Peace and tolerance
H
11 hours ago
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Rights and Wrongs of Jamaican Homosexuals 2011
Following the recent passing of the Charter of Rights Bill after 19 years and the on again off again debate in Parliament the lgbt community is not covered in anyway in as far as direct protection against discrimination. Legal Advisor to AIDSFREEWORLD and open advocate Maurice Tomlinson prepared this set of presentations to show the disparities between what general coverage exists in the Charter presently vs the breaking of said rights and freedoms over these many years.
Peace and tolerance
H
Peace and tolerance
H
President of the Senate warns against discrimination based on language, sexual orientation
PRESIDENT of the Senate Dr Oswald Harding has urged that the issue of discrimination on the basis of language and sexual orientation not be swept under the carpet, with the passage of the long-awaited Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms which will replace Chapter III of the Constitution.
Speaking in the Senate last Friday during the clause-by-clause examination of that Bill, Dr Harding said his comment was prompted by a newspaper editorial titled "End discrimination towards gays now" which argued, among other things, that "legislators should expunge the buggery law, the main bit of existing legislation that makes homosexuality illegal" and questioned why the new Charter had provided for "no freedom from discrimination because of a person's sexual orientation".
Said Harding: "As someone who deals in philosophy of law, it is something that needs to be considered and I don't think we can just throw it out the window. The reason I say this (is that) we talk about parliamentary rights and freedoms but let us not make jokes about whether people have inclinations or so, the question is, it is an arising problem.
"I happen to have a lawyer who is on my staff and he wrote a letter to the newspaper and his life has been threatened. Now I don't think there is anything amusing about that, or anything to laugh about. We have two issues that we can't perhaps face now but the country needs to face; one is the question of our Creole language and whether it's recognised or not and there is the suggestion that speakers of Creole are disadvantaged. The second one is the question of the rights of people who have different sexual orientation," he continued, despite obvious signs of disagreement with the line of argument from some senators.
However, he said: "The question of marriage is quite a different matter, defined in our law as the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others for life. I mention these things of course because they are not going to go away, they are going to come back long after we have shuttled off this mortal coil, those problems are still going to be here. These matters cannot be pushed under the mat, they are going to come again. We don't have to accept the views but at least we could give some consideration of them."
Nicholson had said the Senate had not kept its promise to Devonish and his group to allow them to present the work which they were asked to do and urged that the senate apologise to Devonish and explain that it was too late for the proposed amendment at this point but encourage him to continue his work to help Jamaicans understand the Charter. Devonish had presented a paper containing his proposal to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament which had been deliberating the amendment to the Constitution.
That same matter prompted a last-minute call from Public Defender Earl Witter for the passage of the Charter to be delayed for that inclusion to be made.
On Friday, the Public Defender in a letter to the Senate, which was copied to several people, including Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller and House Speaker Delroy Chuck, had urged that the Senate before enacting the Charter give an audience to Professor Devonish and the work of the language unit.
Said Witter: "in any event even as I appreciate the Government's determination to press ahead without further delay, with enactment of what is undoubtedly the most fundamental piece of legislation since Independence (if not in all our history), I think it would be wise to have the benefit of Professor Devonish's and the unit's work prior to the Senate giving final approval to the measure today".
"It is therefore my urgent, respectful and humble recommendation that the Honourable Senate reserves the matter for further consideration before proceeding to enactment. This may even obviate the need for amendment before the ink is dry," Witter said.
The University's Language Unit, Witter said, has now found "on empirical grounds that approximately 30 per cent of the Jamaican population could not use or has difficulty comprehending standard English (in which the Charter is written) while nearly 70 per cent have positive attitudes to the Jamaican Creole being embraced as a formal language".
Speaking in the Senate last Friday during the clause-by-clause examination of that Bill, Dr Harding said his comment was prompted by a newspaper editorial titled "End discrimination towards gays now" which argued, among other things, that "legislators should expunge the buggery law, the main bit of existing legislation that makes homosexuality illegal" and questioned why the new Charter had provided for "no freedom from discrimination because of a person's sexual orientation".
HARDING… it is something that needs to be considered
Said Harding: "As someone who deals in philosophy of law, it is something that needs to be considered and I don't think we can just throw it out the window. The reason I say this (is that) we talk about parliamentary rights and freedoms but let us not make jokes about whether people have inclinations or so, the question is, it is an arising problem.
"I happen to have a lawyer who is on my staff and he wrote a letter to the newspaper and his life has been threatened. Now I don't think there is anything amusing about that, or anything to laugh about. We have two issues that we can't perhaps face now but the country needs to face; one is the question of our Creole language and whether it's recognised or not and there is the suggestion that speakers of Creole are disadvantaged. The second one is the question of the rights of people who have different sexual orientation," he continued, despite obvious signs of disagreement with the line of argument from some senators.
However, he said: "The question of marriage is quite a different matter, defined in our law as the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others for life. I mention these things of course because they are not going to go away, they are going to come back long after we have shuttled off this mortal coil, those problems are still going to be here. These matters cannot be pushed under the mat, they are going to come again. We don't have to accept the views but at least we could give some consideration of them."
WITTER… give an audience to Professor Devonish. LIGHTBOURNE… issues over sexuality were fully ventilated.
At the same time, Harding expressed solidarity with Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate Senator AJ Nicholson who had once again voiced disappointment that the Senate had not allowed more room for Professor Hubert Devonish (head of the Department of Language at the University of the West Indies, Mona) who had proposed that the Constitution should guarantee freedom from discrimination on the ground of language to make his case to that body.
Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Attorney General and Justice Minister Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, however, said: "The other issues over sexuality were fully ventilated during the Joint Select Committee meetings but the debate continues, we know that..."
Nicholson had said the Senate had not kept its promise to Devonish and his group to allow them to present the work which they were asked to do and urged that the senate apologise to Devonish and explain that it was too late for the proposed amendment at this point but encourage him to continue his work to help Jamaicans understand the Charter. Devonish had presented a paper containing his proposal to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament which had been deliberating the amendment to the Constitution.
That same matter prompted a last-minute call from Public Defender Earl Witter for the passage of the Charter to be delayed for that inclusion to be made.
On Friday, the Public Defender in a letter to the Senate, which was copied to several people, including Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller and House Speaker Delroy Chuck, had urged that the Senate before enacting the Charter give an audience to Professor Devonish and the work of the language unit.
Said Witter: "in any event even as I appreciate the Government's determination to press ahead without further delay, with enactment of what is undoubtedly the most fundamental piece of legislation since Independence (if not in all our history), I think it would be wise to have the benefit of Professor Devonish's and the unit's work prior to the Senate giving final approval to the measure today".
"It is therefore my urgent, respectful and humble recommendation that the Honourable Senate reserves the matter for further consideration before proceeding to enactment. This may even obviate the need for amendment before the ink is dry," Witter said.
The University's Language Unit, Witter said, has now found "on empirical grounds that approximately 30 per cent of the Jamaican population could not use or has difficulty comprehending standard English (in which the Charter is written) while nearly 70 per cent have positive attitudes to the Jamaican Creole being embraced as a formal language".
ENDS
Notes:
This is not the first time Mr. Harding has raised some concerns about this issue from as far as Ocotber 2004 he had mentioned in essence that the law should be kept out of people's bedrooms. in an Observer article dated October 31, 2004 it was written among other things that:
"THE law has no business in the private bedrooms of consenting adults, such as homosexuals and prostitutes, former attorney-general and justice minister, Dr Oswald Harding is insisting.
Harding remains unconvinced by the argument that the law should be used to enforce moral codes, and argued that the private activities of consenting homosexuals and prostitutes should not be criminalised.
Harding, who was attorney-general and justice minister and later foreign minister in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration of the 1980s, is basing his argument on the findings of the Wolfden Committee in Britain in 1954. He noted that the report recommended by a majority of 12 to one that homosexual practices between consenting adults in private should no longer be a crime. And it unanimously recommended, he said, that in the case of prostitution, though it should not itself be made illegal, there should be legislation “to take it off the streets” on the grounds that public soliciting was an offensive nuisance to ordinary citizens.
Harding was delivering the inaugural lecture of the Institute of Law and Economics at the PCJ Auditorium in Kingston last week.
He further posited that the Wolfden Committee’s report reflected those of noted philosopher John Stuart Mill in his Essay on Liberty to the effect that the function of the law “is to preserve public order and decency, to protect the citizen from what is offensive or injurious, and to provide sufficient safeguards against exploitation or corruption of others, particularly those who are vulnerable because they are young, weak in body or mind or inexperienced”.
His comments have a particular relevance in today’s Jamaica, and internationally, against the background of current topical debate about the banning of Jamaican entertainers for anti-gay lyrics. The issue of same sex marriages has also featured prominently in the run-up to the American presidential elections.
Homosexual acts are deemed illegal in Jamaica under existing buggery laws, while prostitution is officially outlawed, though often winked on.
During his address, Harding also echoed the Wolfden Committee’s basis for the recommendation for relaxing laws against homosexual practices on the grounds that: “There must remain a realm of private morality and immorality which is, in brief and crude terms, not the law’s business”.
Harding remains unconvinced by the argument that the law should be used to enforce moral codes, and argued that the private activities of consenting homosexuals and prostitutes should not be criminalised.
Harding, who was attorney-general and justice minister and later foreign minister in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration of the 1980s, is basing his argument on the findings of the Wolfden Committee in Britain in 1954. He noted that the report recommended by a majority of 12 to one that homosexual practices between consenting adults in private should no longer be a crime. And it unanimously recommended, he said, that in the case of prostitution, though it should not itself be made illegal, there should be legislation “to take it off the streets” on the grounds that public soliciting was an offensive nuisance to ordinary citizens.
Harding was delivering the inaugural lecture of the Institute of Law and Economics at the PCJ Auditorium in Kingston last week.
He further posited that the Wolfden Committee’s report reflected those of noted philosopher John Stuart Mill in his Essay on Liberty to the effect that the function of the law “is to preserve public order and decency, to protect the citizen from what is offensive or injurious, and to provide sufficient safeguards against exploitation or corruption of others, particularly those who are vulnerable because they are young, weak in body or mind or inexperienced”.
His comments have a particular relevance in today’s Jamaica, and internationally, against the background of current topical debate about the banning of Jamaican entertainers for anti-gay lyrics. The issue of same sex marriages has also featured prominently in the run-up to the American presidential elections.
Homosexual acts are deemed illegal in Jamaica under existing buggery laws, while prostitution is officially outlawed, though often winked on.
During his address, Harding also echoed the Wolfden Committee’s basis for the recommendation for relaxing laws against homosexual practices on the grounds that: “There must remain a realm of private morality and immorality which is, in brief and crude terms, not the law’s business”.
In a radio interview on Nationwide Radio Mr. Harding repeated his call while opposition spokesman on National security Dr. Peter Phillips said the hostility towards homosexuals should stop, whether he meant it is another matter and your guess, he continued that the law even if changed is not going change attitudes towards gays overnight.
Peace and tolerance
H
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Combating Yeast Infections
The common yeast infection is caused by a type of fungus called candida. Sometimes called monilia, this ubiquitous candida organism is one of many germs normally found in the digestive tract and the vagina of healthy women. Usually, these different organisms live together in harmony and cause no problems. Sometimes, this delicate balance is disturbed, the yeast rapidly overgrows and an infection results.
Women get infected more often than men and pregnant women, diabetics and obese people are particularly prone to Candida infections. Medication like antibiotics, the family-planning pill, some hormones and steroids, including skin creams, can also promote the growth of Candida.
In some women, hot, sweaty conditions or the use of tight underwear made from synthetic materials may trigger off yeast infections. In others, stress and emotional factors like a dysfunctional sexual relationship may be the underlying cause of recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Still, others tend to have infections at the time of their menses, which suggests a hormonal cause. Any condition with immune-system impairment, for example, HIV infection, predisposes the individual to fungal infections.
Vagina: The vagina is the most common site of candida infections. Most women will have a few episodes of a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime, but in the high-risk group the problem may recur frequently. Typical symptoms include a thick, cheesy, white or yellow vaginal discharge, with burning, itching and redness on the vaginal walls and the vulva.
Skin folds: This includes areas under the breasts, in the groin, the navel and the anus. Symptoms include a patchy, itchy rash that may ooze when scratched.
Mouth: A candida infection of the mouth is called thrush. Creamy white patches may appear on the tongue or sides of the mouth. Oral thrush can appear in a healthy child, but when it appears an adult it may be a symptom of a more serious disorder such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS. Candida infections may also occur at the corners of the mouth, creating painful cracks.
Nail beds: Candida infections of the nail beds of the fingers and toes may cause pain, swelling and secretion of pus. Infected nails may become disfigured, and discoloured and can even separate from the underlying nail bed. Diabetics and people who frequently have their hands in water are particularly at risk.
Penis: Uncircumcised men who have diabetes or whose sexual partner has a vaginal candida infection may get infected. A red, itchy, scaly, often painful rash appears on the head or the underside of the penis. However, an infection of the penis (or vagina) may not always cause obvious symptoms and partners may unknowingly continue to reinfect each other.
In some instances, candida can even invade the bloodstream and deeper tissues, causing a variety of serious systemic problems.
Treatment depends upon anti-fungal drugs, either as topical creams, vaginal inserts or as oral medication. The distressing problem of recurrent vaginal yeast infections that responds poorly to medication is very common and exposes the sufferer to repeated courses of expensive and potentially toxic drugs. This situation often responds better to a more holistic approach.
These include diabetes, hormone imbalance, drugs, immune dysfunction, poor nutrition and stress. Careful attention to personal hygiene and the involvement and treatment of your sexual partner is important.
You can help to prevent vaginal yeast infections by making sure that your genital area stays dry and well ventilated. Wear cotton, rather than nylon, underwear, and avoid tight-fitting pants and pantyhose. Change out of a wet swimsuit right away and avoid frequent douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper and tampons containing deodorant.
This is critical. If you have a chronic yeast problem, failure to change your diet will result in failure to resolve the issue. Just taking a drug is not enough. Removal of sugar, including the sweet fruits and their juices, along with the refined carbohydrates from the diet, cannot be overemphasised, as candida thrives on sugar.
Many people suffering from this problem have serious sugar and carbohydrate cravings and this must be dealt with. Avoid dairy products and yeast-containing products (that includes all baked goods like breads, cakes and biscuits).
I suggest you eliminate these foods entirely during the recovery period and possibly reintroduce them slowly after you have been free of infections for at least three months. If you have food allergies, those foods need to be avoided also. I strongly recommend supplementing your diet with the cellular nutrition programme.
Strengthening the immune system is crucial. The natural antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, and the mineral selenium (the ACES), along with herbs like schizandra, rosemary and medicinal mushrooms, are excellent immune-system boosters. Adequate rest and good stress management are equally important.
Probiotics: These healthy bacteria are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of yeast infections. They normally live in the intestines and vagina and are called probiotics (in contrast to antibiotics). The most popular of these are the acidophilus and lactobacillus bacteria. Laboratory studies have found that lactobacilli can block the growth of candida in the vagina. I use a probiotic tablet called FloraFiber as a healthy way to restore the natural balance to the body without the use of powerful drugs.
Herbs: Garlic has a direct yeast-killing effect and should be used liberally in cooking. Garlic cloves may be inserted directly into the vagina. Goldenseal (as a tea) and oregano (as an oil) also have anti-fungal properties while aloe vera helps heal the infected intestinal tract. Tea tree oil, when diluted and applied to the vaginal area, is an effective natural remedy for yeast infections.
You may email Dr Tony Vendryes at tonyvendryes@gmail.com or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER 106FM on Fridays at 8 p.m. His new book - An Ounce of Prevention, Especially for Women addresses these matters.
WHO GETS INFECTED?
Women get infected more often than men and pregnant women, diabetics and obese people are particularly prone to Candida infections. Medication like antibiotics, the family-planning pill, some hormones and steroids, including skin creams, can also promote the growth of Candida.
In some women, hot, sweaty conditions or the use of tight underwear made from synthetic materials may trigger off yeast infections. In others, stress and emotional factors like a dysfunctional sexual relationship may be the underlying cause of recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Still, others tend to have infections at the time of their menses, which suggests a hormonal cause. Any condition with immune-system impairment, for example, HIV infection, predisposes the individual to fungal infections.
AREAS AFFECTED
Vagina: The vagina is the most common site of candida infections. Most women will have a few episodes of a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime, but in the high-risk group the problem may recur frequently. Typical symptoms include a thick, cheesy, white or yellow vaginal discharge, with burning, itching and redness on the vaginal walls and the vulva.
Skin folds: This includes areas under the breasts, in the groin, the navel and the anus. Symptoms include a patchy, itchy rash that may ooze when scratched.
Mouth: A candida infection of the mouth is called thrush. Creamy white patches may appear on the tongue or sides of the mouth. Oral thrush can appear in a healthy child, but when it appears an adult it may be a symptom of a more serious disorder such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS. Candida infections may also occur at the corners of the mouth, creating painful cracks.
Nail beds: Candida infections of the nail beds of the fingers and toes may cause pain, swelling and secretion of pus. Infected nails may become disfigured, and discoloured and can even separate from the underlying nail bed. Diabetics and people who frequently have their hands in water are particularly at risk.
Penis: Uncircumcised men who have diabetes or whose sexual partner has a vaginal candida infection may get infected. A red, itchy, scaly, often painful rash appears on the head or the underside of the penis. However, an infection of the penis (or vagina) may not always cause obvious symptoms and partners may unknowingly continue to reinfect each other.
In some instances, candida can even invade the bloodstream and deeper tissues, causing a variety of serious systemic problems.
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
Treatment depends upon anti-fungal drugs, either as topical creams, vaginal inserts or as oral medication. The distressing problem of recurrent vaginal yeast infections that responds poorly to medication is very common and exposes the sufferer to repeated courses of expensive and potentially toxic drugs. This situation often responds better to a more holistic approach.
CORRECT PREDISPOSING FACTORS
These include diabetes, hormone imbalance, drugs, immune dysfunction, poor nutrition and stress. Careful attention to personal hygiene and the involvement and treatment of your sexual partner is important.
You can help to prevent vaginal yeast infections by making sure that your genital area stays dry and well ventilated. Wear cotton, rather than nylon, underwear, and avoid tight-fitting pants and pantyhose. Change out of a wet swimsuit right away and avoid frequent douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper and tampons containing deodorant.
CHANGE YOUR DIET
This is critical. If you have a chronic yeast problem, failure to change your diet will result in failure to resolve the issue. Just taking a drug is not enough. Removal of sugar, including the sweet fruits and their juices, along with the refined carbohydrates from the diet, cannot be overemphasised, as candida thrives on sugar.
Many people suffering from this problem have serious sugar and carbohydrate cravings and this must be dealt with. Avoid dairy products and yeast-containing products (that includes all baked goods like breads, cakes and biscuits).
I suggest you eliminate these foods entirely during the recovery period and possibly reintroduce them slowly after you have been free of infections for at least three months. If you have food allergies, those foods need to be avoided also. I strongly recommend supplementing your diet with the cellular nutrition programme.
SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Strengthening the immune system is crucial. The natural antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, and the mineral selenium (the ACES), along with herbs like schizandra, rosemary and medicinal mushrooms, are excellent immune-system boosters. Adequate rest and good stress management are equally important.
USE NATURAL ANTI-FUNGALS
Probiotics: These healthy bacteria are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of yeast infections. They normally live in the intestines and vagina and are called probiotics (in contrast to antibiotics). The most popular of these are the acidophilus and lactobacillus bacteria. Laboratory studies have found that lactobacilli can block the growth of candida in the vagina. I use a probiotic tablet called FloraFiber as a healthy way to restore the natural balance to the body without the use of powerful drugs.
Herbs: Garlic has a direct yeast-killing effect and should be used liberally in cooking. Garlic cloves may be inserted directly into the vagina. Goldenseal (as a tea) and oregano (as an oil) also have anti-fungal properties while aloe vera helps heal the infected intestinal tract. Tea tree oil, when diluted and applied to the vaginal area, is an effective natural remedy for yeast infections.
You may email Dr Tony Vendryes at tonyvendryes@gmail.com or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER 106FM on Fridays at 8 p.m. His new book - An Ounce of Prevention, Especially for Women addresses these matters.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Tanya Stephens gives confident lecture at UWI
.jpg)
Her delivery was just as confident as she clearly brought across her points to the audience.
She touched on several fitting issues, among them, the social responsibility of entertainers, lyrics which objectify women, and the issue at hand, the power which music holds to shape societies. Where the latter was concerned, Stephens gave some excellent examples of how this was easily done, but did not accept responsibility for the negative impact that music has been said to have on society.
Stephens, however, did not place all the blame on music, saying, "... while music didn't create the problems, it is helping to propagate them."
She spoke of marketing strategies used by some artistes and how it helps them and at the same time influence how members of society and avid music lovers accept 'brand names'. The endorsement of liquors such as Cristal, Moet and Hennessy by entertainers is one such example she noted before going on to point out the clothing fad of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more recently Clarks.
She also spoke of the lyrical content of female artistes which objectify women saying that they were sending the wrong messages to a 14-year-old girl who is trying to find her identity.
She did not bar herself from her missiles, however, as she admitted to having content which did the same, but none recently.
'Dancehall vs homophobia' was another of her topic which was welcomed with applause as Stephens pointed out that oftentimes artistes who wear the 'humanitarian' and 'cultural' cap were the ones who blatantly hit out against homophobia and in doing so influenced the masses.
She said that the first time she performed Do You Still Care?, a song which addresses racism and anti-homosexuality, was before a group of journalists in New York, many of who were from Jamaica.
"I was warned that when I released the track I would have to move from Jamaica," she laughed.
She later turned the lecture into a conversation as she answered questions from members of the audience before performing Do You Still Care?, These Streets, It's A Pity and Cherry Brandy at the request of the audience.
Here is her song questioning prejudice towards persons recorded live some years ago
In The Life: Backlash or Evolution?
Another instalment from In The Life media as we continue to watch happenings up north.
2011 is poised to be a pivotal year in the movement toward marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples, with both sides of the debate encouraged the pendulum will swing their way. IN THE LIFE travels to Iowa where social conservatives use unprecedented tactics to repeal equal marriage rights in a campaign with national implications. Then, as progress and conservative backlash enflame the marriage controversy at the State and Federal levels, we take a step back to look at a country divided.
The Importance of Being Iowa (00:14:57)
Iowa poses an important question to the rest of the country: Should voters be allowed to decide whether gay and lesbian couples have the right to marry?
"We felt the case was going to be successful because people here realize that those are my neighbors or those are my friends, and they're good people."
-Jen BarbouRoske
Backlash or Evolution? (00:09:46)
As victories and defeats ebb and flow state by state, public support for marriage equality is edging upward.
"The gay community has a good opportunity, better than ever, to pass gay marriage in New York this year. I would vote against it, but realistically, it's a good possibility."
- State Senator Rubin Diaz (D-New York)
Creating a Safer World
February 2011 (00:06:00)
"I was literally a punching bag at school and at home. I decided that I couldn't take it anymore." -- Evan Bornacelli
The YES Institute works to prevent suicide and ensure the healthy development of all youth through powerful communication and education on gender and orientation.
CLICK HERE to see "You are Not Alone" our February broadcast featuring a segment on Bullycides, the national health crisis of young people taking their own lives as the result of bullying.
"You should never be ashamed to be in love with somebody."
In The Life Media staff share their personal stories of hope for young queer viewers.
2011 is poised to be a pivotal year in the movement toward marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples, with both sides of the debate encouraged the pendulum will swing their way. IN THE LIFE travels to Iowa where social conservatives use unprecedented tactics to repeal equal marriage rights in a campaign with national implications. Then, as progress and conservative backlash enflame the marriage controversy at the State and Federal levels, we take a step back to look at a country divided.
The Importance of Being Iowa (00:14:57)
Iowa poses an important question to the rest of the country: Should voters be allowed to decide whether gay and lesbian couples have the right to marry?
"We felt the case was going to be successful because people here realize that those are my neighbors or those are my friends, and they're good people."
-Jen BarbouRoske
Backlash or Evolution? (00:09:46)
As victories and defeats ebb and flow state by state, public support for marriage equality is edging upward.
"The gay community has a good opportunity, better than ever, to pass gay marriage in New York this year. I would vote against it, but realistically, it's a good possibility."
- State Senator Rubin Diaz (D-New York)
Creating a Safer World
February 2011 (00:06:00)
"I was literally a punching bag at school and at home. I decided that I couldn't take it anymore." -- Evan Bornacelli
The YES Institute works to prevent suicide and ensure the healthy development of all youth through powerful communication and education on gender and orientation.
CLICK HERE to see "You are Not Alone" our February broadcast featuring a segment on Bullycides, the national health crisis of young people taking their own lives as the result of bullying.
"You should never be ashamed to be in love with somebody."
In The Life Media staff share their personal stories of hope for young queer viewers.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
International Transgender Day of Visibility ......
Visibility can be a double-edged sword for the transgendered. Certainly, the more transgendered men and women are public and open about their situation, the more exposed others will become to the issue and hopefully the more understanding and accepting they will become. However, this visibility, while great for the cause at large, can come at a great personal risk.
Transgendered people who are out (voluntarily or not) can face bigotry, violence, and harassment. They are often discriminated against in the workplace, abandoned by friends and family, and even barred from public places. Further, they have to deal with people who never accept their gender identity, believing instead that the gender a person was assigned at birth is the only real truth. Some even goes as far as to equate being transgendered with being dishonest.
Transphobia leading to invisibility and transphobia by default similar to the biphobia by default from our own limp wristed JFLAG advocates is another matter all in itself with a small number of them self identifying as trans in fear if ridicule and being misunderstood.
We have our share of violence towards trans persons where a preoperative Male To Female (MTF) individual's throat was slashed and she was beaten when men approached her thinking she was female only to discover her male genitalia still in tact and inflicted their version of punishment describing her as a battyman. JFLAG's acronymn although covering trans and allsexuals only give lip service to the name to sound good and this has been only happening in recent times following the attention paid to trans issues from bloggers like myself.
There are Transgendered persons who wish to conduct their treatment and surgeries but very little help is known to have been extended to these persons worse yet no financial assistance at all in some cases one major trans figure was homeless at one point for several months and her counseling sessions were discontinued by the powers that be sighting her uncooperativeness in effect.
There are Transgendered persons who wish to conduct their treatment and surgeries but very little help is known to have been extended to these persons worse yet no financial assistance at all in some cases one major trans figure was homeless at one point for several months and her counseling sessions were discontinued by the powers that be sighting her uncooperativeness in effect.
Then there are the more visible issues of possible transgendered persons living homo-normative lives probably really unaware of their own identity and caught up in the burlesque world of drag, forced or rigid feminization with no psycho social help to bring them over into their rightful place, but not to bore you with a litany of woes let us as Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people from the other parts of the umbrella group also respect the right to life for our transgendered friends and be tolerant of them too as they have their own issues that they need to sift through as we have ours.
Be yourselves my Trans peeps.
Peace and tolerance
H
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
85 Nations Endorse UN Joint Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Eighty-five nations endorsed the UN Joint Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identitypresented by Colombia to the UN Human Rights Council, an inter-governmental body within the United Nations made up of 47 states. The statement was signed by the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Seychelles. Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council, made the following statement:
Delivered by Colombia on behalf of: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, the Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
“We are proud to have taken a leading role on the statement issued today at the Human Rights Council, signed by 85 countries, entitled “Ending Acts of Violence and Related Human Rights Violations Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.” Human rights are the inalienable right of every person, no matter who they are or who they love. The U.S. government is firmly committed to supporting the right of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals to lead productive and dignified lives, free from fear and violence. We look forward to working with other Governments from all regions and with civil society to continue dialogue at the Council on these issues.“The Washington Post interviewed Suzanne Nossel about the lead role the United States took on the resolution:
“We are very concerned that individuals continue to be killed, arrested and harassed around the world because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Suzanne Nossel, deputy assistant secretary of state for international organizations. “This statement sends a strong message from across the globe that such abuses should not be tolerated.”
The U.S. document calls for nations to end any criminal punishments against lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and asks the global body to review how governments treat them in the U.N.’s human rights assessments. It acknowledges that “these are sensitive issues for many,” but the document insists that people must be freed from discrimination because of their sexual orientation.
Ms. Nossel said the United States was proud to be taking a leading role in promoting the idea that gay rights are human rights — among the sharper foreign policy redirections that occurred after President Obama took office.The following nations endorsed the resolution:
Delivered by Colombia on behalf of: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, the Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
the former-Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malta, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, the United States of America, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanautu and Venezuela
Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review on Jamaica and the Charter of Rights .....
The Human Rights Council on March 17, 2011 adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review on the Marshal Islands, Croatia and Jamaica.
Phillip Muller, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations, said the Government accepted the recommendations on ratification or accession to the main international human rights treaties and underlined the serious need of technical and financial assistance in properly implementing them. Lack of resources was the reason why the establishment of a national human rights institution was not being considered at the moment. The Marshall Islands also accepted the recommendations on the promotion of human rights, addressing domestic violence and other issues affecting women, children’s rights, socio-economic development and climate change. The Government was disappointed that only one nation in the Universal Periodic Review had responded to issues raised regarding climate change impacts.
Wayne McCook, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that in the implementation of the recommendations Jamaica was guided by the interests of all Jamaicans which in some cases meant that it would be best to reinforce existing mechanisms rather than to establish new ones or to undertake new international obligations. Jamaica had worked to adopt an overall strategy to eliminate practices constituting discrimination against women. While there was no single institution in Jamaica dealing with the issue of human rights, the mandates of several entities were established with portfolio responsibilities to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights and were strong and effective. The Government recognized the urgent need to address conditions in prisons and lockups and had pursued efforts for the construction of new prison facilities and privatization of prisons.
In the discussion on Jamaica, speakers looked forward to continued progress on reforming the justice sector with an emphasis on increasing respect for the rule of law and human rights among the police forces. Also, speakers welcomed the efforts to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and urged Jamaica to repeal sections of the law that criminalised same-sex activities. Speakers noted the progress made in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, poverty reduction, education, access to public and reproductive health, malnutrition and hunger and their progress in the protection of children against ill treatment and exploitation. A speaker was disappointed that Jamaica had rejected the moratorium on executions, the commutation of all death sentences to prison sentences and the abolishment of the death penalty.
Speaking in the general debate on the Universal Periodic Review of Jamaica were Algeria, Morocco, Cuba and the United States. The non-governmental organizations that spoke during the discussion were COC Nederland and Amnesty International.
The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Jamaica.
In the discussion on Jamaica, speakers looked forward to continued progress on reforming the justice sector with an emphasis on increasing respect for the rule of law and human rights among the police forces. Also, speakers welcomed the efforts to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and urged Jamaica to repeal sections of the law that criminalised same-sex activities. Speakers noted the progress made in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, poverty reduction, education, access to public and reproductive health, malnutrition and hunger and their progress in the protection of children against ill treatment and exploitation. A speaker was disappointed that Jamaica had rejected the moratorium on executions, the commutation of all death sentences to prison sentences and the abolishment of the death penalty.
Speaking in the general debate on the Universal Periodic Review of Jamaica were Algeria, Morocco, Cuba and the United States. The non-governmental organizations that spoke during the discussion were COC Nederland and Amnesty International.
The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Jamaica.
In his concluding observations Mr. McCook thanked the delegations and stakeholders groups that had spoken and those delegations that had recommended the adoption of this report and those who mentioned other advances and progress in the Millennium Development Goals. Jamaica reiterated its position as stated in its national report: there was no legal discrimination against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation, and the Government of Jamaica condemned such discrimination.
They underscored the provisions of their constitution which addressed the guarantees of any citizen and the possibility for them to appeal violations in court. Concerning the justice and law enforcement reform, they were improving prison conditions and the training of officers in these institutions. They had also increased the training in law enforcement. Moreover the Government had established an independent commission on investigations that investigated abuses. Jamaica thanked the members of the Council for the attention paid to the review of Jamaica and wished to remind them that the list of recommendations in the numerical count may be misleading as some recommendations were repeated. Jamaica recommended that recommendations be clustered in a thematic way. Jamaica had clearly indicated those recommendations that they rejected and those accepted.
WAYNE McCOOK,
Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations Office at Geneva,
said Jamaica attached great importance to the Universal Periodic Review process and it took note of the positions and views of many stakeholders summarized by the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner in documentation presented at the Working Group stage of Jamaica’s review.
Jamaica had implemented or was in the process of implementing many of the goals reflected in the recommendations and was guided by the interests of all Jamaicans which in some cases meant that it would be best to reinforce existing mechanisms rather than to establish new ones or to undertake new international obligations. Jamaica was reviewing the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment with a view to taking a decision on its ratification.
Consideration was also being given to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, the United Nations Convention related to the Status of Stateless Persons and to the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Jamaica took its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women seriously and had worked to adopt an overall strategy to eliminate practices constituting discrimination against women.
The Government was not in a position to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Jamaica accepted the recommendation on timely submission of reporting obligations to United Nations treaty bodies but it was important to note that human and resource constraints impeded the timely submission of reports by developing countries.
Extensive work had been done with regard to the amendment of the Constitution to provide for “A Charter of Rights and Freedoms” and the Government remained committed to the implementation of this important instrument which would be submitted to the Jamaican Parliament on 29 March 2011. While there was no single institution in Jamaica dealing with the issue of human rights, the mandates of several entities were established with portfolio responsibilities to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights and were strong and effective.
Extensive work had been done with regard to the amendment of the Constitution to provide for “A Charter of Rights and Freedoms” and the Government remained committed to the implementation of this important instrument which would be submitted to the Jamaican Parliament on 29 March 2011. While there was no single institution in Jamaica dealing with the issue of human rights, the mandates of several entities were established with portfolio responsibilities to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights and were strong and effective.
These bodies included the Office of the Public Defender and the Independent Commission of Investigation. Institutional mechanisms, such as the Bureau of Women’s Affairs and the Child Development Agency, already existed for advancing the special concerns of women and children.
The Government recognized the urgent need to address conditions in prisons and lockups and had pursued efforts for the construction of new prison facilities, including the issue of privatization of prisons, but noted that these initiatives might be constrained by the severe economic and financial conditions facing the country. The Government had also developed a new regime for the management of juveniles in the care of the state and an existing facility was being renovated."
ENDS
Notes:
One wonders if the rush by the Jamaica Labour Party government to pass the almost twenty year document that is to replace section three of the constitution and which was passed with so much ease in our parliament history wasn't a diversion to meet this review and to impress the UN while by passing the sexual orientation discrimination issue both at the UN level where voted no to remove sexual orientation as a reason for judicial killings and at the local level the exclusion of any hints to the same Charter of Rights banded about above by the Permanent representative which not only excludes recognition and rights to same gender loving persons but the disabled as well.
You be the judge.
Peace and tolerance
H
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Internalized Trans-Phobia
As we continue to put together the references to Transgender health and related issues here is a piece by Psychotherapist and Gender expert A. B. Kaplan officially a Licensed Psychotherapist practicing at
113 University Place #1008,
A.B. Kaplan
What is it and how do you get it?
Internalized trans-phobia refers to feelings some people have inside about their being trans that they might not even be aware of. It refers to how some people hate that part of themselves and are ashamed of it. The phrase comes from the similar experiences of gay folk who sometimes have “internalized homo-phobia”.
How does this happen? This happens because of discrimination, ignorance and stigma in society against people who display gender non-conforming behavior. In other words against men and boys who appear feminine or girls and woman who appear masculine or “butch” or people who are more gender-queer and don’t appear to be completely male or female.
Historically, trans-folk have been the butt of jokes, been made fun of, laughed at, been misunderstood and have been the object of derision and violence. Transgendered people have been seen as “less than”.
This attitude has been widespread and so to finally arrive at the idea that this could be you; that you could be a member of this hated group can be very scary. Not only that, but by growing up in a culture and society where this attitude is common, you take it in and part of you believes it whether you want to or not. This can happen because we often learn the attitudes and beliefs of those around us before we become self-aware enough or wise enough to start questioning them. We often learn these things from trusted people around us – parents, teachers, church leaders, etc. so that we tend not to question them. We learn that a certain group of people can be mocked before we know that we are in that group – and then we are stuck in the position of hating something about ourselves.
Sometimes the messages or feedback we get from parents and teachers when we are very young contribute to feeling bad about being gender variant. Like a parent disapproving of acting too “boyish” or “girlish”. These messages can be very quick and subtle, like a Mother telling her young son not to “stand like a ballerina”.
This is what causes internalized trans-phobia.
What are the effects of Internalized Trans-Phobia?
Feelings of hate and shame for yourself which you might not even be aware of can result in low self-esteem and depression. They can cause you to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed and inferior, even unlovable. They can make you feel like hiding a big part of yourself or pretend to be someone else. They can make you to not want to be around people, to withdraw or be a loner. These feelings can certainly make you feel very unhappy and angry. Some people take a long time to come out as trans because they have so much internalized trans-phobia. It can hold you back in life, not only in terms of finding a way to be the gender you are, but in many areas of your life such as forming deep and satisfying connections to others.
Sometimes internalized trans-phobia can keep you from connecting with other trans-folk. When one has a deep hatred of the gender-queer inside it can get confusing to be around other trans-folk. You may see them in the way you learned early on – as freaky, or not good-enough in some way. The negative feelings can get pushed outward in this way.
What can you do about it?
The first thing to do is to try be aware of it. Try and acknowledge it if you have it. This is hard to do because we usually automatically try to avoid things about ourselves that we are embarrassed about. One can feel ashamed of being ashamed! It gets complicated so it really helps to have a therapist who is knowledgeable about gender issues to do this work with, but a supportive friend or a support group can work too. It helps to have lots of people in your life who are supportive and positive about your being trans. It takes time to “undo” deep down beliefs about gender-variant people, just like it took time to get them.
More
Internalized transphobia is quite common in the transgender community. That is why even transgender people are more comfortable with “passable” than “non-passable” individuals. Until we can accept our own transgender feelings, we will not be able to accept others with transgender attributes.
113 University Place #1008,
New York, NY 10003
(212) 358-1884
(212) 358-1884
info@amikaplan.net
Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
Some areas of specialty Include:
● issues of assertion
● overcome fears about speaking up
● change entrenched roles in relationships
● be able to put your agenda out there
● gay, lesbian issues and transgender issues
● relationship help, couples problems
Training
New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW
MSW from New York University
Post Graduate Psychoanalytic Training: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center Graduate.
Affiliations
Clinical Director of New York Psychotherapy Collective .
World Professional Association for Transgender Health
Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
Some areas of specialty Include:
● issues of assertion
● overcome fears about speaking up
● change entrenched roles in relationships
● be able to put your agenda out there
● gay, lesbian issues and transgender issues
● relationship help, couples problems
Training
New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW
MSW from New York University
Post Graduate Psychoanalytic Training: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center Graduate.
Affiliations
Clinical Director of New York Psychotherapy Collective .
World Professional Association for Transgender Health
What is it and how do you get it?
Internalized trans-phobia refers to feelings some people have inside about their being trans that they might not even be aware of. It refers to how some people hate that part of themselves and are ashamed of it. The phrase comes from the similar experiences of gay folk who sometimes have “internalized homo-phobia”.
How does this happen? This happens because of discrimination, ignorance and stigma in society against people who display gender non-conforming behavior. In other words against men and boys who appear feminine or girls and woman who appear masculine or “butch” or people who are more gender-queer and don’t appear to be completely male or female.
Historically, trans-folk have been the butt of jokes, been made fun of, laughed at, been misunderstood and have been the object of derision and violence. Transgendered people have been seen as “less than”.
This attitude has been widespread and so to finally arrive at the idea that this could be you; that you could be a member of this hated group can be very scary. Not only that, but by growing up in a culture and society where this attitude is common, you take it in and part of you believes it whether you want to or not. This can happen because we often learn the attitudes and beliefs of those around us before we become self-aware enough or wise enough to start questioning them. We often learn these things from trusted people around us – parents, teachers, church leaders, etc. so that we tend not to question them. We learn that a certain group of people can be mocked before we know that we are in that group – and then we are stuck in the position of hating something about ourselves.
Sometimes the messages or feedback we get from parents and teachers when we are very young contribute to feeling bad about being gender variant. Like a parent disapproving of acting too “boyish” or “girlish”. These messages can be very quick and subtle, like a Mother telling her young son not to “stand like a ballerina”.
This is what causes internalized trans-phobia.
What are the effects of Internalized Trans-Phobia?
Feelings of hate and shame for yourself which you might not even be aware of can result in low self-esteem and depression. They can cause you to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed and inferior, even unlovable. They can make you feel like hiding a big part of yourself or pretend to be someone else. They can make you to not want to be around people, to withdraw or be a loner. These feelings can certainly make you feel very unhappy and angry. Some people take a long time to come out as trans because they have so much internalized trans-phobia. It can hold you back in life, not only in terms of finding a way to be the gender you are, but in many areas of your life such as forming deep and satisfying connections to others.
Sometimes internalized trans-phobia can keep you from connecting with other trans-folk. When one has a deep hatred of the gender-queer inside it can get confusing to be around other trans-folk. You may see them in the way you learned early on – as freaky, or not good-enough in some way. The negative feelings can get pushed outward in this way.
What can you do about it?
The first thing to do is to try be aware of it. Try and acknowledge it if you have it. This is hard to do because we usually automatically try to avoid things about ourselves that we are embarrassed about. One can feel ashamed of being ashamed! It gets complicated so it really helps to have a therapist who is knowledgeable about gender issues to do this work with, but a supportive friend or a support group can work too. It helps to have lots of people in your life who are supportive and positive about your being trans. It takes time to “undo” deep down beliefs about gender-variant people, just like it took time to get them.
More
Internalized transphobia is quite common in the transgender community. That is why even transgender people are more comfortable with “passable” than “non-passable” individuals. Until we can accept our own transgender feelings, we will not be able to accept others with transgender attributes.
The Pink Report on JFLAG's handling of the Charter of Rights issue
The Pink Report on March 27th published it's opinion on the handling of the Charter of Rights issues since recent days as it was passed by the Parliament with an overwhelming vote of 51/60 with one abstention and 9 members of Parliament absent during vote as the Bill moved across the floor. I don't normally republish stuff from the Pink Report but I found it refreshing to see their seeming stepped up agitation on advocacy issues which makes me hopeful of things to come, here is the piece in full or follow the link to their blog on Wordpress.
J-FLAG Response Disappoints
In response to questions posed by the Pink Report concerning J-FLAG’s Advocacy Programme, The Executive Director of the entity has responded by saying “with respect, it’s the PINK REPORT” on JFLAG’s own Facebook Group page. We here at Pink are not sure of the meaning behind the statement, however, do note that it came after questions were raised about the credibility and thus veracity and accuracy of the Report’s Saturday publication entitled Under Attack Part II: Parliamentary Committee Briefs raise questions about JFLAG’s Advocacy by one of its (JFLAG’s) own volunteers/employees.
We here at the Pink Report would like to point out to our readers that the information provided in the above publication was taken from the official report of the Parliamentary Committee on the Charter of Rights and from JFLAG’s own website (which incidentally was emailed to us by the Executive Director). As a consequence if JFLAG is raising questions about the truthfulness and credibility of its own information and that of the Parliament of Jamaica, Pink in no way can be held responsible for that. Indeed the very accusation by JFLAG and its agents may take us down the dangerous path of second guessing every piece of information and literature coming out of JFLAG, a path that we are not remotely interested in contemplating. Rather we will take the statement as an unfortunate emotional reaction that even without the request of forgiveness, we shall like good Christians turn the other cheek forgive, forget and move on! Notwithstanding we would like to submit to JFLAG that a Warmingtonian response to questions is not in the best interest of the organization or any Human Rights lobby group for that matter.
The specific instance of which we speak pertains to a Facebook conversation regarding a JFLAG poll question “Do you agree with the question/statement: why discussions in its Group Page on Facebook have focused mainly on requesting information regarding Human Rights abuses but no articulation of what those Rights are or what JFLAG intends to do with the information if and when given!” Please note the text of the following conversation:
RY: DB (JFLAG representative), I actually thought that to myself… I just never expressed it. All I ever see is request for information.
DB: Scroll down on the wall
RY…take a look at the discourse about the constitution and charter of rights…I myself made suggestion on how particular persons may apply for redress based on their violation/abuses. There are contacts for agencies who can assist. When you have that, then tell me that all you have seen is request for information.
The response from the JFLAG representative has the same material effect as Shut UP, and might we add GO TO HELL. Pink views this is as remarkably abusive and raises questions as to whether the entity genuinely cares for feedback from its own constituents. We publicly implore JFLAG to reign in and train its volunteers/employees on appropriate etiquettes as it regards treatment of clients. We also kindly request adressing the issues raised in the Saturday article in a forensic and professional manner. We still do hope for a response to the questions raised! We had hoped that by raising these questions, JFLAG would have responded by highlighting the work they have been doing behind the scenes. Indeed the opportunity was theirs to point out that they have been coordinating responses with other Human Rights organizations due to the very present dangers of being the public face of homosexuality.
They could have even indicated that that there has been an attempt to get a newsletter off the ground, the efforts of which the PINK Report was to be a part of but has failed to live up to its commitment in this regard and that activities are being planned to ensure that content is added to their website to ensure that community members are better informed about activities they undertake. It is to be noted that Pink regards the 2001 written submission as conforming to the highest standards of advocacy on the matter of Rights. What confuses us is, what could have possibly occurred such that the Committee could have been left with the impression that JFLAG was willing to barter inclusion of rights protections for minorities with repeal of buggery and related laws and what has been done since 2001 to educate members about inter alia the Charter and Rights in general. We ask not for mendacity or barbed attacks but a proper distillation of the entity’s work programme, JFLAG will note that it is not the questions that will embarrass us but the answers.
Looking to the Future At the core of the debate is the Charter of Rights! The Bill is now at the floor of the Upper House, the Senate. Whilst the Leader of Opposition business in the Senate, Senator A.J. Nicholson has already indicated the total support of the PNP benchers he has called for a complete discussion on the Bill’s provisions among the Senators. This delay represents the last real opportunity that JFLAG and the wider Gay community has for initiating amendment to the Bill, which we are aware of. We humbly submit that the time has come for all members of the community to unite behind whatever initiative that JFLAG chooses to engage the Members of the Senate. We propose that a Great Email Campaign be done where persons directly email senators with content to be provided by JFLAG.
In another matter, we here at Pink do sympathize with the young lady from the UWI who was the victim of a cartoon attack. We, however, congratulate her on her fine electoral victory nonetheless. We hope that she will view this challenge not as a set back but as an opportunity to use her time in office to sensitize persons about respect and tolerance for persons of minority orientations including that of gender classifications. We note that the report indicated that the young lady in question was open and out prior to her election and as such her victory possibly marks the first time in Anglophone Caribbean History that an openly homosexual person has been elected to office. This is yet to be substantiated, however, it should be celebrated.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Jamaican Born serial rapist aka The Night Stalker finally nabbed .... described as Bisexual by The Jamaica Observer
LONDON, United Kingdom (AP) — A London jury today convicted one of Britain's most notorious serial rapists, who preyed on the elderly for nearly two decades and may have assaulted scores of victims.
The jury at Woolwich Crown Court found Jamaican-born Delroy Grant — dubbed the 'Night Stalker' — guilty of 29 counts of attacks on 18 elderly men and women between 1992 and 2009.
Police say the number of Grant's victims is thought to be substantially more than that. Officers have looked into 203 offences as part of the investigation.
Judge Peter Rook called the offences "of the utmost gravity" and said Grant could be handed a life sentence on Friday.
Grant stood motionless in the dock with his head bowed as the foreman of the jury delivered the verdicts. An elderly victim and several relatives looked on and smiled from the public gallery.
Police called Grant's offences some of the most "awful and disturbing crimes" Scotland Yard has ever investigated and the prosecution in the case called the attacks "the stuff of nightmares."
The attacker broke into homes, cut phone lines and crept into the bedrooms of his elderly victims during ordeals that lasted for hours. The victims were mostly elderly women; many were blind, deaf or had conditions including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
The 53-year-old Grant, a former cab driver and home-care aide to his second wife, was arrested in 2009 following one of Britain's longest running manhunts, codenamed Operation Minstead.
The Metropolitan Police task force formed Minstead — a randomly generated name — in 1998 to find the man.
After a series of interviews with victims in southeast London over the years, a pattern began emerging.
The telephone lines of the victims' homes were often disabled, and fuse boxes tampered with. Some described a person in a mask, waking them up by shining a flashlight in their faces.
More than 2,000 DNA samples were collected as part of the investigation, and in 2006, detectives travelled to Trinidad and Barbados after testing suggested the attacker might have Caribbean ancestry.
Branding Grant a "perverted, callous and violent individual," the head of the Metropolitan Police's homicide and serious crime unit said Friday his arrest and conviction allowed thousands of people in London to "go to sleep without the dreadful thought they would be preyed upon."
Still, Britain's police watchdog apologised for missed opportunities to catch Grant, saying the hunt to catch him was undermined by "basic policing errors."
The Independent Police Complaints Commission said a poor response to a burglary and confusion over a suspect — which saw the wrong man's DNA studied — prevented arresting Grant sooner.
"It is clear that a simple misunderstanding had horrific consequences," said Deborah Glass, the watchdog's commissioner for London.
Andrew Hadik, a senior lawyer with the Crown Prosecution Service, said the motive for Grant's crimes might never be known, because he had "steadfastly refused to admit any responsibility or to show any remorse."
At the time of his arrest, Grant said that police should not bother taking his fingerprints because he "always wore gloves."
ENDS
The Telegraph in the meantime covers the issue:
Warm, charming and always friendly he was apparently a devoted carer to his wife Jennifer, who was paralysed as a result of multiple sclerosis.
He followed cricket, liked to fish and enjoyed community barbeques where he would share jokes and reminisce about his childhood in Jamaica.
But today that respectable image lies in tatters after he was convicted of being the notorious Night Stalker - one of the most prolific sex offenders of modern times.
For almost two decades Grant stalked the streets of south London at night burgling, raping and sexually assaulting the elderly.
He is known to have attacked more than 200 times, but police fear the toll could be much higher as many of his victims were simply to ashamed to come forward. (click linked names above for full article)
(UPDATE March 25th):
A reader left this interesting comment in the initial post here as was headlined "Jamaica Born Bisexual ............" I have since renamed it removing the bisexual link, I am aware that you my readers are on target and can spot the infractions without my prodding ... yeaahhhh! keep the vigilance up and thanks for keeping me on my toes as well
The comment was as follows:
"Hey, I am a frequent reader of this blog but this is my first comment.
Again I see where J'can news is trying to spread ill of the LGBTQ community. The Observers news report is the only one that stated that Grant is "bisexual". No other news report stated that. The other reports payed more attention to the fact that he was a Jehovahs Witness & not one of them said a BISEXUAL Jehovahs Witness.
The closest thing Grant would be called is a gerontophile. He raped and sexually assaulted ELDERLY people. He preyed on the ELDERLY and took advantage of their fragility. Yes, some of his victims were male but there was no gender motivation. Additionally, all his victims were white but there aren't any reports that state he was a RACIST. Why? Because race wasn't his motivator. Grant was looking for EASY victims and elderly people were most vulnerable."
Again I see where J'can news is trying to spread ill of the LGBTQ community. The Observers news report is the only one that stated that Grant is "bisexual". No other news report stated that. The other reports payed more attention to the fact that he was a Jehovahs Witness & not one of them said a BISEXUAL Jehovahs Witness.
The closest thing Grant would be called is a gerontophile. He raped and sexually assaulted ELDERLY people. He preyed on the ELDERLY and took advantage of their fragility. Yes, some of his victims were male but there was no gender motivation. Additionally, all his victims were white but there aren't any reports that state he was a RACIST. Why? Because race wasn't his motivator. Grant was looking for EASY victims and elderly people were most vulnerable."
ENDS
Interestingly it was the Jamaica Observer who used the Bisexual line in their lead story for this case probably it worked in a sense as if it were headlined to hint to homosexual then it would unearthed other kinds of reactions to which we are accustomed, the paper has been also coming for some criticim following a previous story where the word "homo" was used in the headline:
Appeared on March 21st in the online edition of course using such words if it were overseas heads would have probably rolled for it but such is the seeming immaturity or bias of our local media which are used sometimes to sell papers, lgbt stigmatised sensationalist tones even from so called respectable media houses are not uncommon.
Peace and tolerance
H
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Parliament Passes Charter Of Rights .......
by Daraine Luton, Gleaner Senior Staff Reporter
PARTISAN POLITICS found no place in the House of Representatives yesterday when it became apparent that members have successfully taken a giant step towards amending the Constitution.
Even before Heather Cooke, clerk to the Houses of Parliament, could announce the passage of the Charter of Rights in the lower house at 5:59 p.m., members rose in one accord, thumping desks and smiling gleefully. They have been able to complete a journey of constitutional amendment which began in the 1990s.
"Unity is strength," shouted West Portland representative Daryl Vaz, applause drowning out his voice.
The Charter of Rights, which required a two-third majority of the vote, received unanimous support from the 51 members who were present for yesterday's sitting.
Eight members of parliament - Dr Peter Phillips, Natalie Neita Headley, Olivia Grange, Michael Peart, Dean Peart, Dr Patrick Harris, Roger Clarke and Kern Spencer - were absent from the vote.
The South West St Catherine seat is the only vacant one in the 60-seat house of representatives.
Even before the vote, Prime Minster Bruce Golding was revelling in the moment. He said the Charter of Rights, which is to replace Chapter III of the Constitution "represents what our people are entitled to".
Human-rights obligation
The Charter of Rights places on the State an obligation to promote universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and freedoms for all persons in Jamaica and affords protection to the rights and freedoms of persons as set out in those provisions.
The Charter of Rights dictates that Parliament shall pass no law and establish no organ of the state which abrogates, abridges or infringes the fundamental rights of citizens.
Meanwhile, the House also passed another constitutional amendment which is intended to nullify the Pratt and Morgan ruling of the United Kingdom-based Privy Council.
Based on the Pratt and Morgan ruling by the Privy Council, a condemned man cannot be executed if his process of appeals lasts more than five years from the date of his sentencing. The amendment has removed the five-year stricture making it easier for the carrying out of capital punishment.
Central Kingston Member of Parliament Ronald Thwaites abstained from voting on the amendment.
The House was, however, plunged into laughter after East Hanover MP Dr D.K. Duncan voted for the amendment, going against his conscience.
"I am sorry. I made a mistake," Duncan said after he enquired if he could change his vote and was told no by Speaker Delroy Chuck.
The Senate is to vote on the constitutional amendments before the parliamentary year ends in just over a week.
If the amendments are not approved by the Senate then the process would have to be re-started next parliamentary year.
daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com
ENDS
Notes:
Never forget these two folks who are mostly responsible for the removal of the draft clauses from old version of The Charter of Rights that offered some protection to lgbt people though not directly stated as such at the time, they feared that the then clause would leave room opened for gay rights groups and others to challenge full legalization of homosexuality and the sanctioning of gay marriage in their eyes:
Anti Gay and restorative therapy advocate Rev Al Miller (right) who is scheduled to return to court today for aiding a fugitive, pastor of Fellowship Tabernacle Church, confers with always panicking Shirley Richards of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF), as Church leaders and the LCF joined forces and urged the Joint Select Committee of Parliament, which is examing details for a new Constitution, to allow the group to make a presentation on the proposed Charter of Rights in March 2006. - Rudolph Brown/Photographer Gleaner
See the Observer's take on it here:
"The Bill, which has been before Parliament for nearly 17 years, provides for the protection of property rights; protection from searches; respect for private and family life and privacy of home and of communication; and the entitlement of every child who is a citizen to publicly funded education, in a public education institution at the pre-primary and primary levels, among other things.
The JLP, in its manifesto leading to the 2007 general elections, had pledged to seek entrenchment in the Constitution of a new Charter of Rights to guarantee the fundamental rights of every citizen and establish a Citizens' Protection Bureau. The bureau is expected to have expanded powers to defend the rights of and secure redress for citizens whose constitutional rights may be violated.
Commenting ahead of the historic vote yesterday, Simpson Miller said the Opposition had decided to take the high road as far as completing the discussions on the Charter was concerned.
"The Charter of Rights and Freedoms was started by our administration... and the present Government completed the charge. In our almost 49 years of Independence we have never had an amendment of an entrenched Constitutional provision largely because an Opposition could not resist using the effective veto to reflexively frustrate the policies of the Government of the day and I am pleased to declare that this Opposition is going to take the historic and progressive decision that we are putting principle and the interest of the people above party politics," she said."
Meanwhile Letter writing campaigner and activist returned to business after a short hiatus following a threat issued to him via email, he contended in his last letter to the Gleaner that:
".............Ideally, this charter should be as inclusive as possible and create a framework for a consistent approach to the rights of all Jamaicans, including the minority of those whose sexual orientation currently makes them vulnerable to hate crimes and other forms of institutionalised discrimination.
Currently, institutionalised discrimination is inconsistent in Jamaica. On the one hand, Section 13.1 of the 2004 revision to the Public Service Staff Orders - which has the force of law - prohibits discrimination in the civil service on the grounds of, inter alia, sexual orientation. On the other hand, the proposed charter, which will govern all other Jamaicans, contains no such grounds for non-discrimination.
Further, the proposed charter re-entrenches the country's 1864 anti-buggery law, despite the fact that this law has been held to constitute discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by treaty bodies to which Jamaica has subscribed.
Whoever drafted the 2004 Public Service Staff Orders understood that no good purpose could possibly be served by criminalising the private lives of consenting adults. This progressive and enlightened view needs to be reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms."
I am, etc.,
MAURICE TOMLINSON
maurice_tomlinson@yahoo.com
Montego Bay
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Aphrodite’s PRIDE JA tackles gender identity, transgender misconceptions .....
Nationwide New Network, NNN devoted some forty five minutes of prime time yesterday evening to discuss the issue and help listeners to at least begin to process some of the information coming from the most public declaration exercise as done by Jenner. Guests on the show were Dr Karen Carpenter Board Certified Clinical Sexologist and Psychologist, ‘Satiba’ from Aphrodite’s P.R.I.D.E Jamaica of which I am affiliated and Lecturer (Sociologist) and host of Every Woman on the station Georgette Crawford Williams (sister of PNP member of parliament Damian Crawford); one of the first questions thrown at Satiba by host Cliff Hughes was why has Jenna waited so long at 65 years old to make such a life changing decision?
Satiba responded that many transwomen have to hide their true identity in life .... given her life when she was younger she was a star athlete she would have been under tremendous precious to stay in from the expectations by the public and her team etc, also owing to the fact that she had a family as a man with children one may not want to upset the flow at that time until the kids are old enough. There is a lot of burden of guilt that some persons carry in weighing the decisions of coming out or transitioning so suppression of one’s true self is the modus operandi.
Dr Carpenter cautioned after a heated exchange:
“We really must remember as professionals we must stay in our lane I will never pronounce as a Sociologist cause I am not a Sociologist ............When we have an opportunity to speak publicly we must be careful of what we say unless it is extremely well informed......”
Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website
Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website on December 1 2015 on World AIDS Day where they hosted a docu-film and after discussions on the film Human Vol 1
audience members interacting during a break in the event
film in progress
visit the new APJ website HERE
See posts on APJ's work: HERE (newer entries will appear first so scroll to see older ones)
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?
Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?
It seems like homosexuality is on everyone's tongue. From articles in the newspapers to countless news stories and commentaries, it seems like everyone is talking about the gays. Since Jamaica identifies as a Christian nation, the obvious thought about homosexuality is that it is wrong but only male homosexuality seems to influence the more passionate responses. It seems we are more open to accepting lesbianism but gay men are greeted with much disapproval.
Dancehall has certainly been very clear where it stands when it comes to this issue with various songs voicing clear condemnation of this lifestyle. Currently, quite a few artistes are facing continuous protests because of their anti-gay lyrics. Even the law makers are involved in the gayness as there have been several calls for the repeal of the buggery law. Recently Parliament announced plans to review the Sexual Offences Act which, I am sure, will no doubt address homosexuality.
Jamaica has been described as a homophobic nation. The question I want to ask is: What are we afraid of? There are usually many reasons why homosexuality is such a pain in the a@. Here are some of the more popular arguments MORE HERE
also see:
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation
Promised conscience vote was a fluke from the PNP ........
SO WE WERE DUPED EH? - the suggestion of a conscience vote on the buggery law as espoused by Prime Minister (then opposition leader) in the 2011 leadership debate preceding the last national elections was a dangling carrot for a dumb donkey to follow.
Many advocates and individuals interpreted Mrs Simpson Miller's pronouncements as a promise or a commitment to repeal or at least look at the archaic buggery law but I and a few others who spoke openly dismissed it all from day one as nothing more than hot air especially soon after in February member of parliament Damian Crawford poured cold water on the suggestion/promise and said it was not a priority as that time. and who seems to always open his mouth these days and revealing his thoughts that sometimes go against the administration's path.
I knew from then that as existed before even under the previous PM P. J. Patterson (often thought to be gay by the public) also danced around the issue as this could mean votes and loss of political power. Mrs Simpson Miller in the meantime was awarded a political consultants' democracy medal as their conference concludes in Antigua.
War of words between pro & anti gay activists on HIV matters .......... what hypocrisy is this?
War of words between pro & anti gay activists on HIV matters .......... what hypocrisy is this?
A war of words has ensued between gay lawyer (AIDSFREEWORLD) Maurice Tomlinson and anti gay activist Dr Wayne West (supposed in-laws of sorts) as both accuse each other of lying or being dishonest, when deception has been neatly employed every now and again by all concerned, here is the post from Dr West's blog
This is laughable to me in a sense as both gentleman have broken the ethical lines of advocacy respectively repeatedly especially on HIV/AIDS and on legal matters concerning LGBTQ issues
The evidence is overwhelming readers/listeners, you decide.
Fast forward 2015 and the exchanges continue in a post from Dr Wayne West: Maurice Tomlinson misrepresents my position on his face book page and Blog 76Crimes
Tomlinson's post originally was:
Calls for Tourism Boycotts are Nonsensical at This Time
(2014 protests New York)
Calling for boycotts by overseas based Jamaican advocates who for the most part are not in touch with our present realities in a real way and do not understand the implications of such calls can only seek to make matters worse than assisting in the struggle, we must learn from, the present economic climate of austerity & tense calm makes it even more sensible that persons be cautious, will these groups assist when there is fallout?, previous experiences from such calls made in 2008 and 2009 and the near diplomatic nightmare that missed us; especially owing to the fact that many of the victims used in the public advocacy of violence were not actual homophobic cases which just makes the ethics of advocacy far less credible than it ought to be.
See more explained HERE from a previous post following the Queen Ifrica matter and how it was mishandled
Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14
debate by hosts and UWI students on the weekly program Issues on Fire on legalizing polygamy with Jamaica's multiple partner cultural norms this debate is timely.
Also with recent public discourse on polyamorous relationships, threesomes (FAME FM Uncensored) and on social.
Some Popular Posts
-
With the headline in the Jamaica Observer on Sunday the 29 th (see post below this) there seems to be another attempt the lead the public i...
-
See what you make of this.......... Jamaica Observer online readers reacted with strong interest to their July 16, 2014 editorial titled ...
-
In previous years I looked at commitment ceremonies in as parts of previous posts which followed up on some analysis across Jamaica for LGBT... -
In one of those cases that we could conclude justice was split in a sense a twenty seven year old woman of a Portmore address was fine... -
Thanks for reading and responding Udo... check out his analysis of Ms Bennett's presentation in the Senate recently. BY udo schukle... -
See Below for more pics etc No requests for photos of the victims will be honored as they have requested. -
Gleaner Page see more commentry on Gay Jamaica Watch as well also: PM Says No To Gay Marriage as posted below Prime Minister Bruc... -
In a follow up to a post on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch ( Bareback popularity concerns ) and subsequent convos, a rather animated exchan... -
Bi Visibility Day, also known as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, has been marked each year since 1999 to highlight bi-phobia an... -
After being arrested, charged they, the thugs hire a good lawyer to get bail then they fire that lawyer, naturally the case file is passed o...
Blog Roll
-
BOOM! Federal judge strikes down 2023 Texas anti-drag show law as unconstitutional - Fantastic news out of Texas! From *NBC News:* A federal judge in Texas struck down a 2023 state law Tuesday that sought to restrict drag shows, ruling ...
-
Petition calls on South Africa to reject anti-LGBTQ conference - Planned “Family Values” conference in South Africa draws criticism South Africa’s online LGBTQ+ news site MambaOnline has launched a petition urging the ...1 day ago
-
“The Spirit of the Sea”: Jamaica’s Taino Chief’s historic address at International Seabed Authority calls for moratorium on deep sea mining - Let’s face it. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), with its headquarters perched on the edge of Kingston Harbour in Jamaica, is heavy going. What do ...
2 weeks ago -
Bryon Noem’s Dominatrix Speaks about Her 9 year Relationship With Him - Bryon Noem’s Dominatrix, Shy Sotomayor speaks in depth with Spencer Macnaughton about her 9 year Relationship With Him / Uncloseted Media Dominatrix Shy So...
2 months ago -
✨🌴 2️⃣0️⃣ YEARS OF PURPOSE, POWER & PROGRESSION 🌈🔥 - 20 years ago, this started with a decision.Not a perfect plan.Not a clear roadmap.Just a choice to show up and create.And for a long time, that’s exactly w...
3 months ago -
Joint Statement from Sexualities Women and Genders and SASOD Guyana - In a now widely publicised video on Facebook, Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed is seen and heard chastising “questionable persons, lesbians, bis...
5 months ago -
Banning Biological Reality is Ridiculous! - What could be more ludicrous than declaring biology to be against the law? Over the past few months, since Trump was inaugurated again, information has...
.png)
1 year ago -
TransGriot NFL Picks - Week 4 - This young NFL season has actually made it to the fourth week It's now October, and we're now a quarter of the way through the 2020 season. It was...5 years ago
-
The Top 10 Jamaican Beauties That Will Be Missing the Road on Carnival Sunday - What a day of glitter, beat faces and Kandi King stockings it would have been. However, Covid-19 has Jamaica and6 years ago
-
Not in my happy place . . . - As many of you have noticed, I’ve all but stopped writing my blog these days. I guess I really ought to get around to formally saying “I’m done with it”...
6 years ago -
Transferring to a new Blog - Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am forced to close down this blog and open up a new one. Please visit my new blog, "Dotting I's and Crossing T...
6 years ago -
Colonial Blood, political politeness and LGBT Advocacy - September 19th, 2019 Between 1747 and 1947, it was estimated that 60 million people died in famine in India while Europeans slaughtered 56 million indig...
6 years ago -
Black Panther & Black Pedantry - I got into a bit of an online kerfuffle some weeks ago after a friend posted this simple meme, soliciting Continue reading →
8 years ago -
Continued conflation of same gender sex & abuse - It's not even the end of Child's Month yet another young one has been named as a The Clarendon Police are investigating an alleged case of buggery agains...
9 years ago -
Deluded : The EU, which is clearly deluded , is facilitating sexual nihilism, sexual anarchy, gender confusion, and Sharia at the same time . - The European Union is marching at a brisk clip from Christianity into the satanic LGBTTT+ political ideology of sexual nihilism , sexual a...9 years ago
-
New Everyone Is Gay!: Crushing on Classmates - How do you talk to that queer cutie you can't stop stealing glances at in class? I've got some advice for you at Everyone Is Gay - you can do it! <310 years ago
-
2015 Gay Pride Events - 2015 GAY PRIDE EVENTS CITY DATES EVENTS NAME Albuquerque, NM June 13 Albuquerque Pride Albany, NY June 13 Albany Capital Pride Albany, NY June 6 Albany Bla...11 years ago
-
Gay & Bisexual Intimate Partner Violence, Homophobic Incidents & Crisis Communication - Crisis communication is not intended to answer all questions or fill all needs it is just a basic outline of options you might consider if and when you are...12 years ago
-
13,328 Jamaican MSM Reached by HIV Prevention says report on National HIV Program ........ but - A statement has come to hand in recent days that the new round of Global Fund money is now available for the national program to the tune of $506 million a...12 years ago
-
Thanks for your Donations
Hello readers,
Thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.
Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this blog(immediately below, GLBTQJA (Blogspot), GLBTQJA (Wordpress) and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact: glbtqjamaica@live.com or lgbtevent@gmail.com
Activities & Plans: ongoing and future
- Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives
- To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony
- Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions
- Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere
- Welcoming, examining and implementing suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public
- Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner
- Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise
- Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL
Thanks again for your support.
Tel: 1-876-841-2923
VACANT AT LAST! SHOEMAKERGULLY: DISPLACED MSM/TRANS PERSONS WERE IS CLEARED DECEMBER 2014
.mkv_000108708.jpg){kind=spacer}
.mkv_000109059.jpg){kind=spacer}
.mkv_000113988.jpg){kind=spacer}
CVM TV carried a raid and subsequent temporary blockade exercise of the Shoemaker Gully in the New Kingston district as the authorities respond to the bad eggs in the group of homeless/displaced or idling MSM/Trans persons who loiter there for years.
Question is what will happen to the population now as they struggle for a roof over their heads and food etc. The Superintendent who proposed a shelter idea (that seemingly has been ignored by JFLAG et al) was the one who led the raid/eviction.
Also see:
also see a flashback to some of the troubling issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless GBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston
also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE
GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE
see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE
May 22, 2015 update, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston
THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts
THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts
Other sides to the msm homeless saga (2012)
Rowdy Gays Matter 21.08.11 more HERE
Ethical Professionlism & LGBT Advocates 01.02.12 more HERE
Portia Simpson Miller - SIMPSON MILLER DEFENDS GAY COMMENT 23.12.11
2 SGL Women lost, corrective rape and virtual silence from the male dominated advocacy structure
Al Miller on UK Aid & The Abnormality of Homosexuality 19.11.11
Homosexuality is Not Illegal in Jamaica .... Buggery is despite the persons gender 12.11.11 MORE HERE
MSM Homelessness 2011 ...my two cents
Black Friday for Gays in Jamaica More HERE
Bi-phobia by default from supposed LGBT advocate structures?
Homeless MSMs Saga Timeline 28.08.11 (HOT!!!) see more HERE
A Response to Al Miller's Abnormality of Homosexuality statement 19.11.11
UK/commonwealth Aid Matter & The New Developments, no aid cuts but redirecting, ethical problems on our part - 22.11.11
Homophobic Killings versus Non Homophobic Killings 12.07.12
Big Lies, Crisis Archiving & More MSM Homlessness Issues 12.07.12
More MSM Challenges July 2012 more sounds HERE
GLBTQ Jamaica 2011 Summary 02.01.12 more HERE
Homosexuality Destroying the Family? .............. I Think Not!
Lesbian issues left out of the Jamaican advocacy thrust until now?
Club Heavens The Rebirth 12.02.12 and more HERE
Should gov't provide shelter for homeless msm?
National attitudes to gays survey shows 78% of J'cans say NO to buggery repeal
1st Anniversary of Homeless MSM civil disobedience (Aug 23/4) 2012 more HERE
JFLAG's rejection of rowdy homeless msms & the Sept 21st standoff .........
Atheism & Secularism may cloud the struggle for lgbt rights in Jamaica more HERE
Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II and more HERE
MSM Community Displacement Concerns October 2012
The UTECH abuse & related issues
Beenieman's hypocrisy & his fake apology in his own words and more HERE
Guarded about JFLAG's Homeless shelter
Homophobia & homelessness matters for November 2012 ................
Cabinet delays buggery review, says it's not a priority & more ...........................(November 2012) prior to the announcement of the review in parliament in June 2013 More sounds HERE
"Dutty Mind" used in Patois Bible to describe homosexuals
Homeless impatient with agencies over slow progress for promised shelter 2012 More HERE
George Davis Live - Dr Wayne West & Carole Narcisse on JCHS' illogical fear
Homeless MSM Issues in New Kgn Jan 2013 .......
Homeless MSM challenges in Jamaica February 2013 more HERE
JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness 2013
Poor leadership & dithering are reasons for JFLAG & Jamaica AIDS Support’s temporary homelessness May 2013 more HERE
Response To Flagging a Dead Horse Free Speech & Gay Rights 10.06.13
+(Light).jpg)
