Possible answers to the question above lies within this post but given our ticklish scenario in Jamaica of rampant homophobia and high incidence of so called "down low" or latent homosexuality and related activities by both sexes it is hard to pin point what is really the picture of bisexuality here. I have met more female bisexuals than male in my comings and goings and have had "straight sex" a long time ago but I guess that's due to the tolerated levels of lesbianism to begin with so the ladies are more comfortable in identifying as such. It is no secret that lesbianism as entertainment is widespread despite the homophobic nature of our nation, we know where to find the clubs that openly offer such on stage shenanigans from exotic dancers.
Even if a Jamaican man is bisexual he may not want to disclose to his male lover of gay friends that easily as they may dismiss him as confused or looking for refuge from his homosexuality in straight sex. Boi it's a web here, probably there are far more deeper complex issues that a more qualified authority would have to help me piece together. This is just my two cents.
Bisexuals sometimes get a bad rap. There are many myths and misconceptions about bisexual women. This article will attempt to dispel some of the myths about bisexual women.
1. Myth: Bisexual Women are Really Straight
Fact: Bisexual women are attracted to both men and women. Some bisexual women are more attracted to women. Others are more attracted to men. Some are equally attracted to both men and women. Where ever they fall in the spectrum, a bisexual woman is someone who enjoys intimacy with both men and women.
2. Myth: Bisexual Women are Really Lesbians
Fact: Some women may come out as bisexual before they come out as lesbian because either they're not really sure what they are, or they may think bisexuality is more acceptable than being a lesbian. Bisexuality can be a pathway to coming out as lesbian, but it is not always the case. Conversely, some women may come out as lesbian, but then realize that bisexuality is a more authentic identity.
3. Bisexual Women are Sexually Confused
Fact: There is a belief in both the straight and lesbian community that bisexuals cannot make up their minds which sex they want to be with. Usually it is the straight and gay people who are confused. The bisexuals know who they like: both men and women!
4. Bisexual Women are Promiscuous
Fact: Because bisexual women are attracted to both sexes, some people assume that they are more sexually promiscuous than other people. The truth is, bisexual women are as diverse as the rest of the population. Some may be having all kinds of sexual experiences, others may not have had any sexual relationships at all.
5. Bisexuals will Never Settle with one Person
Fact: Along with other myths about bisexuals is they myth that they will never settle with one sex because they will always be thinking about the other sex. The truth is bisexuals have as much ability to be monogamous as anyone.
Why Is There Biphobia in the Lesbian Community?
Why Are Some Lesbians Leery of Bisexuals?
Answer: Simply put, bi-phobia is the fear or hatred of bisexuals and bisexuality. That is in its blatant form. But bi-phobia can be much more subtle. The above statement about not dating bisexuals, that could be a result of bi-phobia. Why? The person who made that statement could believe some of the many myths about bisexuals, such as they can never be faithful to one person, that they will always be longing for the other sex or that bisexuals are promiscuous.
Bi-invisibility is also a form of bi-phobia. If you're dating a same-sex person, you're assumed to be gay, dating opposite, you're assumed to be straight. Even if you come out as bi, people assume you're really one way or the other. Or you just call yourself bi because its trendy or because you haven't made up your mind. All of these are examples of bi-phobia.
Thinking that bisexuals bring STDs and AIDS to the lesbian community is a form of bi-phobia. Using slurs like "fence-sitter" and "AC/DC" about bisexuals is bi-phobia.
Bisexual erasure is rampant. We're gay when we have same-sex partners, straight when we have opposite-sex ones. (Yet, oddly, neither gay nor straight people become asexual when single). As soon as a previously thought-of as "straight" celebrity has come out as bi and they're then seen with someone of the same-sex, it's described as a "gay fling" or they've got a "lesbian crush".
But as bisexuals bi people face biphobia too, both from people that are homophobic and from ones who aren't. It's possible to be biphobic without being homophobic, as sayings like "you're either straight, gay or lying" make clear.
Biphobic attitudes from gay and lesbian people have made many bisexuals unwilling to come out to them, preferring to remain 'under the radar' and pass as lesbian or gay in just the same way that other people pass as 'straight'.
Public comments please or send full responses to lgbtevent@gmail.com
Peace and tolerance
H
also see:
Are Gay men Lesbophobes?
Posts on Examples of Lesbophobia in Jamaica
Other Bisexual Posts
Situational Homosexuality or Behavioural Bisexuality
Saturday, April 17, 2010
$6,536,109 was spent on therapy for the victims of clergy sexual abuse in 2009.......
Here is a letter to the Gleaner in the ongoing public discourse on the fallout from the child sex abuse issues in parts of Europe. Members of the local RC church seem to be almost scrambling to defend the Diocese here on such abuses here. Mr. Stevenson the letter's author seems to be an authority on the subject matter of the church's role if this is to be believed let's see where it takes on the issue as long as it lasts. This one doesn't seem to be a nine day wonder.
The letter reads:
The Editor, Sir:
The Catholic Church has done more to protect children than almost any other organisation in the United States. Consider:
Safe environment training is taking place in 193 dioceses/eparchies of the country. Over two million adults have been trained to recognise the behaviour of offenders and what to do about it. Over five million children have been equipped with the skills to help them protect themselves from abuse.
Background checks are conducted on church personnel who have contact with children. Over two million volunteers and employees; 52,000 clerics; 6,205 candidates for ordination have had their backgrounds evaluated.
The Catholic Church has worked hard to protect children.
All dioceses/eparchies have codes of conduct spelling out what is acceptable behaviour. This serves to let people know what can and cannot be done, as well as letting others know what behaviour can be expected. It encourages the reporting of suspicious behaviour. All dioceses/eparchies have victim assistance coordinators, assuring victims that they will be heard.
In 2009, $6,536,109 was spent on therapy for the victims of clergy sexual abuse. All dioceses/ eparchies have safe environment coordinators who assure the ongoing compliance to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Bishops are meeting with victims. Dioceses/eparchies have healing masses, retreats for victim/survivors and other reconciliation events.
Zero-tolerance policy
There is a zero-tolerance policy on abusers since 2002. If a credible accusation is made against a cleric, he is permanently removed from ministry regardless of how long ago the offence occurred. Dioceses/eparchies require intensive background screening as well as psychological testing for those wishing to enter the seminary.
The Catholic Church has worked hard to protect children. Much has been done but more needs to be done. Until child sexual abuse is no longer part of society, the church will continue its efforts to stop it.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL STEPHENSON
mickeysteve@yahoo.com
The letter reads:
The Editor, Sir:
The Catholic Church has done more to protect children than almost any other organisation in the United States. Consider:
Safe environment training is taking place in 193 dioceses/eparchies of the country. Over two million adults have been trained to recognise the behaviour of offenders and what to do about it. Over five million children have been equipped with the skills to help them protect themselves from abuse.
Background checks are conducted on church personnel who have contact with children. Over two million volunteers and employees; 52,000 clerics; 6,205 candidates for ordination have had their backgrounds evaluated.
The Catholic Church has worked hard to protect children.
All dioceses/eparchies have codes of conduct spelling out what is acceptable behaviour. This serves to let people know what can and cannot be done, as well as letting others know what behaviour can be expected. It encourages the reporting of suspicious behaviour. All dioceses/eparchies have victim assistance coordinators, assuring victims that they will be heard.
In 2009, $6,536,109 was spent on therapy for the victims of clergy sexual abuse. All dioceses/ eparchies have safe environment coordinators who assure the ongoing compliance to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Bishops are meeting with victims. Dioceses/eparchies have healing masses, retreats for victim/survivors and other reconciliation events.
Zero-tolerance policy
There is a zero-tolerance policy on abusers since 2002. If a credible accusation is made against a cleric, he is permanently removed from ministry regardless of how long ago the offence occurred. Dioceses/eparchies require intensive background screening as well as psychological testing for those wishing to enter the seminary.
The Catholic Church has worked hard to protect children. Much has been done but more needs to be done. Until child sexual abuse is no longer part of society, the church will continue its efforts to stop it.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL STEPHENSON
mickeysteve@yahoo.com
We will not bow to gays (Gleaner letter)
The Editor, Sir:In reading the article on April 13, written by Jason McFarlane, I get the distinct impression that he believes that J-Flag is doing Jamaica a favour by supporting Jamaica and by not lobbying the Government to accept the homosexual way of life.
This Government, if nothing else, has firmly stated its position on such a move. The Constitution has not changed its position either. It is therefore not a favour that J-Flag and their number are doing the majority of Jamaicans but simply saving themselves.
The majority of Jamaicans are awaiting the J-Flag and their sympathisers to go to other countries which are more tolerant and leave Jamaica with its intrinsic values of non-embracing of homosexuality.
We shall not change that stance; should we do that, we could asked to relax our position on bestiality and paedophilia as well, because they are all the same sin.
Mr McFarlane, with all due respect, if you cannot accept the will of the majority of Jamaicans, please leave the country, we beg you. It is like the minority insisting that the majority capitulate for it. No, it will never happen. Just leave.
I am, etc.,
J.M. FLETCHER
Irish Town, St Andrew
-ENDS-
Extra notes:
Extra notes:
see the letter Jason wrote to the Observer:
so it seems the anti gay lobby is coming together again they have been silent for a while now it is sad that their rhetoric is always loaded with hate and exclusion calling for persons to leave in an ultimatory fashion yet they call themselves christians.
Wasn't Christ for the excluded and down trodden so why are the hating sections of the Church and it's fanatic voices using public space to spew hate in the name of righteousness?
At least it shows them up but we obviously have a far way to go in terms of a meeting of the minds and just realising that we are already a tolerant nation we just are afraid to own it.
More to come.
Peace and tolerance.
H
Friday, April 16, 2010
DRAG QUEEN TRICKS MEN - Pretends to be female hooker
A man who dresses like a woman while operating as a prostitute along Tom Redcam Drive in St Andrew is stirring up anger among those who have come across his path or heard of him.
Investigations by THE WEEKEND STAR found that the man, who uses the name 'Goodaz', has tricked a number of men who have reportedly tried to solicit his services, thinking he was indeed a real woman.
On a number of recent occasions, men have been seen chasing the cross-dresser from an open lot along Tom Redcam Drive after finding out his true sex.
"A crazy man a get trick ... Me see him and trust mi, yu haffi look good fi see seh is a man or yu haffi try go deh," Patrick Hunter, who works in the area, said, while laughing.
Hunter has seen the cross-dresser several times and has even seen him getting dressed in an open lot along the road close to Oxford Medical Centre.
"A suh me know seh a man mi naw lie ... . A one night mi a lef work late and a go look a taxi round di road and see somebody over di open land a put on some clothes ... . When mi look good mi see seh is a man a put on woman clothes and mi watch him until him come out pon di road, and him did all a fan down man weh a pass in a car," the man explained.
security guards
Last night, the Cross Roads police said they were not aware of such a happening; however, security guards Timmy Dreadand Jim Skeng, who work on Tom Redcam Drive, said they have seen and heard of him.
"Mi see him couple time a walk up and dung di road yes ... A since wah day mi start see him but cause mi nuh deh yah too late mi can't say too much ... . Mi neva know seh man all get trick," Timmy Dread said.
"Mi hear bout him, but mi did a hear seh a New Kingston him use to deh and end up down ya suh," Jim Skeng added.
Similar to the description which Hunter gave of the cross-dresser, Timmy Dread said one would have to take a good look to see what lies beneath the tight, short skirts and blouses he has seen the cross-dresser sporting.
Last night, THE WEEKEND STAR drove along Tom Redcam Road some time around 9:30 p.m. in search of the mischievous character but was told that it was too early.
"Yu wouldn't see him now, yu haffi circle back in a di late hours," Timmy Dread said.
*Names changed on request
This phenomenon is not new and there are men some very hypermasculine in nature who like or prefer men dressed as women maybe for a kind of or closeness to an autogynephilic tendency or possible substitutional sex in the heat of the moment. Given also that stealth is a perfect tool to operate without being easily identified or outed in public but the risks as this incident if it is to believed are too ghastly to consider for many. There have been fatalities in this arena of commercial sex in the form of one named "Browning" who was infamous for her successful transactions where she met men and had arrangements carried out however her luck supposedly ran out in early 2001 or there about when a man wanted more than just oral sex and fondled her only to realise it was a man.
She was allegedly murdered by the soldier at the time, there were also stories of chases by a set of antigay taxi men at the time in New Kingston when she was outed by another rival on the strip she worked.
also see from GLBTQJA on Wordpress: Cross dressing drama in Portmore
Peace and tolerance
H
Investigations by THE WEEKEND STAR found that the man, who uses the name 'Goodaz', has tricked a number of men who have reportedly tried to solicit his services, thinking he was indeed a real woman.
On a number of recent occasions, men have been seen chasing the cross-dresser from an open lot along Tom Redcam Drive after finding out his true sex.
"A crazy man a get trick ... Me see him and trust mi, yu haffi look good fi see seh is a man or yu haffi try go deh," Patrick Hunter, who works in the area, said, while laughing.
Hunter has seen the cross-dresser several times and has even seen him getting dressed in an open lot along the road close to Oxford Medical Centre.
"A suh me know seh a man mi naw lie ... . A one night mi a lef work late and a go look a taxi round di road and see somebody over di open land a put on some clothes ... . When mi look good mi see seh is a man a put on woman clothes and mi watch him until him come out pon di road, and him did all a fan down man weh a pass in a car," the man explained.
security guards
Last night, the Cross Roads police said they were not aware of such a happening; however, security guards Timmy Dreadand Jim Skeng, who work on Tom Redcam Drive, said they have seen and heard of him.
"Mi see him couple time a walk up and dung di road yes ... A since wah day mi start see him but cause mi nuh deh yah too late mi can't say too much ... . Mi neva know seh man all get trick," Timmy Dread said.
"Mi hear bout him, but mi did a hear seh a New Kingston him use to deh and end up down ya suh," Jim Skeng added.
Similar to the description which Hunter gave of the cross-dresser, Timmy Dread said one would have to take a good look to see what lies beneath the tight, short skirts and blouses he has seen the cross-dresser sporting.
Last night, THE WEEKEND STAR drove along Tom Redcam Road some time around 9:30 p.m. in search of the mischievous character but was told that it was too early.
"Yu wouldn't see him now, yu haffi circle back in a di late hours," Timmy Dread said.
*Names changed on request
ENDS
UPDATE October 17, 2011
This phenomenon is not new and there are men some very hypermasculine in nature who like or prefer men dressed as women maybe for a kind of or closeness to an autogynephilic tendency or possible substitutional sex in the heat of the moment. Given also that stealth is a perfect tool to operate without being easily identified or outed in public but the risks as this incident if it is to believed are too ghastly to consider for many. There have been fatalities in this arena of commercial sex in the form of one named "Browning" who was infamous for her successful transactions where she met men and had arrangements carried out however her luck supposedly ran out in early 2001 or there about when a man wanted more than just oral sex and fondled her only to realise it was a man.
She was allegedly murdered by the soldier at the time, there were also stories of chases by a set of antigay taxi men at the time in New Kingston when she was outed by another rival on the strip she worked.
also see from GLBTQJA on Wordpress: Cross dressing drama in Portmore
Peace and tolerance
H
Dismantling Hate (In the Life Series)
In a bid to highlight that we are not alone in having problems in our GLBTQ communities of homophobic violence here is another in the "IN THE LIFE" series of videos from New York.
This month on IN THE LIFE we talk to hate crime victims and perpetrators about The Nature of Hate.
Followed by a visit with artist Alix Smith, who is traveling the country (USA) photographing hundreds of same-sex couples, challenging stereotypes and taking conventional portraiture to a new level.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Catholic Church in England and Wales criticises Vatican over homosexuality comments
Jesse Green
The Catholic Church in England and Wales has rebutted comments made by the Pope's second in command on child abuse and homosexuality.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's secretary of state and effectively the deputy to Pope Benedict, said this week that research showed gays were to blame for paedophilia.
He told journalists in Chile: "Many psychologists and psychiatrists have shown that there is no link between celibacy and paedophilia but many others have shown, I have recently been told, that there is a relationship between homosexuality and paedophilia."
Following his remarks, the Vatican tried to clarify them.
Spokesman Father Frederico Lombardi said: “General assertions of a specifically psychological or medical nature are not the responsibility of church officials.”
But the Catholic Church in England and Wales went further, issuing a rare rebuttal of Cardinal Bertone's comments.
Father Marcus Stock, general secretary of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said: "There is no empirical data which concludes that sexual orientation is connected to child sexual abuse.
"The consensus among researchers is that the sexual abuse of children is not a question of sexual 'orientation', whether heterosexual or homosexual, but of a disordered attraction or 'fixation'.
"Many abusers of children have never developed the capacity for mature adult relationships.
"Instead, their sexual attractions focus on children – boys, girls, or both.
"In the sexual abuse of children the issue is the sexual fixation of the abusers, and not their sexual orientation."
The French foreign ministry also condemned Cardinal Bertone's comments, saying they were “unacceptable”.
Last week, Vatican officials refuted claims that the Pope was involved in a cover-up of the child abuse scandal, saying that the allegations were part of a "hate campaign" against him.
Two senior cardinals suggested last Tuesday that the claims were revenge for Pope Benedict's opposition to gay marriage and abortion.
Spanish Cardinal Julian Herranz, head of the disciplinary commission for Holy See officials, said on Vatican Radio: "The pope defends life and the family, based on marriage between a man and a woman, in a world in which powerful lobbies would like to impose a completely different [agenda]."
Over the past few weeks, there have been a number of allegations that Pope Benedict was aware of paedophiles continuing to work as priests and allowed them to do so.
He was Archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1977 to 1982 and it was alleged earlier this month that he sent one paedophile priest to therapy in 1980. The priest re offended and was convicted, although he continues to work as a priest to this day.
Abuse victims have said that they were forced to sign confidentially agreements about their experiences under the threat of excommunication. Campaigners have called for an apology from the Pope and compensation.
The Catholic Church in England and Wales has rebutted comments made by the Pope's second in command on child abuse and homosexuality.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's secretary of state and effectively the deputy to Pope Benedict, said this week that research showed gays were to blame for paedophilia.
He told journalists in Chile: "Many psychologists and psychiatrists have shown that there is no link between celibacy and paedophilia but many others have shown, I have recently been told, that there is a relationship between homosexuality and paedophilia."
Following his remarks, the Vatican tried to clarify them.
Spokesman Father Frederico Lombardi said: “General assertions of a specifically psychological or medical nature are not the responsibility of church officials.”
But the Catholic Church in England and Wales went further, issuing a rare rebuttal of Cardinal Bertone's comments.
Father Marcus Stock, general secretary of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said: "There is no empirical data which concludes that sexual orientation is connected to child sexual abuse.
"The consensus among researchers is that the sexual abuse of children is not a question of sexual 'orientation', whether heterosexual or homosexual, but of a disordered attraction or 'fixation'.
"Many abusers of children have never developed the capacity for mature adult relationships.
"Instead, their sexual attractions focus on children – boys, girls, or both.
"In the sexual abuse of children the issue is the sexual fixation of the abusers, and not their sexual orientation."
The French foreign ministry also condemned Cardinal Bertone's comments, saying they were “unacceptable”.
Last week, Vatican officials refuted claims that the Pope was involved in a cover-up of the child abuse scandal, saying that the allegations were part of a "hate campaign" against him.
Two senior cardinals suggested last Tuesday that the claims were revenge for Pope Benedict's opposition to gay marriage and abortion.
Spanish Cardinal Julian Herranz, head of the disciplinary commission for Holy See officials, said on Vatican Radio: "The pope defends life and the family, based on marriage between a man and a woman, in a world in which powerful lobbies would like to impose a completely different [agenda]."
Over the past few weeks, there have been a number of allegations that Pope Benedict was aware of paedophiles continuing to work as priests and allowed them to do so.
He was Archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1977 to 1982 and it was alleged earlier this month that he sent one paedophile priest to therapy in 1980. The priest re offended and was convicted, although he continues to work as a priest to this day.
Abuse victims have said that they were forced to sign confidentially agreements about their experiences under the threat of excommunication. Campaigners have called for an apology from the Pope and compensation.
It wasn't a gay march! says JASL
here is an article in the Jamaica Observer seemingly as damage control for the fire storm around about the Walk for Tolerance mishap (my words). Clearly the damage has already been done it too late fi fix dis by print. Television is where this needs addressing without JFLAG involved but then again I wonder if that is possible?
the article reads:
Jamaica AIDS Support for Life clears air on inaugural tolerance walk for People Living with Aids
Westmoreland-- The Jamaica Aids Support for Life (JASL) organisation has come under fire following last week's staging of its inaugural tolerance walk in support of People Living With Aids (PLWAs).
Initial reports that the walk from Montego Bay's Howard Cooke Boulevard to the Dump Up Beach was successful turned ugly hours later with news that anti-homosexual elements were abusing and harassing the participants.
"It is alleged that some houses between St Ann and St Mary where some of the persons came from, were stoned. But we are yet to get more details on that. There were persons from Mandeville and the St Ann area who were verbally abused.
Some of our sex workers have been harrassed... they say people have accused them of marching in support for gays," said Devon Cammock, prevention, treatment and care co-ordinator and chapter manager for Jamaica Aids Support for Life, Montego Bay.
According to Cammock, the prevailing stigma that the JASL is a gay organisation, " is going to hurt persons especially those who need help".
"Our major focus is minority groups because they are the most vulnerable to HIV and Aids and based on the feedback we are getting from the number of persons coming in to us, it was evident we had to do something. Part of what we needed to do in our ongoing campaign about stigma and discrimination was atolerance walk".
JASL works with members of the marginalised communities. We work with sex workers, we work with men who have sex with men, we work with hearing impaired, we work with we work with people in general," he said adding that the participants were 'marching for their own rights'.
Among the groups that participated in the walk were:
* The Jamaica Red Cross;
* The Sex Workers Association of Jamaica,
* The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians and Gays (JFLAG);
* Women for Women (WFW) and persons living with HIV.
Nancy Wilson, the openly gay leader of the Metropolitan Community Churches also participated.
Sharlene Kessna Duncans who also works with JASL told the Observer West that persons are now reluctant to visit the JASL office in Montego Bay to be tested, for fear of being accused of being a homosexual.
"They think they are going to a gay organisation, people don't want to come no more. They think that Jamaica Aids Support is not just HIV, it is a gay thing, but JASL is for everyone," she said.
the article reads:
Jamaica AIDS Support for Life clears air on inaugural tolerance walk for People Living with Aids
Westmoreland-- The Jamaica Aids Support for Life (JASL) organisation has come under fire following last week's staging of its inaugural tolerance walk in support of People Living With Aids (PLWAs).
Initial reports that the walk from Montego Bay's Howard Cooke Boulevard to the Dump Up Beach was successful turned ugly hours later with news that anti-homosexual elements were abusing and harassing the participants.
"It is alleged that some houses between St Ann and St Mary where some of the persons came from, were stoned. But we are yet to get more details on that. There were persons from Mandeville and the St Ann area who were verbally abused.
Some of our sex workers have been harrassed... they say people have accused them of marching in support for gays," said Devon Cammock, prevention, treatment and care co-ordinator and chapter manager for Jamaica Aids Support for Life, Montego Bay.
According to Cammock, the prevailing stigma that the JASL is a gay organisation, " is going to hurt persons especially those who need help".
"Our major focus is minority groups because they are the most vulnerable to HIV and Aids and based on the feedback we are getting from the number of persons coming in to us, it was evident we had to do something. Part of what we needed to do in our ongoing campaign about stigma and discrimination was atolerance walk".
JASL works with members of the marginalised communities. We work with sex workers, we work with men who have sex with men, we work with hearing impaired, we work with we work with people in general," he said adding that the participants were 'marching for their own rights'.
Among the groups that participated in the walk were:
* The Jamaica Red Cross;
* The Sex Workers Association of Jamaica,
* The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians and Gays (JFLAG);
* Women for Women (WFW) and persons living with HIV.
Nancy Wilson, the openly gay leader of the Metropolitan Community Churches also participated.
Sharlene Kessna Duncans who also works with JASL told the Observer West that persons are now reluctant to visit the JASL office in Montego Bay to be tested, for fear of being accused of being a homosexual.
"They think they are going to a gay organisation, people don't want to come no more. They think that Jamaica Aids Support is not just HIV, it is a gay thing, but JASL is for everyone," she said.
Should we care about MSMs?
The Red Ribbon
BY PATRICIA WATSON
Originally published Monday, April 12, 2010
WITH an HIV prevalence of 31.8 per cent, the rate of infection among men who have sex with men (MSMs) is more than 17 times that of Jamaica's national average of 1.8 per cent and represents the population group with the highest prevalence rate in the country.
As a result, the island ranks second in the developing world and first in the Caribbean with the highest HIV prevalence rate among MSMs. Only Kenya, with a 43 per cent rate, is higher than Jamaica.
Ivan Cruickshank, programme manager at the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC), explained that with all of the interventions that have taken place among the MSM community -- testing, safer sex campaigns and treatment for MSMs living with HIV -- the rate of infection remains high, not because MSMs are uneducated or irresponsible, but because of factors that make it difficult to benefit from the 'interventions'.
"The threats of criminal indictment and socio-religious discrimination against man-to-man sexual relationships have contributed to the increased vulnerability of MSMs to HIV," said Cruickshank. "Consequent to such discrimination, many MSMs are afraid of going to a pharmacy to purchase condoms and personal lubricant which are sometimes so precariously placed close to the cashier, in full view of other customers. Hence, negotiation of safe sex becomes seriously compromised."
The CVC is a regional non-governmental organisation that advocates and provides services for vulnerable populations in the Caribbean such as sex workers, MSMs, women and youth.
Cruickshank pointed to other serious social issues that make it difficult for MSMs to access services.
"With all of the safer sex promotion, we have done little to address the social issues that MSMs confront that make them vulnerable in the first place," he explained. "Issues of homelessness and poverty are high among those. MSMs are constantly being evicted from their homes and denied employment, leaving many to resort to transactional sex to 'get by'."
Maurice Tomlinson, representative of the international non-governmental organisation, AIDS Free World, while agreeing with Cruickshank noted that: "A major cause of this huge disparity is Jamaica's homophobia, spurred by the country's anti-buggery law, intolerant religious fundamentalism and dancehall music. Homophobia drives MSMs underground, away from effective HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment and care interventions.
According to Tomlinson, countries such as Cuba, Suriname, The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, that are without anti-buggery legislation, have prevalence rates ranging from a low of one per cent to eight per cent.
Tomlinson conceded that over the years he has seen more professional actions by the police to protect MSMs, but private acts of violence against MSMs still continue, as seen by two mob invasions of homes of men suspected to be gay in February 2010.
"There have been no prosecutions for such acts of mob violence, despite the adoption by Jamaica in 2008 and 2009 of OAS Resolutions 2435 and 2504 on 'Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity'. These resolutions commit the Government to protecting persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity from human rights abuses," he noted.
Last week, civil society organisations, including those that support MSMs in Jamaica, took part in what was dubbed a march of tolerance. The march came at a time when the economic situation in the country has resulted in cuts in funding for HIV and AIDS programmes, a significant portion of which is carried out by civil society organisations.
"The Government has cut the funding for HIV and AIDS programmes by 23 per cent due to financial constraints and we could therefore see a resurgence of the disease, which had stabilised," said Ian McKnight, executive director of the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition. "Now more than ever, it is imperative that tolerance towards marginalised and vulnerable groups be adopted as an effective way to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS."
McKnight explained that one of the key outcomes expected from the march was to start a national dialogue on the need for tolerance of all marginalised groups as an effective way to reduce HIV and AIDS transmission.
He pointed to the fact that in 2009, Jamaica's Parliament passed the Sexual Offences Act, which retains the ban on private consensual adult sex work and male intimacy. This, he said, served to reinforce the discrimination against MSMs and sex workers.
"The Parliament is considering the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which will amend the Jamaican constitution but does not include 'sexual orientation or gender identity', 'sex' or HIV and AIDS status as grounds for non-discrimination," said McKnight. "Both legislative actions will further entrench Jamaica's homophobia and discrimination against sex workers.
"In February, the Star newspaper reported two separate cases of mob invasions of homes of persons suspected to be gay. One set of men was taken into custody for their own safety, according the police, and spent some days in lock-up. Such acts of intolerance further drive MSMs underground," McKnight explained.
He said there will be more public campaigns to encourage tolerance of marginalised groups as an effective way to reduce the spread HIV and AIDS. There are also plans to lobby Parliament to include 'sexual orientation, gender identity, sex and HIV and AIDS status', as grounds for non-discrimination in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Additionally, dialogue with churches will be sought to adopt more tolerant messages towards marginalised groups and the police encouraged to prosecute persons who attack MSMs, as required under OAS resolutions 2435 and 2504.
BY PATRICIA WATSON
Originally published Monday, April 12, 2010
WITH an HIV prevalence of 31.8 per cent, the rate of infection among men who have sex with men (MSMs) is more than 17 times that of Jamaica's national average of 1.8 per cent and represents the population group with the highest prevalence rate in the country.
As a result, the island ranks second in the developing world and first in the Caribbean with the highest HIV prevalence rate among MSMs. Only Kenya, with a 43 per cent rate, is higher than Jamaica.
Ivan Cruickshank, programme manager at the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC), explained that with all of the interventions that have taken place among the MSM community -- testing, safer sex campaigns and treatment for MSMs living with HIV -- the rate of infection remains high, not because MSMs are uneducated or irresponsible, but because of factors that make it difficult to benefit from the 'interventions'.
"The threats of criminal indictment and socio-religious discrimination against man-to-man sexual relationships have contributed to the increased vulnerability of MSMs to HIV," said Cruickshank. "Consequent to such discrimination, many MSMs are afraid of going to a pharmacy to purchase condoms and personal lubricant which are sometimes so precariously placed close to the cashier, in full view of other customers. Hence, negotiation of safe sex becomes seriously compromised."
The CVC is a regional non-governmental organisation that advocates and provides services for vulnerable populations in the Caribbean such as sex workers, MSMs, women and youth.
Cruickshank pointed to other serious social issues that make it difficult for MSMs to access services.
"With all of the safer sex promotion, we have done little to address the social issues that MSMs confront that make them vulnerable in the first place," he explained. "Issues of homelessness and poverty are high among those. MSMs are constantly being evicted from their homes and denied employment, leaving many to resort to transactional sex to 'get by'."
Maurice Tomlinson, representative of the international non-governmental organisation, AIDS Free World, while agreeing with Cruickshank noted that: "A major cause of this huge disparity is Jamaica's homophobia, spurred by the country's anti-buggery law, intolerant religious fundamentalism and dancehall music. Homophobia drives MSMs underground, away from effective HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment and care interventions.
According to Tomlinson, countries such as Cuba, Suriname, The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, that are without anti-buggery legislation, have prevalence rates ranging from a low of one per cent to eight per cent.
Tomlinson conceded that over the years he has seen more professional actions by the police to protect MSMs, but private acts of violence against MSMs still continue, as seen by two mob invasions of homes of men suspected to be gay in February 2010.
"There have been no prosecutions for such acts of mob violence, despite the adoption by Jamaica in 2008 and 2009 of OAS Resolutions 2435 and 2504 on 'Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity'. These resolutions commit the Government to protecting persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity from human rights abuses," he noted.
Last week, civil society organisations, including those that support MSMs in Jamaica, took part in what was dubbed a march of tolerance. The march came at a time when the economic situation in the country has resulted in cuts in funding for HIV and AIDS programmes, a significant portion of which is carried out by civil society organisations.
"The Government has cut the funding for HIV and AIDS programmes by 23 per cent due to financial constraints and we could therefore see a resurgence of the disease, which had stabilised," said Ian McKnight, executive director of the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition. "Now more than ever, it is imperative that tolerance towards marginalised and vulnerable groups be adopted as an effective way to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS."
McKnight explained that one of the key outcomes expected from the march was to start a national dialogue on the need for tolerance of all marginalised groups as an effective way to reduce HIV and AIDS transmission.
He pointed to the fact that in 2009, Jamaica's Parliament passed the Sexual Offences Act, which retains the ban on private consensual adult sex work and male intimacy. This, he said, served to reinforce the discrimination against MSMs and sex workers.
"The Parliament is considering the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which will amend the Jamaican constitution but does not include 'sexual orientation or gender identity', 'sex' or HIV and AIDS status as grounds for non-discrimination," said McKnight. "Both legislative actions will further entrench Jamaica's homophobia and discrimination against sex workers.
"In February, the Star newspaper reported two separate cases of mob invasions of homes of persons suspected to be gay. One set of men was taken into custody for their own safety, according the police, and spent some days in lock-up. Such acts of intolerance further drive MSMs underground," McKnight explained.
He said there will be more public campaigns to encourage tolerance of marginalised groups as an effective way to reduce the spread HIV and AIDS. There are also plans to lobby Parliament to include 'sexual orientation, gender identity, sex and HIV and AIDS status', as grounds for non-discrimination in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Additionally, dialogue with churches will be sought to adopt more tolerant messages towards marginalised groups and the police encouraged to prosecute persons who attack MSMs, as required under OAS resolutions 2435 and 2504.
Pedophilia linked to homosexuality says vatican Rep
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- The Vatican's second-highest authority says the sex scandals haunting the Roman Catholic Church are linked to homosexuality and not celibacy among priests.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's secretary of state, made the comments during a news conference Monday in Chile, where one of the church's highest-profile pedophile cases involves a priest having sex with young girls.
"Many psychologists and psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relation between celibacy and pedophilia. But many others have demonstrated, I have been told recently, that there is a relation between homosexuality and pedophilia. That is true," said Bertone. "That is the problem."
His comments drew angry reactions from Chile's gay rights advocates.
"Neither Bertone nor the Vatican has the moral authority to give lessons on sexuality," said Rolando Jimenez, president of the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation in Chile.
Jimenez also said no reputable study exists to support the cardinal's claims.
"This is a perverse strategy by the Vatican to shirk its own ethical and legal responsibility by making a spurious and disgusting connection," he said.
At least one of the highest-profile pedophiles in the Chilean church victimized young girls, including a teenager who became pregnant.
At the time, the archbishop of the capital, Santiago, received multiple complaints about Father Jose Andres Aguirre from families concerned for their daughters. But the priest - known to his parishioners as Father Tato - continued serving at a number of Catholic girls schools in the city.
Later the church sent Aguirre out of Chile twice amid abuse allegations. He was eventually sentenced to 12 years in prison for abusing 10 teenage girls.
One of the girls, identified as Paula, said that she and the priest started to have sex when she was 16 and that it lasted until she was 20.
She told the Chilean newspaper La Nacion: "I thought it wasn't that bad to have sex with him because when I told priests about it at confession they just told me to pray and that was it. They knew, and some of them guessed that it was Father Tato. But everyone looked the other way. No one corrected or helped me."
She said one of the priests she confessed to about her sex with Aguirre was Bishop Francisco Jose Cox, who himself was facing allegations of pedophilia.
Cox had been bishop in La Serena, in northern Chile, for seven years when he was removed in 1997 amid rumors that he was a pedophile. He was first transferred to Santiago, then Rome, then Colombia, and finally Germany. The Schoenstatt movement, a worldwide lay community within the Catholic Church, paid for the moves and his treatment.
In 2002, Santiago Archbishop Francisco Javier Erraruriz said Cox had agreed to be removed for "inappropriate conduct."
The archbishop acknowledged Cox had shown "affection that was a bit exuberant," especially toward children, but said, "I'm not aware of any formal allegation backed by evidence."
Erraruriz said Cox volunteered to be confined to a Schoenstatt convent in Colombia to continue "praying to God for his pardon for the errors he has made."
Last week, the archbishop admitted the Chilean church was investigating cases of priest pedophilia after playing the issue down for years.
"There is something to these pedophilia abuses - just a few, thank God," Errazuriz said in an interview on state television.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's secretary of state, made the comments during a news conference Monday in Chile, where one of the church's highest-profile pedophile cases involves a priest having sex with young girls.
"Many psychologists and psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relation between celibacy and pedophilia. But many others have demonstrated, I have been told recently, that there is a relation between homosexuality and pedophilia. That is true," said Bertone. "That is the problem."
His comments drew angry reactions from Chile's gay rights advocates.
"Neither Bertone nor the Vatican has the moral authority to give lessons on sexuality," said Rolando Jimenez, president of the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation in Chile.
Jimenez also said no reputable study exists to support the cardinal's claims.
"This is a perverse strategy by the Vatican to shirk its own ethical and legal responsibility by making a spurious and disgusting connection," he said.
At least one of the highest-profile pedophiles in the Chilean church victimized young girls, including a teenager who became pregnant.
At the time, the archbishop of the capital, Santiago, received multiple complaints about Father Jose Andres Aguirre from families concerned for their daughters. But the priest - known to his parishioners as Father Tato - continued serving at a number of Catholic girls schools in the city.
Later the church sent Aguirre out of Chile twice amid abuse allegations. He was eventually sentenced to 12 years in prison for abusing 10 teenage girls.
One of the girls, identified as Paula, said that she and the priest started to have sex when she was 16 and that it lasted until she was 20.
She told the Chilean newspaper La Nacion: "I thought it wasn't that bad to have sex with him because when I told priests about it at confession they just told me to pray and that was it. They knew, and some of them guessed that it was Father Tato. But everyone looked the other way. No one corrected or helped me."
She said one of the priests she confessed to about her sex with Aguirre was Bishop Francisco Jose Cox, who himself was facing allegations of pedophilia.
Cox had been bishop in La Serena, in northern Chile, for seven years when he was removed in 1997 amid rumors that he was a pedophile. He was first transferred to Santiago, then Rome, then Colombia, and finally Germany. The Schoenstatt movement, a worldwide lay community within the Catholic Church, paid for the moves and his treatment.
In 2002, Santiago Archbishop Francisco Javier Erraruriz said Cox had agreed to be removed for "inappropriate conduct."
The archbishop acknowledged Cox had shown "affection that was a bit exuberant," especially toward children, but said, "I'm not aware of any formal allegation backed by evidence."
Erraruriz said Cox volunteered to be confined to a Schoenstatt convent in Colombia to continue "praying to God for his pardon for the errors he has made."
Last week, the archbishop admitted the Chilean church was investigating cases of priest pedophilia after playing the issue down for years.
"There is something to these pedophilia abuses - just a few, thank God," Errazuriz said in an interview on state television.
I can't find my G-spot!
GYNOISSUES
FOR many of us women, the existence of the G-spot is as fantastical as the existence of Santa Claus, and something that only the innocent believe is really hidden away, waiting for that 'come hither' touch.
Even doctors and researchers have battled with the G-spot issue, as many women and their partners complain that it's elusive.
"Some people think it exists and some people think it doesn't," gynaecologist at the Ripon Surgi-Centre Dr Charles Rockhead said. "But anatomically it is supposed to be on the vaginal wall on the skene gland," he explained.
While many women may have difficulty locating their G-spot or having someone else locate it, Dr Rockhead advises that the greatest stimulation is the opposite sensation.
Therefore, if the vaginal area is hot, something cold should be applied, or if it is cold then the application of something hot might help.
He also noted that women can in fact search for the spot themselves.
"You can put the finger inside the vagina and press upwards," he said. He added that it is as a result of the existence of, or the search for the G-spot why cunnilingus has become so popular.
"That is why cunnilingus is such a big thing. It (tongue) is centred around that general area," he said.
Meanwhile, as women continue on the quest for the G-spot, in many North American countries, cosmetic surgery, known as G-spot augmentation, is done to attempt to heighten the sensation. In this surgery, collagen is injected around the area where the G-spot is said to be located.
The G-spot is believed to be a small spongy pad that wraps around the urethra. If that pad is stimulated through the vaginal wall during sexual arousal, it is said to produce one of the most intense orgasms a woman could ever experience.
It is believed that upon discovery, appropriate stimulation will cause the female to take a deep breath and push down (as if delivering a baby), with a feeling of wanting to urinate.
During G-spot orgasm, a large amount of fluid may suddenly gush out through the urethra.
It is difficult to estimate how much fluid is expelled.
The fluid is colourless, and does not cause a stain.
While ignorant persons may mistake this fluid for urine, bear in mind that urine is yellowish and carries a smell.
FOR many of us women, the existence of the G-spot is as fantastical as the existence of Santa Claus, and something that only the innocent believe is really hidden away, waiting for that 'come hither' touch.
Even doctors and researchers have battled with the G-spot issue, as many women and their partners complain that it's elusive.
"Some people think it exists and some people think it doesn't," gynaecologist at the Ripon Surgi-Centre Dr Charles Rockhead said. "But anatomically it is supposed to be on the vaginal wall on the skene gland," he explained.
While many women may have difficulty locating their G-spot or having someone else locate it, Dr Rockhead advises that the greatest stimulation is the opposite sensation.
Therefore, if the vaginal area is hot, something cold should be applied, or if it is cold then the application of something hot might help.
He also noted that women can in fact search for the spot themselves.
"You can put the finger inside the vagina and press upwards," he said. He added that it is as a result of the existence of, or the search for the G-spot why cunnilingus has become so popular.
"That is why cunnilingus is such a big thing. It (tongue) is centred around that general area," he said.
Meanwhile, as women continue on the quest for the G-spot, in many North American countries, cosmetic surgery, known as G-spot augmentation, is done to attempt to heighten the sensation. In this surgery, collagen is injected around the area where the G-spot is said to be located.
The G-spot is believed to be a small spongy pad that wraps around the urethra. If that pad is stimulated through the vaginal wall during sexual arousal, it is said to produce one of the most intense orgasms a woman could ever experience.
It is believed that upon discovery, appropriate stimulation will cause the female to take a deep breath and push down (as if delivering a baby), with a feeling of wanting to urinate.
During G-spot orgasm, a large amount of fluid may suddenly gush out through the urethra.
It is difficult to estimate how much fluid is expelled.
The fluid is colourless, and does not cause a stain.
While ignorant persons may mistake this fluid for urine, bear in mind that urine is yellowish and carries a smell.
Leave the second city! (Observer Letter of hate)
Dear Editor,
It was with shame and great anger that I watched TVJ's news on Wednesday, April 7 about a gay march in Montego Bay.
A group of gays and their supporters were allowed to march through the streets of Montego Bay, the nation's second city, promoting gay and homosexual lifestyles and asking for tolerance. Well, let me say this to those who believe they can sway the good values and straight living of the greater majority.
Leave the city!
Montego Bay already has its mountain of problems with rising and uncurbed levels of crime and a bad public image brought on by the evil deeds of the infamous scammers and skimmers, and to some extent, corrupt cops.
People who should be promoting clean and godly living have instead partnered with members of JFLAG to march for tolerance towards gays at a time when we are urging responsible sexual behaviour.
These gays and their supporters have been exploiting the minds of our innocent children, brainwashing them to believe that it is right for a man to sleep with another man. Are the parents of Montego Bay selling out their children to the devil? Before that happens I urge them to leave the city.
To all homosexuals and their supporters I say: We do not need you around here and we are not going around there because we do not deal with anything like that. Leave the city.
I am growing sick of the level of tolerance and patience we have already extended to these "rear creatures" and now they are all over the place asking for tolerance and demanding rights!
When are we going to put a stop to this? Let's get our act right, people.
This is Jamaica. Let's fight to preserve our land and protect it from the negative influence of such invaders and also their gay church.
P Walker
Montego Bay
St James
It was with shame and great anger that I watched TVJ's news on Wednesday, April 7 about a gay march in Montego Bay.
A group of gays and their supporters were allowed to march through the streets of Montego Bay, the nation's second city, promoting gay and homosexual lifestyles and asking for tolerance. Well, let me say this to those who believe they can sway the good values and straight living of the greater majority.
Leave the city!
Montego Bay already has its mountain of problems with rising and uncurbed levels of crime and a bad public image brought on by the evil deeds of the infamous scammers and skimmers, and to some extent, corrupt cops.
People who should be promoting clean and godly living have instead partnered with members of JFLAG to march for tolerance towards gays at a time when we are urging responsible sexual behaviour.
These gays and their supporters have been exploiting the minds of our innocent children, brainwashing them to believe that it is right for a man to sleep with another man. Are the parents of Montego Bay selling out their children to the devil? Before that happens I urge them to leave the city.
To all homosexuals and their supporters I say: We do not need you around here and we are not going around there because we do not deal with anything like that. Leave the city.
I am growing sick of the level of tolerance and patience we have already extended to these "rear creatures" and now they are all over the place asking for tolerance and demanding rights!
When are we going to put a stop to this? Let's get our act right, people.
This is Jamaica. Let's fight to preserve our land and protect it from the negative influence of such invaders and also their gay church.
P Walker
Montego Bay
St James
Editorial not all correct says JFLAG on tolerating homosexuals and such
A letter to the Observer on the tolerance issue by the Executive Director of JFLAG.
Dear Editor,
Your editorial of Friday, April 9 was an important contribution to the dialogue which needs to occur in Jamaica about tolerance of socially marginalised groups. There were, however, some unfortunate elements in the piece which could derail the understanding needed to advance this dialogue.
To begin, your dismissive title, "On tolerating homosexuals and such", could contribute to the very intolerance you seem to reject in the body of the editorial.
Second, framing the Walk for Tolerance in Montego Bay against the background of a failed gay march 20 years ago - an inaccuracy, as no such march was ever planned - creates the impression that the Walk was a veiled gay march. This is patently false.
The truth is that 13 organisations working with a variety of groups vulnerable to HIV because of social stigma participated in the nearly 100-person strong Walk. Some of them were gays and lesbians; most were not.
Please note that following the Walk, four young men had to flee their communities because of the irresponsible characterisation of it as a gay march by sections of the media. Third, the term "prostitutes" is derogatory and has long been rejected in favour of "sex workers" as it has been recognised that these individuals are engaging in
legitimate work.
Finally, the Jamaican gay and lesbian community has not engaged in "offensive attempts to ram acceptance of their lifestyle down the throats of the majority of people in this country". The truth is that the Jamaican gay and lesbian community has constantly sought dialogue on the need for the recognition of the fundamental rights to privacy and freedom of expression for sexual minorities. Over its 11-plus year history,
J-FLAG and other gay rights organisations have exercised significant restraint in agitating for the rights of gays and lesbians, a fact which has resulted in our being blamed for the very slow pace of change and the relatively high level of intolerance of gays and lesbians in this society.
We have never, for example, despite strong pressure to do so, supported any calls for boycott of Jamaica or Jamaican products by international gay and lesbian organisations as we thought this would be harmful to our goal of constructive social engagement.
Jason McFarlane
Programmes Manager
J-FLAG
admin@jflag.org
Your editorial of Friday, April 9 was an important contribution to the dialogue which needs to occur in Jamaica about tolerance of socially marginalised groups. There were, however, some unfortunate elements in the piece which could derail the understanding needed to advance this dialogue.
To begin, your dismissive title, "On tolerating homosexuals and such", could contribute to the very intolerance you seem to reject in the body of the editorial.
Second, framing the Walk for Tolerance in Montego Bay against the background of a failed gay march 20 years ago - an inaccuracy, as no such march was ever planned - creates the impression that the Walk was a veiled gay march. This is patently false.
The truth is that 13 organisations working with a variety of groups vulnerable to HIV because of social stigma participated in the nearly 100-person strong Walk. Some of them were gays and lesbians; most were not.
Please note that following the Walk, four young men had to flee their communities because of the irresponsible characterisation of it as a gay march by sections of the media. Third, the term "prostitutes" is derogatory and has long been rejected in favour of "sex workers" as it has been recognised that these individuals are engaging in
legitimate work.
Finally, the Jamaican gay and lesbian community has not engaged in "offensive attempts to ram acceptance of their lifestyle down the throats of the majority of people in this country". The truth is that the Jamaican gay and lesbian community has constantly sought dialogue on the need for the recognition of the fundamental rights to privacy and freedom of expression for sexual minorities. Over its 11-plus year history,
J-FLAG and other gay rights organisations have exercised significant restraint in agitating for the rights of gays and lesbians, a fact which has resulted in our being blamed for the very slow pace of change and the relatively high level of intolerance of gays and lesbians in this society.
We have never, for example, despite strong pressure to do so, supported any calls for boycott of Jamaica or Jamaican products by international gay and lesbian organisations as we thought this would be harmful to our goal of constructive social engagement.
Jason McFarlane
Programmes Manager
J-FLAG
admin@jflag.org