No gays allowed at freaky party with one sided bi-erasue by The National Family Planning Board (NFPB)

Micheal Brown, the promoter of a 'freaky sex party' which recently came under scrutiny by sexual health and religious authorities, has come out in defence of the event.

Brown said it is safe and has strict rules which all participants abide by. Among the most pertinent rules, he said is that no gay men are allowed.

Last Friday, THE STAR published a story in which Leo O'Reggio, the communications officer at The National Family Planning Board (NFPB), warned persons against attending the risque event slated to occur at a popular hotel in St Andrew next month because of the various health implications it could cause, and the possibility of being subjected to sexual abuse, sounds a bit sensational to me.

But the NFPB, in a statement yesterday, said it neither condones nor condemns the sexual decisions of mature consenting adults.

"We encourage all sexually active persons to protect themselves at all times as they practice responsible sexual decision making," the NFPB said.

Meanwhile, Brown has said there are 10 strict rules in place to prevent any such occurrences, and one of them is refusing to allow homosexual men into the venue.

"We have all kinds of patrons that attend the party. We don't discriminate. One thing, we have a big number one rule, no gay men are allowed, because it is a straight party," Brown said. 

So the NFPB is ignorant to bisexual men who may want to patronise the event not for men but for women, another classic case of bi-omission o bi-invisibility here it seems and the narrow-mindedness of some in HIV prevention and family planning yet still. Bisexual erasure or bisexual invisibility is the tendency to ignore, remove, falsify, or reexplain evidence of bisexuality in history, academia, news media and other primary sources. In its most extreme form, bisexual erasure can include denying that bisexuality exists.

"You can never know who is who, but if you see a little man coming into the event wah look like a sissy, a flash off him hand, we nah let him inna we party."

On the other hand, lesbians are welcome, the promoter said. "You know how we Jamaicans are. We don't really put any emphasis on a person that is a bi-female or a lesbian, but gay men, we don't put that into our thing," he said. The idiot should have said anal sex will not be allowed so as to avoid any legal or backlash from others in attendance, that I could have understood but the foolishness continues by some.

Brown said that over the several years that the party has been in existence, there has never been a mishap because of the strict rules and security measures taken. He said no underage individual is allowed to enter the venue. He also said no one is allowed to touch anyone without consent. He said that everyone who engages in sexual activities must wear condoms, and no phones or recording devised are allowed in the event.

Masks are also provided at the gate.

According to Brown, these rules are enforced by several bouncers who work inside the party and police officers who secure the venue.

The promoter of the event dubbed, 'Jamaica's biggest, hottest freaky party', said he was appalled that the NFPB would speak against the party, as the board has offered its services at the event for the past fours stagings by setting up a booth at the event to educate patrons and issue condoms.

Brown said that the board offers free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis testing to all patrons prior to the event.

O'Reggio yesterday admitted that the NFPB's HIV outreach unit targets certain high-risk events and locations such as go-go clubs and 'Back Road' to educate at-risk people, so the board might have had representatives at the freaky party, but he is not aware of it.

Here we have another example of how national bodies need to get with it, while they wok with LGBTQ groups and such there is a serious need for enlightenment here it seems.

Peace & tolerance

H

also see:
'Girl-on-girl dancing out of hand' .......... what!

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia (#IDAHOT) 2016

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia truly deserves its title of “Global Celebration of Sexual and Gender Identities”

This year again, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia truly deserves its title of “Global Celebration of Sexual and Gender Identities”. Beyond the rather narrow notions of “Homo”, “Trans”, “Bi”; the day offers a fantastic display of diversity, which mirrors the many facets of human sexualities and gender identities and expressions.

All over the world, advocates and their allies are fighting for what matters most to them: the right to be free from criminalisation, persecution, stigmatisation.

Sometimes the right to just live, as in many countries people have to fear for their lives.

This year specifically, we are seeing the “fault-line” deepening between places where activism is increasing and those where it is repression that is on the rise.

On the one hand, activism in some countries is definitely rising, with more and more visible events and strong support from institutions, which the Day has always been a good framework for and this year again many official buildings will be lit in Rainbow flag colors, such as the Chilean Presidency building.

Rainbow flags will be flying all over the UK and Australia, where this action has become a national IDAHOT favourite. Locally not much is planned except for a forum on love matters as marketed by JFLAG with Dr Karen Carpenter as one of the main panelists. Several disturbing reports continue to come in but mostly unconfirmed on some rather strange homophobic related matters.

In Albania, the now traditional “Bike (P)ride” has already been a huge success last week end. Brussels Pride, always celebrated on the Saturday closest to IDAHOT drew tens of thousands onto the streets. Trans activists in Canada are getting ready to crown years of advocacy as the Government announced it will introduce groundbreaking legislation on May 17th. In Cuba, the IDAHOT week is again celebrated throughout the country. All over the planet, from Moldova to Bhutan, campaigns will take it online and onto the streets to mark the Day. Concerts, flashmobs, film festivals, Transgender beauty pageants, same-sex wedding ceremonies, conferences, lectures, community events and many more have been announced and will be reported on on our social media channels.

On the other hand many activists have asked not to disclose information about their actions for fear of backlash, even in countries where conditions were relatively safe in previous years. In Lebanon for example, the public conference organised by Proud Lebanon had to be cancelled under pressure from opposition.

In some places, this reaction comes as a backlash against stronger visibility of sexual and gender diversities but in some other places, there is increased State and social repression even though the levels of activism have not seen any significant change.

This shows that highly visible recent victories, and some severe defeats, on LGBT issues on several fronts have certainly increased the focus of moral and religious fundamentalist movements on sexual and gender rights. Activists from the sexual and gender minorities movement now have to struggle against increasingly well funded, well organised movements, which are getting much better than before at occupying the ground of values that appeal even to otherwise socially progressive constituencies.

Luckily, international organisations and progressive States are more than ever showing support. Local activists in dozens of countries are supported by Embassies and representations from international organisations.

The United Nations’ Free and Equal campaign has released a special “Why we Fight” music video for the Day. European institutions have held their annual IDAHO Forum, hosted this year by the Danish Government. Unesco is about to open a two-day inter-ministerial meeting on Education sector responses to homophobic and transphobic bullying.

The United Nations have also taken a specific stand this year on the global IDAHOT focus issue on “Mental health and well-being”, as a large alliance of UN experts have issued a joint declaration toend the pathologization of LGBT people, highlighting the many harmful impacts of human rights violations. In over 30 countries, this issue of Mental health and well-being will be a central part of the IDAHOT discussions.

As we see all the fantastic energy and creativity which the activists deploy around May 17, it is more than ever urgent to increase the capacity and resources of activists to stand their ground and promote positive social change.

The IDAHOT was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally.

In under a decade, May 17 has established itself the single most important date for LGBTI communities to mobilise on a worldwide scale.

May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal, with 1600 events reported by almost 3000 organizations in 2015. 

These mobilisations unite millions of people in support of the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is not one centralised campaign; rather it is a moment that everyone can take advantage of to take action.

The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has received official recognition from several States, international institutions as the European Parliament, and by countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.

The Day originated in 2005 with the acronym IDAHO, standing for International Day Against Homophobia. The T was added in 2009 to highlight the inclusion of Transphobia

Some organisations use other acronyms or denominations for this Day, such as IDAHOTB, IDAHOBIT, etc.

Peace & tolerance

H

Bisexual woman reinstated at job after lesbophobic driven dismissal

Firstly thanks to the woman for sharing her story (name withheld by request) and allowing me to share this victory; justice is served and rightly so. Too many times we get unresolved issues left to rot.

In a near two year old matter involving a woman in her late twenties who was dismissed from her job at one of the popular Business Processing Outsource, BPOs or call centre she has been reinstated to the delight of her and friends while other hate driven folks are not pleased. The woman is however happy as she has her bills which backed up on her as she her income was slashed due to the dismissal and even lost her utilities supply for a temporary period.

According to the woman in a telephone interview after reading one of my previous posts on a bus conductress matter she rang me up on the number listed and left a message. She said she was accused initially by another woman for an inappropriate pass in the ladies lavatory then repeated passes in verbal exchanges with the woman as well; allegations which were not true, the lesbophobic co-worker then went on a smear campaign at the call centre over time so much so that she was shunned as one with leprosy literally as persons would even withdraw from her when she the victim enters a space or the lunch room area. An early report was made to her immediate supervisor as the company tends to promote cordial relations between employees but it turned out that the matter when it got to the human resources department took a whole different feel and tone by the HR manager.

After several meetings with either woman separately and then together alongside eyewitnesses in one session who mysteriously popped up claiming they suspected the impacted woman to be a lesbian as she stays away from the other male workers and does not really socialise with them. An earlier staff trip was referenced and to the shock of the bisexual woman she was only learning she was being so observed and was a talking point some five or so months after the fact. The lesbophobic co-worker continued her smear campaign over time if ever so slowly and deleteriously so much so that even after a transfer to another shift request was honoured she impacted woman she came into the same stares, snickers and withdrawals if not refusal to engage when she enters a space or a room or at least sometimes very cold interactions.

Things came to a head when the impacted woman was forced to make a report to the HR manager after a man related some other things that were being said of her by the lesbophobic woman during which time the impacted woman also requested a review of camera footage of all access areas at the premises nearing the lavatory; the request was responded to positively but took an inordinate amount of time to review with interim engagements with the HR manager kept dithering and saying it will take time; as the impacted woman continued her somewhat shaky existence at work and some persons warmed up to her over time maybe realizing the accusations and smear campaign were erroneous and deceptive.

The impacted woman was eventually relieved of her job as a temporary measure as tensions heat up but the hateful co-worker did not feel the same action at her bearing in mind it is two persons involved here. She was only paid a flat rate as her earning power based on commissions and she went above the head of the HR manager in writing as she was advised so to do. The Region Manager eventually got involved and called for a series of meetings late last year and also insisted on the review of the camera footage at the time stated in the earlier written report at the time specified by the deceptive co-worker. Upon review of the footage no untoward movements were observed outside the door that suggested inappropriate actions on anyone’s part neither was there any moment when both women or that of any women were in the company of the accused to suggest familiarity or homosexual activity. 

The lesbophobic co-worker was asked to prepare a report as to what other evidence she had on her accusation a request she did not and indeed could not fill; a final warning was issued to her in writing and she had allegedly had a warning letter about another matter on her file and there is a three strikes and you’re out policy for employment security. Her insolence however was rewarded with a suspension and a subsequent meeting involving the HR manager, Region manager and the immediate supervisor who it is believed gave glowing reports of her performance on the job and on the call team the impacted woman, a recommendation was made to reinstate her and she was pleasantly surprised by a phone call from the Regional Manager and a subsequent email apologising for the challenge. She was offered her job back but no commensurate commission as she was out of operation. She agreed in relief that she was able to work again and started in December 2015.

The impacted woman also said the only discussion they had about any lesbian matters was one way back where it was the now dismissed woman who raised the issue to which the reinstated woman responded neutrally according to her.

The deceptive co-worker was put on probation with a one remaining strike out warning of which she broke as she was late a few times after which the HR took action and dismissed her in December as well. Since her departure she has been blaming the impacted but reinstated woman for her job loss but the reinstated woman is not taking any chances as she plans her movements and tries to get any hint if she fired woman is trying or saying to other employees. I encouraged her to also keep a line open with the HR and more so the Region Manager as well just in case, as we say peace and safety can also have sudden destruction. This one just goes to show some organizations are forward thinking and at least are not interested in people’s sex lives but the quality of work and staff welfare.

Payback is a b**** indeed they say.

Peace & tolerance

H

Bisexual Invisibility: Impacts & Recommendations

So from my last post involving bisexuality invisibility some new developments have occurred in the negative as persons identified as gay throwing all kinds of comments regarding bisexuals as being confused to one suggesting bisexuals need not ask for rights as that is a gay thing. I am distraught in a sense as one wonders now how to address this dissent and disrespect for our bisexual colleagues given that there is B in the conveniently used LGBTQ call letters and it means something and not just a space take in the arrangement.

A Note on Language

The term bisexual is imperfect at best. It implies a duality of genders that many people feel erases transgender and gender-variant people. For others, it connotes a requirement of an exact balance between someone’s attractions for women and men, or attractions only to women and men who identify with the genders they were assigned at birth. While pansexual and omnisexual are finding more acceptance, some people feel the terms reinforce a stereotype of promiscuity. More recently, fluid has appeared as a way to describe those attracted to more than one gender, but it is not yet widely used or understood. There are also people who chafe at any label at all.

More broadly, queer is attractive as an umbrella term for non-heterosexuals, but many people still hear it as a pejorative, while others use it as a way to avoid naming or acknowledging those outside monosexual identities. Some who would otherwise self-identify as queer―to indicate their solidarity with the broader community―instead choose to call themselves bisexual specifically to avoid such erasure, even when they are uneasy with the term’s implications around gender.

The good news is that more and more people are comfortable navigating the complexities of human sexuality and gender as they are actually lived. The bad news is that the English language has not yet caught up in expressing that complexity. At this time, there is no clear “best practice” for terminology that fully honors gender diversity while not reinscribing invisibility for nonmonosexuals.

At this moment in the movement for full equality and dignity for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, bisexual is the term that is most widely understood as describing those whose attractions fall outside an either/or paradigm. It is also (along with MSMW and WSMW) the term most often used in research.

As people become increasingly fluent in the dynamics of gender and sexuality, the language will evolve as well. For now, and with full awareness of its limitations, bisexual is the word used in this report.

Bisexual Invisibility

Bisexuality is the capacity for emotional, romantic, and/or physical attraction to more than one sex or gender. A bisexual orientation speaks to the potential for, but not requirement of, involvement with more than one sex/gender.

Bisexuals experience high rates of being ignored, discriminated against, demonized, or rendered invisible by both the heterosexual world and the lesbian and gay communities. Often, the entire sexual orientation is branded as invalid, immoral, or irrelevant.

Despite years of activism and the largest population within the LGBT community, the needs of bisexuals still go unaddressed and their very existence is still called into question. This erasure has serious consequences on bisexuals’ health, economic well-being, and funding for bi organizations and programs.

As the authors of one study put it, “Bi-invisibility refers to a lack of acknowledgment and ignoring of the clear evidence that bisexuals exist.”

An Invisible Majority

According to several studies, self-identified bisexuals make up the largest single population within the LGBT community in the United States. In each study, more women identified as bisexual than lesbian, and fewer men identified as bisexual than gay.

An Invisible Majority

According to several studies, self-identified bisexuals make up the largest single population within the LGBT community in the United States. In each study, more women identified as bisexual than lesbian, and fewer men identified as bisexual than gay.

In 2010, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine6, based on a nationally representative probability sample of women and men in the U.S., found that among adults (5,042 respondents), 3.1% self-identified as bisexual, compared to 2.5% as gay/lesbian.

An “Eclipsed and Conflated” Identity

Despite the overwhelming data that bisexuals exist, other people’s assumptions often render bisexuals invisible. Two women holding hands are read as “lesbian,” two men as “gay,” and a man and a woman as “straight.” In reality, any of these people might be bi―perhaps all of them.

The majority of research lumps data on bisexuals under “gay” or “lesbian,” which makes it difficult to draw any conclusions about bisexuals and skews the data about lesbians and gay men. “Thus any particular needs of bisexuals are eclipsed and conflated. Only a handful of studies separate out bisexuals and/or report on their bisexual-specific findings. Fewer compare bisexuals to people who are not bisexual.”

Not Just a Phase

While bisexuality has often been considered merely a “phase” en route to a stable gay or lesbian orientation, it is also a stable sexual orientation in itself. A longitudinal study of sexual minority women (lesbian, bisexual, or unlabeled) found that over 10 years, “more women adopted bisexual/unlabeled identities than relinquished them.” Of those who began the study identifying as bisexual, 92% identified as bisexual or unlabeled 10 years later, and 61% those who began as unlabeled identified as bisexual or unlabeled 10 years later. While no similar long-term study has been done with bisexual men, at least one study suggests that bisexuality can be a stable sexual orientation for men as well.

“The only thing I would change about my sexuality is how others treat me for it.”

My coming out as bi has been both extremely satisfying and saddening. I came out as gay in high school when I was 16. While I thought occasionally about women, I largely discounted these feelings as random daydreams. I had heard that bisexuality was a farce so many times from gay friends, that people who were bisexual were just afraid to come all the way out of the closet, that I never thought of coming out as bisexual when I was younger. I was attracted to men, I didn’t have any shame about this, and I wanted to be recognized.

Despite San Francisco’s reputation as a gay mecca, it is where I first came to recognize my opposite-sex attractions. Being single at college parties, I often found myself in situations where women were hitting on me. I was interested but at the same time befuddled. The idea that my same-sex attractions represented an inflexible and absolute sexuality had become entrenched in my thinking, and I wasn’t prepared to question this. Despite this lack of mental readiness, my desire and curiosity were far greater, and I eventually began sleeping with women. I kept my opposite-sex attractions subordinated, leaving them out of discussions with friends back home and rationalizing them away as mistakes to myself.

After roughly a year, stories began to trickle back to friends and family. As questions and underhanded comments started coming in, I found myself constantly being put on trial. Why was I doing this? Was I closeting myself? Why wasn’t I being “normal,” gay how I should be? In the process of trying to answer these questions for myself and others, I realized how long I had been cheating myself and sublimating my desires to others’ ideas about sexuality.

I came out as bi when I was 19 and have remained so since. Rather than quieting the doubts of others, animosity only intensified. Aggressive queries about when I was going to focus on guys full-time again became a standard part of trips home. On top of this, I noticed a change in how sexual partners treated me. Women I was with, no longer with the safety of presuming me straight, would question my real orientation and complain that my sexuality made them anxious that I would one day vanish into a relationship with a man. Men I was with wouldn’t acknowledge my sexuality, referring to me as gay despite my protest. I found myself in relationships waiting for accusations and dismissive comments, ready from the start to move along to someone new. I am happy with my sexuality, and very grateful that I was finally able to fully realize my desires. The only thing I would change about my sexuality is how others treat me for it. Finding my sexuality has been wonderful. I only wish I didn’t have to sacrifice feeling safe, feeling part of a community, and feeling like I have anyone to confide in but myself.

– Jack M., 21, male

An Invisible Place in History

Bisexuals find themselves erased in history. Many famous people―such as Marlene Dietrich, June Jordan, Freddie Mercury, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Walt Whitman―have been labeled as lesbian or gay for their same-sex relationships, yet their long-term relationships with different-sex partners are ignored or their importance minimized. This disrespects the truth of their lives for the sake of a binary conception of sexual orientation. It also makes it more difficult for bisexuals just coming out to find role models.

This historical erasure also extends to activists. Rather than acknowledging the decades of hard work bisexuals have done in the LGBT movement, many gays and lesbians have accused bisexuals of trying to “ride their coattails.” In fact, bisexuals have often been leaders in the movement. In just one example, it was a bisexual woman, Brenda Howard, who organized the one-month anniversary rally in honor of the Stonewall uprising (which in turn was led by transsexuals and drag queens). Then a year later, she organized a march and celebration that turned into New York’s annual pride parade and inspired countless other pride celebrations around the world. Yet it wasn’t that long ago that bisexuals and transgender people had to fight for inclusion in the name of San Francisco Pride, one of the last major U.S. cities to do so.

Bisexual Exclusion

Often, the word “bisexual” shows up in an organization’s name or mission statement, but the group doesn’t offer programming that addresses the specific needs of bisexuals (see the chapter on organizations and programs serving bisexuals). Even when an organization is inclusive, the press and public officials often fall back on the “safety” of saying just “gay and lesbian.” There is even a growing trend of talking about the “gay, lesbian, and transgender” community or “lesbian, gay, and transgender” movement. But words matter. Invisibility matters. Bisexuals find themselves excluded in other ways as well. Many personal ads have specified “no bis” in their criteria.

Bisexual and Transgender Allies in Invisibility

“From the earliest years of the bi community, significant numbers of [transgender people] have always been involved in it. The bi community served as a kind of refuge for people who felt excluded from the established lesbian and gay communities.”

— Kevin Lano (Alexander, J. & Yescavage, K. (2003). Bisexuality and transgenderism: InterSEXions of the others. Journal of Bisexuality, 3(3/4). p. 8, as quoted in Miller et al. (2007).

That quote reflects the actual similarities to our Jamaican scenario as well as several bisexuals remain quiet on their opposite sex attraction in fear of a backlash or avoiding confrontation with sometimes paranoid reactions when such disclosures are made.

Other Forms of Biphobia

Bisexual invisibility is one of many manifestations of biphobia. Others include:

 Assuming that everyone you meet is either heterosexual or homosexual.

 Supporting and understanding a bisexual identity for young people because you identified “that way” before you came to your “real” lesbian/gay/heterosexual identity.

 Automatically assuming romantic couplings of two women are lesbian, or two men are gay,or a man and a woman are heterosexual.

 Expecting a bisexual to identify as gay or lesbian when coupled with the “same” sex/gender.

 Expecting a bisexual to identify as heterosexual when coupled with the “opposite”sex/gender.

 Believing that bisexual men spread HIV/AIDS to heterosexuals.

 Believing that bisexual women spread HIV/AIDS to lesbians.

 Thinking bisexual people haven’t made up their minds.

 Refusing to accept someone’s self-identification as bisexual if the person hasn’t had sex with both men and women.

 Expecting bisexual people to get services, information, and education from heterosexual service agencies for their “heterosexual side” and then go to gay and/or lesbian service agencies for their “homosexual side.”

 Feeling bisexuals just want to have their cake and eat it too.

 Assuming a bisexual person would want to fulfill your sexual fantasies or curiosities.

 Thinking bisexuals only have committed relationships with “opposite” sex/gender partners.

 Being gay or lesbian and asking your bisexual friends about their lovers or whom they are dating only when that person is the “same” sex/gender.

 Assuming that bisexuals, if given the choice, would prefer to be in an “opposite” gender/sex coupling to reap the social benefits of a so-called “heterosexual” pairing.

 Assuming bisexuals would be willing to “pass” as anything other than bisexual.

 Believing bisexuals are confused about their sexuality.

 Feeling that you can’t trust a bisexual because they aren’t really gay or lesbian, or aren’t really heterosexual.

 Refusing to use the word bisexual in the media when reporting on people attracted to more than one gender, instead substituting made-up terms such as “gay-ish.”

 Using the terms “phase” or “stage” or “confused” or “fence-sitter” or “bisexual” or“AC/DC” or “switch-hitter” as slurs or in an accusatory way. Switch hitter locally has a connotation in lower classes of some acceptance especially if the named persons are gender conforming to onlookers.

 Assuming bisexuals are incapable of monogamy.

 Feeling that bisexual people are too outspoken and pushy about their visibility and rights.

 Looking at a bisexual person and automatically thinking of her/his sexuality rather than seeing her/him as a whole, complete person.

 Not confronting a biphobic remark or joke for fear of being identified as bisexual.

 Assuming bisexual means “available.”

 Thinking that bisexual people will have their rights when lesbian and gay people win theirs.

 Expecting bisexual activists and organizers to minimize bisexual issues (such as HIV/AIDS, violence, basic civil rights, military service, same-sex marriage, child custody, adoption, etc.) and to prioritize the visibility of so-called “lesbian and/or gay” issues.

 Avoiding mentioning to friends that you are involved with a bisexual or working with a bisexual group because you are afraid they will think you are a bisexual.

As an example of the extent and depth of biphobia, a study published in the Journal of Sex Research reported that heterosexuals rate bisexuals as a group less favorably than any of a number of groups (including Catholics, lesbians, people with AIDS, and people who are pro-life), except for the category of people who inject illegal drugs.

Bisexual Health Issues within HIV and STI Prevention

There are health issues that are specific and generalizeable to bisexuals as a group and health issues that are specific and generalizeable to people who have partners of more than one gender as a group. This literature review shines a spotlight on specific challenges related to HIV and STI prevention among bisexuals, WSMW, and MSMW.

Unfortunately, existing research on this topic is scarce. Much of it lumps bisexuals into either “lesbian” or “gay male” categories, making it difficult to draw any conclusions about bisexual health.

Data on bisexual women’s sexual health is less prevalent than men’s, particularly data on WSMW.

Additionally, not all researchers take into consideration whether their study participants identify as bisexual, MSMW, WSMW, or something else.

It is important to recognize that many, if not most, bisexual people do not come out to their health care providers or to researchers due to judgments that silence, stereotypes that shame, and assumptions that erase bisexual identity. When a woman is partnered and says she is using birth control, there may be an automatic assumption that she is monogamous and heterosexual. A man in a same-sex relationship is assumed to be gay and therefore not in need of information about sex with women. When a man says he is married or partnered, there are often no subsequent questions asked about other sexual partners. Health care providers need to become aware of how to serve this often-overlooked community and its unique concerns, looking at a patient’s sexual behavior rather than simply a patient’s sexual identity.

Some have simply chosen to be invisible in one stigmatized category by wearing the mark of another.

Some Recommendations

One of the challenges―and frustrations―for bisexuals and their allies is that so much invisibility persists despite decades of educational efforts. One long-time activist described it as “sweeping sand.” While many people and organizations have certainly become more welcoming and inclusive of bisexuals over the years, others remain inconsistent, oblivious, or occasionally hostile. The question becomes how to create institutional changes that remain even if a bi-supportive leader, staff person, or volunteer moves on.

 Educate the public, advocates and elected officials about inclusive language (for example, “anti-LGBT bias” rather than “homophobia”) and ensure its use whenever possible and accurate. Review the STI brochures offered in Public Health and, if needed, encourage them to adopt models created (one that addresses those who identify as bisexual and one for those who don’t).

 Work with the Public Health systems to ensure that data collection addresses the experiences of bisexuals accurately and consistently.

 Share this blog post and similar ones on what bi-specific programming they have, if any; whether their programs that say they serve bisexuals are welcoming in practice; and how the content of their programming changes to address the needs of bisexuals.

 Include specific, separate information on bisexuality in diversity trainings.

 Ensure that bisexuals are included among the speakers when there are panels, forums, and other official discussions affecting the LGBT community.

Many assumptions lie at the core of bisexual invisibility: assumptions about a person’s sexual orientation based on her/his partner’s gender; about bisexuals people’s reliability, honesty, or commitment to the LGBT movement; about bisexuals’ health concerns and needs; and about the world as an “either/or” place rather than one of infinite variety. Any long-term solutions must dispel these assumptions to make room for those whose lives exist beyond binaries.

Think on these things friends.

Aspects of this blog post garnered from:

Peace and tolerance

H

new news:

Yoko: John Lennon suppressed his bisexual side

Bisexuals still seen as confused

Sadly every time it draws to this time of year as bi-visibility day approaches and social marketing on the subject is raised more so internationally the local biphobic LGTQ penny section crawl out of the woodwork blasting bisexuals as mad, not knowing what they want, being greedy or wanting their cake and eating it too and other scaving remarks. Trolling even has crept into the mix on social media and with an apparent lack by the various spokespersons and nongovernmental organizations who claim to deal with SOGI, Sexual orientation and gender identity clearly overlook bisexuals and zoom in on gay and lesbian identities predominantly.

Bi-invisibity has been an issue for some time now, decades in fact since formalized advocacy in Jamaica since 1974 with the formation of Gay Freedom Movement. The very name of GFM is a clear overlooking and even as then in those days newspaper articles especially by Jennifer Ffrench on the subject for several years bisexuality has not risen to the level of equal importance as it should in as far as visibility and such. Major reference only comes with associations with HIV infection rates and how the group acts as a barrier for transmission on the HIV virus as evidenced recently in a speech by our minister of health Dr Fenton Ferguson at a meeting of funders and stake holders where some figures were presented. Previous references come from voices for the removal or decriminalization of the buggery law in as far as HIV prevention as the primary reason by Dr Peter Figueroa at that Sexual Health Awareness meeting on November 2013 where he went into great detail on the last major study and emphasized the point.

Smaller outfits such as the defunct Couture Elements team hosted some discussion on the matter and even in those supposed safe LGBT spaced the vitriol towards bisexuals was clear as the very night of one of the Open Mic Open Soul event heated words were exchanged from one lesbian and a member of the panel with the thing almost coming to blows. A recent discussion at another all women group at a lyme also had a similar outcome with the panellist in that instance almost next to tears as she could not believe the contempt that was held in the what is called straight lesbian community.

Other outfits such as Aphrodite’s P.R.I.D.E Jamaica made sure the issues were addressed in their successful Seizmic Self Development and Enterprise Project Sessions for some 45 persons but as always with such small outfits they get no help from the more established LGBT organizations and or funding disappears for them so continuity is a major issue for such exercises.

The former GLABCOM gay, lesbian and bisexual community steering committees (an imprint of targeted interventions of JASL) and general LGBT meetings discussions tried its hand even getting key influentials involved such as a popular female party promoter but as usual again no real support comes from the main NGO structure and the emphasis ended up becoming more on HIV in the MSM community but mainly gay men via condom use and such and again bisexuals only limited to being a bridge for the virus’ passage to the general population. One event planned which was dubbed Bi-Fridays was conceptualized to try to attract such persons but very little response came as persons felt they would be identified and labelled mixed with ridicule.

Social media interventions via discussion boards, questions posed in groups and threads only seek to bring out the trolls and bitterness that seemed buried waiting to be stoked by the thought of suggesting bisexuality, how can we change that though? Even my own blog posts have received a backlash from persons asking why persons like myself and a few others even discussing bisexuality. So our bi brethren go underground. A recent thread on Facebook proved such that such anti bisexual sentiments still abound and coming from not only younger gay men and lesbians but rather surprisingly older persons which had me and some others sit up and take notice. But I should not be shocked as sometimes last year a former female party promoter and one half of the aforementioned Couture Elements team bore a daughter and shared her joy on Facebook only to be lambasted by persons on her friends list to the shock and horror of those who saw it and left an ugly feeling for some advocates former and present.

Comments to such effect as how can a lesbian go dickly? Or questions as to why she would share this openly knowing how persons can be downright rude and uncaring or what would a woman see in a man and or a penis for pleasure?

I would imagine prolonged awareness programs are required but sadly inwardly for the folks who believe in the one way or the other mantra in terms of homosexuality. Individuals who are otherwise enlightened can continue to share the right information but there is a definite need for more systematic interventions that are sustained and not stop and start activities. But community development in a real sense has never really been the main objective as law reform takes precedence than other matters that require urgent attention.

Think on these things

Peace and tolerance

also see:

Bisexuals accounted for 40 per cent of new HIV infections in 2012

H

Celebrate Bi Visibility Day, 23 September 2015 ...........

Bi Visibility Day, also known as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, has been marked each year since 1999 to highlight bi-phobia and to help people find the bisexual community. Jamaica had events some years ago hosted by the Couture Elements team and others but recently it is as if bi-invisibility is back with us but I hope someone picks it up soon.

Events for 2015:

Will be listed here as we get them! Tell us about yours.

United Kingdom

11 September: Bristol. Bi clubbing. More here.

18 September: Manchester screening of the film Acceptable Behaviour & after-film talk. More here.

19 September: Leeds – Running for visibility in purple in the park. More info here.

20 September: London: Queer Alternative bi meetup in Camden. Details here.

23 September: Bolton. Library display. More info here.
23 September: Brighton. Coffee meet from 5pm, details here. Pub meet from 7pm, details here.
23 September: Bristol bi chat at a bookshop. Details here.
23 September: Derby info coming soon
23 September: Grimsby bi talk – more here
23 September: Hull info coming soon
23 September: Leeds Bi Student Stall. More here.23 September: Leeds Central Library bi exhibition. More soon.
23 September: Leeds early evening workshop/training on bisexual visibility in the workplace. More here.23 September: Manchester BiPhoria are making plans.
23 September: Nottingham BiTopia are making plans.
23 September: Swansea Info soon.
24 September: London social at the O Bar. Details here.
25 September: Edinburgh. Bi film night. Details here.
25 September: London. Bi women & lesbians – panel debate at Goldsmiths college. Details here.

26 September: Salford. Bi Coffee morning at the Imperial War Museum. Details here.26 September: Manchester – BiPhoria bi picnic and bi history project filming, details tbc.

Tuesday 8th to Wednesday 30th September: Bradford bi exhibition. Details here.

USA

20 September: Madison, Wisconsin. Bi Picnic organised by the 521 bi group. Details here.
22 September: Washington DC -HRC, AmBi and the Mayor’s office team up. Details here.
23 September: Chicago, Illinois. Panel discussion at Center on Halstead. More here.
23 September: Denver, Colorado: Eliel Cruz guest speaker. Details tbc.
23 September: Lafayette, Indiana. Pub meetup. Details here.
23 September: Los Angeles, California. LA Bi Arts Festival. Lots more info here.
23 September: Minneapolis/St Paul – BOP’s annual Community Recognition Awards and much more. Details here.
23 September: Montclair State University, New Jersey – bi tie-dye & free t-shirts. Details here.
23 September: New York – Open mic night. Details here.
23 September: San Francisco – music, burlesque & more. Details here23 September: possibly one extra event in San Francisco, details when we have more ourselves

25 September: Chicago, Illinois. Play, burlesque & much more. More info here.
25 September: Columbus, Ohio. Burlesque, spoken word & more. Details here.
26 September: New York – My Brother’s A Keeper stage performance. Details here.

All week: Atlanta bookstore bi writers and characters celebration. Details here.

Austria

2nd September. Austrian Radio Orange 94.0 had a show about bisexuality. More here.

Australia

23 September. Sydney. Bi women’s social mixer. Info here.

Belgium

23 September: Hasselt – documentary screening. More here.

France

September 22: Paris: 9am, Bisexuality research launch. More here.
September 22: Paris: evening of film, poetry & more. More here.
September 23: Paris: bi march for visibility, details here
September 23: Toulouse: Street stall. Details here.
September 26: Bordeaux. Bi academic talks. More here.
September 26: Paris. Details soon.

Netherlands

Date to be confirmed: The Hague. Screening of film “The Best of Both Worlds”: more here
25-27 September: Rotterdam – BiCon Netherlands. Details here.

Norway

7th September, Trondheim – Panel discussion on bisexuality. More here.

Inclusion Top Tip:

For 2015 the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur aka “Day of Atonement” begins in the evening of Tuesday, September 22 and ends in the evening of Wednesday, September 23. It’s a major holiday and fasting day but as it falls on a different date each year it only clashes this time. As many events to mark Bi Visibility Day are held on other days that week it will mostly only impact things on 23rd itself.

Corrective Rape challenges continue

In what has been surmised as a rape and robbery ring by a group of some three men in St Catherine has had some challenges for the police and citizens in residential areas such as Ensom City, Monticello, Avon Park and Eltham Acres/Meadows including the upscale Y.P. Seaton housing schemes and others as far west as Old Harbour heights within the last four to five months. A series of broad daylight robberies also is of concern as smartphones especially taken from teens, jewelry from women, cash and handbags grabbed are the items of choice by the miscreants; the citizen’s associations or what is left of some of them have banded together encouraging residents during the days when most persons are at work of school to be on the lookout and proceed with caution.

Early morning joggers and fitness gurus have had to curtail their schedules even as daylight comes way earlier than before as the summer months roll in as the bicycle riding scoundrels have targeted them as well where several phones and iPods etc have been taken. One same gender loving sister who resides in an upscale part of the Seaton development and who used to walk at five am said she re-engaged her old gym although removed from its original address just to be on the safe side although the early morning walks were refreshing especially nearing the river where the wind is cooler and fresh.

There seems to be a link to a series of robberies, sexual assaults and rapes of school girls in the May Pen and Old Harbour areas as well as the rumoured cases all have similar victim profiles and smartphones, tablets, cash and other what are considered lesser value items are demanded or taken at gunpoint, which now has some thinking the gun(s) used in the crimes maybe empty but used as an intimidating tool against victims as none has been reported shot.

Women overall have been targeted although a man also was relieved of his tablet as he sat on an avenue making use of the free wi-fi signal that sometimes emit from the nearby LIME/FLOW exchange building nearing an irrigation water canal in April. The unsuspecting character described as having partially bleached skin rode passed once then returned brandishing a gun to carry out the dastardly deed. The one man band has since increased to three as a set of women who live in the Eltham community house were paid an unexpected visit by them in broad daylight and at gunpoint robbed them of a quantity of cash as one of them was washing a car by the sidewalk. Both matters were not reported to the police when last I checked. The most recent case in June was that of a St Jago male student who was relieved of his S4 phone as he walked passed the popular LIME tower exchange building as well which sometimes emit wi-fi signals or persons residing nearby with password free wireless internet which persons gladly latch on to.

The corrective rape element however came into effect as in May of this year as a bisexual woman whilst sitting in the back of her house under a mango tree escaping the daytime heating with her young son who had gone inside was surprised by the same bicycle riding culprit mentioned above. The victim was on her smartphone also making use of the wi-fi services from the nearby LIME cell tower was pounced upon by the man as he scaled her fence gun in hand, he then ordered her to hand over her phone and to remain quiet so as not to alert the other occupants of the house including an elderly lady who has since died due to the pressure from the incident it is surmised, she was said to have been the grandmother of the victim and did not take the news of the ordeal very well, high blood pressure is said to be the cause of death.

The victim was forced at gunpoint to open the rear gate of the yard she was sitting in and taken to nearby bushes in broad daylight where she was raped repeatedly while he held the gun at her throat threatening her if she screamed. According to the victim she tried to make a run for it as he turned his back after the first go round in the near two hour ordeal but she held in her urge for her safety, it was then he scrolled through her phone and found photos of the victim and her old friend in friendly positions which prompted the man to continue harming her while uttering phrases suggesting she deserves it as she wants women instead of men.

Sadly the mentioned housing schemes where the ordeals are reported to have occurred are lonely spots during the days as most residents are at work, household helper technicians are on the inside or at the rear of the employers’ premises, the once bad roadways are now smoothly paved so escape or freedom of movement via bicycle as this crew uses is way easier and the police patrols had since slowed during the public sector worker negotiations hence less overall vigilance.

The rapist made his escape with the phone afterwards not before telling her to shut her mouth about the ordeal and the young lady managed to crawl her way back to the house in pain and shock and managed to yell for the occupants just outside the gate who came to her aid; they too were in shock as they were wondering where she had gone as her son was crying upon not seeing her under the mango tree where she was taken. The police were summoned and a subsequent report was made at the CISOCA office in Spanish Town. Neighbours were surprisingly sensitive to the matter (devoid of the corrective element) given the quietness on the avenue and a prayer vigil also was had alongside home visits to the remaining family members who still reside at the premises. The victim has since relocated for comfort and safety reasons. Other cases have popped up as well but as usual they are hard to confirm as persons hold in their ordeal which is understandable and the sexual orientation of the victims is also not known but clearly the suggestion is a rape ring is in operation in the geographical zone spanning some three parishes, St Catherine, Manchester and Southern St Ann.

It was only some days ago the police expressed some concerns via a press conference and subsequent radio spots about the numbers of sexual assault cases numbering some 200 plus since January this year of teens and women in the named parishes and further with gunplay as part of the cases. The cops sound resolute in smashing the scourge; I hope they do as they did back in 2010 onwards after the rape cases of now public Angeline Jackson whose case I carried on this blog (without naming her then of course for privacy reasons at the time) the cops had taken down the leader of a ring who hailed from May Pen who also assaulted Miss Jackson and her friend by luring them from a then lgbt site with a fake profile pretending to be a lesbian. The cases also slowed in court as our systems creak as per usual but Miss Jackson has emerged stronger than before. The accused was sentenced eventually for a total of 29 years.

Be vigilant be safe.

also see:
Serial rapist gets 29 years in rape ring


Peace and tolerance

H

Switch-hitting in a Gang War Case ...............

A very disturbing bit of news with strong leanings to alleged switch-hitting factoring in a murder case in St Ann has had some persons disturbed as more has come to light with revenge killing resulting of a bisexual man (known to persons who know) he was not directly involved in the feud but was simply at the wrong place and the wrong time it seems.

Jamar 

Previous gang war in February of this year in the depressed and volatile Steer Town community led to the spilling of blood in the street in Ocho Rios at the weekend of February 20 with the shooting death of an area resident.

Sources connected to steer town and police said a woman played a role in luring out and slaying of 23-year-old Jamar Robinson who was believed to be involved in a recent murder in the Steer Town community. Robinson shot dead Friday night, February 20, was the third person from Steer Town, midway between Drax Hall and Davis Town, to be murdered this year.

NOT REPORTED

Before that Friday’s slaying, the most recent murder of a Steer Town resident took place on Saturday evening, February 7 when a man was shot dead in supposed revenge. Police had issued no report of that incident that came to attention of this newspaper only as North Coast Times investigated reports of growing panic and fear in the community. The man was said to operate a car wash but no other details were available.

Just two weeks earlier, another Steer Town man was murdered on the edge of the community. He is 23-year-old David Ellis also called ‘Ozzy P’ of Damhead, Steer Town, St Ann. He was shot and killed on Thursday, January 22, along the Roaring River Main Road.

Police reports are that about 6:15 pm residents heard explosions and called the police. Ellis’ gunshot-riddled body was found. Reports say three men had walked up to him and opened fire before running away.Saturday night’s shooting comes following a show of force by at least seven armed men in Steer Town last Thursday, ahead of a funeral service for Ellis, Saturday.

SHOW OF FORCE

Reports are that men were seen massed in an area in the community and as a police patrol approached, the men fired a barrage of shots in the area. Residents say they were shocked given that the police were no more than 100 metres away when the men opened fire.

Police sources said they were stepping up their operations in the area and expressed concern over the future of Steer Town, a community with dozens of squatters and high levels of unemployment.Friday night’s shooting was a hit, though police have little details about it. However, investigations by a media outlet revealed that Robinson was blamed for a murder in the area. It is not clear if it was for the death of Ellis. However, reports were that some gang members said they had to “make a duppy” to avenge the death of Ellis, before he was buried.A woman was said to be involved and lured out Robinson, under pretense at a romantic night together. 

He her in Ocho Rios. The were walking along the road in the area of DaCosta Drive, part of the highway in front of Taj Mahal shopping centre when at least two men appeared out of bushes and shot Robinson three times, one of the bullets striking him in the head.

The woman was unharmed and escaped. It is not clear if she left in a car that had taken the men to the area.
Police were called to the scene. A senior officer told The Times Monday that all weekend police were working on the case but he refused to say whether they had any leads or theories about what had happened in that case. Jamar is said to have occasionally had contact within the LGBT entertainment scene but very low keyed.

We have seen previous cases of switch hitting allegedly causes challenges and murder as well for example in these previous posts:

LADY SWITCH HITTERS & THE BOYFRIENDS WHO COMPLAIN … (CROSS-POST FROM BLOGGER)

Star News: “They Were Lesbians” or HERE from GLBTQ Jamaica

Also see: Jamaica : Lesbian Shotta Killed Man in quarrel over women Hope some closure can be brought to this a warfare generally is causing all kinds of challenges.

Peace and tolerance

H

Bisexual Teen Killed due to her Sexual Orientation? ......... Father says yes

Took a while to track this one down but got some new information on it as her father spoke in January 2015 on the matter.

The body of a teenage girl was found in Ewarton, St. Catherine on the morning of January 6th 2015.

It’s being speculated that she was killed because of her perceived sexual orientation.

The body has been identified as that of 16 year old Cleo-Lisa Griffiths otherwise called “Liz”, of Clarke’s Avenue in Ewarton.

The police report that about 8:30 Tuesday morning, residents of Charlton Meadows stumbled upon her body in bushes and alerted the police.

The police say the body had multiple stab wounds. The throat was slashed.

The body was clad only in underwear.

The guardian of the teenager, Renford English, says the fact that she was found partially naked suggests that her attackers may’ve been attempting to rape her.

He also says the attack may’ve been motivated by her sexual orientation.

"she admit to everybody that she was bisexual and she nuh hide dat from nobody; she was molested when she was seven years old and somebody try rape her .... 

mi know of somebody who tried to rape her when she was 13/4; and she fight dem off so mi know seh she will fight, most likely those guys were trying; she will fight, you understand?"

Mr. English says he’s distraught because the teenager was murdered a day before her 17th birthday.

"Boi mi a tell you mi feel it, she confide in me; she tell me everything; she nuh keep no secret from me I was the person who she talk to, about any and everything yuh understand? ........... she is still a teenager she was 16 yesterday enuh; it was her birthday yuh understand? .......... 

she was so happy the day before ........ 

I was shocked yesterday morning when somebody called ...... at least my wife call and seh she heard ........ but mi run har and seh mi never believe her."

Sad to hear this one but thankfully this father sounds more supportive than others would have been towards their self confessed LGBT children. Sadly the issue of Corrective Rape rings loudly here as many men in Jamaica really do believe that raping away same gender attraction is possible.

There were two such unconfirmed cases to my knowledge late last year which also have a bisexual twist to one of them.

May her soul rest in peace.

Three males, including a juvenile, were arrested and charged with the murder of the teenage girl in Ewarton on Jan 2015. Those charged are Joel Lennox, Andre Doyle and a 15-year-old boy all of Ewarton addresses in St Catherine.

The three were charged January 11th after been held for the murder of 17-year-old Cleo-Lisa Griffiths, of Ewarton. The men are scheduled to appear in the Linstead Resident Magistrate's Court in the same month.

The police's Corporate Communi- cations Unit reported that on January 6, approximately 8:30 a.m., residents stumbled upon the teen's body in bushes in Charlton Meadows in the parish and summoned the police. Upon their arrival, the body was found with stab wounds and with its throat slashed.

The scene was processed and the body removed to the morgue. An investigation was launched by the Linstead police and the three males were picked up.

Checks by THE local STAR News revealed that Griffiths had been in the company of a male before she was killed. Since her death, speculation has existed that the teen may have been killed because of her perceived sexual orientation.

Speaking on Nationwide Radio recently, a man identified as her guardian, said that she had admitted to being a bisexual and that he thought she must have attempted to fight off her attackers.

Peace and tolerance

H

Defend Orashia Campaign Launched to Stop Removal from the UK by Home Office

In a follow up to a case I carried here in January of this year of a bisexual man who is Jamaican but is facing a possibility of being removed from the UK even after some ten years residing in that country is in fear of retribution if he is returned as the case has gotten some major press as of late. At one point he was made out to be a liar in a bid to get his stay in the UK and the authorities seem to also have bought into the line as well as he is not effeminate or "camp" as some other successful applicants are and are judged by.

A Facebook campaign has been launched entitled Defend Orashia led by No Border Leeds who have managed to convince persons as to the veracity of the story (including me) they have been on an aggressive public education drive since the matter broke.

Their latest post alongside their petition reads as follows(Aug 1):

"It's likely that the Home Office will try once again to issue removal directions shortly so please be ready to contact the airline.

In the meantime, check leedsnoborders.wordpress.com for how you can support & join our bloc at Leeds Pride tomorrow.

Press release-
Orashia's campaign gets support from Leeds Pride
Legal challenge continues as Orashia remains in detention

Leeds Pride Sunday 3rd August 12pm Millennium Square

The ongoing campaign by Orashia Edwards, a Jamaican bisexual fighting for asylum in Leeds, will be mentioned at the keynote speech during Pride tomorrow. Family and friends will march together to highlight the case of Orashia, who's currently in detention for the 3rd time this year. The march will also call for a complete review on how lgbti asylum seekers are processed as it is incredibly intrusive and currently 98% of people are denied asylum.

Orashia is currently in Colnbrook detention centre where his mental health has deteriorated dramatically but he cannot access the care he needs due to conditions there. Due to an intervention by his solicitor, he was able to see a psychiatrist who reported 'acute mental distress'. Obviously this condition cannot improve until he is released and campaigners will continue to focus on this.

His application for bail was denied on Friday 1st August as the Home Office hope to try and issue removal directions shortly. However Orashia's legal team will keep on fighting until he receives the protection he needs. Both a Judicial Review and a new bail application will be applied for on Monday."

ENDS

The Petition can be seen and signed HERE

The Group says:

If he is forcibly removed by the Home Office, his life is in severe danger in Jamaica. All is family are settled in the UK and he would be completely isolated and in hiding. His case has gained mass media attention and support in the past months and he has become well known both here in the UK and in Jamaica. This means that the danger his life is in, because of his sexuality, has increased and he was recently victim to a homophobic attack here in Leeds where he lives. This cannot be tolerated and if the British government and the Home Office say they stand for human rights and equality then they need to release Orashia from detention now.

In 2013 a Home Office spokesman said: ”We have changed our guidance to ensure that we do not remove individuals who have demonstrated a proven risk of persecution on grounds of sexual orientation.'' (PinkNews.co.uk). Why is this then happening to people like Orashia?

Orashia is an amazing person who has the ability to shine so much more than he has been given a chance to here in Britain. He is a faithful friend and does what he can to help and support others going through similar issues to him. He has a close family, many friends and is involved in various groups and organisations around Leeds. His situation has meant that life is a daily unknown battle for himself, his family, especially his mother who works overtime on order to support him, and those closest to him. Please sign this petition and demand Orashia be given a fair chance at a real life now and not be punished for his sexuality.

You can watch a short documentary about Orashia's story called State of Limbo here:http://youtu.be/Wy3R2QtqONM

Another documentary called Judgement Day about Orashia's court hearing on 30th June can be watched here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVib2Hh6Oog