There goes Dr Orville Taylor again! .............. Increase In Gay Hatred? Get The Fact Out!

So Dr Orville Taylor decided to go to town via RJR’s radio talkshow Hotline which he hosts on a Monday and Tuesday following his article appearing in the Sunday Gleaner regarding the recently reported on study commissioned by JFLAG on Attitudes and Awareness on homosexuality. I had only commented on one such report as to the drip drop method of sharing the study when previous such studies were released in full via PDF for public review; such a method of release as done this time around only serves to raise the very cynicism and stigmatization that JFLAG et al are supposed to be counteracting, oh how the ammunition is so easily handed to the opposition. Other public commentators have said or asked where is the full study so as to compare it to the previous two and sometimes I wonder if the goodly folks at the J are really thinking and that their actions are closely scrutinized for any flaw.

Dr Taylor did not go down his regular route as he normally would by opposing the efficacy of reports of homophobia or the perception that lobbyists are lying by riding the wave of the Time Magazine article questioning whether Jamaica is the most homophobic place on earth; but instead he went after public displays of affection while pretending he is against violence towards LGBT people but declaring days later on Hotline if a man calls to him he would just say to him no but if he got physical then that would be another matter.

The feedback via text messaging and call in were clear as usual as such topics evokes far more attention and ratings than other subjects do.

Here is the article published on Sunday April 17, 2016 in the Gleaner, see what you make of it:

Increase In Gay Hatred? Get The Fact Out!

I don't like beef, chicken, goat and pork. Cheese and milk make my stomach sick. Eating hot dogs is nasty, and I would never put even a Vienna sausage in my mouth. And yes, seafood is a big source of protein for me, but swallowing slimy oysters is gross and no one can make me suck the conch from its shell.

So, what does that make me? And I make black jokes, and fun of Jamaicans, Chinese, Africans, Indians, women, men and almost anybody or anything on creation. Indeed, I even offered my blind friend Floyd Morris my car keys. And, of course, I make gay jokes, too.

True, it is a thin line between humour and humiliation, but I'm an equal-opportunity satirist. By the way, I tell the Ras to remove the cloth from his head and stop smoking that nasty-smelling bush weed. So what if smoking the 'ishen' is an integral part of the 'livity' (lifestyle) of Rastafarians? It is hazardous activity and carries a small but significant risk of mental illness and lung disease.

So tell me. Do I hate eaters of meat or the animals themselves? And am I Rastaphobic simply because I disapprove of a something that the Natty Man does?

Last week, one of my colleague reporters cited a study carried out by the reputed Don Anderson-led Market Research Services Ltd and published a story with the headline that began, 'Study says Jamaicans hate gays ... .' However, they can be converted. The major finding reported that since the last study done in 2011, there was a 50 per cent increase in 'hate or rejection' of gays in Jamaican and, therefore, that community should expect higher levels of intolerance in the near future.

This story was very disturbing because, growing up in Catholic schools and with a father who acted as a consultant to God, I was taught that one should never hate any other human. 'Hate', a verb, is 'to feel extreme enmity towards or to have a strong aversion to.' Christians take comfort in saying that they hate the sin but not the sinner.

SIMPLY DISINGENUOUS

Being repugned or repulsed by people of the same sex 'doing the nasty' cannot mean that one hates them. It is simply disingenuous to conflate dislike for homosexual activity with hatred of gays.

As a member of the Gleaner fraternity, I got a small glimpse of the survey and saw nothing to convince me that we 'hate' gays any more than we did. Some of the findings are not surprising. Around 90 per cent of Jamaicans believe that anal sex between a man and woman is wrong. Similar numbers report the view that homosexuality is a sin. It, therefore, is not unexpected that 75 per cent of us believe that homosexuality should be outlawed. However, it is significant that the same three-quarters of Jamrockers believe that two women to one man sexually is also wrong. So what do we call this nominal disapproval of multiple partners? 'Promiscuophobia?'

Let's be honest: Hatred and dislike are not the same. Hatred must be accompanied by a feeling that something material should be done to the persons. In law, that is called malice, even if without the 'cut eye'.

In fact, there might be more evidence that we are a much more tolerant society towards gays than is being portrayed. More than 60 per cent of Jamaicans do not make any effort to avoid gays; almost 60 per cent say they would not respond violently to being approached; 82 per cent do not tease or make fun of gays; around 80 per cent do not speak bad things about them; 93 per cent have never threatened to damage property of gays; and 86 per cent say they would never stop talking to our friends if they found out that they were gay.

SCIENTIFICALLY DISHONEST

By the way, Jamaican employers are even more tolerant, and 64 per cent of them indicate that they have in place anti-discrimination policies at the workplace. Indeed, how often do you hear that people are dismissed based on sexual orientation? For good measure, in more than 30 American states, one can legally fire workers for being gay. Surprised?

So, tell me where is the hatred? In social research, we recognise that flawed concepts and definitions give incorrect and spurious results. The survey includes the faulty Riddle Homophobia Scale, which equates rejection of homosexual relationships with hatred of them. This is academically and scientifically dishonest.

Regarding the buggery law, less than 40 per cent feel that it either should just remain, or they were unsure or had no opinion. It would have made much more sense if we knew what actual percentage opposed its repeal.

Seven years ago, when I completed a study and made recommendations to the Government regarding protection of Jamaican workers from discrimination based on HIV status, my position was that the emphasis should be on action and not attitude. Trying to 'normalise' anal sex, which is the most efficient means of transmitting HIV (which infects 33 per cent of gay men), is a waste of good resources. True, it got my colleague Brendan Bain fired, but fact is fact. More important is to prevent discriminatory acts.

Nevertheless, the buggery law is stupid and an ass. Two men can legally do all manner of sexual repugnance, including fellatio, as long as there is no penetration. However, if a freaky pastor decides to procure entry via the alternative route, he is guilty of a crime, although it is not a sin. And lesbians are scot-free under the sheets and the law.

By the way, another major finding is that most Jamaicans believe that gay people can be changed. In another article, I will address the 'born gay' argument, but let me ask my gay friends: When you proposition someone who has been straight all his/her life, aren't you also accepting that sexuality is changeable?

- Dr Orville Taylor, senior lecturer in sociology at the UWI and a radio talk-show host, is the author of 'Broken Promises, Hearts and Pockets'. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and tayloronblackline@hotmail.com.

ENDS

So much for changing hearts and minds with persons like Dr Taylor lecturing at one of our major Universities.

Sigh

previous related entries with Dr Taylor:

UWI Sociologist on Buggery And AIDS: A Lot Of Bull (GJW)

J-FLAGging A Dead Horse? (Gleaner article) 2013

Fish, Foul Swimmer And Scammers ...... 2012

Activists, operatives seem unapproachable, slacktivism or activism?

In the last four years or so Jamaican LGBT rights/visibility has gotten a major boost on many fronts, commendable indeed that public advocacy is on but there is a way in which the more things change the more they stay the same. JFLAG and indeed other new outfits all have a public face to boot and I and other older operatives both locally and abroad did not think for one minute to show our faces back in the day, we all should remember what happened to Gareth Henry when he spoke up on Brian Williamson’s murder, the Monarch Pharmacy/Macey Grey mobbing incident and the subsequent police harassment as he pushed his public advocacy work on behalf of the J, death threats and such.

But there has always been and continues to be issues of perceptions of unapproachable activists, the gulf between the executive types personalities versus the frontline street based grass roots individual and whether who is more valid, credible or qualified to speak on in this case homophobia and related matters. The insulated operative just by virtue of class continue to lead the pack which is understandable to an extent as they can place themselves above the earthy homophobia and not engage the issues directly but from reportage out there but there is a way in which a kind of essentialism if not territorialism or elitism with bouts of condescending tones have set in; they can bring a higher visibility to the issues but my lord!. One blogger on his Facebook page for example recently lamented that he is not a paper pusher sitting at a desk embroiled in preparing studies of the lower classes for intellectual sporting but gets a better feeling by being on the street. Then there is the ongoing but old rift between the newcomer or newer generation of activists, bloggers and volunteers of NGOs versus the still active older far more experienced functionaries; and the appearing resistance from the latter to the former with the latter being somewhat brash and impatient with the former dismissing those valuable sometimes real world experiences as a learning template.

A disturbing report suggested that a present day advocacy officer recently suggested that former operatives who live abroad especially should not comment on local issues; suggesting thus that they do not qualify to do speak on such matters despite their numerous years of real world experience versus the more precky administration restricted advocate. I want someone to directly try that stunt with me and some folks need to remember that they are still on a learning curve. It took a lifetime for some persons to learn and have a grasp of the issues and are still learning as nothing remains constant; but such persons are in a far better position to address some issues with authority than others bearing in mind this is not a competition but more about continuity a virtue that has been starving for some time.

A 2014 article from Big Think spoke to the issue of social media activism and related matters excerpted in part:

"Many of us have fallen victim to it: changing our profile picture to those white equals signs atop a red background because someone said that it meant you support marriage equality, sharing the now-infamous #Kony2012 video that no one ever watched in full, or reposting the Huffington Post article only because the title was too witty and relevant not to.

Social media might be said to revolutionize political activism, connecting us to like-minded peers in previously inconceivable ways. The hive is easier to stir than ever before. But these technologies have a much darker side. Facebook activism amplifies harmful underpinnings of capitalism. It drastically alters how we conceive of ourselves. And ironically, Facebook does harm to the social causes offline that we champion online. Why? Social media platforms transform social issues into cultural capital: issues become labels of political alignment and lend an appearance of social awareness attached to a digitally curated self. They become a means to the end of social gain, rather than of social change. 

Through social media, we engage in personal branding. We cultivate a name and image that we can manipulate for social gain: “likes,” retweets, comments, and shares—rather than real change on the ground—become our primary goal. We choose how we desire to be seen by others and then manipulate that artificial “self” in accord with our known, or desired, audience.

No self-presentation through social media can be fully genuine. The prospect of social rewards always taints that decision-making process. Individuals cultivate their amplified selves on such platforms by sharing a given set of signifiers to attach to their “profile” through the sharing of news articles, the act of ‘liking’ pages, or re-posting other people’s writings. There is a hyper-awareness of our image in the eyes of others; whether consciously or not, our profiles become a self-promoting narrative. 

The Perils of "Slacktivism"

And the end-goal of this online “activism” is typically limited to raising awareness. As valuable as it is to widen people’s understanding of the world, no tangible change flows from awareness alone. In addition, many online activist campaigns reveal their true colors when they raise awareness of convenient untruths.

These examples of “slacktivist” rebellion from current events are prevalent within social media, especially (but not exclusively) among the liberal class who claim to advocate for social justice. The irony lies in the fact that when the labels of “rebel” enters popular culture and “trendiness,” it becomes conformity. The idea of rebellion becomes another commodified modifier to one’s online self. “Rebellion” acts as a signifier to denote a sense of global awareness and a self-directed, educated position within the subject matter. Despite the appearance of rebellion in this public display of a seemingly more radical opinion, the individual is doing just the opposite. We are always keenly aware of our audience; often that audience is one of similar opinion, as that audience is comprised of “friends” or “followers.” 

Individuals craft their public selves and accompanying opinions to obtain social reward from a positive response from their followship. Social issues and critique become buzzwords or clickbait. They function as modifiers for that online public self, and lose their rebellious force. Those issues become objects used to accumulate cultural capital in exchange for social reward. In this process it becomes apparent that both the public self and the social issues become commodified to achieve an end reward that’s external to the function and existence of the commodity.

This isn’t to say that all that happens on these platforms is negative. With this new form of media and communication, there are many liberating and redeeming qualities that arise from these platforms, including the newfound ability to bridge conversational gaps and the opportunity for a larger number of people to engage in a conversation and disseminate knowledge and opinions relatively freely. Social media is fast, easy, cheap and, in one sense, democratic. 

Every now and again present day realities just slaps one in the face as Miss Diana Ross in her song “The Boss” said ‘...stood right up in my face ....’ and such was the case that I was forced again to look at this business of social media to include adulation seeking bordering on a kind of narcissistic complex, persons presenting false bettered images and perfect philosophical positions of themselves than who they are in actual reality, camouflaging reality and an ever increasing patting on the back slaps in the face (in the minds of some onlookers) or applauding activists or activism from just mere announcements, lovely photos at a workshop or conference and such. To put it bluntly one lesbian said it quite boldly in words to the effect as to why some gay rights people inna Jamaica a move so like dem a foreen and a show off so .....? (why are some gay rights activists operating as if they are abroad and being boastful or showing off?)

I think what that lesbian’s comment was alluding to is that human rights activists have become so self absorbed and do not know how to celebrate success or achievement or highlight work done without making it into a song and dance, or without hubris and vain imagery. Such perceptions of bragadociousness/arrogance seems to be rubbing some persons the wrong way an already old challenge of under-reporting issues was another lesbian’s comment that made me take a look at the aforementioned issues more seriously barring mistrust as to where to turn, she reached out to someone regarding an issue she had that individual in turn reached out to me, in our conversation it was clear very quickly that the issues were out of my league in as far as expertise; I suggested to her to make a report at one of the leading NGOs to which she paused as we spoke over the phone; the hesitation was so real to me one could cut it with a knife. The exchange recommenced but she was politely resistant to my suggestion when it was repeated, when I pressed her as to why, then came the bombshell where she said she did not feel that some NGOs or operatives are approachable and indeed would not be able to identify with her issues on the basis of class and perceived lack of experience in other words too young in her eyes to understand matters. I was stunned but I should have expected it as that perception is as old as I can recall; but here I also thought with the myriad of avenues available for reaching out it seems said avenues are occupied by gate blockers (if you will) indeed gate keepers more so than facilitators in terms of perception by those seeking redress or just a listening ear.

How does one celebrate genuine success while sharing them publicly and use it as motivation without it being seen as arrogance is a thin line to me. That is why I am a little selective as to what goes on my wall; filtering who sees what is also practice I use with regards to my Facebook page in particular.

There seems to be some unsupervised social media management on the part of the NGOs and their staff etc even with regards to operatives personal pages; it is also tedious in the line between personal and the professional regarding online personas; the recent tiff between two particular persons though passed for some time has left bitter butter memories in the minds of some I was also told by the respondent as she like many others including myself read the tweets and Facebook battle in shock and some dismay; image is everything and if said operatives are busy suring up professional profiles whilst forgetting that their very actions online and persona can be linked to the organizations they are attached. I never use my personal Facebook page to throw barbs at anyone or group and if I have something to comment on or critique I do so with my blogs and identify for the most part specifics via quotes and related media. I do not even have a personal Twitter page but the GLBTQ Jamaica account where my entries are filtered coupled with my DJ stuff. Owing to the fact that the posts and such are public operatives need to remember ones online mannerisms and behaviour can be scrutinized and seen and help to form impressions from the very populations they are sometimes tasked to engage. One needs to be very circumspect even with one’s personal page, Twitter or Instagram accounts.

A word to the wise is sufficient I guess I am going to hear that bloggers (as said to others as well) are telling others what to do but those who are irked by years of experience brought to bear may have a prickly experience henceforth as such advice, suggestions etc. will continue I imagine.

Peace & tolerance

H

Jamaican edition of Gaycation TV series angers viewers

In a followup to a previous post yesterday The Challenges of Running a Queer Homeless Shelter in Jamaica the wall of resistance and disbelief of real homophobia in Jamaica suddenly appears even after being dormant and giving a false sense of tolerance in the minds of some.

The Star and other media carried parts or whole of the backlash as well.

Jamaica's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender societies have once again been thrust into the international spotlight.

This after parts of an episode of Gaycation (a TV series which documents the lives of people from the queer community) emerged on social media.

The video has been causing quite a stir on Facebook as users believe the documentary is once again painting a bad image of Jamaica on the international market. But Jamaicans need to remember the truth of homophobia here is uncomfortable for all involved. Bearing in mind also as a nation and at government policy level if we are serious about image building and economic development then LGBT tourism and the all important new pink dollar element would be considered but I guess that won't happen for now.

In the latest episode of the popular Canadian TV show, Canadian movie star, Ellen Page and her best friend, Ian Daniel journey to Jamaica where they meet members of the Gay community who talk about the dangers they encounter based on their sexual orientation. Miss Page unfortunately left out so many other things which often happens when visitors come here to shoot documentaries or features and do not have a fuller grasp of the issues here and our sub-cultural nuances; neither the groups that bring them here too; most voices in that department are mostly protected middle or upper class tertiary level educated folks on behaviour change but who only operate based on reports and not real world experiences.

They interview a transgender man who refers to himself as Trina Boss B**ch who tells them he wants to seek asylum overseas because he fears for his life in Jamaica. He then proceeds to show them where he was burnt with acid and shot allegedly by persons who do not accept his lifestyle.

The video has angered some social media users who believe that the documentary is being used to brand Jamaica as a dangerous homophobic country.

“This celebrity gal really guh Jamaica guh film this,” one user posted. “We keep allowing them to mek we country look bad. Uno stop anywhere in this world u go u have haters of gay lifestyle so stop negatively branding my country,” the post continued.

“Sorry to say I don't like this. People need to remember that we depend on tourism to help our economy. A show like this do more bad than good for us. These gay are looking attention. Me upset and cross because I see gays walking in Jamaica freely and nobody not troubling them,” another said. The video has already been viewed some 51000 times on Facebook.

additional comments rang similar to this one suggesting such features the subjects interviewed are coached:

When marginalized groups hidden from mainstream cannot get to speak and do speak it is welcome relief when opportunities present themselves so to do; but when it is guided by supposed 'foreigners' who are loathed by Jamaicans as imposing homosexuality on the nation or mistrusting the motives as a means to gain rights then we are bound to be at this war for some long ways to come. How does one bring credibility to the crisis reporting component of public advocacy is the key question out of all this.

In the previous post the issue of asylum was referred to but with public antigay advocates pouring cold water on the truth of gays complaining of homophobic attacks by the likes of Betty Ann Blaine then they feel justified in always leading the opposition to any rights seeking or law reform (Buggery). 

also see and view:

Betty Ann Blaine on the big gay lie 

Forced evictions are real and so are genuine cases of homophobia although there is a school of thought that says the cases are all gay on gay crimes. Previous posts on here and Gay Jamaica Watch bring this conundrum to bear:

To the disbelievers ............Yes, J'can LGBTians are still forced to leave Jamaica

NO GAY RAGE - Homosexuals Are Not Targeted For Violent Crime, Say Experts 2013

Meanwhile homelessness has not gotten the proper attention it deserved even from old and experienced NGOs and advocates bearing in mind it is the oldest piece of evidence birthed from stigma and discrimination. That we have to contend with outsiders telling our stories just makes the matter complicated; alliances are crucial but as I hinted above a broader scan of the issues is needed and not skewed look at this while not asking why is it that NGO seem so helpless? Of course the excuse is lack of funding which is somewhat true but outfits such as JFLAG has had to return funding they got as according to them they could not find a place to do the intervention.

Remember this?:

So our displaced cannot settle eh? ....... police raid premises with cross dressers! which was alleged to be funded by the J

So much to ponder.

Peace & tolerance

H

Woman beats female lover at court

Oh boi there is never a dull day in Jamaica with drama and intimate partner issues spilling over into the public domain in real time of via twitter-verse. I had heard about this one a day after it occurred via a neighbour who had gone to conduct business at the adjacent parish council office when daily operations were interrupted by the fracas. Now it has also made its way to the Star News since. 

Sadly it's cases such as this that help to define for some the notion that homophobic violence is actually intimate partner violence and so true homophobia does not exist; that belief could not be further from the truth.

Remember this?:

Anyway:

It was high drama just outside the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court last Friday after a woman attacked and threw several blows on her female lover who reportedly works at the courthouse.

The incident, which occurred about 11:30 a.m. and in full view of several people, left many in shock as they witnessed the court employee being assaulted by the woman, who accused her of being unfaithful.

"Yuh go gi wey mi sinting last night," the woman said in between a series of punches, as some people called out to her to desist.

concerned

But what happened next caused many of the curious onlookers to drop their jaws in disbelief. A concerned passer-by, in an effort to help the court worker, approached the attacker and asked her to stop, but was shockingly chased away by the employee.

"Yu can't come a di woman workplace and assault har like dat," the man told the attacker as he attempted to intervene. But, before he could go any further, the employee quickly butted in: "Leave her alone, how yu get involved?"

The man simply walked away as the assault continued. Other individuals eventually stepped in and rescued the woman and chased away the attacker. Police eventually arrived on the scene, and counselled the court worker. Up to late yesterday, the assaulted woman had made no report of the incident.

Visitors to the court told The Star that it was not the first incident of its kind to happen in the precinct of the courthouse. Others opined that the women needed to deal with their matter privately instead of out in the open as it was very disgraceful.

In the meantime, The Star has learnt that an investigation has been launched by the assaulted woman's employers to look into the incident and to discuss the way forward.

Pity this had to play out at a court house of all places.

Also check out this related podcast:

Christians say ... Don't force gay agenda on them ........ lol

Jamaican Christian advocates say a gay activist being awarded a free flight to Jamaica by JetBlue Airways represents another example of international influence being used to push the acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle on to Jamaicans. Oh these stupid folks, so the woman must not come to Jamaica or be given a gift by an airline? ....... these groups when they cannot or do not see other atrocities around them including their own pastors who sexual abuse children; yet they find time for stupidness.

Didn't Blaine and company at their Half Way Tree bring in foreign support so called rally for rescuing family life when really it was an antigay activity; but due to strong criticisms of their hypocrisy and selectivity they reframed it at the last minute; I wonder who payed for those flights or accommodation for those guests of theirs?

Anyway

here is my last post on this blog on the stupidness: Perception of Jamaican LGBTQ lobby bullying continues

What about the hundreds of LGBTQ people who either pass through our borders or visit Jamaica, they must be stopped too? ........... I mean sheesh already!

Last week, JetBlue Airways announced, via its Twitter account, that an American gay activist and singer, Jus Moni, had been awarded a free flight to Jamaica to support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender(LGBT) community in the island.

The female activist from Chicago is scheduled to arrive in Jamaica this week. On her social media pages last Tuesday, she said she wants to build a connection with black gays and lesbian youth in Jamaica.

However, the move has not gone down well with some Christians in Jamaica.

"There is an international push, not just from America, but several other foreign countries that are trying to force the normalisation of homosexual behaviour in Jamaica," noted Shirley Richards of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship. LOL is this a joke as to the 'normalization' as if sexual orientation is some foreign virus or entity but I am not surprised ignorance is a hell of a thing eh.

While the singer and activist is welcomed to come to Jamaica, Richards said she needs to respect the views of the majority of Jamaicans towards the LGBT community.

Founder of Hear the Children's Cry, Betty-Ann Blaine, expressed similar views, adding that she wants to meet with the activist. To do what she did not say I guess to suggest reparative therapy that everywhere else is running away from as they have come into the realization that it is counter-productive and does not cure anybody.

"It is out there that we are homophobic, and I reject that. We are a Christian society. We aren't attacking homosexuals. In fact, when you hear of cases that homosexuals are killed, they are killing each other," added Blaine. Oh so the wall of disbelief from one or two cases is now being used to dismiss other legitimate matters; I tell you these people are something else but she has been on that line for some time now.

Remember her big gay lie foolishness?: Betty Ann Blaine on the big gay lie .......... 2012

Blaine stressed that Jamaica is not 'anti-gay', instead she said the country is 'pro-God'.

"We will not support same sex, or repealing the buggery law," Blaine said.

Oh boi god help these folks I tell you.

We need help too as some of us claiming to be activists have contributed to the wall of disbelief and hardened positions by ignoramuses we now have to contend with. Poor crisis communication is the major one as several non-homophobic matters have been paraded as homophobic without benefit of proper investigations and clarity in presenting the facts as they are for to strengthen credibility.

Miss Blaine is obviously playing on the perception out there to make herself and her insignificant New Nation Coalition party some visibility alongside Jamaica CAUSE etc. Here is a vox pop from the Jamaica Observer on what persons perceive of "gay murders"

the wall of disbelief is further aided by talkshow hosts such as Joan Williams on Power 106FM:

also an interesting Facebook exchange on her profile some time ago with a LGBT community member that reveals much disturbingly:

And she finds it offensive when the AGFC (antigayfactcheck) called her an anti-gay activist? 

We are still reaping the worldwind I fear from poor advocacy as I hinted to in this older podcast:

So they say young bud nuh know storm (young birds do not know the effects of a storm) so let us see when this will ever end or will this continue to be a tit for tat struggle.

Here she was among others in their paranoia over marriage equality and lobby credibility:

also see:

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

That Buggery Law (UK 1533), Grief & The Ill-informed 2015


GAY & BISEXUAL INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, HOMOPHOBIC INCIDENTS & CRISIS COMMUNICATION


Reported homophobic cases: January - October 2015 (Gay Jamaica Watch)

Lawyers' Christian Fellowship's hypocritical stance on CCJ but keep Buggery Law! 2015

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

The entitlement problem from hypermasculine MSM & negative outcomes

Questions on murder/buggery case in court

'You Don't Have To Swing To Beat Up Gays' (Gleaner) ..... HRW LGBT Rights Director says

So Dean Moriah’s murder was NOT a homophobic killing ……. ethical issues in advocacy arise yet again

Gay Lobby May Have Lost Potential Allies (Gleaner Letter) Indeed

NO GAY RAGE – Homosexuals Are Not Targeted For Violent Crime, Say Experts

Gleaner claims new backlash towards the gay lobby due to MSM homelessness in Kingston

Wheel and come again, ACP Green ...... but  2012

Gay lobby claims not true, says Green . 2011

Concerns about continued MSM/Trans displacements & forced evictions in 2015

BETTY ANN BLAINE’S ARRANT NONSENSE REQUEST OF PETER KING TAPES 2013

GAYS BORN, NOT MADE, RESPONSE TO ANTI GAY REV ESPEUT 2013

Is this a joke .... Church group denies gay bias

More gay marriage paranoia from anti gay Jamaican groups

Another St Thomas Pastor Accused of Rape ........... Where are Anti Gay Religious Groups? 2014

Jamaica CAUSE issues Veiled threat to Govt to not Repeal The Buggery Law

Very good letter to the Observer critiquing church's selectiveness on issues 2009

Anti gay religious voices where are they? .... Pastor charged with sexual assault

More Pastoral Inappropriateness & Under-aged Victims... Silence from The Selective Religious Anti Gay Groups

Dr Wayne West’s continued intellectual dishonesty on fisting felching & chariot racing by homosexuals in Ja 2013

St James Ministers’ Fraternal says Buggery Law repeal/decrim will cause Jamaica’s destruction 2013

Restorative Therapy Advocate & Anti Gay Voice on Trial for Perverting the Course of Justice

REVEREND AL MILLER’S OWN MORAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST & ANTI GAY CAMPAIGN

Promoting homosexuality? No, its about freedom of choice, privacy & tolerance

Rev Al Miller - the gay lobby is not asking for buggery decriminalization because of discrimination but to force homosexuality on the nation ....... 2011 (he has repeated it several times since despite his legal troubles)

Reverend Al Miller continues his antigay advocacy while his integrity is severely damaged

Buggery Accused Tried to Commit Suicide in Lockup ...

JAMAICA COALITION FOR A HEALTHY SOCIETY, JCHS CONTINUED CONFUSION OF PAEDOPHILIA & CONSENTING HOMOSEXUALITY. 2013 (and they are still at it)


The hypocritical and opportunist religious right 2009

That Buggery Law (UK 1533), Grief & The Ill-informed (2nd Take) 21.10.15

a 2nd review of Collectanea Satis Copiosa & the Valor Ecclesiasticus, The English Reformation & some of the real reasons for the 1533 buggery law as written and enacted by Thomas Cromwell under King Henry VIII's reign and its repeals and re-enactments w/Tabula Lingorum, et al are examined to determine the early signs of the law in the making as adopted by other parts of Europe and a 1376 reference.

listen the 1st take HERE: That Buggery Law (UK 1533), Grief & The Ill-informed 03.10.15

Peace & tolerance indeed required.

H

suggested previous podcasts:

J-Flag Says It Wants More Done For LGBT People

Health Minister Says Boldness Needed to Change Buggery Laws for HIV Prevention Work to be Effective

Foreign Affairs Minister says Govt should be cautious on gay rights issues in Jamaica

Holiness, hypocrisy and homosexuality …Pastors and the buggery law debate


CVM TV @ Sunrise on the Buggery review & JFLAG's 100 days hope for meeting with PM

Health Minister Ferguson on WAD '13 & FBOs fear of a Buggery repeal with future parachuted gay marriage

Promised Conscience Vote on Buggery in Jamaica was a fluke

PNP’s Bobby Pickersgill differs on Conscience Vote route to decide on Buggery Law 2013

Church defends Buggery Law ... 2013

Buggery Law challenges & overlooked judicial solutions 2013

PNP's Damion Crawford says it's highly unlikely buggery review will happen .....

PNP Wins ................Hope for LGBT People ??? 2011

Case update: Chopping incident, relocation, truth telling & unneeded attention

from: Woman assumed to be a lesbian chopped viciously allegedly by neighbour  2015

Once I find out that a case has too many clouds surrounding it and it cannot be substantiated based on the original report then my support will vanish, as simple as that, we must be as truthful as possible as reports be they in mainstream media or alternate ones it does have an impact on the hearts and minds we want to change or evolve on LGBTQ life.

When I and many others read the article in the Jamaica Observer complete with photos of a young lady earlier this year we were left almost siding with her and concluding that the matter was a horrible lesbophobic one. Upon reflection and perusing the story several times over it was clear something was off. Some were up in arms about the matter suggesting she did not deserve the attack by another tenant which also included myself hence my posting of the story in full on the incident at the apartment complex in Kingston one the Boulevard to be precise. The moral of the story is just to speak the truth from the beginning, if persons expect support and assistance it cannot be on the grounds of embellished stories, all out lies and irresponsible behaviour, then one claims victim-hood afterwards.

Chopping her may have gone to the extreme and I am in no way condoning her attackers or giving justification to the violence despite the cloudy nature surrounding the victim but one must be careful sometimes not to attract unneeded heat.

The LGBT community/advocacy collectively is already bedevilled by accusations of lies by antigay voices and homophobes and a poor but all important credibility factor in crisis communication from public advocacy and such twists and turns do not help any, we MUST be truthful to all concerned including the alleged report made to a NGO as well. Do not for one minute believe that a story in a newspaper and other platforms help to paint a greater picture of the struggle and hence affecting the very tolerance and rights we demand. Credibility in the all important crisis communication component of public advocacy is still seriously damaged and need all the help it can get.

However new information has come forth that seems to put the case in a whole new light and the subsequent removal of the ‘victim’ and her partner on Friday July 3rd who she is also accused of physically abusing as evidenced in loud arguments and multiple visits by other parties and police from other precincts. The court case seems to have fizzled as persons who once supported her have simply pulled back, the accused woman (an introverted person) has since kept the cameras in the all access points on the passageways and had threatened to sue the ‘victim’ for all kinds of things. The victim has been also accused of being a known troublemaker when it comes to rent payment and poor social skills from other apartment complexes she once resided. She has been named a troublemaker prior to this matter.

With that track record I am not surprised as previous occurrences with other persons in a similar vein with cloudy track records and tainted socialization histories have only sought to cause challenges for themselves and others. The very police officers who turned up in the initial chopping furore were not from Half Way Tree’s precinct as is relevant but instead were from Portmore’s 100 man station who turned up for a favour requested by the victim as one of the female cops owed the young lady some $40,000, so in lieu of payment they would adjudicate the matter but since that the cops have neatly removed themselves from the issue after seeing her behaviour and learning of her history and perceived sexual orientation.

The victim now removed from the complex is also accused of removing without clearing her rent obligations owing for some several months but other residents were said to have literally rejoiced as she left claiming the place will be quiet again. Sad that some of us sometimes attract unneeded heat to ourselves and then when we get into the heat itself we try to play the victim card. Several other run-ins and ghastly unmentionables have been leveled at the now relocated victim as well which are hard to substantiate but it does not auger well for her case as I hinted to above persons who were on her side and who also reside on the complex have since changed their minds in the negative. The smoke surrounding this matter has made her case untenable in my eyes and she will definitely not get my support in as far as her twisting of her story.

While it is understood navigating life in Jamaica is not easy as LGBTQ persons it was a bit strange at first when I saw the initial story in the Observer of all places as same gender loving women never normally are so abused outside of corrective rape but not as choppings of attacks but I guess one should have taken the accusation with a grain of salt.

Each case must be taken on its own merit and proper investigations as best as possible done to establish truth telling and hence strengthening the cause and correctness. It was only late last year a group of MSM sharing another apartment in Kingston also had to relocate most quickly as loud behaviour, multiple visitors and poor social skills lead to a clash with irate neighbours who complained their residency was obstructed by their actions. We must understand that persons are not obligated to “accept us” and because one resides in a middle class neighbourhood it is assumed persons will do so mimicking an American middle class construct.

Again the moral of the story is sifting for truth and lies, if we want tolerance we must also live and let live, respect goes where it comes from, do not do things to further sully the look and feel of the struggle overall.

A word to the wise is sufficient.

Peace and tolerance

H

suggested additional reading:

GAY & BISEXUAL INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, HOMOPHOBIC INCIDENTS & CRISIS COMMUNICATION 2014 from sister archive blog on Wordpress.

Concerns about continued MSM/Trans displacements & forced evictions in 2015

Since one of my last posts in July 2014 3 LGBT Forced Evictions in Clarendon a Cause for Concern on displacements (Gay Jamaica Watch) and other unconfirmed, corroborated and other dismissed reports as made up on the issue of forced evictions and displacements continue and in fact seems to be on the rise. We already have an islandwide challenge of homeless MSM/Transgender population mostly seen in Kingston at the Shoemaker Gully in recent times but as that group has been forcibly removed by the police and the authorities I fear the problem has been simply relocated to somewhere else. Spanish Town’s group has also grown upon my last check and a house some of them had captured (yet again) has since been emptied leaving them exposed.

The weed whacking project started by an interfaith group including myself is still struggling with equipment challenges and dwindling interest by the participants as they feel demotivated.

As per usual whenever LGBT issues are on the mainstream in terms of discourse there is some corresponding spike in incidents usually already in train via profiling, verbal abuse and the final blow comes with physical attacks and or evictions.

Most of the matters seem to have a profiling motive attached to them and while persons are encouraged to formally file reports to the police (even if the precinct officers refuse to take the statement of this nature and by extension to groups such as JFLAG noting the refusal, some persons prefer to private absorb the shocks and move on avoiding any publicity. I fear this refusal or hesitation in making reports hints to a long suspected challenge of under-reporting of infractions.

I still do get reports via Facebook mostly these days via referrals and via emails and phone calls for verification, (will not share all of them as requested by parties making them) thankfully social media has assisted in reporting homo/lesbo/trans/biphobic incidents and persons do not have to necessarily use phone/text/walk in office ways which can delay possible restorative responses to such matters as in the old days where it was more paper based incident taking exercise.

Here are some reports that have come to hand that have me concerned, thanks to persons for granting some clearance in sharing the relevant details.

Report 1: via Facebook

Teen told to leave the house by month’s end – in October 2014 in East Kingston, Rockfort to be precise after a series of verbal homo-negative encounters with a sibling based a perceived sexual orientation mantra finally ended in a fight and threats of a mobbing to have the teen removed if he did not comply. Profiling by family members seem to be the springboard for this one. After a prolonged tense relations the ultimatum was issued, the teen as others in a similar position get help from friends but for a short period.

To date he is still ‘kotching’ by a friend but is seeking a job while doing evening classes.

Report 2: via phone

Man forced to relocate (another such case yet again since my tracking) after assisting or accommodating an effeminate man for a short time in Portmore. After offering some kindness to another man who is said to be “real” (our term for effeminacy) he found himself being profiled and accused of bringing his ‘woman man’ to his home and suggesting the community has been poisoned by his actions. Community members insisted they did not want him to remain in the housing scheme and he has reported that he was literally being watched over a period of months prior to the advise/warning given to him by a nearby neighbour.

There was a similar incident I carried on sister archive blog on the wordpress platform where a man had helped a displaced man and found himself in major challenges while forced to leave his home but thankfully with police protection. The man via his Facebook status has since publicly declared he will not assist anyone else as he is now in trouble, this has garnered much response from persons on his friends list who are in agreement.

The tone of the comments suggest out of protectionism persons are cautious or refusing to offer any type of informal crisis intervention via the assisted shelter. This is a blow in that department I feel as this community level each one reach one typed help has been instrumental for decades in Jamaica as persons rally around persons genuinely concerned in working towards closure. I have also seen where persons offer assistance under deceptive guises too which also when made public have an impact of such avenues for closure as mistrust drives refusal.

Report 3: via Facebook(a very lengthy one)

Transgender teen told by mother she does not want a child who is gay in her house in St Andrew, while the separation process was not violent as the mother claimed she loves ‘her’ she says for safety reasons for her part (not her child as was expected) she wants her out of the house so as to avoid problems with neighbours and other family members. The teen has since found temporary refuse via a friend but for how long one is not sure as such help has time limits and costs financially speaking.

For example I would love to help more persons in my spare room as I have done before in my home but apart from an incident I had with one such persons two years ago where I had to take a break in doing so financially it costs to have another mouth in house to feed. This is a sentiment expressed by the few these days I am aware of who will help in this department in shelter assistance, seeing that no formal shelters for MSM/Trans persons currently exist (despite we have had our expectations raised by state and none state actors) this avenue is a viable option. During my tenure at JFLAG I had formalized a rent cheque/shelter assistance stipend for persons opening up their homes to offer such help but it does not seem it is in effect or if so in a new form.

Some complaints from persons who have engaged the goodly J for such assistance and maintaining same for let’s say two months which was the maximum I had allowed suggest that they were not afforded such benefits and instead it was reduced to one (financial issues maybe or limited funding) this is of course outside those more serious cases that require asylum for closure. The first month rental deposit cheque for example seems to have died down and just a stipend for groceries and such personal effects, JFLAG too based on unconfirmed reports seem to have been encouraging or continue to encourage the community based shelter assistance avenues for displaced or threatened persons.

Report 4: Gay man given illegal notice to quit property (September 2014) via phone

St Catherine my home parish was the place for this one in Portmore (Waterford) to be precise, there seems to be a spike in recent times in the surburb (historically so despite its unique mostly while collar working middle class demographic) The man has only just settled after the forced eviction issues verbally by the landlord of the property as he claimed he has been informed by phone that he the victim has had too many men coming to the property and again as above neighbours are grumbling.

Profiling has been always a challenge as previous entries on this and on Gay Jamaica Watch bring to bear, persons especially gay men worst yet when they have effeminate traits are scrutinized closely, their socialization patterns are monitored and discussed over the dinner table, the corner shop, verandas and so on and where such persons claim to have ‘evidence’ of their suspicions then it is converted into in their minds justifiable action normally planned homophobic attack of some sort or forced evictions. In this case the landlord literally came with a notice form but it was not written and served properly. After a lengthy and tense conversation with the young man according to his report the landlord went to his car and returned with the partially completed notice form which he slipped under the door despite the fact the tenant was present in house so it was not served properly in my eyes.

He has had to send his furniture and so on all over with other friends and suffer the inconvenience of prolonged travel to work and costs with very little recourse for some time. He has since found a new rented spot and has settled but says he is far more circumspect about his neighbours and has curtailed visiting activity by friends.

Report 5: via Facebook

Gay man in fight at workplace over battyman comment, photos were available via his Facebook profile but have since been removed in January 2015 (not sure the actual time/date of the incident but it seems recent, again profiling is the chief springboard for supposed justified homo-negative attack. The status message that was visibly public and not limited to friends garnered some comments from other users mostly negative ones. I suspect the man did not know how to navigate the privacy setting on FB, a problem I have seen for years leading to fallouts and such. Apparently it was this lack of knowledge on FB that got the attention of the offending co-worker apart from the in house subtle bashing or influenced it so much so that it got physical and the man defended himself.

The man has since reported the matter to the supervisors who have since tried to separate or reduce the level of opportunities for contact between the offender and the victim which seems to me as a temporary fix as anything can happen outside in public or during breaks.

What about other co-workers is unclear in the public post but it seems as previous cases show miscreants always have company or support to carry out their quests.

Report 6 via Facebook then followed up by phone

Butch identified woman relocates after concerns raised when she has been repeated verbally attacked by men in her former community on the corner shop. The actions by the men has a chief instigator who was in prison and absent from the area for some time and upon his return with misplaced bravado tries to reassert his dominance as it were in the community so he targets persons including this woman.

The woman made initial contact via Facebook (I suspect a group I am in) then she made a friends request to which I responded she then proceeded to lay her case in a lengthy message and a chat thread where she released what she described as pent up worry.

She claimed she has been living as a hermit in her home and only venture out when it is absolutely necessary she has since in order to avoid her pending fears coming to reality she asked a relative to assist but her true home (occupied with other family) is where she wants to be and be comfortable, to relocate for safety reasons is just too much for her she fears.

There are other cases that I am not able or have been able to confirm and those made to other groups and individuals, I have no doubt but the under-reporting, hesitation to formally make such reports and avenues for closure are concerns for me yet still after all these years.

Even though the discussion around homosexuality is ever so slowly becoming more sensible in large part the homo-negativity, old perceptions and mistrust towards LGBT advocacy still have an impact on tolerance and understanding that ought to exist.

Please be safe out there, vigilance is required for personal safety especially social media privacy or monitoring is key.

Peace and tolerance

also see some previous entries on here and on Gay Jamaica Watch:
Lesbophobic Rant on RJR’s Afternoon Flagship Program by Broadcasters

More Jamaican LGBTQ displacements & homeless challenges in 2014
Some considerations ..... would you assist someone who has been displaced ??? (podcast from 2011)

Same gender loving sister clashes with bus crew in Half Way Tree


Schoolboys in custody for assault of soft spoken male student

Man Bites Another in Argument after Allegedly Called a Battyman 

Jamaican Transgender Activist Turned Away From Bacchanal

Women Accused of Assaulting Teen with Bottle to be Tried in September

KSAC working to clear streets of homeless people, will the LGBT populations be assisted as well?

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

Woman assumed to be a lesbian chopped viciously allegedly by neighbours

Lesbophobia: Woman chased and beaten after being called sodomite

You Can't Catch Being Gay ................ Excellent Letter to the Gleaner Editor

ON THE DOWN LOW: MEN SLEEPING WITH MEN – ANOTHER VIEW

Inmate attacks alleged gay prisoner

Montego Bay Male Sex Worker misses a beating at popular sex site 

3 Schoolboys face the court for beating other male student allegedly for calling them "battybois"

Bisexual teen faced psychological prison, told not to tell anyone or else ..............

H

also visit Google plus HERE

Recent Homophobic Incidents CLICK HERE for related posts/labels from glbtqjamaica's blog & HERE for those I am aware of on Gay Jamaica Watch.

also one of my latest podcasts on the crimes of passion issued tied into homophobia in Jamaica

Bad Man Nuh F*** Batty (Masculine Men Don't F*** Ass) (The Fear of The Feminine in JA ) 16.04.15

older podcasts for a historical context: