JFLAG is 11 years Old - December 10, 2009

It was 11 years ago that JFLAG was formed on the same day as Human Rights Day, J-FLAG's mission is or was to work towards a Jamaican society in which the Human Rights and Equality of Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays are guaranteed.

To foster the acceptance and enrichment of the lives of same-gender-loving persons who have been, and continue to be, an integral part of society.

J-FLAG according to its website says it holds the vision to move forward in a spirit of oneness, love, dignity and respect towards the establishment of a Jamaica, and world, devoid of prejudice, injustice, discrimination and oppression. And, furthermore, to ensure the human rights of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, as set out in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights .


Legal Reform and Advocacy
J-FLAG has been actively lobbying for legal reform. They summited a Parliamentary Submission to amend the non-discrimination clause within the Constitution to include sexual orientation was reviewed by the Joint Select Committee on the Charter of Rights Bill. In December, 2001, the Committee made its recommendations to Parliament. It declined to support our proposed amendment but did recommend that the House consider repealing the Buggery Law. It still tackles this area along with some crisis intervention for persons who have been abused and suffer from homophobic violence related issues.


They say they are strengthening efforts to ensure the successful passage of this bill through parliament, and will continue to push for the amendment to the constitution and continue to challenge all forms of discrimination and censorship by releasing regular press statements on current issues affecting the gay, lesbian and all-sexual community, and by publishing position papers on topics related to human rights, and by engaging entities such as the Ministry of National Security and Justice, Jamaicans for Justice, Amnesty International, etc.


Education Programmes
Their Education Programme which was designed to striving to disseminate information regarding J-FLAG's existence and purpose, and issues affecting sexual minorities and their impact on society at large has been defunct for some time. They also attempt to promote self-awareness and self-empowerment within our community and use a variety of formats to achieve these goals including;

Various publications such as informational brochures; SOH!, our quarterly newsletter; our website; editorial letters; and press releases
Email announcements and updates to local and international organisations
Interviews in newspaper, radio and television media
Discussions on our Hotline and chat room (now defunct)
Presentations to target groups
Face-to-face discussion forums on special topics
Display booths at public events
Research assistance through their library and media watch archive


There are more questions than answers these days in the community as to what is JFLAG doing now? as they seem to have gone too quiet in as far as the forumatic activities are concerned and engaging the GLBTQ community directly in trying to solve to the problems facing us. Many of the activities listed above have been discontinued for years and one waits to see if any improvements will materialise. The website has been criticised severely by Jamaican and international visitors alike. Persons and groups are willing to join and help but more has to be done urgently by the flaggers before persons feel so moved to assist.


All in all the movement is welcomed and we must in our own way do our parts to arrive at tolerance and understanding.


H