

Jamaicans for Justice calls for Ombudsman Bishop Hero Blair's resignation

Buggery law backlash – Blair: The church has been sleeping – Blair warns review could lead to same-sex marriages

Attack of the Blair's on the gay lobby?

Why was the party at this church in the face of expected strong religious opposition against the proposed buggery law review?
Why does the present cabinet looks the way it does when clearly the core support expected for any review on buggery is clearly not present?

Will she shuffle this cabinet in the long run to get the needed positive votes if and when the review/conscience vote is held?

also see the Observer's take on the story: DON'T BOW! Pastor urges Portia to avoid foreign influence - God’s great eyes are upon you — Blair

here is TVJ's coverage of the service highlights: PM PLUS EXECUTIVE MEMBERS WORSHIP IN PORTMORE

Interesting times lie ahead

Peace and tolerance

H

Mark Wignall ....... Gay Lobby will wait in vain

2012-01-06T09:23:00.001-05:00

Jamaica Observer columnist Mark Wignall believes among other things the Gay Lobby will wait in vain in his regular contribution to the paper: Supporters will give PNP government a honeymoon but... he wrote

In the month of November 2010 Washington would have already firmly decided that the JLP Government as constituted then was more than a nagging fly-in-the-ointment.

Ironically, as strained as the relationship has been between Washington and Caracas, it is more than likely that President Hugo Chavez, the most eager regionalist of our time, would have found reason to share a common objective with the US diplomats in Jamaica at just about the same time.

A Jamaican leader(Golding) had pledged to place his political future at risk by loudly standing out on a limb for a man wanted in the USA for drug and gun running and being a dangerous underworld boss - 'Dudus'.

At that stage the Americans would have singled out Dr Peter Phillips, the security minister in the PNP Government of 2004 and the point man in Jamaica whose actions led to the ultimate extradition as a man they could do business with in the near future.

On the Friday after the December 29 election there would be more than an element of 'mission accomplished' in the objectives of the Americans and President Chavez.

Golding had been slamming Chavez, an ally of the PNP, while in Opposition. The JLP Government formed after September 2007 was without ideology and a philosophy guiding its governance and grudgingly accepted the benefits of the PetroCaribe Fund only because it had no other choice.

It would indeed surprise me if the interventionist side of the regionalist President Chavez did not tangibly assist its ally, the PNP, in the last few weeks during the election. There exists no evidence that I am aware of that supports the view that a foreign government pumped significant cash into the coffers of the PNP. What is without doubt, however, is that contrary to conventional wisdom, the PNP was a cash-rich party in the last week of campaigning.

It is a slight reversal of 2007 when the JLP was overloaded with cash and the PNP was relatively broke. I use the word 'slight' because the JLP was not broke in 2011, only that the PNP became much richer than the JLP at the politically perfect time.

Many PNP supporters who I spoke with recently indicated a willingness to give the PNP a somewhat extended honeymoon to get the social and economic picture right. It is not, however, a mood that can be plotted on a straight-line graph.

The closeness of the election of 2007 had never indicated a rejection of the PNP, its policies or the style and mechanics of its governance. PNP supporters have accepted the JLP's four-year run as a minor blip on the political radar and firmly believe that a new PNP Government will 'get it right'.

"Even if di JEEP nuh run right away, wi know sey it a go work fi poor people," said a young woman to me recently.

Her young male friend, unemployed as she was said, "Money dey yah and as soon as Portia settle off, di JEEP a go start up."

Gay Lobby will wait in vain

I have yet to meet one PNP supporter who earnestly believes that the Buggery Law will be changed.

During the leadership debate, then Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller had indicated that a PNP Government led by her would review the law. The JLP had then pounced on it in an effort to gain political mileage - standard politics - by making it seem as if Simpson Miller had promised a change in the law.

"Do you believe that the PNP will review the Buggery Law?" I asked a group of young men, all unemployed and who admitted that they had voted for the PNP.

"Yeah," one said. "Review it yes, but a nuh nutten dat."

A youngster nearby took off on his friend's mood and said, "As long as she tek up di paper an put it back dung. Dat caan pass a Jamaica. It wi bun dung."

Another less vocal young man said, "A political talk dat. Maybe di man dem donate some money to di PNP party and it jus gi a talk. A politics and it nah guh no wey."

What is very obvious to me is that only Portia Simpson Miller could have made such a promise in so sensitive an area without the political backlash. Additionally, many voters accept that "a so di ting set", meaning that they accept that politicians will spout nonsense. In the case of Simpson Miller, voters were prepared to slot it in the 'not of importance' segment in the days leading up to the vote.

JLP waiting to roll over and die

A few days after the election I was in the company of a young woman and an official of G2K.

The young woman was a recent graduate of. UTech and was planning on going off to the US to study computer and film animation. Her father was a degreed teacher and her mother operated a small business.

She was discussing the G2K ads. "Those ads - they would have appealed to me, to mommy, to daddy, but, we don't vote." The G2K official seemed to sink deeper in the chair.

He just sat there, forced a smile and said nothing. The young woman was right. Assuming that a political party knows the landscape it is operating in, one would expect that the entity would have arrived at its a campaign after considerable research. If knowledge is presumed before research and the ads are made, the only conclusion that could be drawn is that those involved have been very close to our people at all levels. Or that they are stupid.

Now, fully recognising that constituency canvases (which have proven fairly accurate over the years) were either concocted because money paid for them did not reach down to those who were closest to the community or, poorly done because of the weakness of the JLP secretariat, many in the JLP have concluded that the wrong 'election ready' message was given to Andrew Holness.

Demoralised, angry with each other and already reaching for the long knives of 'intra blame' the JLP must face the fact that it is on the verge of a total wipeout at the local government elections.

In the red by anywhere between $40 million and $70 million, the party is lying in the middle of the road waiting on a truck to run it over.

observemark@gmail.com

Portia's Profound Comments (Gleaner Letter)

2012-01-01T01:14:00.004-05:00

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The president of the People's National Party (PNP) recently said she would not exclude persons from her Cabinet on the basis of sexual orientation. Few seem to appreciate how profound the comment is. One newspaper sprang into attack mode with its bold headline, 'A idiot thing that'.

At first glance, the leader's comments seem to imply or assume that in appointing ministers, she has knowledge that the person being appointed is gay. This has inherent legal implications based on Jamaican law (The Offences Against The Person Act). Although buggery is not defined in the law, it is listed as unnatural offences, where it is described as "the abominable crime of buggery committed either with mankind or with any animal".

Additionally, the law specifically speaks to male-to-male acts of gross indecency, but is totally silent on female-to-female acts. So being a bugger and being gay or homosexual are not legally the same in Jamaican law. Being gay or homosexual is a much broader term, covering same-sex relationships. It does not appear to include "any animal".

The Jamaican law regarding unnatural offences and acts of gross indecency is, therefore, gender specific and includes animals. It does not consider or treat female same-sex relationships as unnatural offences or acts of gross indecency. So, based on the present law, appointing a female gay minister should not be an issue legally.

This, however, would not be the case if she were to appoint a male gay minister, especially if she knows that male is gay.

The reason for this is that it is a crime to know of a crime and not report it to the police. This may and ought to be considered concealment, cover-up, you name it. Although she may not have personally witnessed the act or crime, it's no different from the acts of bishops who concealed reports of priests sexually molesting youths and covered it up.

Therein rests a part of the dilemma, ie, the buggery law, as it stands, and whether or not she knows the appointee has breached the law.

Indeed, the law is gender-specific in its treatment of same-sex relationships. This ought to be deemed unconstitutional and ought to be corrected. How else does Parliament legislate a law that retains the wishes of the majority on the issue, and comply with the gender (sex) requirements of the Constitution (Section 13)? In democratic societies, it's done by review of the law.

For those males who have already concluded that "a idiot thing that", note that for a male caught committing (a) an unnatural offence, or (b), an act of gross indecency with another male, there is no fine. In the case of (a), it's prison at hard labour, for a term not exceeding 10 years.

In the case of (b), it's prison with or without hard labour, for a term not exceeding seven years. However, it's no offence for females to be caught doing similar acts. Easy nuh.

WARREN SIBBLIES

warrensibbs@hotmail.com

Houston, Texas

ENDS

Some comments followed:

Mr./Ms. Moderator, could you please post?

There is no doubt that Madame Prime Minister Elect; Portia Simpson-Miller is a very savvy and seasoned politician. She knows how to appeal to all voting blocks of the electorates, not just the majority, but also to
crucial minority voting blocks such as the disenfranchised gay/lesbians/bisexual. Hereto her recent statement of forming an all-inclusive/representative cabinet of all Jamaicans, there has never been a Jamaican politician to take such a bold and courageous stand. It is in light of her all inclusive statement that has embolden the gay voting block to turn out in support of the only national leader to acknowledge their existence on the island without religious damnations.

Silently and without any fanfare under the radar, they showed up at their respective polling stations and cast their individual votesof freedom and then exhaled as they walked away with a sense of relief. For you see, they had no reason to vote before, as they were never considered citizens in the country to which they were born; Prime Minister Elect; Madame Portia Simpson-Miller has given them hope, a reason and purpose for being, but above all, she has acknowledged their human existence.

Madame Prime Minister Elect, I respectfully implore, and beseech you to make good on you statement on creating a more equitable,humanistic, and representative cabinet of all Jamaican.

Kudos! And congratulations!

and

Thank you Mr. Sibbles for explaining the arguments so lucidly. The tendency for rabid homophobia to cloud rational and logical judgments on the issue of buggery in Jamaica is amazing. The constant reduction of homosexuality to buggery (anal intercourse) is so distorting that I find whenever I explain to people that the two (homosexuality) and (anal intercourse) do not necessarily coincide, better assessments can be made.

This is the dilemma that Sister P faces. If a male member of her cabinet personally declares to her that he is a homosexual, she can assume that he engages in the sexual conduct of buggery (which is law breaking). I say assumption since not everyone who thinks the label homosexual applies to him actually engages in the practice of anal sex.

Trinidadian gay advocates hail victory of supportive PM-designate

2011-12-31T10:21:00.000-05:00

By Keino Swamber

keino.swamber@trinidadexpress.com

PRESIDENT of the Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO), Colin Robinson (immediate photo), says Jamaican Prime Minister-designate Portia Simpson-Miller did the right thing by stating quite clearly that she opposed the discrimination against homosexuals.

Simpson-Miller led the People's National Party (PNP) into victory in Thursday's general elections in Jamaica.

The country with a population of 2.8 million people has developed a worldwide reputation for its strong anti-homosexual views and acts of violence against homosexuals.

During a televised leadership debate on December 20 between herself and Prime Minister Andrew Holness, whose Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was voted out of office, Simpson-Miller said her administration believes in protecting the human rights of all Jamaicans.

"No one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation," Simpson-Miller said.

"Government should provide the protection and I think we should have a look at the buggery law and that members of parliament should be given an opportunity to vote with their conscience on consultation with their constituents.

"But for me, I do not support the position of the former prime minister (Bruce Golding who said he would not appoint a gay person in his Cabinet) because people should be appointed to positions based on their ability and to lead."

Simpson-Miller said she has no intention of prying in the private business of anyone and will appoint anyone with the ability and capacity to manage in her Cabinet.

Robinson said Simpson-Miller's victory, in spite of her statements, is a lesson for all "Caribbean cowardly politicians".

"What the win says is that you do not lose an election by being supportive of the rights and the humanity of gay people," Robinson said.

"Similarly the JLP candidate, who was most outrageous (by) using homophobia as a campaign tool, lost his seat. So the other message is 'bun batty man' and beating the Bible on the backs of gay people will not win you elections."

Robinson said it is a signal to politicians that the issue of nondiscrimination against homosexuals does not carry the political liability they think it carries.

"The only reason that the politician has now to oppose full equality concerning gay people is their own prejudice."

The view was shared by the president of another local lobbyist group, Friends for Life, Luke Sinette. He said he fully endorses Simpson-Miller's statements.

"Gay people are full citizens just like anyone else," Sinette said.

"Gay persons should not only be allowed the same protections as anybody else under the law, but they should also be allowed the opportunity to serve their country just like anybody else. People should be allowed to be full citizens irrespective of race, class, gender, ethnicity and, of course, sexual orientation."

Lynette Vassell, a member of the Women Resource and Outreach Centre in Jamaica, told the Express the strategy used by the JLP in their attempt to discredit Simpson-Miller, backfired on the ruling party.

"It backfired because the issues on people's minds were more concrete and practical," Vassell said.

"I and a lot of right-thinking Jamaicans support the stance she took during the debate because what she is saying is that we need to open up a conversation around a matter that is very touchy in our context.

"What she has said is that she is going to open the debate around the repeal of the buggery Act and she is going to encourage parliamentarians to deal with it on an individual basis after consulting with their constituents.

"Of course we recognise that if a man had said it, it would have been a damaging and dangerous thing (politically) and I am glad that she is the one who very sincerely made the response."

ENDS

for extra reference, cartoonist Clovis depicted this in a recent edition of the Jamaica Observer

PNP: No election money from gay groups .............

2011-12-28T06:13:00.002-05:00

THE Opposition People's National Party (PNP) yesterday declared that it had not received any funding from any gay rights organisation locally or overseas, and dismissed such claims as propaganda generated by the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

At the same time, PNP campaign director, Dr Peter Phillips, said the party had no discussion with or made any promise to anyone about reviewing the buggery law prior to the party's president Portia Simpson Miller's pledge during the national leadership debate to review the law if the PNP forms the next government

Asked by the Observer yesterday if the PNP had financial backing from gay rights groups, Dr Phillips responded: "Absolutely no truth to that whatever. It is a figment of somebody's imagination if not a total invention for cynical and nefarious purposes. I have been very much involved with the fund-raising of the People's National Party and the funds have come universally from the private sector in Jamaica and from individuals supportive of the party, all of whom are reputable, high-standing businesspeople."

Simpson Miller stated that she would support a review of the Buggery Act in responding to a question posed during the leadership debate between herself and Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Her response has set off a firestorm of public debate, with JLP candidate Daryl Vaz questioning if the PNP has received money from the gay community.

Dr Phillips, in dismissing the claim yesterday, said the JLP was trying to twist Simpson Miller's words to their political advantage.

"It is the kind of propaganda I have heard from Mr Vaz who I suspect in his overactive imagination he conjures up things from time to time. Let me repudiate it absolutely, completely, comprehensively and throw it out of the stadium," he stated.

At a press conference, Dr Phillips defended Simpson Miller's comments, reiterating that she indicated that the law would be reviewed, with the possibility of each member of Parliament taking a conscience vote on the matter after consultation with their constituents.

"She answered the question that she does not believe people should go about beating up people in Jamaica because of presumed sexual orientation and that we should be a more tolerant country in that regard", Dr Phillips told the Observer.

"We have had no discussion with anybody representing any gay community, not from Jamaica, not from anywhere in the world. It is some people who have contrived upon an honest, sincere answer to go into the gutter because of their own political predilections."

PREVIOUSLY

Has PNP received financing from gay community?

Vaz says JLP confident of securing 34-38 seats in Dec 29 poll

DARYL Vaz is challenging the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) to state whether it has received funding from the international gay community, and what, if any, commitments were given in exchange for that funding.

Vaz, the treasurer for the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), said it was obvious that both parties had managed to get funding for their election campaigns based on their activities.

But suggesting that PNP president Portia Simpson Miller had injected a new dimension — homosexuality — into the campaign, Vaz said his team was trying to ascertain whether there was any truth to claims that the PNP had received money from the international gay community.

"We would like to know if this is true; and more importantly, what commitments the PNP has made in exchange for that funding, because we know that is how it works" he said.

Simpson Miller, answering a question in last Tuesday's political debate with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, said a PNP Government would review the buggery law and allow members of parliament to vote their conscience on the matter.

"We are not happy about the opposition leader introducing the issue of homosexuality into the campaign and we are wondering how deep it goes and how much involved the international gay community is with the PNP. We have been hearing of the interest that that community has taken in our elections since her pronouncement," said Vaz. "It is the first time that we have seen such strong interest from the gay community in any Jamaican election," he added, reiterating that his West Portland constituents had already made it clear that "God had made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve".

Meantime, Vaz conceded that the election appears to be a close race, but said he was now "extremely confident" that the JLP would win between 34 and 38 seats, based on all the indicators and a conservative analysis of the constituencies that were regarded as battleground seats.

He said the public opinion polls were very confusing because they were giving contradictory results. However, they were showing that the undecided voters were in favour of the JLP, raising the strong possibility that the party could get more than 38 seats.

"Both parties have energised their base, resulting in a close contest. So it is the undecided who will decide the outcome of this election," said Vaz. "They are in favour of the JLP because they have faith in our new, young leader. He will get the votes of the young as well, based on the successes of the Government in stabilising the country and setting it on a path to growth."

Vaz said that a clear indication of the tight race was the fact that PNP campaign director, Dr Peter Phillips, was leading a motorcade on Christmas Eve through East Portland, long regarded as a safe PNP seat, and despite the fact that the party leader and former leader, PJ Patterson had been there the week before.

Gleaner Editorial - Vulgar 'Fire Bun' Rhetoric & Morality cannot be policed

2011-12-25T08:06:00.001-05:00

EDITORIAL - Vulgar 'fire bun' rhetoric

Mr Clive Mullings will probably declare us to be unfamiliar with the stress of the hustings, especially in a tight election race. So, he might be forgiven for the slightly ridiculous figure he cut last Thursday, clutching Bible and preaching fire and brimstone on gays and those who would argue in favour of a review, or repeal, of the buggery law.

The energy minister remains an intelligent and capable man with much to offer in politics and government, should his side win this week's general election.

Nonetheless, much of what has transpired in recent days on Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) campaign platforms with regard to gay rights is not only sad, but dangerous. Some might add cynical and vulgar.

The worst of it has come from Mr Daryl Vaz, the efficiency minister, and Mr Desmond McKenzie, the mayor of Kingston, at the party's rally in Portland last Wednesday night.

To the backdrop of songs widely considered to be anti-gay, Mr McKenzie called "fire bun", in this context an epithet that is hurled at gays.

And Mr Vaz declared that people in his West Portland constituency didn't buy "number two inna Cash Pot", which references a popular lottery game, but whose metaphoric meaning is clear to anyone who potty-trained a child.

Portia's courageous declaration

The trigger for this new onslaught of anti-gay diatribe from the JLP was the courageous declaration by the president of the People's National Party (PNP), Mrs Portia Simpson Miller, that sexual orientation would not be a determinant in who was selected for membership of a Cabinet she led. She wouldn't ask.

She also pledged that should the PNP form the Government, she would allow a conscience vote, where MPs, after consultation with constituents, would not be subject to the parliamentary whip, on a vote regarding the fate of the buggery law.

That Prime Minister Andrew Holness waffled on the matter, preferring to dodge behind popular Jamaican sentiment, is one thing. The tone of his party's subsequent campaign is another.

It has gone beyond making a coherent philosophical or even religious fundamentalist argument against a gay lifestyle to a kind of mindless homophobia that belittles the quality of the discourse in which the parties had hitherto engaged. Indeed, the JLP runs the risk, if not direct incitement, of creating an environment in which misguided persons may feel it to be open season on gays.

While Mr Holness may not declare a willingness to have gays in his Cabinet, we are surprised that he would tolerate what has spewed from his party's platforms. It is, to say the least, not the image of tolerance, inclusiveness and intellectual rigour he has sought to fashion for himself.

and

Tackle homosexuality through moral suasion, says Rev Oliver Daley

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

At least one prominent member of the clergy has parted ways with what has emerged as the firm anti-gay position of many church leaders in the controversial debate raging on the issue of homosexuality in Jamaica.

Moderator of the United Church in Jamaica and the Caribbean, Oliver Daley, insists that tackling this explosive issue through moral suasion should be the way forward, rather than seeking to legislate morality. "Moral suasion is preferred to a court of law," Daley declared in an interview with The Sunday Gleaner.

"I believe that we should not deny people the privilege to participate in the life of society based on race, gender or sexuality," Daley said as he weighed in on Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller's pronouncements in last week's National Political Debate that qualified and capable persons with homosexual propensities would not be turned away from a Cabinet that she heads.

Simpson Miller also strongly rejected the "not in my Cabinet" declaration of former Prime Minister Bruce Golding during a BBC interview.

"I believe that not everything in this world that is wrong is necessarily illegal," argued Daley. "Adultery is wrong, but it should not be made illegal as it would be difficult to prosecute ... . It is a matter to persuade people about their conduct. It just can't be policed," Daley contended.

Sunday Gleaner checks revealed that other church leaders agree with Daley, but are hesitant to speak.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has been more cautious in response to the question of homosexuality having a place in his Cabinet. He said he would accede to the sentiment of the people.

Jamaica is regarded internationally as a strong homophobic society, but this claim is being challenged by some social workers and sociologists.

No need for different treatment

Daley stressed that he holds a strong moral position on the matter, but contended that homosexuals should not be treated any differently from other persons who breach moral norm.

"I have a strong moral position on the matter as I cannot find anything in scripture that supports the behaviour. We have a moral problem, it is how we manage the problems," Daley stressed.

He suggested that there are differing points of view within the church that are not being thoroughly explored by the media.

"I have found that sometimes in the media, we don't speak across the church, we don't get a wide perspective on the issue," he said. "On this matter, we have the same people expressing their views, but there are others of us with a different perspective."

Daley argued that society needs to come to the place where people are accepted as human beings even if their behaviour is abhorred.

"Although we don't accept their behaviour, I don't believe that decriminalising it is saying that it is good and right," contended Daley. "It is saying that society is managing this issue in a different way."

Daley alluded to Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron's veiled threat that his country would withhold some financial grants to countries that are intolerant of homosexuals.

"It has become a political issue all over the world. As such, reason tends to take the back seat over emotion," he argued. "It (the issue) needs to get to the place where we apply some reason to treat people who are in a minority in a way that is humane and responsible."

The church leader said he was well aware that people who hold similar views to his run the risk of others assuming that they harbour sympathy with wrongdoers. "In the end, it is the need to uphold the dignity of all human beings who are made in the image of God," he declared. "They are to be valued and treated with respect."

Daley said in debating whether the issue should stay on the law books, minors must be treated in the same way as other sex-related offences. "We need to ensure that in decriminalising, we do not expose minors to any form of abuse," he stressed. "The laws that apply to minors being abused by heterosexuals should apply. No exceptions should be made in relation to people abusing children sexually."

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com

also see the video of Mrs. Simpson Miller defending her position on the Review of the Buggery Law

go HERE

and

Portia's Opinion On Buggery Review Mature

‘Idiot plan that!’ - Many Jamaicans against Buggery Law review ...............

2011-12-23T11:06:00.003-05:00

As reactions continue to come from all quarters on the answer given to the question of the Not in My Cabinet stance taken by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding during the leadership debate on elections opposition leader Mrs Portia Simpson Miller who expressed her disagreement with the stance is coming under flack for taking the high road for some and declaring her opinion she wants to have the buggery law reviewed leading to a conscience vote in parliament. Her political capital seems to be depleting on the face of it. We saw where the church and or the religious right movement has already responded, a leading anti gay pastor and restorative advocate has said,

“That is very concerning for me [reviewing the buggery law] and I am disappointed that we are still insisting to go back in that direction, because the matter was dealt with in the amended Bill of Rights earlier this year,” said Rev Al Miller, pastor of the Fellowship Tabernacle in Kingston.

Miller said he was equally disappointed with the Opposition Leader’s stance that she had no problem admitting anyone to her Cabinet once they were qualified to carry out their duties.

“I am seriously concerned about that, because it is saying that moral values becomes secondary to ability to perform,” the pastor said, adding: “That kind of approach would be difficult for Christians to support because character and integrity takes precedence over ability.”

The PNP has since released a statement on their site:

PNP HAS GIVEN NO COMMITMENT TO REPEALING THE BUGGERY ACT

Kingston, December 22, 2011: The People’s National Party notes that following Tuesday’s leadership debate, some persons have been suggesting that PNP President Portia Simpson Miller, has given a commitment to “repealing” the Buggery Act. The PNP uses this opportunity to state clearly that Mrs. Simpson Miller gave no such commitment.

The PNP President said it was time that the Act be “reviewed” and all members of the House of Representatives provided with an opportunity to vote on the matter based on their conscience.
It would be expected that in such a vote, Members of Parliament on both sides of the House, would take into consideration the views of their constituents.The PNP President remains committed to her pledge to make appointments to a Cabinet led by her on the basis of competence.

Here comes some more reactions via the Jamaica Observer and the cartoon by Clovis seen below

THE pronouncement by Opposition Leader and People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller during Tuesday night’s national leadership debate that a PNP government led by her would review the buggery law has set off a heated debate with many Jamaicans as well as some churches voicing strong opposition to any such move.

Observer staff reporter Kimmo Matthews yesterday sought the opinions of members of the public on Simpson Miller’s position.

‘Rastaman’

It is something that I would have to go think about, as I do not want to jump to any conclusion on what was said.

Judith Brown White: Supermarket Sales Rep

I have a problem with that decision. To carry out such a review is totally wrong. What it is promoting is totally against the teachings of the Bible.

Chevan Brown

I think it was a ploy to get votes.

Delroy Mitchell

It has been happening, not here in Jamaica only, and soon or later we are going to have to take a stance. I believe that the rights of citizens should be recognised.

Devon Campbell: Taxi Operator

Not in my cabinet! If a man a deal with him thing, mek him deal with it one side. So that means sooner or later, with this review of the law, my grandchildren can’t walk in peace.

Hubert Palmer: Security guard

We are to stop trying to put a pretty coating on the issue. That sort of practice should not be tolerated. What sort of message will that send to my little son down the road?

Chairmaine Mundle: Supermarket Sales Rep

That should never be allowed to happen. God has never created people to operate and entertain that sort of practice. Our country has a strong Christian faith and belief and that sort of practice should not be encouraged and that is what such a planned review will do.

‘Businesswoman’

Our source is God. Why are we trying to sell our souls for the almighty dollar? Jamaica is not a country that embraces that sort of practice. She is out of her cotton-picking mind and she should not sell her soul for the dollar.

Ian

It is full time we should try to move away from that sort of primitive approach and allow people to live their lives despite of their sexual orientation.

Richardo Wedderburn: Security Guard

She should have tried to come up with some different approach. I know because she is a woman she a go try balance the thing. But I believe a revision of such laws is going to affect us down the road.

Jonelle Jefferson: Secretary

I do not care what a man or woman wants to do with their life, but the Opposition needs to realise that it is Jamaica we are living in and we are not going to change our views and I think it is going to hurt her chances in the upcoming election.

Orlando Gayle: Security Guard

That is totally unacceptable. Such practice and support of such practice cannot be right at all. We burn that sort of practice. Her move or plans to review the law will certainly help to promote such practice.

Toney Bromwell: Taxi Operator

Idiot plan that. Jamaica no deal with that. A vote me feel she a look.

ENDS

Also see:
Church angry, gays happy PNP on collision course with Christians ………………. but some of us are not impressed

and

On Buggery and gays in cabinets with politics ............ some responses ............

also here is the video from the leadership debate:

Also listen to a quick audio commentary I did on the issue recently:

On Buggery & Gays in Cabinets ......... 21.12.11 by glbtqja4

Convener of Families Against State Terrorism (FAST) has written to the Gleaner's Editor: Impressed With Portia

Of note is the transforming Leighton Levy of the Star News who has been presenting more balanced writings on LGBT issues which is a last refresher on that tabloid's list, check out his latest offering here: Jamaica lost the debate!
" ........You want to know why we are going to hell in a hand-basket if we don't act soon? In a time when Jamaica faces significant financial issues that require brave and creative solutions, during a debate - the worst of the three - between the leaders of the respective parties Tuesday night, the big news coming out of the debate is whether either leader would employ a homosexual person to the Cabinet.

If I was asked that question during a debate about important issues, I would simply respond: 'First of all, how does one tell who is a homosexual and second, what difference does it make?' I find it extremely disturbing that neither individual found it necessary to rise above the fray and demonstrate the kind of leadership that Jamaica so desperately needs. In the grand scheme of things, are homosexuals the cause of Jamaica's problems and is ensuring that they are not in the Cabinet a guarantee that this country will find itself on a path to rapid recovery and success? It's kind of like waking up to find your house on fire and wasting time deciding what to wear before you flee the house.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness was disappointing in that he waffled in his response that really said nothing, one way or the other."

Peace and tolerance

H

"Tell Me Pastor" on Bisexual swinger & switch hitting ll.......

2011-12-22T12:53:00.004-05:00

The latest entry in the Star News Tell Me Pastor series looks at a bizarre case of a young lady (the letter writer) who found out her male hubby was a switch hitter in a sense and wanted more than just a passing fancy with both sexes while including here in the mix.

Couple Swinging is also a feature here and there have been talk of it becoming more pronounced here in Jamaica but usually with ground rules of the extent of sexual contact and certainly not with the crossing of the sexes in as far as the accounts of the oral histories told to me.

First please see the letter from the tabloid:

My boyfriend is swinging both ways

Dear Pastor,

First of all let me tell you what a great job you are doing. Please keep up the good work. I do not know what to do. I am a 25-year-old. I left high school with honours and went to a local university. But despite pressure from my father to do medicine, I chose to study finance. I think I live an ok lifestyle here in Kingston.

The problem is, I have had a boyfriend for the past five years. He is a really nice guy. He parties a lot and attends all the major parties in Kingston and Negril. Recently, he went to a well-known club in Kingston and met some 'new friends', both males and females. They live in Kingston as well.

They invited him to a private party not far from where I live. I decided not to be "nuff" and allowed him to go alone. A few days after, he started asking me to have these new friends (three girls and two guys) to join us in bed during sex. I allowed it once for the 'fun of it'. During that one instance, he forced me into having sex with the girls that came. While these girls were pleasuring me, I noticed one of the males passionately caressing his body and the other performing oral sex on him. I was too drunk during the session to intervene, so I let it pass.

I made mention of it to him recently and he got upset. He said that if I ever mention it to anyone else, he would kill my sister and me. He is one of those 'garrison yutes' and he said if anyone found out, he would have to leave his area as well as Jamaica.

I do not know what to do. My sister is a counsellor and she is the only one who knows about the incident. He keeps telling me he wants us to do it again, this time with only the guys. I have no choice but to believe that he is now gay. I cannot leave him, as I am afraid of what he will do to me, as he has showed me his gun before as a threat. I need help.

M.

Pastor's response

Dear M.,

I suggest that you leave this man forthwith. And you need not be scared about his threats. You have been fortunate to have a good education, but you have associated yourself with a man who has no class. He is not a good man. A good man will not force his woman (and my emphasis is on force) to have sex with his friends, both males and females. You made a big mistake in agreeing to participate in such sex party. These people used liquor to break down your inhibition so that they could have had their way with you. You should not do so again regardless what your so-called boyfriend says. And you should report him to the police without fear.

You claim that he has a gun and that he is a 'ghetto yute'. There are many 'ghetto yutes' who repudiate any form of homosexual practice, and that is why he does not want people in his area to know what he has become. Be strong. Don't allow this man to intimidate you. Don't give him the impression that you are afraid of him.

Pastor

ENDS

Clearly the hint to the man being a ghetto yute touches on down low thug culture that is fast becoming public knowledge but with a disdain added to it. The dangers as well of this kind of swapping and or swinging under the influence of alcohol is indeed dangerous that I will agree with and will impair ones judgement but the controversial issue of trust in relationships be they mixed or heterosexual is an underlying factor as well. Most persons would rather be told of their partner's choice than to find out later through some indiscretion or accident. If the letter writer never volunteered she may not have known so the knowledge may not be so much of a curse for her as she can take the needed precautions including condom use if she agreed to continue meeting his requests or demands as they become more as instructions under duress, they she may not be able to negotiate condom use.

I am not sure about the reporting of the police section as suggested to the letter writer as thug type same gender sex engagers do not like their issues exposed in any way shape or form and are ruthless in going to great lengths to keep them so secret.

Certainly the gay community has expressed deep mistrust when it comes to bisexuals as they are deemed incapable of being faithful to a single partner by virtue of their wide tastes in both genders.

Coincidental that her sister however happens to be a counselor but still this letters reaches Pastor Dumas and is published, group sex is not uncommon across Jamaica in regards to the second wish with the other parties being all male by the her male switch hitter but the matter of consent here is crucial. The first instance according to the letter writer was done at her own recognizance but certainly she should have expected the request would have come again after noticing the intimacy between himself and the other male. The red flag should have been raised from there. Why didn't she object from the get go?

Why stay with him then? is it the usually dependency issue that many women face as these men support them financially so they remain to continue gaining benefits?

also see: Lady Switch Hitters & the Boyfriends who complain … for an opposite take on switch hitting.

There have been a few other instances that have come to public attention of this nature but is not spoken of openly, I strongly suggest that bisexual issues and behavioural bisexuality also be added to the slew of subjects towards LGBT advocacy and rights as there are cross cutting issues that cannot go unnoticed or swept under the rug.

Walk good

Peace & tolerance

Kidnap for Ransom ring thwarted.

2011-12-16T12:43:00.000-05:00

A series of horrific instances continue though carried over from 2010 to 2011where LGBT persons mostly MSMs who are deemed affluent in a sense or have pricey material possessions with accompanying flashy lifestyles have been targeted for kidnappings in exchange for ransom in cash of kind by other gay or bisexual gangsters who have or are connected to the criminal underworld. The practice was an issue for the community some years ago but was slowed by the arrest of several of the operatives involved by the authorities and the death of another who was gunned down in 2009. These persons are known to some of their victims but issues to do with questionable activities of some of our community members has also caused a shadow on the community in terms of perceptions of the lavish lifestyles some persons lead without proper show or proof of income. Male homosexuals have long been perceived as having more disposable income by the mainstream and as such these hyper masculine types also seem to work from that belief be they gay or not, which gives some credence to the belief as well that most murders of more affluent SGL men is done by other gay men who are dependent so to speak on them for wealth and or money, even the dancehall fraternity has shifted its focus now from direct gay bashing and boom bye bye themes in murder music since they cannot do so anymore to now targeting supposed “switch hitters” or DL men as in this case men who will get into gay sex for clothes, material things and money, could this perception be a driving factor as younger more eye candy attractive thugs who are lazy want to still maintain?The would be kidnappers would in some instances form relatively long term associations or have sexual relations with their intended victims and move in for the kill either by direct capture at gunpoint or traps set to gain the material wealth or large sums of cash some msms carry on their person. One of the characters was incarcerated years ago for gun crimes and was also a leach on some of the community members who have or carry large sums of money or have retail clothing businesses as the demands for a kind of extortion as well include high end clothes, shoes and such.

The matter came to a head just this Monday last December 12th when a well known drag personality was the victim of one such trap where a thug eventually held “her” at gunpoint and proceeded to rob the individual of thousands of dollars she was about to use to purchase items for resale for the advancing Christmas season. The scheme allegedly had two other men who were waiting in the wings to take the victim to a secure location while demanding ¾ of a million dollars, the key to the SUV and other gadgetry including high end cell phones and I-Pads recently purchased were eventually taken. The matter was however reportedly dealt with by “friends” this time connected to the diva who confronted the fleeing men in the Eastwood Park Gardens area where a car the “friends” were in was used to block the driving men who had the SUV in their possession, threats, heated words and a few blows were reportedly exchanged and the vehicle was returned as the men had no other weapons on them at the time and the gun turned out to be empty when they were cornered. A GPRS tracker on the SUV was used to locate the vehicle which they thieves did not realize was activated and well hidden and the diva kept in touch by phone with her cohort who assisted her in retrieving the SUV, so much for active networking there. She has since warned other compatriots to be very careful this season and other times as well and subsequently told me of the incident, I told her I will blog on it without exposing her identity, she agreed.

It was also several months ago a male teacher from the Portmore community fell victim to this practice as he met a thug who as it turned out was also apart of this very same group, how coincidental? the actual numbers of them is still not clear but this thug who pretended he wanted a relationship with the teacher carried out the facade for months before finally arranging the move on the unsuspecting and enthralled lover turned victim. His car was stolen firstly and then an attempted robbery while he was away also occurred as the thug has access to the home via keys that were copied but the attempt was nipped in the bud by vigilant neighbours who witnessed the suspicious actions with the thug and other cronies and notified the police who arrived but the men escaped. The ring according to my well placed source inside the police unit who I spoke to days ago is or was based in Portmore with connections to Kingston, St. Ann and are also responsible for crimes outside the gay community, a woman who is described as “a man royal” was said to be apart of the ring who targets same gender loving women as well but she is now serving time for robbery with aggravation with her case pending awaiting witness testimony. Another of the other trouble makers in the community who had repeatedly robbed persons at either knife or gunpoint elsewhere or even at LGBT events or at their homes is also back on the street after a short time incarcerated but has been quiet as of lately, I ran into him some months ago in Half Way Tree but he knows when it comes to me he should keep his distance and don’t even entertain the thought however he was seeking money he says to purchase equipment to start a landscaping business he wants to run he says and not rob persons, he tried to convince me that he has changed but I have my doubts. This side of the thug community in the MSM grouping is not engaged at all by our advocacy structure and hence these problems surface every now and again and often go unreported. Let us also not forget the others in the homeless msm community that are being manufactured in a sense by the lack of engagement by the advocacy structure many of whom now are also becoming petty robbers and have targeted other community members, it was recently that there were two robberies in the New Kingston area of LGBT persons leaving an ATM machine on Knutsford Boulevard.

Other reasons and such

Lack of employment or requisite skills make them unemployable and susceptible to getting involved in criminal activity and in some instances their perceived sexual orientation by other thugs in their respective inner city communities set them apart as well although they may not suffer the ostracism and or displacement or forced evictions as the more effeminate brothers or divas are faced with as their defence mechanisms are more pronounced and may even involve violence as retaliation, we all know guns and bullets are available if one knows where to look and who to go to for sale, rental or burrowing. This also is a part of the whole public homophobia that presents itself from the underworld which looks as real to some but really is a masked version to conceal more problems these men maybe going through navigating the demanding hetero normative gangster imaged lives these men must show to be approved in not only the depressed areas where they originate, the mainstream but also from the very MSM community itself as we too have bought into the concept of hetero hyper masculine manhood as proof of having or being a real man in local standards. This pressure too drives this group to having to maintain an image even if it is a farce hence the expensive clothes, shoes, bleached faces, other forced hyper masculine aesthetics and attitudes such as higher than normal decibelled voice tones to project strength. Really sometimes when the outer trappings are removed they are lonely souls who need love.As indicated in the first paragraph many of these men are lazy, do not want to work and depend on “hustling” by our standards anything that brings in the bacon and they feel justified in doing so as the sanction/verification comes in cultural beliefs and odes such as men will or should do anything to survive so long as you are successful in doing whatever that illegal act is, this in my view also is part and parcel of the anancyism that pervades the national psyche, what other perfect example we can look at but the election campaigns now on in earnest where all these persons who do not normally work or are from depressed communities find this unusual energy to cheer with or alongside political party marches when it is known some of them are paid to be present there.

A recent murder in Portmore of an ally Sean McFarlane who was a clerk at the houses of parliament also has brought into sharp focus this issue of thugs who only want access to materialistic things as more details slowly become known though unconfirmed it is suggested he too was involved with one of his accused who have numbered two so far who have been caught by the police. Mr. McFarlane was laid to rest on November 27th at Meadowrest, he was found dead just outside his home in Greater Portmore on October 31 with several stab wounds in his car with money reportedly stolen. The initial report in the Gleaner only made mention of the would be killers being probably known to Mr. McFarlane a tactic the media uses to avoid putting the gay issue too much in such cases. The intersections of the effeminate or semi effeminate men who have sex with men versus the hypermasculine types are just ever so interesting and leads to all other kinds of issues some of which we are yet to fully comprehend.

It was only in August of this year that a leading same gender loving female poet and blogger was also attacked and an attempted abduction was carried out but she managed to escape her attackers but the incident had traumatized her and she now literally plans her routes for travelling and outdoor activities and has greatly reduced her social activities away from home unless absolutely necessary.

It was only a few months ago we were broad brushed by Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey (see apology here) he noted that many crimes committed were by gay men, is there some truth in all of that? Also see: Stereotyping from the police ............... for some more background

Be ever so careful out there please and warn others.

Peace and tolerance

H

Melbourne elects Australia's first intersex Mayor

2011-12-11T10:14:00.001-05:00

Melbourne has Australia’s first openly intersex Mayor following the election of long time queer community supporter and advocate Councillor Tony Briffa to the top position at the City of Hobsons Bay at the end of November.

Not being associated with any particular political party, Tony Briffa is an independent councillor whose focus has remained on representing his community (where he has lived all his life), community diversity and environmental issues.

Speaking enthusiastically at the launch of the Midsumma 2012 program on the weekend before the Hobson’s Bay election, Briffa who was a councilor at the time, said he was proud to be a member of the queer community and excited about the involvement of the city he represented in the full cultural life of Melbourne.

At the launch, he announced his intention to run for mayor, promising that should he get the top mayor position that he would be attending Victoria’s Pride March in February 2012 in full mayoral robes. Since officially becoming Mayor of the city of Hobsons Bay, Briffa has re-confirmed his intention to march at Pride March in the official robes. The City of Hobsons Bay, which includes the suburbs of Altona, Brooklyn, Laverton, Newport, Seabrook, Spotswood and Williamstown, has played an increasingly significant role in Melbourne’s queer cultural celebration the Midsumma Festival over the past few years, becoming a major hub of the 2012 program.

“I am excited about the future of our community and look forward to serving the city with enthusiasm and pride,” Briffa said following his election.

National LGBTI Health Alliance Board Member Gina Wilson says Briffa is inspiring.

“Tony is an inspiration and a role model for a whole generation of intersex people, both those who have suffered early interventions and those who have come to their differences later in life,” Wilson said.

“We share Tony’s hope that his election will break down taboos associated with intersex differences. Tony is a wonderful example of how intersex people can overcome the devastating and unnecessary medical treatment meted out to so many intersex children, and go on to become champions of human rights and cultural diversity for everyone.”

Additional Information:
The following is provided to help people understand who I am on a more personal level, particularly given my genetic intersex condition and some of the media articles about it. (Note that intersex conditions are sometimes also referred to as Disorders of Sexual Development, but I like to consider them as just a variation in nature).

The first thing parents are told when a baby is born is whether the baby is a boy or a girl. In my case, doctors weren’t sure because I was born with physical attributes of both sexes as well as missing attributes of both (i.e. a genetic intersex condition). This means I am biologically not exclusively male or female but somewhere in between (or both). My doctor immediately referred me to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne who ran a number of tests including chromosomal karyotyping, hormonal analysis, a laparotomy and biopsies. They diagnosed me with an intersex condition called “Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome” and the treatment paradigm – likely elsewhere in the world – dictated that I was to be raised as a girl, any male physical attributes had to be surgically removed if possible, and I was not to be told the truth about my condition. This was a particularly difficult time for my parents.As a result of my diagnosis I was named Antoinette and raised as a girl. I went to Mount Saint Joseph’s Girls’ College in Altona and lived as a woman until I learned the truth about my condition and sought to find out who I would have been had the medical profession not sought to “normalise” me. I didn’t have a gender identity issue; I just wanted to be the person nature had intended. Frankly, after learning about my condition I felt like I was living a lie as a woman given I did not have a complete female reproductive system and was also born with some internal male organs.

After starting hormone replacement therapy to replace the hormones my testes would have produced had I not been castrated as a child, my body started to change. My voice deepened and I started to grow hair in places where I never had hair before. It started getting more difficult being “Antoinette” so I had my identity documentation “corrected” to state I was male. I didn’t particularly feel male because I didn’t have all the basic male attributes and the male upbringing, but it made public life easier. The funny thing is that my birth certificate is as wrong stating my sex as male, as it was when it classified me as female.

Years later I feel very comfortable having accepted my true nature. I am not male or female, but both. I am grateful for the years I lived as a woman and the insight and experiences it gave me. I am still “Antoinette” and have now also incorporated and accepted my male (“Anthony” or “Tony”) side. I feel whole. I’ll continue to live as Tony but I feel I am now at a point in my life where I can celebrate being different.
I am very touched that despite my condition the Altona and Hobsons Bay community has always accepted me. I think it shows our community is genuinely accepting and understanding of people who are different.

The following articles are just some examples of things I’ve done or articles written about me and my condition. My personal story has also been featured twice on 60 Minutes and I continue to advocate strongly for the rights of children born with intersex conditions and their families:

• “Choosing the Right Gender”, The Age (1 February 2005)

• “He’s the Man”, 60 Minutes (4 September 2005)

• “Human rights close to home for Tony Briffa”, Hobsons Bay Weekly (2 September 2009)

• “Dilemmas when gender is uncertain”, The Australian (19 March 2005)

• “Tony Briffa goes boldly as ‘other’”, The Hobsons Bay Weekly (7 July 2010)

• “Award-winning research gives hope to children of uncertain sex”, IBM Output (Winter 2007)

• Presentation by Tony Briffa at an Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW forum at the NSW Parliament House in 2003

J-FLAG Celebrates 13 Years of Promoting Tolerance for Gays ... higher expectations from some quarters .................

2011-12-09T12:46:00.001-05:00

One day before JFLAG's 13th anniversary as was formerly launched on Human Rights Day December 10th 1998 in the sted of the then defunct Gay Freedom Movement (GFM) and also to create an advocacy arm for parent NGO Jamaica AIDS Support (the "for Life" name addition came some years later) they have released a statement as seen below from the desk of the Executive Director. I was proud to have witnessed that period of LGBT history in the early days of murdered co founder/advocate Brian Williamson whose home some of us as battered and bruised MSMs gathered to hear the plans of the movement in 1997/8, he too also opened his home to displaced msms and sgl women, some including myself provided information on our personal struggles with homophobia, incarceration and family ostracism as gay men at the time through active persons such as Thomas Glave a co founder as well who now reside overseas. Other operatives had to also seek asylum for their own safety.

I may stand alone hereafter but sometimes it takes only one.

My buggery case and that of my three other co-accused which was in court at the time (started in December 1996 through to 1999) was also used as reference material for to develop the crisis intervention structure at the time I was told afterwards. While we can appreciate and congratulate them on the milestone and the more meaningful achievements such as the Stop Murder Music Campaigns and the Parliamentary Submission (which was not properly followed up) in the good early years they seem to have lost the original vision with purpose and some major issues and obstacles that have impeded LGBT community development have been highlighted from the mainstream but some handicapping occurring precisely due to the advocacy structure's ineptitude or dropping the ball, selectiveness on issues, very little or full non engagement of key sub groups under the lgbt umbrella and in some instances downright laziness on their part, also bearing in mind no recognition of their very own milestone was given by them two years in succession. Several things are missing from this release in my mind and as a former volunteer and full time advocate with them I feel we need to get real and honest about where we are. Most communications written and the view oral or limited forumatic activity from the goodly J is not tailored to the main LGBT audience which also says a lot about the organization's ideology. It took several years and alot of noise in some circles to get the J to even become enlightened in the use of proper descriptions and the very website languished for years without any updates for the community to see and follow up on, even now on the new site comments posting is closed, so how are persons for or against to engage the group when the very acronym implies action to interact with the groups? Alternate independent media was suggested as an option and even those ideas were subtly rejected. Now those are now being embraced quietly.

But have a read first and decide for yourselves. Frankly JFLAG's representation here is much to be desired for the person with higher expectations as they seem to continue to ignore the real issues on the ground and present this artificial unity to the globe.

The release read as follows via their website

J-FLAG Celebrates 13 Years of Promoting Tolerance for Gays

Kingston — December 9, 2011

Jamaica has come a long way in promoting respect and tolerance for the human rights of Jamaicans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) but much more needs to be done to make Jamaica a cohesive and just society where everyone can live, work and raise their family.

J-FLAG was launched on December 10, 1998 as Jamaica’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights advocacy group by twelve business people, educators, lawyers, public relations practitioners and human rights activists to advocate for protection from state-sanctioned and community violence. In this regard, J-FLAG’s call was for the fair and equal treatment of gays and lesbians under the law and by the ordinary citizen.

Thirteen years ago there were more dancehall and reggae artistes singing homophobic songs, more persons right to life was being violated because of their sexual orientation, the Commissioner of Police would never instruct police officers to respect the rights of all civilians, regardless of their sexual preference, political representatives would never meet with us and publicly support LGBT rights, the media would never openly advocate the repeal of the buggery law, and HIV programmes were not catering to the needs of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Today, 7% of HIV/AIDS organisations in Jamaica are working with MSM, more and more research is being done on homosexuality and homophobia in Jamaica, there are social and entertainment spaces that are friendly and for LGBT people and there are more than five LGBT focussed organisations and many support groups across the island.

The truth is more of us are realizing that human rights belong to every one of us without exception and more of us are promoting this concept. However, unless we know them, unless we demand that they be respected, and unless we defend our rights to love and care for each other without distinction, these rights will be just words in a decades-old documents.

However, despite our progress over the years, this year alone J-FLAG received more than sixty reports of murder, mob attacks, extortion, home evictions and verbal and physical abuse. Tomorrow is Human Rights Day, and as Hon. Rudyard Spencer said on December 1, 2011 at the Leaders’ Breakfast on HIV and AIDS, “we should not ignore the cries of those who continue to suffer because we fail to do what is right. It is time to be courageous and to be strong. It is time to usher our country to into a new day where justice, liberty and freedom prevail for all.” It is important that we begin recognizing and respecting the rights and beliefs of others.

J-FLAG strongly believes that the next government must take the steps needed to promote tolerance and respect for human rights, regardless of, inter alia, sexual orientation and protect LGBT persons from abuse. Already the United Nations Human Rights Committee has instructed the government to report by the end of 2012 on the steps it will take to come into full compliance with its human rights obligations. We stand ready to assist our government on issues of concern to many Jamaicans with respect to the rights of the LGBT community.

Here are five concrete things the leaders of both political parties can do if they form the next government and can easily accomplish within a year. These are:

· Taking Leadership for Human Rights,

· Promoting Equality and Non-Discrimination,

· Tackling Crime and Violence,

· Integrating Sexuality Issues within Gender Policy and

· Ensuring Every Child Learn in Safe Schools.

These will have a welcome and meaningful impact on the lives of all citizens, including LGBT Jamaicans, their family, friends and allies. J-FLAG stands ready to support the government in demonstrating its commitments to protect and promote the human rights of all Jamaicans, regardless of their socio-economic status, sexual orientation, health status, disability, work, and political and religious persuasions.

For further information contact:

Dane Lewis

Executive Director
P.O. Box 1152, Kingston 8, Jamaica
T: (876) 978-8988 | M: (876) 875 2328 | F: (876) 946-3244
W: www.jflag.org | E: admin@jflag.org
Follow us @equality_JA on Twitter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/J-Flag/96340216669

ENDS

Glaring realities:

Sadly no mention of the two murdered lesbians who were taken from us tragically just this month as well or the other same gender loving female issues that abound which more and more confirms the belief it's a man's world when it comes to LGBT advocacy in Jamaica

No recognition of the introspective activities by a small group who did an expose on LGBT business and culture in a Pride Fest to which the J was invited to participate in and of which they ignored

No mention of the overall health and or concern of the homeless community lest we forget earlier this year some of them launched a two day civil disobedience action August 23rd and 24th at the parent NGO office that being Jamaica AIDS Support (for Life), where there was open defiance to the Exec Director when he and the former Crisis Intervention Officer tired to engage the angry men, two days of shame for us as thinking people, the men were banned from the groups before the action and then the structure turned around and hypocritically asked the nation for tolerance in the now rejected tolerance ad, credibility lost other methods have been employed since to agitate for rights or the decriminalization of buggery, a call I support but not without a proper ethical base from which to speak.

Still no serious look at transgender issues overall during the year even with the death of two of the most prominent ones, a suspicious voting process for trans representatives for the former Global Fund CCM for Round 11, their website still has not shown any serious moves towards this population as a matter of public record, their version of Jamaican transgender news is a Wikipedia link as evidenced below:

Lack of serious frontline interventions and presence ISLANDWIDE not just a Kingston office is URGENTLY needed especially with regards to a more younger active LGBT community

Interest seems to be more on the international stage, governmental battling and suring up image than dealing with inter and intra community issues which is a longstanding criticism from several sections of the community and is spreading slowly as persons begin to evaluate where we are as a people.

To say that HIV programs are not catering to the msm population is disingenuous as JFLAG is parented by the oldest NGO in the field of HIV Jamaica AIDS Support for Life founded by and still run by very powerful and influential MSMs along with other persons and who have direct access to the community if they so desire which makes us question the reasons for such groups existence now, simply documenting incidences and or allotting a couple thousand dollars to victims is NOT enough, still there are no resident psycho social services as spread out in any meaningful islandwide framework with real cooperation not selected friends., it is for the greater good of the community that the work is to be done.

There is so much that is just not in place for proper representation too numerous to list here but with the cogs of HIV, funding and other interventions gateways jealously guarded by elements linked to the J we may never see any true serious and proper coverage islandwide especially in the area of frontline work. I guess we are going to be told there is no money for what we are expecting. That I totally disbelieve having participated in fundraising action on behalf of the J. With the Obama administration in the US pledging more support and conditionalities to countries for aid with regards to LGBT rights and support for advocacy groups as well some are expecting that the J will benefit seeing the connections they have to the consulate locally, it is with great interest a few including myself are watching to see if and when such funds become available if we won't see major improvements in advocacy and intervention work with real forumatic activity.

Wake up J, we are expecting far more than this after 13 years seeing that dissenting voices are not engaged or ignored so read what some feel on independent media. I do not think major JFLAG founders like the late Brian Williamson or even some alive today do approve or would have approved of the direction we are heading, the silence from the ones alive albeit some are living overseas is also troubling. They seem to be only majoring in scoring asylum seekers access overseas and a late in coming counseling line by an external associate in ASHE supposedly opened on Fridays to Sundays on 294-1111. One hopes the old accusations of the phone counselors in a previous dispensation were hitting on some of the callers every now and again don not resurface.

more here in my audio commentary:

JFLAG 13 years but expectations are higher in some quarters 09.12.11 by glbtqja4

Peace and tolerance

Should gays serve in Parliament? ...... Under certain conditions, new candidates say (Observer)

2011-12-04T13:39:00.001-05:00

(From left) Dr Winston Green, the PNP’s candidate for St Mary South East, makes a point at the Observer Monday Exchange at the newspaper’s Beechwood Avenue offices last week, while other fresh candidates on the election campaign trail, the PNP’s Leonard Green, the JLP’s Camile Buchanan and Keith Blake listen attentively. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Read more:

FORMER prime minister Bruce Golding's infamous 'Not in my Cabinet' statement to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in 2009 when pressed about gays in Jamaican representational politics, ignited fiery discussion on the previously taboo subject which drew widespread reaction.

Golding came out forcefully in the BBC interview, stating that he would not allow known homosexuals to be a part of his Cabinet, a sentiment lauded for the most part in Jamaica, but shredded in parts of Britain and the United States, countries that are tolerant to such sexual conduct.

The thorny, yet delicate issue of showing tolerance to politicians with homosexual or gay tendencies has become more topical in recent years, with claims of irregular conduct among members on both sides of the Jamaican political fence.

Three aspiring parliamentarians in the upcoming general election have said that unless it can be proven that homosexuals were using their behaviour in an offensive way, and their conduct could be proven beyond the shadow of a doubt, it should not prevent them from entering the Jamaican Parliament.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for the redefined St Catherine East Central constituency, Camile Buchanan, along with People's National Party (PNP) representatives, Leonard Green — who will be the face of the party in St Thomas West — and his namesake, Dr Winston Green — the PNP's point man in St Mary South East — agree that homosexuals have the right to choose their sexual paths and should not be persecuted and prevented from serving nationally, as long as they conform to the laws of the land.

“I do believe that it's your personal life,” Buchanan told Observer editors and reporters at this paper’s Monday Exchange last week.

“However you choose to live, it is entirely up to you. I think if you are representing your party and the country and not representing your sexuality, that is fine with me. It is your personal choice. Who you really choose to sleep with is not my business,” said Buchanan, the former chief executive officer of Caymanas Track Limited, who will be challenging the young PNP attorney, Arnaldo Brown.

Petrol station operator, haulage contractor and farmer, Leonard Green, said that he would not aggressively oppose homosexual behaviour, as long as citizens who are so inclined, operated under certain terms.

“My position is simple. Every citizen has privileges under the law. If there is no law preventing this (homosexuality) and if the person is not in breach of any law, then I have no problem at all.

“If however, the laws that exist are against certain behaviour, then I couldn't sanction it at the highest level of the land,” said Green, who will go up against the JLP's deputy leader James Robertson, whose United States visitor's visa was cancelled last April for unknown reasons.

Green is firm in his view that punishment should be handed down to offenders if proof is found that Jamaican law has been breached.

“If you find out and know and it is proven that the person is doing this, then there should be action,” Green said.

For his part, dental surgeon, Dr Winston Green, said that homosexuals had the right to choose the way they wanted to live, as long as they do not break the law.

“Where do we go from here? Is it that at some time we are going to say no Catholic can be a representative (in Parliament), or no Pentecostal?

“A person's private life - how does that affect his ability to represent? It's not that he is convicted of something and it's against the law. How would you prove that he is operating against the law in private?

“What about the person who uses drugs, smokes ganja for example and you cannot prove it?” Dr Green asked.

The fourth guest at the meeting, the JLP's representative for St Catherine South East, Keith Blake, did not offer a view.

ENDS

My two cents:

I consider this article's position as frankly a non issue and a smoke screen in a sense to continue to perpetuate institutionalized homophobia. Why would there need to be special conditions for LGBT people if they should serve and serve openly at that in a country such as ours? We all know somewhere in the back if our minds that persons have already served who are gay or at least involved in same sex activity, lest we forget it was some time ago a Jamaica Labour Party councillor found himself in trouble with the law on a serious charge of buggery, not to mention the rumour mill by local standards that if it doesn't go as is whispered then it is true that certain names are in gay activity.

Why this fear of us, do persons think we are going to try to find every available excretory orifice to plug with out penises or vice versa in our supposedly over sexed lives and veracious sexual appetite, as many think we have far more sex than heterosexuals. And why should sexual orientation be a criteria for serving ones country? this comes close to the debate in the United States don't ask don't tell policy in the military but we have many examples of LGBT people serving in government businesses around the world and even a transgender representative in France recently who offered herself as a candidate for a leadership race.

also see: French transgender woman hopes to run for president

and

All smiles: The election of Robert Biedron (left) and Anna Grodzka (right) first transgender member of parliament in poland shows how far the notorious Roman Catholic country of Poland has come in social change Read more HERE: Europe's first transsexual MP takes her seat in Polish parliament

Elio Di Rupo the man tipped to be Belgium's next PM is openly gay , they would become the 2nd country to have one, Iceland is the 1st way back in 2003. The small European country has shared its neighbours’ economic woes over the past several years. A year and a half has gone by since it’s last national election without a government being formed. But now the majority Dutch speaking country has settled on a Prime Minister, a French speaking son of Italian immigrants

Johanna Sigurdardottir, named as Iceland's prime minister on Sunday, is the first openly lesbian head of government in Europe, if not the world - at least in modern times. The then 66-year-old's appointment as an interim leader in February, until their elections in May 2009 was seen by many as a milestone for the gay and lesbian movement. According to reports at the time few Icelanders were worried about her orientation SEE HERE The successful ones have not damaged society or become drunk with power and run afoul of protocol to "infect" others around them or infuse ideology so much so to cause or topple so called values held by the majority. Lets us not forget the several US gay representatives from both the Democrats and even the republican sides.

As far as Bruce Golding's Not In My Cabinet rant is concerned that was just a political move out of expediency to sure up support soon after winning a small majority in our parliament and he got the right stage via the BBC's Hardtalk to do it as watched by millions around the world. As for "....homosexuals using their behaviour in an offensive way..." what about heterosexuals who abuse their power to impressionable minds or the gun culture previous so called honourable men in the houses of parliament have aided greatly to stain our psyche and nation with? thus impeding our growth over these many years.

See what you make of it readers.

Peace and tolerance

Big AIDS fight boost - Ja gets US$3.8 million from US$7-b fund

2011-12-02T06:21:00.001-05:00

Submissions to end stigma under review, says Health Minister Spencer

THE United States Government has committed US$3.8 million from its worldwide fund of US$7 billion to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in Jamaica for 2011, US Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater announced yesterday.

The money is allocated under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which the ambassador said is “the largest commitment of any nation” to fighting HIV/AIDS. PEPFAR was launched in 2003 by then US President George W Bush.

Ambassador Bridgewater, in making the announcement at a function to commemorate World AIDS Day at the United States Embassy in Kingston, emphasised the importance of reducing stigma against most at-risk populations, which experts say drives the number of persons living with HIV in Jamaica underground.

The US ambassador said in Jamaica most of the focus was placed on reducing stigma against at-risk populations, counselling, education, the provision of HIV tests and medication. She said a number of small grants have been made to local organisations from a part of PEPFAR administered by her office, particularly to address stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS. “We won’t be successful in our efforts without focusing on stigma and discrimination,” she said.

Recent grantees from the ambassador’s HIV Prevention Programme are ‘quick impact’ and community-based projects, including Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, the Women’s Resource & Outreach Centre, St Patrick’s Foundation, Eve for Life Jamaica, the Jamaica Red Cross and Children First.

According to UNAIDS estimates, Jamaica is one of the more heavily affected countries in the Caribbean, with an estimated HIV prevalence rate of 1.7 per cent or 32,000 persons living with the virus.

However, much higher rates of HIV are found among most at-risk populations — men who have sex with men at 31.8 per cent, and sex workers at 4.9 per cent, based on 2008 figures from the Ministry of Health.

In the meantime, Health Minister Rudyard Spencer said yesterday that the draft submissions to amend the Public Health Order to remove discriminatory provisions relating to HIV/AIDS has been completed and submitted for review.

The minister was speaking at a World AIDS Day Leadership Breakfast at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston, one of several activities planned to commemorate World AIDS Day.

“Those amendments represent a clear and practical demonstration of this Government’s commitment to address stigma and discrimination against persons infected and affected by HIV and AIDS,” Spencer said.

The minister said that the participation of the Government and ‘non-state actors’ in the communities, churches and the boardroom, was necessary to securing the national agenda for HIV/AIDS. The agenda is to have zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths under the United Nations’ ‘Getting to Zero’ campaign, which will end in 2015.

“It will take much more than legislative and regulatory changes to effectively reduce stigma and discrimination. But government has a moral obligation to lead and to act. Government has a fundamental responsibility to protect and safeguard the human rights of every single citizen of Jamaica,” Spencer said.

ENDS

As I asked on my Facebook profile:

"Why is there silence on this year's msm study figures/why the hush? and I bet we gonna still see the our community getting overlooked with very little frontline work and specially tailored prevention messages for msms as bareback sex seems to be growing on us .................."

Nice gratuitous speeches by ministers we have heard before.

also on audio on World AIDS Day 2011 I commented:

World AIDS Day 2011 Concerns by glbtqja4

Meanwhile a full paged ad appeared in the Gleaner on December 1 (partially scanned seen below) from an organization I presume named The Isaachar Foundation of whom we know very little about so far with their motto "Confronting The Culture ... one mind at a time" of course sizing up the high infection rates in the men who have sex with men populations as their fault, they also made reference to France having no sodomy laws since 1791 while having staggering rates of infection.

Let us continue to watch. Also see Gay Jamaica Watch

Peace and tolerance

Nigeria's anti-gay marriage bill issues

2011-11-30T20:38:00.001-05:00

Human rights and gay activists until now have kept a low profile regarding the attempt by Nigerian lawmakers to promote Africa's most draconic bill limiting the rights of sexual minorities. They did not want to give the promoters publicity. But now, as lawmakers are getting serious on the bill, a wave of protests is reaching Nigeria.

The controversial bill, entitled the "Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act", would imprison anyone who speaks out or forms a group supporting lesbian and gay people's rights, and would silence virtually any public discussion or visibility around lesbian and gay lives in Nigeria.

In its last published version, the draconian bill would impose a five-year prison sentence on anyone who "goes through the ceremony of marriage with a person of the same sex." Anyone, including a priest or cleric, who "performs, witnesses, aids or abets the ceremony of same sex marriage," would face the same sentence.

But the bill goes even beyond that to punish any positive representation of or advocacy for the rights of Nigeria's lesbians and gays. Anyone "involved in the registration of gay clubs, societies and organisations, sustenance, procession or meetings, publicity and public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly in public and in private," would be subject to the same sentence.

The legislation was first introduced in January 2006 by Nigeria's Minister of Justice, Bayo Ojo. But it has been lying dormant for months in the National Assembly as Nigerian politicians are gearing up for nationwide elections in April this year.

Human rights and gay activists in Nigeria during last year kept a remarkable low profile on the bill, although knowing it could seriously change the climate in the country. Their strategy proved to be wise. Without loud protest action from the gay community, the bill would get little attention in global and national media, making politicians lose their interest as personal conflicts were bound to surface ahead of this year's elections.

But in January this year, the silence was broken. The prominent British gay activist Peter Tatchell and his group OutRage! suddenly launched an international appeal to human rights groups worldwide "to take urgent action to press the Nigerian government to uphold international human rights law and to drop this draconian legislation." The silence was broken.

And the dead-believed bill suddenly resurfaced from Nigerian lawmakers' drawers. African gay rights groups were furious. "Stay out of African Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI) issues," several prominent activists wrote to Mr Tatchell. "You have proven that you have no respect for conveying the truth with regards to Africa or consulting African LGBTI leaders before carrying out campaigns that have severe consequences in our countries. You have betrayed our trust over and over again," the letter went on.

The case was given much attention in the British press as a reaction to "neo-colonial" behaviour by UK groups and Mr Tatchell shortly thereafter withdrew his appeal. But Pandora's box had already been opened. Also, the gay activists' hitherto successful strategy of silence was made known through the press, reaching Nigerian lawmakers.

On 14 February, the Women Affairs and Youth Committee of Nigeria's House of Representatives held a hearing on the "Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act" - the first real development in the bill's tabling for one year. Most observers in Nigeria hold that the parliament is likely to pass the bill in a speedy process before the April elections.

Therefore, human rights and gay activists rapidly have had to change their strategy to prevent the extremely homophobic bill to be accepted. Since this week, loud protests are called for from all organisations and lobbyists are trying to make foreign governments put pressure on the Nigerian parliament.

Yesterday, the New York-based group Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a strong-worded protest against the "sweepingly homophobic bill". According to HRW's Scott Long, "this law strikes a blow not just at the rights of lesbian and gay people, but at the civil and political freedoms of all Nigerians. If the National Assembly can strip one group of its freedoms, then the liberties of all Nigerians are at risk."

At the same time, a group of more than 250 US Christian leaders issued a statement headed "persecution and hatred are not Christian values." The message was clear: "Whether in Nigeria or in the United States, the Christian value of human dignity for all is paramount. We call upon the government of Nigeria to respect basic human dignity and reject the persecution of lesbians and gays by withdrawing the proposed law."

Last week, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) issued a report documenting how Nigerian homosexuals reacted to the bill. The report provided personal accounts of homophobic attacks, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and increased levels of homophobia that "have already begun as a result of the introduction" of the bill. IGLHRC called on Nigerian authorities to remember their commitments to global human rights standards.

The UN is confirming that the activists have a good case when saying Nigerian lawmakers would counter their country's international commitments if approving the bill. A panel of UN human rights experts issued a statement last week, expressing "deep concern" about the draft. "Provisions of the draft bill discriminate against a section of society, are an absolutely unjustified intrusion of an individual's right to privacy and contravene Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," the assessment said.

"We note with concern that same-sex relationships are already prohibited and criminalised in Nigeria and carry the death penalty," the UN experts said, holding that even existing legislation was violating global human rights standards. In addition to discrimination and persecution on the basis of sexual orientation, the new bill "contains provisions that infringe freedoms of assembly and association and imply serious consequences for the exercise of the freedom of expression and opinion."

As the wide-ranging consequences of the bill are becoming known, more and more protests are being formulated. Today, even the Toronto-based press freedom watchdog International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) voiced its concern about the bill, noting it "will imprison those who speak out, show, or organise support for lesbian and gay rights" if approved. This again would generally undermine freedom of expression.

There is only very limited hope that activists will be able to prevent the bill from being approved. But even if successful, gay activists must note that another big battle is already lost - that of Nigerian homosexuals' acceptance in society. According to the IGLHRC report, many Nigerians are acting like the bill has already been passed. It cites recent attacks on gay men in Abuja and the expulsion of cadets from a national military academy.

source

Nigeria Same Sex Marriage Bill-final

Butch women interviewed on national television ...... lesbophobia, enlightenment or both?

2011-11-24T20:11:00.001-05:00

There is a popular saying here in Jamaica: "What is joke to you is death to me" and while the interview on butch identified or stud identified women here looks light on the surface it is a reflection of the subtle lesbophobia fast making its way very public day by day. As gender roles literally switch with aesthetics changes with Jamaican men becoming far more effeminate or at best openly metrosexual while the opposite is true for some same gender loving women.

As seen in the clip especially the last scene with the woman in blue on the bike was labelled as "he/she" suggesting a kind of open discrimination hidden via a joke on television. Jamaicans in general are usually shy on camera so the interviewee may not have even gleaned at first she was being stigmatised cutely and openly so, I bet if she was shown the clip for review afterwards she would have reacted differently.

In part II the more serious side came out where the "bun out" issue/anti gay feelings came through in the first few minutes and why were the women labelled cross dressers? the interviewer was keen on getting the reactions of the women and several times juxtaposing the correlation to lesbianism. The Sodom issue was introduced when the original question was about aesthetics and clothes with gender roles not sexual orientation even though the two can hardly be divorced these days with profiling a major concern, clearly the sensationalism cue is what sells the topic. The persons interviewed also played into the hands of the WAG microphone holder she even described them as butch while openly flirting with an interviewee while asking for her number!. The last few minutes for example the woman in blue was outed literally as she answered to the WAG interviewer who was her female friend? she answered it was someone who was on her street, meaning she is a lesbian like herself, again if she was shown the video after I am sure she may have regretted answering in the manner she did. The things one can get one to say on camera.

The proverbial hatred of men connection to same gender loving women was also infused suggesting that lesbians become so due to previous issues with men so they "switch" a few persons condemned lesbianism clearly when asked problem is we never saw what was actually asked, so we are not sure if the word "lesbian" was included in the question. Good to see however the ease in which the interviews were done in the sometimes problematic Half Way Tree area, remembering that a lesbian was stabbed in the same area some years ago, she now resides in Canada.

Subtle lesbophobia or a middle ground for the issues relating to same gender loving women and the perceptions of homosexual life?

Given the national furore now dying down from what was viewed as threat to withdraw aid from countries with anti buggery laws and the pressure to decriminalize buggery, at least lesbians get there time to shine as the more male dominated advocacy structure hardly ever recognise or openly discuss lesbian issues when batty business supersedes all else. Lesbo-invisibility? Lesbians never had so much issues over the years but in 2007 there was a spike in incidence towards same gender loving women in terms of the often referred to African phenomenon corrective rape and violent attacks that thankfully have since subsided somewhat.

After the comfort level of lesbians has rubbed some the wrong way in recent times, headlines such as this made news there are clubs that do allow same sex activity though limited to females only and very structured in some instances.

while other women have suffered greatly as seen here in June 2008 when this home was picketed by residents in a St. Catherine housing scheme.

Residents Jeer & Picket Women’s Home

their car tyres were also deflated. Let us watch and be vigilant everyone.Stay strong sisters.

Peace and tolerance

H

WAG videos are the property of Media Planners Jamaica and are placed here soley for academic and public discourse reasons.

Men rushed in New Kingston .... police hold 4

2011-11-18T10:01:00.001-05:00

As news and pictures from last night's scene at Trafalgar Square in New Kingston, the same square that was in the news earlier this year and before where homeless msms gather at nights and where a taxi driver had rescued some cross dressers over a year ago. Above see the remnants of a cross dressers outfit left on the scene Reports from key influentials in and associated with the group suggest that threats have been issued by men in and around New Kingston and from a particular popular supermarket staff who have clashed with some of the homeless populations before by throwing stones and other debris at them while passing and verbally assaulting them.

Trafalgar square on a sunny day

Other more serious threats have been issued based on the grapevine where it is said that a kind of fatwa has been declared that one of the homeless men especially the cross dressers must be eliminated by December of this year, repetitive insults have been issued and were said to be on the increase. On my sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch only a few days ago I posted problems with the homeless msms in downtown Kingston and other issues to do with poor frontline advocacy from our representatives.

Last night's episode was said to have commenced around 8pm where the friends had gathered at a particular regular spot, which I have also been to before, they were said to have been pounced upon by passers-by and argument ensued following a brawl followed, police were summoned and unfortunately the queens and their friends were taken to the Half Way Tree police where they have been on holding since last evening, the group tried to explain their situation to the cops but their attempts failed and they were rounded up after things became tense at the spot.

Almost fifteen minutes before the creation of this post I managed to have spoken to one of the men through an influential who informed me that the other three men were already processed but were still held and he was waiting his turn. I deduced from the brief exchange that apparently their more masculine aesthetic/presentation has led to an issue of profiling by the cops as they were deemed suspects in a series of robberies in the New Kingston and Half Way Tree areas recently. Police have been known to frequently stereotype and profile men who supposedly fit a certain gangster description linked to criminal activity generally. Thankfully this one never turned out worse, we wait to see if they will be released.

an old Jamaica Observer pic/story on homeless msms in 2011

This matter of a lack of interest by our advocates towards this languishing population glaring yet again, as we see however they couldn't care less about this population and almost echo sentiments that come very more contemptuous sections of the LGBT community that they are hopeless and cannot or do not need help. Happenings on the international stage, public relations smooth overs and ceremony are far more important than dealing with lives interrupted when they know fully well that they have access to the cogs of HIV and LBGT advocacy funding which can go a far way in helping to assist these sometimes aimless, low self esteemed, displaced or homeless men. The repealing of the buggery law is inextricably linked to this issue whether we want to believe it or not.

also see the hypocrisy on homelessness in the MSM community

The dark side to the homeless issue ..............

and

Doing 'business' in New Kingston ... Jamaica Observer on MSM Homelessness ..... JFLAG should be ashamed

MEN RUSHED AND BEATEN IN NEW KINGSTON

SHOTS FIRED AT HOMELESS GAYS IN KINGSTON, HOMELESS SITUATION SPIRALING OUT OF CONTROL

MSMS RESCUED BY TAXI DRIVER

HOMELESS MSMS HARRASSED ON STREETS BY POLICE

this was the spot across from the park that this CVM TV report was made earlier this year

The rest of us feel almost helpless and angered in a sense as our little private informal crisis interventions cannot dent the problems associated with this issue as it requires far more professional help and psycho social work, some of the men have been assisted by concerned influentials who have literally housed them in their home but the sash as shown struned on the ground in the pic above was owned by one of the Miss World LGBT 2011 contestants who in my view had no business on the streets with that article of the event.

Also on November 14, 2011 I also posted recent concerns and issues with other displaced men on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch:

Homelessness/Displacement problems again .........

Only two days ago November 16 we had International Day of Tolerance where I raised my continued concern for this population:

International Day for Tolerance 16.11.11 my concerns of our state by glbtqja3

Peace and tolerance

Church will not compromise on homosexuality (Observer Letter)

2011-11-17T09:20:00.001-05:00

As the silly season as I call it is on again on us as is whenever homosexuality makes the mainstream news we see misinformed misconstrued arguments damning supposed imposing homosexuals to hell just because (this time) there is agitation for consensual buggery to be opened up. It is very interesting that these holy luminaries never extend an invitation to attend church then or commune with the saints then seeing we are so sinful and need redemption.

Isn't the churches role to win souls for the kingdom whoever and whatever sins that soul has is of no importance?

Have a read of the letter from the Observer:

Church will not compromise on homosexuality

Dear Editor,

At times one has to look beyond achievements and positions in a person's life to debunk their arguments. For example, take this quote from Sir Ronald Sanders' column in the November 13 Sunday Observer on the subject of homosexuals' rights in the Caribbean. "Caribbean governments face serious difficulties over this issue. There is a strong prejudice in societies based on both a lack of education and reluctance to engage the issue in public fora. The Churches in the Caribbean are the most unyielding, constraining political parties from adopting a more enlightened and modern-day view of the matter." Is this a matter of facts or only the highly esteemed gentleman's opinion? I am sure there is nothing wrong if someone is prejudiced to something that is considered wrong.

In Sir Ronald's opinion, Caribbean people lack education. That's an insult to the moral intelligence of our people. No one is burning homosexuals at the stake. The dictates of our conscience tell us it is wrong to practise homosexuality because it's against the enduring moral law of God. Maybe the belief in the Creator isn't something that goes well with this enlightened gentleman. We who are of the household of faith have no hesitation to believe that God's words are eternal and truthful. The church's mandate is to preach the good news of the gospel, which is to tell the world about the saving grace that's found when you believe in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. The Bible also warns that practising homosexuals will not be a part of God's kingdom. Should the church compromise to please modern or post-modern view on homosexuality? The church of Jesus Christ will never bow to any such pressure, because we serve the true and living God. We love the homosexual sinners and pray that they will atone for their sins, but embracing the act would be like playing Russian roulette with your eternal soul. The talk of money and aid from developed countries is just a bait for us to be trapped in this morass of deviant behaviour. Let us cast off all vestige of master and servants and stand as a united people, willing to chart our own course in this world and let no one enslave our minds.

In Sir Ronald's opinion, Caribbean people lack education. That's an insult to the moral intelligence of our people. No one is burning homosexuals at the stake. The dictates of our conscience tell us it is wrong to practise homosexuality because it's against the enduring moral law of God. Maybe the belief in the Creator isn't something that goes well with this enlightened gentleman. We who are of the household of faith have no hesitation to believe that God's words are eternal and truthful. The church's mandate is to preach the good news of the gospel, which is to tell the world about the saving grace that's found when you believe in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. The Bible also warns that practising homosexuals will not be a part of God's kingdom. Should the church compromise to please modern or post-modern view on homosexuality? The church of Jesus Christ will never bow to any such pressure, because we serve the true and living God. We love the homosexual sinners and pray that they will atone for their sins, but embracing the act would be like playing Russian roulette with your eternal soul. The talk of money and aid from developed countries is just a bait for us to be trapped in this morass of deviant behaviour. Let us cast off all vestige of master and servants and stand as a united people, willing to chart our own course in this world and let no one enslave our minds.

Ray G Stennett
ray4rs2000@aol.com

ENDS

I will try to respond via email and also send the writer my audio commentary on the legality so to speak of homosexuality:

Homosexuality is Not Illegal in Jamaica .... Buggery is despite the persons gender 12.11.11 by glbtqja6

Clearly as I have been repeating we, the LGBT community have serious misconceptions about what is legal versus what is being asked for. And to think homosexuality is always held up as the worse sin above all others, why is that?

The six or so passages that speak against homosexuality were never said by God or Jesus himself and for all we know we don't have any other passages at this time in the present version of the Bible or what may have been left out by the Council of Nicea in Rome when they were putting the first draft of the good book together . When Constantine Emperor then in Rome when this council was put together entered the church it was not as a penitent seeking God’s grace. He entered as the "Pontifex Maximus," Chief Religious Ruler. The faithful bishops were divested of authority when they did not consent to what Constantine ultimately decided was correct or usable for the empire. Truth was not the criteria.

What Constantine wanted was a united front for his new found state religion. He had plenty of division and divisiveness under the pagan rule with three thousand gods.
He wanted a united front to parade before the nation and was ready to cast out from religious authority all that would not bow the knee to his decisions. Hence bishops such as Arius and his associates were put down and lost voice in the spiritual heavens as they were "cast" to "the earth."

Who is the "third part"? We are schooled in fractions and in our schooling one-third denotesa proportional part of a whole. Scripture does not fit into that mold. In Zechariah 13:8, 9 we read: "And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

"And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people."

In other words judge not! and do not use the word to conveniently suit your own gains. Let the spirit guide you, if we are to be with him (God) then so be it, let him be our final judge. If we are to deal with this issue it's going to take level heads, if the writer is worried about outward displays of affection the culture will fix that, if we are worried about paedophilia mistakenly thought committed from adult male homosexuals then more enlightenment is required on the writer's part. The vast number of gay/bi males in Jamaica are disinterested in children or little boys and are more nurturing if one just asks without any moves to inappropriate sexual contact with a minor, NOT all same sex paedophilia cases are committed by same sex attracted men, in fact most perpetrators as we are told by the experts are heterosexual with deeper psychological scarring from some episode in their past that translates into sexual activity with prepubescent persons with the motivator being control and the dominance over a victim who offers the least resistance.

Peace and tolerance

Shirley Richards & The Jamaican UK Foster Parents (The Johns) on Love 101 FM ............. on buggery

2011-11-13T09:08:00.001-05:00

Mr and Mrs Johns (Above) had said they could not tell a child homosexuality was an acceptable lifestyle

A Christian couple opposed to homosexuality had lost a battle over their right to become foster carers earlier this year in the UK.

Eunice and Owen Johns, 62 and 65, from Derby, both Jamaicans who moved to the UK said the city council did not want them to look after children because of their traditional views.

The pair, who are Pentecostal Christians, say they were "doomed not to be approved". they appeared alongside Lawyers' Christian Fellowship spokesperson anti sodomy laws decriminalization advocate Shirley Richards. The topic of discussion aired on the Love FM 101 weekly program sponsored by the Jamaica Theological Seminary was the recent comment and or threat by the United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron on the withdrawal of aid to countries who do not remove or repeal anti sodomy/buggery laws on their books.

Miss Eunice Johns one half of a Jamaican couple who have lived in the United Kingdom for just over forty years said that the couple wanted to continuing running their foster care activity while they were full time employed in total they fostered around fifteen children from the early nineties. They had another business outside of that which was short lived so in 2006 the couple decided to foster care as a business but when they went to sign up and go through the legal wranglings they were naive to the sexual orientation law, " ...we didn't know there was a sexual orientation act ...." she continued " we were so naive and so is a lot of Christians, we seem to think that politics has nothing to do with us, well politics has everything to do with us because its affecting us as parents, we applied to foster just to be told we had to go the line of an assessment and while we were going down there was a question, no it wasn't a question it was a scenario, they the, the social worker er um put a scenario to us she said, what if a child of eight comes to you and tell you they were homosexual what would you tell them? so I said I don't think a child of eight would know their sexuality but they said yes, so I said well I couldn't tell a child of eight that it is alight to be homosexual, she said you would have to, you would have to tell children it's alright to be homosexual because these issues that children has when you do not explain to them what is happening and then it can mess them up later life. So I said morally and spiritually as a Christian I couldn't tell a child it's alright to be homosexual and we left it there, but this social worker was dominant that she really wanted me to say that it's alright, she even told us that even if we got through the foster care we couldn't take the children to church, we couldn't take them to church either so that's another thing and we have to tell them it's alright, so later on we decided then we didn't want that social worker anymore because we didn't like the route this was going, cause we didn't know there was a sexual orientation act, she told us later on of course and so we went to a panel and the panel, we told the panel our story that as Christians we can foster children but we cannot tell them it's alright to be homosexual cause we don't believe it ourselves so we would be telling a lie and then said, they thanked us for coming and then later on it was about two weeks later we got a letter saying thank you for withdrawing your application."

Mr. Johns was asked to add to the above and he continued that he felt bad after looking after three generations he explained how the fostering worked, He said when the orientation matter was raised he said although they were bible believing Christians they would have worked with the social worker however the law was brought in through the back door in 2006.

Shirley Richards past President of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, LCF when asked about her point of view she began by saying that people were clamouring to do what they want to do in the privacy of their bedrooms but the host interjected that the current Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that what happens in private has public effects to which Miss Richards agreed: "Absolutely, it is naive to think that is all that is wanted, in every country and you know we have one learned QC (Lord Anthony Gifford) who mentioned Ireland that in Ireland um the anti sodomy laws were repealed by his interventions but the same very thing is happening in Ireland in every country in which these laws have been repealed what has happened is that um Christians are being impacted and so for example in the United Kingdom the Catholics have had to close down their adoption agencies (host interjects - "cause they are against the whole thing of telling children ...") what I find interesting about the Johns that they didn't realise the world around them was changing until they came in contact with the system. (host - "so the system can be very big? so you realise that Christians in Jamaica and outside of and not only Christians but others who are neccesarily for if they are not aware of what is happening the thing can come on us overnight and you don't even know")

Eunice Johns agreed: "it came to England overnight, we didn't realise cause we had fostered before we had fostered 15 children we didn't know about the new sexual orientation act."

The host of the program before going to the break set up the stage for the discussion hinting to the effects on countries who have "legalized homosexuality" she also tried to present a tolerance card by saying "we are not talking about people shouldn't have their rights, we not going against people who shouldn't have their rights but what would legalization do in Jamaica, would it prevent the paedophiles from buggering our little boys?"
After the break it was instructive to hear the host of the program mention in a question she posed describing us as "The homosexuals" and "The Gays and lesbians" she said that persons were touting for the legalization of homosexuality. She again after the break repeated her stance on her version of tolerance, "I just want to make it very clear here we are not by any chance saying that if anybody knows of anybody who is involved in homosexuality they should be destroyed, they should be beaten, they should be mobbed, I've had to work with persons like that," Shirley Richards concurred "In fact we want to say that that type of response is absolutely wrong (host - "exactly") and we want to condemn it" (host - "if you know of anybody at all it is not in your right to call out for anything and want to make that very clear.") Ms Richards ended "Absolutely" The host continued in saying she lectures on mental issues and she drew inference to suicides, mental problems, HIV/AIDS high incidence and relationship problems in the same gender loving community in countries where homosexuality is legalized.

Mrs. Shirley Richards answered the following: "....one point I need to make though is that what our law penalises is anal penetration, you know, it's sodomy which is penalised by our laws in Jamaica, there is no law saying, you nuh the law just goes straight to that."
The host however either not understanding what was pointed out by Miss Shirley or that was a gratuitous move repeated a question posed before imputing that homosexuality is illegal, "Would legalizing homosexuality prevent paedophiles, because I've heard the report on the news the victims support unit that many of the little boys age 12 years old they need therapy, would would legalizing this stop anything like that?"

Shirley Richards responds: "I can't see why, I can't say that there is any direct correlation between the repeal of that law and a lessening in the incidence of abuse of minors, I can't see why, I can't see that logically that would follow, I really can't see it, what is needed is for these people, these men to be brought to justice, you know as you mentioned there is still a problem in these countries, look um there is a football coach who was who was, who was fired from his job what was it? at University of Pennsylvania, you know in a country in which there is no sodomy law, there are no sodomy laws in the states of the US and um just recently just a couple days ago he was found guilty of having   molested a number of children over the years so to say that if you repeal the buggery law that the incidence of child abuse in this particular area would go down I can't see that that would necessarily follow because it still happens in these countries in which there is no such law."

The host posed a question to the Johns who were present in studio as well: "Mr & Mrs Johns would it then mean like in Britain a man can marry a man a woman can marry a woman then who would have the children? (all laughing) Mrs Johns: "yes I know" Mr. Johns: "It's happening already, a law is coming like Elton John for instance, you know." (host - "so women soon can't find husbands,come let's talk") Mrs. Johns continued: "well yes that what happen and the Bible says go out and replenish two men cannot do that neither can two women so you know that where we know it's wrong, it is wrong the Bible tells us first and foremost that it is wrong, alot of people sometimes say that this is old testament it tells you quire clearly in the new testament that it is wrong for two man to sleep together, two men and two women to sleep together, you know cause you cannot have children, two men cannot have children and two women cannot have children."

Shirley Richards interjects: "You know what too Mrs. White (the host's name called for the first time) what they need to explain to Jamaica David Cameron needs to explain to the Jamaican people you see is why is it HIV/AIDS is still, is out of control (host - "in the countries in which...yes yes") in those countries .. maybe they need to reinstate the law (host - "France has one of the highest cases of HIV where it has been legalized for so many years") among that population among the msm population, the highest incidence."

The host, one Mrs. White asked if could we suffer and loose financial aid if we don't legalize it in Jamaica? Mr. Johns replied: "That's the problem is the government going to hear the British law? (host- "yes yes") aah if they do and the cutting of funds that means they are open for all kinds of things .. and the Bible say in Leviticus 8 that it is abomination." The host continued that the present Prime Minister that people's private actions have public effects. Miss Richards responds: "Let me tell you why (host - 'yes yes") let me give you an example of that over two years we spent approximately $594 million I think it was on just prevention of HIV/AIDS, you understand? in a country which is strapped for cash and this is just prevention you know, 594 over a two year period, when you look at it the doctors have said anal sex anal penetration ids the most efficient way of passing on the HIV/AIDS virus, shouldn't we then be warning these people against these types of activity? eeeh (host - "..and the mental pressure")

In closing the host asked the guests to give their final words:
Mr Johns: "Be more opened minded and make sure you know what's happening in the world because these are laws being brought in the back door and you just find about these things happening until the challenges, you need to be more aware."

Mrs. Johns: "As Christians out there as people in Jamaica be ye very careful because we in England alot of us as Christians sort of sit and says it doesn't affect us but it affect all of us in the end and whenever you go to get a job or anything like this so many people in jobs in England they cannot speak out against homosexuality, we were fortunate we didn't have a job, we were retired people and we could speak but there are so many people that have been muzzled in the job places, so be very careful and Christians stand up for what you believe in, stand up like the three Hebrew boys, stand up and say God will deliver." Mr. Johns intervened: " ...and we are not into gay bashing (host - "no we not we not destroying anybody, that is their right as it were.") don't go out there and do things, you know?

Shirley Richards: "Yes I would say to Jamaicans just find the ways of letting the government know of your disapproval with the repeal of the buggery laws"

Prayer by Mr. Johns ............ program ends


So we see folks we have a long way to go it seems with old misconceptions and confusing paedophilia related to us is still ripe in the minds of the traditional Christian community and some members of the legal profession.

Peace and tolerance

H

We Got hate mail ............. and an opposing article from Shirley

2011-11-12T11:39:00.001-05:00

The Gleaner gave us a weekend treat with two anti gay posturings with one from the leading voice of The Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, LCF Miss Shirley RIchards. Have a read of them both below and see what you make of them.

We Must Reject UK's Dictates

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Reaction to British Prime Minister David Cameron's threat to withhold assistance from countries that fail to legalise homosexuality seems focused on whether or not existing buggery laws should be repealed.

This completely misses the critical issue, which is not whether Jamaica's buggery laws should be repealed, but rather should we allow any other country to impose its culture, values and lifestyle choices on us or dictate terms to us because we need aid.

Implications of giving in to such external arm-twisting are far-reaching and go beyond concerns of national pride and independence, important though those are. It severely curtails our ability to adopt policies or take decisions that Jamaicans consider best in the context of local circumstances and use of available resources, as well as what is acceptable, based on our culture, values and lifestyles.

Conceding to this threat can lead to demands to abolish the death penalty; conform to European standards regarding prison facilities/care; or other such idiosyncrasies. The need to improve conditions in prisons is conceded, but this cannot be merely to conform to standards in affluent countries, but rather must consider local factors, e.g., improving education, health care; or striking a proper balance between what is spent on offenders as against provisions to support youth who have not ran afoul of the law.

Skewed view of democracy

Cameron's threat says much about his and the Western world's concept of democracy. Clearly, in their view, only the peoples of the Western world have rights to democratic choice. The only democratic right possessed by other people is to conform to or agree with the dictates imposed by Western countries. How else could he, with great moral rectitude, consider it appropriate to impose his dictates on other countries, irrespective of the views or the consent of the peoples of those countries?

I personally have a very strong aversion to homosexuality. Nonetheless, I do not support criminalising the actions of consenting adults in privacy or subjecting individual homosexuals to personal hostility and discrimination, or allowing this factor to affect personal relationships.

However, I strongly oppose efforts to sanctify this lifestyle, by asserting its moral acceptability.

KEITH MILLER

Kingston 6

ENDS

and

Jamaica Must Not Surrender Sovereignty

Shirley Richards,

Not being satisfied with the failure of the Commonwealth heads of government to arrive at a consensus on the matter of the repeal of sodomy laws within the Commonwealth, British Prime Minister David Cameron has taken the decision to withhold British aid from non-compliant nations.

Did we hear right, or were we mistaken? Is it true that our former masters are now calling on us to repeal laws that they are not in agreement with, or face the penalty? Is it that somewhere in the 1962 Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council which facilitated our independence, there remains a hidden, residual power for Britain and its allies to manipulate our legislature as it thinks fit? What did Gandhi, Nkrumah, Manley and others fight for?

The effrontery of David Cameron and his allies is incredulous! (Incidentally, If Eric Williams were around, he surely would have made it clear to members of the Commonwealth that 43 from 54 leaves nought!) Thankfully, however, the very system which the British left us contained within it the right to resistance. That very same philosophy was the driving force of the struggle for the independence of America - government depends on the consent of the governed.

As has been many times said before, the retention of the buggery law provides guidance to us as a country between that which is acceptable and that which is not, in terms of sexual behaviour. It is the legal underpinning of the survival of the tradition of the heterosexual family. It is a guide to parents, children and to our public officials in the matter of sexual affairs. How could the homosexual lifestyle be in the interest of humanity when it leads to nothingness and is fraught with dangers both for the individual and the society?

HIV transmitting out of control

What makes the effrontery worse is that the scientific literature has indicated that in Europe generally "HIV transmission seems to be out of control in the MSM population". If David Cameron was really interested in our welfare, wouldn't he be urging us, with tears in his eyes, not to repeal our laws, as it would appear that by liberalising their laws Britain and its allies have made a grave error?

What is also of grave concern is that in these countries where the laws have been liberalised, there seems to be an emerging tyranny which penalises any expression of dissent of the lifestyle, even where such dissent is expressed privately. Just last month in England, father-of-two, Adrian Smith, 54, was found guilty of misconduct by the Trafford Housing Trust and had his salary slashed by £14,000 after saying on his private Facebook page that same-sex weddings in churches would be "an equality too far".

Neil Addison, an expert in religious discrimination law and a practising barrister in England, commented on this case, saying: "When I was a child, people in England used to say, 'I can say what I like, it's a free country.' That is certainly no longer the case in Britain today."

It's a very similar situation with the abortion issue. On November 15, an employment tribunal in London will begin to hear the case of Margaret Forrester, who was sacked from her job as a mental-health worker because she had shown a pro-life booklet to colleagues that said women suffer from mental-health consequences after abortions.

It is also expected that by December 5, the British Government will lift the ban on same-sex civil-partnership ceremonies in churches. (This was what Adrian Smith was concerned about). Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone is insisting that churches would have the freedom to decide if they want to offer same-sex services. However, the fear is that even if the scheme was initially voluntary, churches that do not agree to offer the services are "likely to be put under huge pressure to change their policy by campaign groups".

Not tolerated

With all due respect to Lord Gifford, QC, the situation seems to be the same in Ireland. At the time sodomy was decriminalised in 1995, it was argued by the homosexual lobby that they simply wanted to be left alone. However, since then, the lobby has grown into 'a rights industry', and now any criticism or even questioning of them and their continuous demands is not tolerated.

On Sunday, October 30, journalist Eamon Delaney, writing in Ireland's leading newspaper, the Irish Independent, referred to the "insatiable demands" of the homosexual advocates "for more and more recognition and identity". Mr Delaney expressed the concern that this will "eventually alienate mainstream opinion." http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/loud-and-proud-gays-want-to-take-over-rest-of-society-2920975.html.

It is just a matter of time before persons who hold contrary views on both the issue of homosexuality and abortion will have to flee Europe and the United States in search of safe haven. (Déjà vu?)

At the same time, however, one wants to make it abundantly clear that use of violence against homosexuals is absolutely wrong and must be denounced. All allegations of violence, including violence against homosexuals, must be thoroughly investigated by our security forces with the aim of bringing perpetrators to justice.

So up, you mighty nation! Have you forgotten who you are? You are Jamaicans, for goodness sake! Within your laws as they currently are is the key for the preservation of the family, the health of nations and the survival of the human race. So do not be ashamed! Do not be intimidated! You are on solid healthy ground!

Email feedback to sprichards@cwjamaica.com.

my two cents in audio

Homosexuality is Not Illegal in Jamaica .... Buggery is despite the persons gender 12.11.11 by glbtqja6

Marcus Garvey People's Political Party MGPPP anti IMF/Govt Policy/UK Buggery decriminalization demand protest

2011-11-11T09:08:00.001-05:00

Yesterday November 10, 2011 a small peaceful demonstration was launched by the Marcus Garvey People's Political Party MGPPP around 3pm just by the intersection of Knutsford Boulevard and Trafalgar Roads nearing the British High Commission building. Due to the limits placed on public gatherings nearing or beside overseas consulates and Embassies they had to remain away from the entrance. Their main bone of contention as the signs photoed below show was the debt crisis and the IMF International Monetary Fund with the supposed pressure we are under with the latest tests results or lack thereof, public sector job cuts.

However the UK's pressure to decriminalize the Buggery Law by the withdrawal of aid threat as was proposed by their Prime Minister David Cameron were added to the agenda via the repeated shouts over a bullhorn that was rotated amongst the four man one woman team. They stayed on message for better part of the twenty minutes or so I was there.

this placard holder while having no signs speaking to buggery shouted "No Buggering" and others who rotated the bullhorn demanded that the PM do not repeal or give in the UK pressure for the Buggery Law's reformation. The other Rastafarian below also chanted anti gay slogans intermittently.

I sought a brief audience about the issue to do with the buggery law and a man of part Chinese extraction and who seemed to be the organizer of the activity and I had an exchange. He pointed out that we should continue the occupy Jamaica moves as launched before and that the country is in serious debt while we may not have money to pay government workers a sentiment recently expressed by opposition representative Peter Bunting, however it was rebutted by Finance Minister Audley Shaw two days ago that there are enough funds to carry us until the next budget due in March 2012.

He stressed that Buggery was wrong and unafrican and that we should not give in to foreign pressure and that Marcus Garvey would not have approved. He said we should default on our debt obligations to multi-laterals and development our local sectors before paying a cent over. When I asked what about the penalties for defaulting he said they would just have to understand, a similar sentiment was expressed by the occupy Half Way Tree protest recently where anti gay former talk show host Betty Ann Blaine chained herself to the guard rails by the bus bay. (see video below) The MGPPP demonstrators continued as I left for work, other passers-by took photos as well and collected their pamphlet which outlined a graph of debt we supposedly owe and other pointers about their party in brief exchanges as well. The Rastafarian personalities in the group were a bit uncultured in my view in engaging myself and my friend who accompanied me to the site but they no words like battyman or sodomite were said to our faces, they seemed to be more focused on reaching the motorists in line by the traffic lights as they darted in between cars handing out pamphlets and chanting loudly.

Interestingly in her speech about inequality she never qualified in her explanation if LGBT rights or recognition were apart of that or what she thought about the call for the decriminalization of buggery.

I am expecting more spontaneous protests like this one on the plethora of issues that seem to be on the minds of many and with the visible success of the Occupy Wall Street and our versions of the Occupy phenomenon persons are finding ways to vent. We can also seek to engage them peacefully and start or continue the respective dialogue on specifically LGBT issues with particular emphasis on sexual orientation and the buggery law's repulsion or decriminalization.

Freedom speech in full effect in Jamaica and good that the brief audience was interactive.

Peace and tolerance

H

Holness Dithering On Homosexuality ..............

2011-11-10T09:06:00.002-05:00

The following is a letter to the Gleaner and my two cents

Holness Dithering On Homosexuality

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I READ your rather detailed and eloquent editorial of the November 8, and wish to respond to same.

While some may argue that Mr Andrew Holness' ascendancy to the postof prime minister is new, I do not believe that this precludes him from being able to adequately address the issues of homosexuality and our antiquated buggery laws. However, having seen his interview with Ian Boyne on Television Jamaica's programme, Profile, it is evident that any view, or lack there of, that he may express on the subject will be dictated by political expediency.

In his effort to satisfy our bilateral and multilateral partners, the prime minister was quick to assert that he is a libertarian on the equality side, and that Jamaica must meet its human-rights obligations as mandated by the United Nations and the several conventions to which we are signatories. Mr Holness, however, dithered on the issue of repealing the buggery law in his attempt to appease the local electorate.

He made blanket statements about civil rights in the Constitution and some cryptic utterance about expanding civil rights and economic growth. He added that Jamaica's fledgling democracy must be respected and that although it may take longer, the nation has demonstrated through Parliament that it is capable of making difficult decisions regarding social changes.

Wasted opportunity

I would welcome, however, proof that Mr Holness himself cannot only make difficult decisions, but also give direct answers to difficult questions. In attempting to obfuscate the issues, he squandered a wonderful opportunity to let both the nation and our international partners know where he stands on the issue of homosexuality and our archaic buggery laws.

The prime minister cannot serve two masters, and whereas he was more cautious in his pronouncements than Mr Golding's intolerant rants on the British Broadcasting Corporation, he deliberately failed to answer the questions posited to him. One hallmark of a great leader is one willing to let his voice be heard above those of the masses, and not have it drowned out in the chorus. He should not be afraid to lead and have the rest of his Cabinet, political party and the nation, follow; even more so, as we prepare for an election and candidates will be tempted to use the issue to score political mileage.

Already, one member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Mayor Charles Sinclair, has uttered anti-homosexual remarks as he pandered to scores of party supporters in Montego Bay on the weekend. He indicated that the People's National Party has committed to the principles of dialogue,education and tolerance in respect to "dem odda man" and "mi nuh inna it".

Rather than keeping his views on the topic to himself, he excited the crowd by his intolerance for the sake of scoring cheap political points. As prime minister and the designated leader of the the JLP, I anticipate Mr Holness' swift reaction to Mr Sinclair's remarks, which have presented a golden opportunity for Mr Holness to now display that he can in fact respond to difficult situations and truly lead by example.

Nate Long

natelong88@gmail.com

ENDS

My point of view

While I agree to a lesser extent the tone of this letter and the fact that the question posed to the Prime Minister on the television program "Profile" hosted by Ian Boyne

I still contend however this debate is or was too premature on the strength of a supposed threat by British Prime Minister David Cameron to withhold aid to Commonwealth countries that still have the buggery law on their books. Problem is he never named any but it was assumed it would be African states more so due to the upsurge in anti gay activity such as the Ugandan anti gay bill which we are told is supported by big conservative interests in the United States in a form of exportation of hate.

also see: Intersections of Church and State where the connections are shown in a documentary on the issue

I would have felt more comfortable in the resolve of our rebuttals that we knew definitively that we would loose such aid and precisely why as it goes to a vital rehabilitation project as we were told by the Minister of National Security Dwight Nelson, he said on Nationwide radio recently that the particular aid went to run programs in the correctional facilities and assisted deportees to blend into general society after returning home.

More here in audio from a story published by the Gleaner entitiled "Not Ready for Gays"

On The UK Aid Removal and Holness's Reponse ........ 06.11.11 by glbtqja6

also see my report on a previous discussion on Live @ 7

CVM TV's Live @ 7 on the UK AID Withdrawal threat & responses .......

Also see more responses from the aforementioned persons and State Minister Miss Malahoo Forte on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch Reactions continue to come in on the UK's stance on AID to anti gay laws hosting nations

Ironically a letter was published in the same letter today entitled

Against Gleaner's Pro-Gay Campaign

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I stand in solidarity with all those who are in opposition to the gay lifestyle in Jamaica. The editor of The Gleaner seems to be actively engaging in gay-rights lobby of late. It is sad to see The Gleaner trying to sell to the rest of us the idea that monetary, material and economic progress should be gained by courting the wealth and power of gays, and/or pandering to the wishes of powerful nations like Britain.

I would hope that The Gleaner, the leading newspaper in this our little island home, Jamaica, will not sell out itself, but will stand firm for normal family values, and for moral rectitude, no matter the pressure from abroad or at home!

The world, indeed, is in need of men (and women) who will not be bought or sold, but it does seem that The Gleaner's 'pet' argument is to appeal to the financial gain to be had by Jamaica slowly, but surely, casting off the 'shackles' of sexual decency and normality.

I remind you, Mr Editor, that morals in Jamaica are deeply entrenched in the Christian culture (even if very many of us ignore that reality, or fail to live by its standards). This entrenched cultural reality is confirmed each time we sing the national anthem, which is a prayer to the Eternal Father of the Christian tradition, and each time we swear in our leaders and court witnesses using the Bible.

If we don't want God's influence in the affairs in our land, we should also change our national anthem, remove the Bibles from the courtrooms, find some other symbol to swear by, have no devotions in schools, discontinue national prayer breakfasts, etc. It is national hypocrisy to do otherwise and remain consistent!

DERRICK GILLESPIE

St Elizabeth

Certainly we have not heard the end of this matter.

UPDATE November 23 from GLBTQJA Wordpress

Minister confirms UK will redirect aid, not cut it, for human rights violation

Andrew Mitchell (photo) said the policy had been wrongly reported as a threat to cut aid

UK/commonwealth Aid Matter & The New Developments, no aid cuts but redirecting, ethical problems on our part - 22.11.11 by glbtqja5

also see:

NOT READY FOR GAYS ……. GAY MARRIAGE SMOKE SCREEN REINTRODUCED ……………. POLITICAL DODGING

Peace and tolerance

H

Have a referendum on homosexuality(Observer Letter) ..... but homosexuality is not illegal

2011-11-09T15:03:00.000-05:00

So as expected the backlash begins whenever homosexuality makes the mainstream news and as the calls for the decriminalization of the buggery law comes from both local and foreign quarters in various forms the homophobes and theocrats are crawling out the woodwork and putting all kinds of spins on their arguments. Chief among them is this belief that homosexuality,the attraction of same sexed individuals is illegal when it is buggery on a national level as practiced that is so.

Here is another letter in the Jamaica Observer that speaks to this confusion.

Have a referendum on homosexuality

Dear Editor,

As I observe the recent developments in our country's growth, the issue of making homosexuality legal has created a stir that causes me to give my input on the matter.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said homosexuality offends many Jamaicans. Knowing this to be more than true in a nation as homophobic as ours, it would lead to the fact that should gay activities be made legal, the crime rate would rise. Indeed, our dancehall culture over the years seems to have outlined certain protocols for treating individuals of such orientation. If they were to be allowed to practise such lifestyles, they would just become easy targets for killers.

I am familiar with the expression, "Majority rules". According to the article "Liberate Gays" by Maurice Tomlinson, gay men are estimated at 7-10 per cent of the population. Therefore, with most people rejecting the very thought of homosexuality it would seem that legalising it would be against the democratic rights of our country. A suggestion to the prime minister is that a referendum be held so the citizens can speak their views once and for all, after which the government would take the next necessary step.

Finally, being born and raised in the church, I must oppose the lifestyle on behalf of a nation that is predominantly Christian in belief. The Bible calls it an abomination (Leviticus 18:22), and in every way and form promotes sexual relations between a man and a woman. For those who like to bash the church, do so at your own pleasure - but neither does the Quran, Vedas or Torah advocate for same sex unions. After all, extremists don't blow themselves up for 72 virgin males; neither do male Hindu deities have male consorts. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Jamaica should decide what is best for its future, no matter which country threatens us, for "sin is a reproach to any people" (Genesis 19). Besides, homosexual groups in our schools have already started causing enough trouble.

Shekinah Ade-Gold
shekygold@hotmail.com

LETTER ENDS

My two cents continued:

What Jamaican Law says about Homosexuality:

Contrary to popular belief, it is not actually illegal to be homosexual in Jamaica. Being a homosexual does not contravene any of the existing laws; however, the law makes certain ‘homosexual acts’ illegal, and these laws are used to persecute gay men. They state that “acts of gross indecency” and buggery [anal sex] are illegal. Although buggery refers to anal sex between a man and another man, a woman or an animal, in practice the law is predominately enforced against two men. Lesbians are also discriminated against in the wider society, however no laws target lesbians or lesbian conduct.

Offences Against the Person Act

This act prohibits “acts of gross indecency” between males and males and females as well, in public or in private. (This is a very general term which can be interpreted to mean any kind of physical intimacy)

Article 76 (Unnatural Crime)

“Whosoever shall be convicted of the abominable crime of buggery [anal intercourse] committed either with mankind or with any animal, (males and females) shall be liable to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for a term not exceeding ten years.”

Article 77 (Attempt)

“Whosoever shall attempt to commit the said abominable crime, or shall be guilty of any assault with intent to commit the same, or of any indecent assault upon any male person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour, and being convicted thereof shall be liable to be imprisoned for a term not exceeding seven years, with or without hard labour.”

Article 78 (Proof of Carnal Knowledge)

“Whenever upon the trial of any offence punishable under this Act, it may be necessary to prove carnal knowledge, it shall not be necessary to prove the actual emission of seed in order to constitute a carnal knowledge, but the carnal knowledge shall be deemed complete upon proof of penetration only.”

Article 79 (Outrages on Decency)

“Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and being convicted thereof shall be liable at the discretion of the court to be imprisoned for a term not exceeding 2 years, with or without hard labour.”

It would do some of these writers well to research the laws before writing to the editors of these newspapers and what is even more annoying is the newspapers carry the slush whilst I agree with freedom of speech and expression we must also get the context correct and the ethical basis as to our presentations be they for or against, given the sensitivities and fragile stability involved here. It is very interesting also how quickly and conveniently the Bible or sections of it are pulled but we ignore the other abominations. Whilst also we remind our detractors that homosexuality is NOT ILLEGAL in Jamaica we best be mindful that they alongside a pandering government or administration my very well adjust the law to reflect as close as possible to it to appease the so called majority. The Prime Minister indeed said that parliament and by extension the nation must be allowed to speak on the issue without perceived interference but that future referendum barring proper discourse and intervention from an already aloof advocacy that has not postured itself well during the slower quieter years in as far as prepping the LGBT population and the public on legal, civil and community issues will have very little time to do so and very little room to maneuver as well I fear. We need to start now, pushing for rights is one but on an ignorant and phobic population is another.

Peace and tolerance

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on the UK AID Withdrawal threat on Profile

2011-11-06T22:02:00.000-05:00

In a two part episode of Profile the second to be aired next Sunday hosted by Ian Boyne Prime Minister Andrew Holness made his first major interview on Prime Time and second overall as Prime Minister on mainstream television the first being on Smile Jamaica on the same Television Jamaica Station. The Gleaner carried a headline entitled Not Ready for Gays which suggested the Prime Minister was not ready to engage the issues associated with homosexuality in Jamaica and the so called threat levelled by The United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron to withdraw aid from countries that continue to host anti buggery/sodomy laws on their books. Many like myself think that Mr. Cameron's statement may have implications on the ground as the perception is that we are being dictated to by powerful nations.

State Minister for foreign affairs Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte also of the Jamaica Labour Party had indicated that we will not be dictated to and that we are a democracy. She had also said in her short television interview that: "We are sovereign nations and each country has to be allowed room to work out issues understandably countries with an interest on an issue will bring pressure to bear on others but we are a sovereign nation and we are committed to protect our people need to work out the issues, There are a number of ways that the matter can be addressed if it is a matter that can be dealt with bilaterally then we can begin through the diplomatic channels but the issue has to be addressed from many angles there are issues on the ground that would require the input of the Jamaican people .................. it doesn't matter how many laws we legislate we cannot legislate how people think, I think its time to invest more in educating our people I think that is the more appropriate starting point but it is also important for a discussion to b started in an earnest way to deal with the real problems that arise out of this issue."

The came the million dollar question and issue as posed by Profile's Host Ian Boyne:

Ian Boyne:

"You have talked about continuity with some of the policies of the Golding administration one of the famous pronouncements of former Prime Minister Bruce Golding um... was contained in that BBC Hardtalk interview that famous Not In My Cabinet statement is that one of the policies you intend to continue? there are gay Jamaicans who believe that in the words of President Obama that they are being discriminated against because of whom they love, are you willing to look at the buggery law ?

PM Andrew Holness:

You've asked a very important question .... it's two parts ..um .. continuity is a significant code word for the investment and international financial markets it is used strictly as it relates to ensuring that our international financial partners are comfortable with the transition it eliminates uncertainty from the market and we have used that term effectively. clearly the opposition has tried to make more of it than what it really is but you will note that the recent standard and poors statement was very clear about their concern about a change of government and therefore continuity is a code that they understand very well ..... clearly for economic and fiscal policy .. that's very important, in my inaugural speech it was very clear that I took a pragmatic approach to governance I listed out all the things we have done which we have made significant achievements in which we must continue and I've also listed out things that are work in progress things that we would want to do for example advancing the micro-economic agenda for growth that's significant ..... now let's get back to your question .... I just wanted to raise this continuity issue (interspersed with Ian's push for a direct answer) we have heard the statement made by the British Prime Minister and i have to wrestle with that in my mind as to how to treat with it (Ian - "as a young transformational leader") yep, um .. and let's be clear, let me just tell you where I am, um I'm a libertarian on the social side but I'm fiscal conservative on the economic side, right, so my view on this matter is that Jamaica must meet it's human right obligation and the human rights obligations are set in the United Nations fora by conventions and by an large I believe we have done fairly well in meeting them, I think that ... particularly we have to do more for children, I think so, now .... in terms of civil rights so let's make the distinction there are human rights which are basic rights everybody has the right to life, freedom of association (Ian concurs) and the state must protect those rights and I think our police by and large have tried we have issues no doubt about human rights but anyone looking on our force will say that within the last ten years, I think, I mean we're not there yet but at least we still .... (Ian interjects "our laws still allow them to break into the homes of homosexuals and arrest them") but we're coming as I say .... and I am saying we must ..... um ... at least acknowledge that we must meet the standard of human rights. In terms of civil rights now this is the rights that the country gives in its constitution ...um right across the world there are different permutations and combinations of civil rights um Jamaica has just enshrined civil rights in the Charter of Rights .... and we are constantly engaging in the debate ... what we have to give credit to in Jamaica is that the debate is going on ...

Ian Boyne:

Are you going to look at the Buggery Law?

PM Andrew Holness:

which is what I am .... I'm building the context, somehow you think I am not answering the question (Ian: "I understand what a difficult what a difficult thing that is for a country like Jamaica") no, no, no I want you to bear with me (Ian: "Yes I will I will") I want you to to to to bear with me ....... I have to take the time to explain it, because it can be (Ian: "They're watching us all over the world, not just Jamaica") so let's be clear so Jamaica has to embark on an expansion and deepening of our civil rights that is just as important as improving our economics, how that is done? must be where government facilitates the discussion and government through its parliament must be prepared if these matters are to come before it through its parliament to take action ... now here is what I am saying we have to be very careful, our democracy here must be respected we have a democracy it takes maybe longer than some other democracies to make decisions but we have demonstrated in our parliament the capacity to take difficult social issues and address them, we have done that with for example .... um ....capital punishment I remember that debate um ..... was a no confidence .. it was what we called a a a (Ian interjects: "A conscience vote") forgive me a conscience vote of which I participated in that debate and almost everyone in parliament did but we were able to freely express our views

Ian Boyne:

But you stood in the majority though?

PM Andrew Holness:

No, my vote was not for (Ian: "The parliamentarians stood for the majority?") but but but my issues is if your argument is your parliament stands with the majority of the opinion of the people, is your parliament wrong?

(Ian: "But that is with universal rights, there are some cultural specificities") and I am saying to you that if those but but (Ian: "Certain cultures allow certain things") Ian we just said that, as it relates to human rights, those are universal those are set in convention and we must meet what is set in conventions by virtue of the united nations as far as possible (Ian: "We should ok) then there are civil rights which are determined within the context of your parliament of your your civil society enshrined in your constitution

Ian Boyne:

What if the UN and Europe particularly begin to interpret human rights and begin to add gay rights as a part of fundamental rights?

PM Andrew Holness:

But now you've gone into speculation

Ian Boyne:

Europe is moving in that direction

PM Andrew Holness

But I'm saying that you're still gone into speculation, you know listen we acknowledge um ... the interconnectedness of the world and we are not unaware of the fact that the position is tied to support and aid, of course but the same countries that preach um ... strengthening democratic institutions can't on the other hand ignore democratic institutions and I want to be clear that Jamaica has to take a progressive path but it must respect its own institution in how it gets there (Ian: "Sometimes those two are in contradiction you know?") but that's the beauty of it (Ian: "Sometimes taking the progressive path might need leadership") be clear, leadership can't go without the people, so leadership must, the debate must be engaged, people musts say I am willing to do this or willing to do that I am not willing and the debate must go on, what I want the international community to understand is that Jamaica is growing as an institutional democracy and if you hear how police talk which would be very heartening where a statement was made and immediately the commissioner came and corrected it shows you that institutionally you see things are moving, it may be incremental, it may not be as fast as they want it to but I ask that the support of a process, it is a democratic process, it is the process they have asked us to engage on, support us on that process.

Ian Boyne:

The appeal is going out, Prime Minister Andrew Holness answering the tough issues

Interview ends for part two next Sunday evening at 6pm

UPDATE November 9, 2011

Here is my audio on a Gleaner article entitled "Not Ready for Gays"

On The UK Aid Removal and Holness's Reponse ........ 06.11.11 by glbtqja6

See what you make of it

Peace and tolerance

In The Life: Finding Home ... Homeless Awareness Month

2011-11-04T02:40:00.000-05:00

This month's In The Life series I could not be late with posting it as it touches an issue that is close to me as you may have gleaned from the previous homeless posts and concerns shared, featured is the new True Colours home launched by Cyndi Lauper lending her support via celebrity and song of course her biggest smash "True Colours" Our poor advocacy on this issue and the use of the population as involuntary martyrs is just so unethical and smacks a kind of apartheid system well oiled and self protective systems. Lets look at best practices and see what we can get from this. November is Homeless Awareness Month as made known to us via this clip and is a recognition being used worldwide now in looking at this problem. A small shelter or at best a drop in centre would be a start for this fledgling group of mostly men, one hardly hears of same gender loving females fully homeless but maybe displaced for temporary periods.

There are an estimated 1.6-2.8 million homeless youth in the United States, up to 40% identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. IN THE LIFE examines the plight of LGBT youth experiencing homelessness.

True Colors Residence (00:09:15)

Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Residence is the first permanent, affordable housing for at risk LGBT youth in New York City. IN THE LIFE meets the young people who are making it home

Kicked Out (00:15:23)

IN THE LIFE travels from New York to Illinois and California for a stark look at LGBT youth who are kicked out of their homes.

here is the Youtube version

also see: From The Pen of one of our homeless brothers

and

Please also see:
Hypocrisy, Continued damage control via stands or a genuine call for inclusiveness in western Jamaica?

The dark side to the homeless issue .............

3 more brothers displaced teetering on homelessness

Hypocrisy, Continued damage control via stands or a genuine call for inclusiveness in western Jamaica?

Some background to the homeless issue
As we continue to highlight a dark chapter in our LGBT history that on the face of it some would rather kept hushed this matter of homelessness among our same gender loving males and teens has created deeper rifts between supporters of the established LGBT organizations Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays its parent Jamaica AIDS Support (for Life) and others in the trenches both NGOs were set up originally to deal with and included in their mission aspects of front-line activism for seriously marginalized individuals or groups, sadly the systems have seriously fallen down in that department with a glaring absence of psycho social interventions and at least a resident social worker to deal with the psychological and behavioural problems that has beleaguered the aforementioned NGOs from the men but what does one expect if there are no behaviour change mechanisms in place?

see related posts on the subject as well.

Settle the Score on CVM TV’s Live @ 7 (26.08.11)…the JFLAG ad campaign

Attempted censorship from the advocates towards views on the JFLAG Ad campaign??

Rowdy gays banned by J-FLAG, JASL ………. (Jamaica Observer)

Blow to gay ad – TVJ rejects J-FLAG’s PSA ……. J-FLAG says rejection of PSA unfortunate

Doing ‘business’ in New Kingston … Jamaica Observer on MSM Homelessness ….. JFLAG should be ashamed

Complaint of “Freaky Gays” Harassing New Kingston Residents ……..

The Quietus (Safe House Project Closes) (from 2010)

Gay Ad angers Clerics

JFLAG/AIDSFREEWORLD unimpressive show at community meeting

Very few of our homeless brothers since the civil disobedience action in August 23 and 24 2011 have been able to survive sensibly, there are some small inroads made in terms of some cash and one or two have found a job but otherwise they are still struggling, only Wednesday evening I was approached by a few at a meeting on sexuality at a popular bar where they expressed their struggle, small pocket change dole out is NOT enough. The behavioural problems also continue to be of concern.

Peace and tolerance