On International Family Equality Day #IFED2017

May 1, 2017, marks the fifth celebration of International Family Equality Day, a day to celebrate families all over the world where one or both parents identify as LGBTQ. It usually runs for sixteen days and culminates on IDAHO day. Last year, 67 cities across 32 countries had celebrations to honor their local “Rainbow Families” and this year, hopefully more do so.

Jamaica parents as guardians or as persons with children from a previous relationships anecdotally have been doing pretty well, a couple cases over the year parents coming out to their children sometimes while disucssing the 'birds and the beez' have worked out well as the children seem to understand.

Though each community can throw its own event or party, some LGBTQ families celebrate on a smaller scale with a private family dinner. Regardless of how International Family Equality Day is celebrated across the world, LGBTQ families deserve recognition and a day to be proud of their families and the progress we have made.

Here’s why:

Brings awareness to LGBTQ family rights.

Only 24 countries allow for same-sex marriage with Colombia being the most recent to legalize gay marriage. With 195 countries in the world – 24 is not a significant number. Though LGBTQ couples don’t necessarily have to be married to have children in all countries, marriage allows for certain rights and protections for their family and kids. By celebrating International Family Equality, it’s bringing awareness to the many countries across the world who don’t recognize LGBTQ families or provide them with basic rights, such as marriage, that their straight counterparts receive. Rights include the ability to marry, adopt, equal healthcare access, birth certificate recognition, access to fertility treatments or surrogacy, and many more.

It is often harder for LGBTQ parents to create their families.

As an LGBTQ parent, you understand the time, commitment, and financial struggle it took to create your family. LGBTQ parents have to go through countless fertility treatments, rigorous adoption or surrogacy processes, step parent and second parent adoptions, and much more to have a child. Because of this, LGBTQ parents deserve a day in which they can be reminded how all that time, possible stress, and hard work was totally worth it.

Visibility can bring positive results.

Though the numbers of LGBTQ families are increasing, there are still many communities and aspects of the media in which LGBTQ families are not represented. With International Family Equality Day, there’s a focus on LGBTQ families on social media, in the media, and out in public during public events. Visibility fosters so many positive results such as acceptance and education, as well as making it clear to the world: LGBTQ families are here.

Children deserve a day to celebrate their parents and their family.

The great thing about the events surrounding International Family Equality Day is that these events usually involve fun, interactive activities for children. When children are taken to these events by their LGBTQ parents, they are able to see other families like theirs being celebrated, thus creating a sense of pride for their family.

A chance to meet other LGBTQ families.

In some communities, it may be difficult to connect with other LGBTQ families. International Family Equality Day brings together a number of LGBTQ families at their celebratory events allowing for families to mix and mingle and hopefully, form new friendships.

Enjoy your Family Equality Day

Peace & tolerance

H

LGBT Birth Tourism too far-fetched an idea for Jamaica?

I am still a little befuddled at the fact that Jamaica is still seemingly reluctant or afraid to diversify the already successful tourism product. The matter came up for mention this morning on radio. Given the recent introduction and active business of AirB&B catering to middle class vacationers who cannot afford five star hotels and that traveller who is seeking a more earthy real world exploration it has helped in the sub categories of LGBT visitors as well who like the rustic charm & scenery away from the inclusive concrete jungles that a mere marble and artificial beauty with some flora and fauna. Jamaica does facilitate birth tourism but obviously for heterosexual couples. We must not leave out the fact that gay marriage is a done deal by way of the US SCOTUS in that historic judgement. The smaller guest houses or homes linked to AirB&B model are all over the place and have been doing pretty well as some 1,500 properties or more have qualified and are actively accommodating persons. The pink dollar component of it though somehow we as a country have not capitalized on even in the face of pre-US embargo pressure on Cuba the island was doing relatively well in the LGBT guest department. Of course with the visibility and intervention of the daughter of the late Fidel Castro, Mariela that has helped greatly in attracting support and visitors.

Cuba’s national awareness programs on sexual health also includes LGBT matters so the population being so exposed does have the kinds of caustic homophobia when compared to ours with sometimes disastrous outcomes. They still do have the occasional slip up but that problem won’t disappear altogether. Now that the embargo has been lifted there is almost a flood of persons overall but includes savvy and monied LGBT persons including newly minted married couples who seek the destination for their honeymoon and I have since gathered birth tourism where couples either by insemination or surrogate arrangements either way i.e. male couples who use their sperm with a paid female carrier go to other countries from the US; as for US citizenship the child’s citizenship is dual if the family allows it or as for future educational opportunities prudent planning is crucial. Trouble is if one is from outside the US going to that destination to have the baby must have strong financial backing and insurance coverage not from the country of origin. However in reverse let’s say in Jamaica where a US or Canadian or British couple gets here the private hospitals is what they have to contend with and some insurance would have been included in the ticket purchase and so on.

Another drawback for US couples in particular especially heterosexual and lesbian couples where one of the lesbians will be the ‘mother’ is that unlike our three month maternity leave automatically granted to women not all US states offer such extended leave; some only give a month which may not be enough time to have the baby do relatively well before time of travel. Canada has a similar arrangement I gather but if mothers-to-be entered into contractual arrangements the there may be implications. Some prudent planning has to come into play I imagine. 

Also other health reasons can come into play such as is the expectant person can travel or is deemed fit by a doctor so to do?; especially if there is a requirement for multiple trimester visits in the desired destination. With stability and state recognition in LGBTQ family life with sometimes a disturbing feeling of homo-assimilation couples want children or are going about it the original route of adoptions. With proven stem cell research and birth methods guided by strict codes of conduct since the mid 2000s, surrogacy maybe a thing of the past in years to come as couples can create eggs and sperm from said stem cells thus having their own DNA in that newborn.

also see: Sexual Reproduction for Same Sex Couples? 2010

Possible spin-offs

A newly pregnant or new baby couple may need bedside attention outside of the private hospital care, and after discharge from the facility may need some help and guidance navigating local cultural considerations such as diet, climate management and or a security detail if necessary; all of whom can earn from providing those side services.

Homophobia doesn’t impede the destination

Despite Jamaica’s homophobia the island is somehow still loved a every year the figures look impressive, recent cruise ships stop-over to the point of lack of space for porting is visible evidence of that. Despite attempted tourism boycotts such as the major one in 2008 and the Red Stripe Beer dump in protest which drew major attention visitors still come for the flora and even commitment ceremonies and civil appearing weddings. Apart from a few of the big players that accommodate LGBT guests and host private events such as raves (Bloom events hosted by a Jamaican living in NY), beach parties and such there are other mid priced villas that also cater to such markets. A recent clothing option event was held at property in St. Ann. Visitors are willing to spend on security as I have seen over my 21 years in LGBT event planning and DJing. Investment though is not so readily available for persons such as myself who may want to expand to a LGBT specific venue and accommodation to hosts such guests thus capitalizing on the pink dollar.

Far-fetched?

Definitely not but the lack of forward thinking in both the business community, elites, LGBT NGOs and government is still a challenge; as the visits and privacy attached to same is already happening but one of the challenges is that visitors are used to public displays of affection in their own countries and sometimes to ask guests to suppress their ODA might be a little challenging. 

A year 2000 case comes to mind where a Caucasian male couple in Ocho Rios by what is now Pineapple Place or thereabouts after they inadvertently appeared to be too affectionate to each other, were spared a thrashing by visibly upset mostly males who left the shaken men with a strong warning to not show ‘it’ up; I guess they were not about to interfere with the visitors seeing they were foreigners and they would have left soon afterwards. The outrage that flowed when the story made the tabloid however was another matter as the usual ‘thrown in our faces’ abhorrence was the main homophobic driver at the time. I would like to see more natives getting involved in this pink dollar tourism arrangement specific to LGBT guests, no offence to our expatriate friends please as there are a couple already utilizing the AirB&B model after they came to Jamaica and invested in property and linking to influential gay tourism books such as the Spartacus, problem is some of these AirBnB outfits seem not to want to cross fertilize by having natives also as guests, something that needs addressing. The last time that Jamaica had a listing of LGBT outfits before recent times was when the co-founder of the now closed Club Entourage Brian Williamson managed to get the New Kingston business district venue on there; it attracted the occasional foreign guests.

Oh for that pink piggy to get fat.

Peace & tolerance

H

International Day of Families 2K16: Families, healthy lives and sustainable future

also see my last post on the subject (sadly in 2011), sorry for the delay: GO HERE (Gay Parenting (a view on the ground) (repost from 09) ........ International Family Day)

The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 with resolution A/RES/47/237 and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families. The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

The International Day of Families has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, that day provides an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families. Activities include workshops and conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes highlighting relevant themes.

The central goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development focus on ending poverty, promoting shared economic prosperity, social development and people’s well-being while protecting the environment. Families remain at the centre of social life ensuring the well-being of their members, educating and socializing children and youth and caring for young and old.

In particular, family-oriented policies can contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 1 to 5 relating to doing away with poverty and hunger; ensuring healthy lives and promoting of well-being for all ages; ensuring educational opportunities throughout the lifespan and achieving gender equality.

Download Background note

Problem is equality in terms of other family forms seem to be left out of the equation; locally the antigay movements are still on the offensive claiming LGBT lobbyists are out to destroy the heternormative family as we know (a man and a woman), just take a look at the fearmongering laced statement from Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, JCHS:

Now that marriage equality is fast rising this international observance needs way more inclusion as the same gender couples in particular and their issues are not highlighted enough by the UN. The Background has left out the direct mention of LGBT visibility with regards to emerging family units, monogaous same gender love and children either by adoption, surrogates or ISPCs methods.

The theme of the observance of the 2016 International Day of Families focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Families have a unique role in ensuring health and well-being of children. Parents can improve children’s health outcomes by providing emotional support, ensuring preventive and sick healthcare visits, including timely immunizations and proper treatment in times of illness.

This year’s observance of the International Day of Families is to raise awareness of the role of families and family policies in promoting healthy lives for sustainable future. Academics and practitioners will address issues relating to family environments and work-family balance to improve health outcomes for all family members. Discussions will also focus on the role of parents in youth and children’s well-being, with particular attention to the role of men, as well as intergenerational transfers and the well-being of older adults.

History of the observance

During the 1980's, the United Nations began focusing attention on the issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development in its resolution on the Role of the family in the development process (1983/23) requested the Secretary-General to enhance awareness among decision makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family, as well as of effective ways of meeting those needs.

In its resolution 1985/29 of 29 May 1985 the Council Invited the General Assembly to consider the possibility of including in the provisional agenda of its forty-first session an item entitled “Families in the development process”, with a view to consider a request to the Secretary-General to initiate a process of development of global awareness of the issues involved, directed towards Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and public opinion.

Later, based on the recommendations of the Commission for Social Development formulated in its 30th round of sessions, The Assembly invited all States to make their views known concerning the possible proclamation of an international year of the family and to offer their comments and proposals.

The Council also requested the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its forty-third session a comprehensive report, based on the comments and proposals of Member States on the possible proclamation of such a year and other ways and means to improve the position and well-being of the family and intensify international co-operation as part of global efforts to advance social progress and development.

In its resolution 44/82 of 9 December 1989, The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed The International Year of the Family. In proclaiming the Year, the General Assembly decided that the major activities for its observance should be concentrated at the local, regional and national levels, assisted by the United Nations system.

The United Nations Commission for Social Development was designated as the preparatory body and the Economic and Social Council as the coordinating body for the Year. 

In 1994, General Assembly Resolution A/RES/47/237 proclaimed The International Day of Families, which is observed on the 15th of May every year. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

More inclusion UN!

Peace & tolerance

H

Vice President European Commission demands mutual recognition same-sex marriages

So now that the US has gotten their act together legislatively it is now time for our friends in the EU and in a timely occurrence there has been a statement.

also see from a local standpoint:

There goes gay marriage paranoia again .

No Buggery Law Removal says Justice Minister, Gay Marriage parachuted in yet again

Jamaican Gay Unions? Hanna Says Ja Not Ready For Same-Sex Families Despite Int'l Redefinition

When did anyone ask for gay marriage rights in Jamaica when we can't get basic tolerance 

meanwhile:
In an interview with Politico, published on Monday, Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, indicated he is committed to make sure all EU Member States recognise same-sex marriages conducted abroad.

He stressed that “Even if you don’t want to have same-sex marriage in your country, [you should] at least have the decency to accept that other countries do have it and recognize that marriage when people move to your country who are married.”

This confirms statements he made in a speech one week before, when he called it a disgrace that same-sex married couples moving to another country “run into all sorts of idiotic problems” opposite-sex couples would not face in the same situation.

These problems could include loss of pension rights, inheritance, next-of-kin rights or child custody rights.

Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the LGBTI Intergroup reacted: “I strongly applaud these words by Vice President Timmermans, which confirm that bonds of love and their legal recognition, no matter whether conducted between same-sex or opposite-sex couples, should be treated equally.”

“I look forward to working with Mr Timmermans to ensure that this will be reality sooner rather than later.”

Daniele Viotti MEP, Co-President of the LGBTI Intergroup, added: “Why would two married women and their children be recognised as a family in one EU Member state, and as two single women with orphans in another? This is what happens in Italy, as I underlined in the conference ‘Europe: Families without borders!’ and in the video ‘If you are married in Europe you are married in Italy, too.’”

“Indeed this does not make sense and may create dangerous situations. I am very glad to see that Vice President Timmermans is committed to ensure that the effects of same-sex marriages are recognised EU-wide.”

Ian Duncan MEP, Vice-President of the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights, concluded: “I welcome the words of Vice President Timmermans. Same sex couples should not have to face barriers in other European countries that are not faced by heterosexual couples.”

“I have written to Mr Timmermans to ask what action he will be taking to follow up on his pledge”

See what you make of the Jamaica Observer's Editorial today, I wonder if they are really honest:

How long before Jamaica recognises same-sex marriages?

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court held in a 5-4 decision that the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution requires all states to grant same-sex marriages and recognise same-sex marriages granted in other states.

In doing so, the Supreme Court overturned its prior decision in 1972 in a case called Baker v Nelson, one of the first attempts by a homosexual couple, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell, to secure a licence for a same-sex marriage. It failed at the time primarily on grounds that marriage was to be between a man and a woman.

"Their (same-sex couples) hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilisation's oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right," wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy in his 2015 opinion on the law.

The US decision called Obergefell has, predictably, launched an intense debate not only in the US but across the world, particularly among Christians, with some describing it as "tragic" and a "grave error"; while gays and pro-gay groups have ecstatically embraced it.

Jamaicans appear to be taking their time to digest the US Supreme Court's ruling, but the debate here can be expected to be no less intense. It is an extension of the vigourously contested views on the legalisation of homosexuality, as proposed in the call to strike down laws against buggery.

We suspect that the US decision will impact Jamaica and the Caribbean sooner than later, given that hundreds of Americans come here to get married in the idyllic conditions offered by year-round warm sea, sand and sun with which we are blessed. The economic bonanza alone will make it hard to say no.

The real question will be how long before Jamaica follows America in legalising same-sex marriages.

For its part, the United States has come a long way since May 18, 1970 when Jack Baker and Michael McConnell climbed the steps of the Minneapolis courthouse, paid the required fee of US$10, and applied, unsuccessfully, for a marriage licence. Reports said the county clerk Gerald Nelson told them bluntly that marriage was for people of the opposite sex.

The Supreme Court's decision is a dramatic indication of how views have changed in America in the 45 years since. Jamaicans, despite unfortunate labels of being homophobic, have also grown in their tolerance of the gay lifestyle. It is worthy of notice that the days of violence against homosexuals seem to be well behind us and there is now a greater acceptance of the value of dialogue on this issue.


Indeed, that was the experience of Messrs Randy Berry and Todd Larson, the US Government LGBTI advocates who visited Jamaica in May this year.

Congratulations America! Cheers To Liberty! ....... Gay Marriage at last!

I have not much to add to this letter I saw in the Gleaner today, I must also big up the sensible commentators who have been battling the uproar since the ruling with some sensible rebuttal, of note is Cliff Hughes of Nationwide while carrying out duties on his daytime show on Power106FM with good arguments.

Download the 103 paged ruling HERE and see the Gay marriage tab immediately below this post for my previous musings and entries.

Richard Mon wrote/submitted:

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Congratulations, President Obama and congratulations, America, on your announcement of making homosexual marriages legal in all 50 states. This is a real triumph for liberty and freedom, and highlights the liberalism that is closely affiliated with your declaration of independence as, truly, you have demonstrated that each man is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of individual happiness. Happy 240 years of independence! I imagine that there will be unprecedented celebration in the land of the free. I wish I could be there, but I don't have a visa.

The controversy and immeasurable media attention to this tumultuous disagreement between the homosexual community in America and the Church resembles the bitter disagreement between the homosexual/LGBT community in Jamaica and the Church in Jamaica. This makes me very concerned, because the dominant topic of discussion in both countries over the last term of Obama's administration has been this single topic.

This has become the issue of the day as many countries around the world are currently reviewing their laws that limit the liberty of homosexual individuals. This is the single-most widespread and unified global cause of the 21st century, and the announcement in the United States in many ways will propel the movement to even more global success.

EVERYONE WANTS FREEDOM

It seems to me that the highest valued ethic in the world today is liberty; everyone wants to be free to do what they like. I have said Christians and homosexuals are similar in this respect. Christians want to be able to live their lives believing in Jesus Christ and carrying out whatever activities they deem necessary for their religious existence. Homosexuals and the LGBT community want to be able to be free to live their lives in the way that they choose and not be discriminated against or persecuted because of their sexual orientation, and publicly carry out activities that they deem necessary for their existence. Obviously, if the highest ideal is liberty, then the freedom of one person can quite easily affect the freedom of the other.

I am most concerned because, in my eyes, the highest ideal should be love, or at least mutual understanding. It is quite improbable to think that Christians and the LGBT community can exist in an atmosphere of love, so mutual understanding and tolerance of each other may be more practical. It will be difficult, but we will have to find a way to get along so that each group can maximise their liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Yet the main thing that worries me is what has happened to all the main, important issues facing humanity. What has the US government done to address the issues of child hunger? What have they been doing to help those who are living in poverty in their own population? What about the genocide in Africa? What is being done about Boka Haram? What policies are being effected to deal with the growing threat of ISIS? What about domestic acts of terror?

CHURCH LOST ITS WAY

The Church has, for the most part, lost its way. How can two walk together unless they agree? The Church has become fatally wounded because it has become divided into countless denominations that cannot reconcile with each other. The Church has sought after its own individual glory and has exalted the teachings of different men above the word of God.

I wish they would follow the example of the minority of Christians who are busy fighting Ebola, join groups as the Salvation Army and begin ministering to the poor and needy, offering care to the elderly and the orphans, visiting the sick and really actively showing love to all mankind. The Church is so busy preaching, and condemning. The Church has failed to see that their empty words and vain repetitions are not reaching the lost souls; they are not reaching the people they are calloused towards.

Before church people pick up their pitch forks and torches, I would encourage them to lay down those burdens and take up their crosses and follow Jesus. Go greet the world with love instead; Jesus did say that He gives a new commandment to love one another as He has loved us. Go with love and see what happens.

Report examines homosexuality as part of African life

Scientific evidence shows that human sexual behaviour is naturally varied, and should not form a basis for discrimination, says a highly anticipated report from the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

also see: 

ASSAF REPORT ASSESSES CRIMINALISATION OF SEXUAL DIVERSITY

The report, launched at the Seventh South African AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa on 10 June, examined scientific evidence on sexual practices.

Diversity in Human Sexuality: Implications for Policy in Africa was commissioned by ASSAf partly in response to a growing number of laws outlawing homosexuality on the continent, including in Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria and Uganda. ASSAf initiated the study together with research institutes from Africa and abroad, including the Uganda National Academy of Sciences.

“There was concern in the scientific community about a rising trend in Africa against gay people,” says Glenda Gray, co-chair of the study and president of the South African Medical Research Council. “As medical professionals, we believed Africa needed a consensus study from a panel of experts in Africa who could present the most up-to-date data and recommend future areas of research.”

The report found no scientific evidence supporting views that there homosexuality is in any way  ‘abnormal’ sexual behaviour.

“There is now a wide global consensus among scientists that homosexuality is a normal and natural variation of human sexuality without any inherently detrimental health consequences,” it says. “In this context governments have a duty to consider scientific perspectives and draw on the most current scientific knowledge when creating policy and enacting laws.”

It also did not find any evidence that sexual orientation could be altered through therapy, that parents can raise children to be gay, nor that same-sex orientations are contagious.

from the document itself:
"Socio-behavioural research demonstrates unequivocally that both heterosexual and homosexual men feel that they have/had no choice in terms of their sexual attraction. The majority of women who experience same-sex attraction also express a lack of a sense of choice in their sexual orientation, although there is evidence for much greater fluidity in sexual orientation among women of all sexual orientations. 

The study explores – and finds lacking – evidence to support the contention that the way parents bring up their children, or the relationships formed between children and parents, impact on sexual orientation. While family environment may shape other elements of sexuality and the way sexuality is expressed, and while construction of gender and sexual identities have strong social and cultural components, there is little evidence that orientation is directly correlated to family upbringing."

“Broadly speaking, there is a strong bias against LGBTI people in Africa, though it is difficult to draw a line between the mood of people in the country and those driving the legislation.”

Matthew Clayton, Triangle Project 

Instead, the report presents substantial evidence that sexual diversity has always been a normal part of human society. In fact, it concludes that tolerance of same-sex orientation benefits communities and positively affects public health, civil society and long-term economic growth.

“We found that sexual diversity is normal,” says Gray. “And if you decrease discrimination, you improve access to healthcare and management of illnesses such as HIV, and you could minimise health-related economic impacts.”

Acceptance of diverse sexual practices can also improve the mental health of people with different sexual preferences and prevent divisions within families, she says.

page 17 of the study

Homosexuality is still illegal in thirty-eight countries in Africa, according to Amnesty International.

“Broadly speaking, there is a strong bias against LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex] people in Africa, though it is difficult to draw a line between the mood of people in the country and those driving the legislation,” says Matthew Clayton, research, advocacy and policy coordinator at Triangle Project, a Cape Town-based organisation supporting the LGBTI community.

The inconsistent enforcement of anti-homosexual laws creates legal and social instability for those communities, he says.

“There is also the pervasive and untrue idea that homosexuality is ‘un-African’, and an import of the West,” he says. The report, however, flags up that there is historic evidence of homosexuality in Africa from pre-colonial times.

Clayton says the report could encourage policy makers, faith leaders and communities to learn about LGBTI people that live in their countries and “rebuff notions that can be damaging” to tolerance.

Gray shares the hope that the report may be a first step towards change.

“These are respected scientists, and by presenting their findings, their voices are hopefully heard as accurate and trustworthy and add to the mainstreaming of gender and sexual diversity,” she says.

This article was originally published on SciDev.Net. Read the original article.

ENDS

The publication also said:

"This report assesses the current global understanding of the key scientific issues involved. The panel considered the following questions: 

1. What is the evidence that biological factors contribute to sexual and gender diversity? To what degree is the wide diversity of human sexualities explained by biological factors? 

2. Do environmental factors such as upbringing and socialisation explain the diversity of human sexuality?

3. Is there any evidence for same-sex orientation being ‘acquired’ through contact with others, i.e. through ‘social contagion’? 

4. What evidence is there that any form of therapy or ‘treatment’ can change sexual orientation? 

5. What evidence is there that same-sex orientations pose a threat of harm to individuals, communities, or vulnerable populations such as children? 

6. What are the public health consequences of criminalising same-sex sexual orientations and attempting to regulate the behaviour/relationships related to some sexualities? 

7. What are the most critical unanswered scientific research questions regarding the diversity of human sexualities and sexual orientations in Africa?"

Having scanned in a first read I was expecting more cultural factors though such as innate homosexuality and same gender sex versus cultural substitutional sex or situational homosexuality between non romantic inclined same gender men per say such as in periods of hunting in packs or in pairs away from the village(s) from extended periods of time and where non penetrative play (possible partnered masturbation) is used as release during absence away from their women or wives.

I guess one thing at a time.

Peace & tolerance

H

Despite opposition, EU Parliament votes for LGBTI rights/trans identity depathologization in gender equality strategy

In a landmark vote, the European Parliament has demanded to include LGBTI rights in a future EU gender equality strategy. The depatholization component is so critical and must be watched closely.

The current strategy for equality between women and men runs out at the end of this year. The report voted on Tuesday June 9, is the Parliament’s input for the gender equality strategy 2016-2020.

Specifically on LGBTI issues, the parliament
Asks to ensure the full legal recognition of a person’s preferred gender, which is vital for trans and intersex persons (par. 24) and to work towards full depathologization of trans identities, including in childhood (par. 55);

Demands an inclusive definition of families, including families with LGBT parents in labour and family law (par. 31);

Calls on the Commission to tackle prejudice against LGBTI persons in schools (par. 61)

Furthermore, the Parliament reiterates its call to adopt a separate strategy on LGBTI rights. It also calls on the Council to adopt a Directive that would outlaw discrimination on the basis of inter alia sexual orientation, in education, social protection and access to goods and services (par. 2).

Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights, commented: “The message of the Parliament is clear: It is time for the Commission to take leadership on gender equality and LGBTI rights.”

“The attempt by EPP and ECR to delete all LGBTI content shows just how out of touch they have become with today’s society. Thankfully, the Parliament rejected their attempts, and voted in favour of the original report.”

All LGBTI content was threatened by an alternative resolution as well as numerous split and separate votes, demanded by the conservative and right-wing groups EPP and ECR.

Maria Noichl MEP, author of the report and Member of the LGBTI Intergroup, added: “Misogyny, homophobia and transphobia are still widespread in Europe, and there is a lot that the EU still needs to do to make equality a reality.”

“I am very glad that the Parliament affirmed its full commitment to gender equality and LGBTI rights. It is now up to the Commission to ensure that the final strategy reflects this progressive input.”

Texts adopted
Tuesday, 9 June 2015 - Strasbourg	Provisional edition
Adjustment rate for direct payments in respect of 2015 ***I European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 June 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council fixing the adjustment rate provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for direct payments in respect of calendar year 2015 (COM(2015)0141 – C8-0083/2015 – 2015/0070(COD)) (Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading) Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 9 June 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council fixing the adjustment rate provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for direct payments in respect of the calendar year 2015 The EU Strategy for equality between women and men post 2015 Intellectual property rights in third countries Intellectual property rights: an EU action plan

Caribbean tourism must reflect changing demands ....... pink $$$ anyone?

After years of idling in the doldrums, visitor arrivals to some parts of the region are increasing rapidly, travellers are spending more, and the yield for hoteliers is increasing. Moreover, as demand soars in Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and some smaller Caribbean destinations like Aruba, it is getting much harder for visitors to find a quality hotel room at short notice. Recent figures by the tourism ministry reflect good increases but those only reflect a lower section of the US market in particular while the ever increasing and robust if not bold LGBT market is yet to be tapped into.

Gay marriage rights are almost covering the 50+ states in the US, The UK has already moved in that direction and the EU is quite clear as to such rights and state benefits. Correspondingly local travel interests in those jurisdictions have adjusted rapidly to meet their demands and while LGBTQ family goes mainstream they have more disposable income and on the face of it seeking relaxative environments outside their countries, honeymoons anyone?

The Business of Tourism - Caribbean tourism must reflect changing demands

Cuba apart, which is a special case following the virtual freeing of US travel restrictions late last year, this rapid increase in demand for a Caribbean vacation largely reflects the fact that disposable income in the main feeder markets in North America and parts of Europe is increasing as economic recovery occurs and travellers begin to feel more financially secure. It is also the case that some Caribbean destinations such as Jamaica have again become hot in the eyes of those who establish on social media and in print the image of an aspirational destination.

see this previous post:

Cuba Makes Progress in Sex Reassignment Surgery ... expects communist party to accept LGBT rights 2012

Cuban(s) enjoys new benefit of free sex-change operation 2011

Mariela Castro: “U.S government is concerned about LGBT movement in Cuba” 2012

Cuba Looking to Become Gay Travel Hotspot 2013

Cuba's already forward thinking treatment of LGBT matters especially transgenderism the recent changes of US foreign policy and courting by the federal government when the trappings are finally gone the flood gates will open. Medical tourism especially may grow there given the above posts hints to free reassignment surgery and their overall state healthcare.

But for the most successful Caribbean markets, there are also other factors at work.

The recent surge in visitor demand and indications that even the lower-cost coming summer season is building well reflect better marketing, product improvements, and new airlift that has resulted in improved access, for instance, from the countries of Latin America and from Scandinavia. It also in part, reflects the ability of lower-cost air carriers to pass on to the growing numbers of visitors using their services, the savings they are making as the price of aviation fuel falls.

What this means is that the industry in many Caribbean tourism destinations is not only making a significant contribution to national economic recovery, but again demonstrating its often-ignored significance to the wider Caribbean economy.

At its most basic, this is good news, but it also raises interesting questions as to where the region's product is headed now that sustainable growth again seems possible.

For some, renewed demand is simply about a return to business as usual, the end to heavy discounting of room rates, and the Caribbean again taking its 'rightful place' as the world's paramount warm-water destination.

Competitive marketplace

However, for those who are more thoughtful, it is about recognising that during the years of stagnation, the global marketplace for tourism has changed, becoming intensely competitive, and that the future will require adapting the product and the tourism offering so that present success is sustainable.

For those willing to look over the horizon, the issue now is about reorienting and developing the Caribbean tourism offering to reflect changing international demand for the authentic, quality service and cuisine; and even when the price is high, value for money. It reflects, too, an understanding that a significant part of the higher spending end of the market is looking for much more than just a luxury hotel and a beach in the tropics.

This will mean a sea change in the way that some in the industry and government in the region think. It is about more than the normal default position of rebranding. It requires a new approach involving both the industry and government reconceptualising tourism, hotels and the tourism product in ways that make it globally competitive and ensures that a visitor feels that the region and a destination is special and wants to return.

This will not be easy as it requires properties, restaurants, attractions, and if they are able to become better corporate citizens, the internationally branded chain hotels, to think in a vernacular way and come together to renew and develop the product in a manner that promotes the uniqueness of the Caribbean nations in which they are located.

The old practice of the LGBT market having to be engaged most discreetly as they do come but under most private arrangements often in ultra private villas for security reasons. Outward displays of affection is a no no even if you're a tourist (local culture may often overlook certain things) 

Tolerant industry

"Our hotels have always welcomed. We don't necessarily place ads advertising that we accept the LGBT, but we would never turn back persons because of their sexual preferences," said a Negril hotelier, who added that there is really no difference from how the LGBT market was treated by the average hotel 20 years ago.

"The industry has always been more tolerant than the rest of the society," said the hotelier, adding that there are many gays working in the tourism sector, so it's no big news.

Another hotelier says Jamaica is not ready for this market, which is a big mistake. "I have tried to target them in the past, but I have given up, because it's a hard sell, particularly because of our homophobic reputation," said the hotelier.

She said if members of the LGBT community were to turn up at her property they wouldn't be turned back. She admits that the market has huge potential of pumping foreign exchange into the island's coffers.

also see:

LGBT leisure travel market set to spike .................... LGBT "friendly" resorts are here

Jamaica missing out on gay billions, says J'can scholar 2008 from the Jamaica Observer

Peace and tolerance

H

Former 'ex-gay' leaders publish open letter saying conversion therapy is damaging

Firstly I hope the folks at Jamaica CAUSE, Lawyers' Christian Fellowship and Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society are reading this or have heard the news, sensible persons have now realized that this business of conversion is a misnomer instead they insist on carrying out their brand of it locally while creating mass hysteria on maintaining an old buggery law while preying on the public's ignorance. They also intend as espoused in a press conference some time ago to block any attempt to make discrimination due to sexual orientation become so in the Charter of Rights or any other law of such, so much for true tolerance and embracing the outcast as it were. Now comes this news:

Source Christian Today

Some former leaders of the so-called ex-gay movement, that believes that change in sexual orientation can be brought about through faith, have come out in opposition to the controversial conversion therapy, acknowledging the "terrible" emotional and spiritual damage it can do.

They include Jeremy Marks, founder of Courage UK, which was an ex-gay ministry but is now a pro-gay evangelical movement re-christened Two:23 Network.

Other signatories include Michael Bussee, Brad Allen and Yvette Cantu Schneider, of Exodus International, the ex-gay organisation that ceased its activities in June last year and apologised to LGBT people for the harm it had done.

In their open letter, published on the website of the National Center for Lesbian Rights in the US, they explain that conversion therapy, also known as "reparative therapy", "ex-gay therapy," or "sexual orientation change efforts", professes to help lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to change or overcome their sexual orientation or gender identity. They say that majority of those who practise this "therapy" often do so with little or no formal psychological training, operating instead from a strict religious perspective, believing homosexuality to be a sin.

"At one time, we were not only deeply involved in these 'ex-gay' programs, we were the founders, the leaders, and the promoters," they continue. Together they represent more than half a century of experience. They say that few can be more knowledgeable about the "ineffectiveness and harm" of conversion therapy.

"We know first-hand the terrible emotional and spiritual damage it can cause, especially for LGBT youth. We once believed that there was something morally wrong and psychologically 'broken' about being LGBT. We know better now. We once believed that sexual orientation or gender identity were somehow chosen or could be changed. We know better now. We once thought it was impossible to embrace our sexual orientation or sexual identity as an intrinsic, healthy part of who we are and who we were created to be. We know better now."

They explain that they were simply teaching what they had been taught, that their identity needed mending. "We grew up being told that being LGBT was disordered, sick, mentally ill, sinful, and displeasing to God. We grew up being told that loving, same-sex relationships were shallow, lust-driven, deceived, disordered, and impossible."

Condemning conversion therapy as "ineffective and harmful", the leaders say they are now aligning themselves with every major mainstream professional medical and mental health organisation in denouncing attempts to change sexual orientation or gender identity. "We beseech the church to accept, embrace, and affirm LGBT persons with full equality and inclusion."

Mr Marks told Christian Today that in 1965, at the age of 13 when he first began to be aware of feelings that he was attracted to the same sex, there was no doubt in his mind that this was a terrible thing. "As a young man growing into puberty, I felt a deep sickening paralysing fear over my sexuality. I definitely did NOT want to be gay. So for at least the next 40 years of my life, I made every conceivable effort not to be."

This meant being born again, Christian discipleship and the way of the cross – crucifying the flesh. Hence he founded Courage in 1988, with the full backing of his local church.

"It took us about nine years to realise that all our efforts weren't achieving anything other than disillusionment with the process and disappointment with the long term results. But to change our theology to accommodate same-sex partnerships was absolutely out of the question. It took a further four years to realise that to doggedly pursue the same path was doing far more harm than good. It was not until about 1999 that I finally realised we must have got something terribly wrong and needed to start accepting loving committed same-sex partnerships – the only healthy viable way forwards that was demonstrating good fruit."

When he published his conclusions in 2000 he was expelled from Exodus International, his membership of the Evangelical Alliance was withdrawn, and, he says, was welcomed nowhere among the churches that had been his community since 1973 when he gave his life to Christ.

"Since then, gradually, I have been vindicated. Today I am proud to stand united with many fellow gay Christians and ex-ex-gay Christian leaders who have walked that same tortuous journey towards discovering that God simply makes some of us differently."

Tracey Byrne, chief executive of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, welcomed the letter. "While the letter claims it's not an apology, it's hard not to be struck by the humility of the writers and by their powerful witness to the heartbreaking reality of these discredited and damaging programmes," she said. But she said there could be no cause for complacency. "Our mainstream churches, whenever they deny the identities, relationships and ministries of gay and lesbian people, wherever they demand celibacy or tell us were not quite what God had in mind, are playing into exactly the same culture which made reparative therapy, 'ex-gay' ministries, seem respectable and sensible responses."

Rev Sally Hitchiner, founder of Diverse Church, a movement for young LGBT people, said: "We are happy to read that so many respected Christian leaders have realised that trying to change someone's sexual orientation is neither safe nor effective. Many young people in our movement experienced prayer and counselling to change their sexual orientation and have suffered serious consequences for their mental health and relationships with church and family members who encouraged this. When it hasn't worked it has left the young people feeling they have to give up on God or sometimes even life. Whatever we may believe about gay relationships, accepting our young people as they are and looking for how God might want to use this for the wider church enables them to live a hope filled life with Jesus at the centre."

also see: Discredited ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy Group, NARTH, Undergoes Major Rebranding Effort