Do you think the Buggery Law should be?

The Safe House Homeless LGBTQ Project 2009 a detailed look & more


In response to numerous requests for more information on the defunct Safe House Pilot Project that was to address the growing numbers of displaced and homeless LGBTQ youth in Kingston in 2007/8/9, a review of the relevance of the project as a solution, the possible avoidance of present issues with some of its previous residents if it were kept open.
Recorded June 12, 2013; also see from the former Executive Director named in the podcast more background on the project: HERE also see the beginning of the issues from the closure of the project: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

Friday, April 30, 2010

Gonorrhoea 'may become untreatable', health experts warn

0 comments



The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea may become untreatable due to the improper use of antibiotics.
The disease, which increases the chances of gay men catching HIV, is usually treated with a course of antibiotics but doctors say that they are seeing increasing resistance to drugs in the eastern hemisphere.


According to WHO, cheaper, first-line antibiotics are losing their effectiveness and it will be a "matter of time" before gonorrhoea develops resistance to third-generation cephalosporin, which is usually the last drug used to treat infections.
Australia, Hong Kong and Japan have reported treatment failures with oral cephalosporin, the agency said.


Studies show that the overuse of antibiotics can render bacteria immune to them.
"We are dealing with a serious issue with the implication that gonorrhoea may become untreatable," said Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific.
"This will have a major impact on our efforts to control the disease and will result in an increase in serious health-related complications."


If left untreated, gonorrhoea can result in infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infections in newborn children, urethral strictures and scrotal swelling.
It also increases the likelihood of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection, which disproportionately affects gay men.


Matthew Hodson, head of programmes at GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, said: “Hearing this report is a major concern. Not only can gonorrhoea have major health consequences, such as inflammation of the joints and septicaemia, but also it can considerably increase the likelihood of HIV being transmitted.


"HIV positive men with gonorrhoea will be more infectious. HIV negative men with gonorrhoea will be more vulnerable to HIV infection."


Ways of attacking HIV

0 comments
HIV has a complex life-cycle that involves several steps. Disease progression occurs when the virus replicates (reproduces) and infects new cells. The key goal of antiretroviral therapy is to slow – or ideally stop – HIV replication and enable recovery of the immune system.

Antiretroviral drugs, targeting different steps in the viral life-cycle, are the mainstay of HIV treatment. These include, but are not limited to:
Nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs and NtRTIs).
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).
Protease inhibitors.
Integrase inhibitors.
Fusion inhibitors.
CCR5 inhibitors.

There are a number of other candidate drugs in clinical trials, including one in a class called 'maturation inhibitors', as well as innovations in immune-based strategies.
The standard of care for anyone on antiretroviral treatment is highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) using drugs with at least two different mechanisms of action (for example, two NRTIs plus either an NNRTI or a protease inhibitor). Over time, HIV can develop mutations that make it resistant to drugs. For this reason, people who have more treatment experience may need more drugs to construct an effective regimen.

By targeting multiple steps in the viral life-cycle simultaneously, the emergence of resistance can be slowed or prevented.
Researchers have also explored other approaches for treating HIV, such as inhibiting cellular factors the virus needs for its replication, gene therapy that protects cells from infection, and removal of cells that are already infected. Many of these approaches are experimental and some remain purely theoretical. But there is evidence that complementary therapies such as nutrient supplements – used in conjunction with antiretroviral therapy – can improve the overall health of people with HIV.

Since the advent of effective combination antiretroviral therapy in the mid-1990s, researchers have discovered much about how best to treat HIV, and treatment has shifted from managing opportunistic illness to suppressing the virus to the greatest extent possible. New studies are showing that even at CD4 cell counts between 350 and 500 cells/mm3, there is a greater risk of morbidity and mortality from non-AIDS illnesses.

While viral load suppression is considered an indicator of effective therapy, the ultimate goal of treatment is to preserve immune function, increase disease-free survival, and reduce mortality. Once HIV replication is controlled, a person’s CD4 cell count usually rises over time, but this occurs more slowly in some patients. Researchers are studying various ways to promote immune system reconstitution and HIV-specific immune response.

Effective antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved survival and lowered the incidence of opportunistic illnesses and other conditions related to immune suppression in people with HIV. But much remains to be learned about long-term treatment, including whether it is possible to completely eradicate HIV from the body.

also see: How NRTIs and NtRTIs work

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Bisexual concurrency, bisexual partnerships, and HIV among Southern African men who have sex with men study

0 comments
Accepted 9 February 2010
Published Online First 21 April 2010

Abstract
Objectives
The sexual behaviour of men who have sex with men (MSM) in southern Africa has been little studied. We present here the first data on bisexual partnerships and bisexual concurrency among MSM in Malawi, Namibia and Botswana.

Methods
A cross-sectional probe of a convenience sample of 537 men who have ever reported anal sex with another man using a structured survey instrument and rapid-kit HIV screening.

Results
34.1% of MSM were married or had a stable female partner, and 53.7% reported both male and female sexual partners in the past 6 months. Bisexual concurrency was common, with 16.6% of MSM having concurrent relationships with both a man and a woman. In bivariate analyses, any bisexual partnerships were associated with lower education (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3), higher condom use (OR 6.6, 95% CI 3.2 to 13.9), less likelihood of having ever tested for HIV (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3), less likelihood of having disclosed sexual orientation to family (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.67) and being more likely to have received money for casual sex (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.7).

Bisexual concurrency was associated with a higher self-reported condom use (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.1), being employed (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.9), lower likelihood of disclosure of sexual orientation to family (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.65) and having paid for sex with men (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.2).

Conclusions
The majority of MSM in this study report some bisexual partnerships in the previous 6 months. Concurrency with sexual partners of both genders is common. Encouragingly, men reporting any concurrent bisexual activity were more likely to report condom use with sexual partners, and these men were not more likely to have HIV infection than men reporting only male partners.

HIV-prevention programmes focussing on decreasing concurrent sexual partners in the African context should also target bisexual concurrency among MSM. Decriminalisation of same-sex practices will potentiate evidence-based HIV-prevention programmes targeting MSM.

DOWNLOAD FULL PDF OF STUDY

'Taboo Yardies' documentary to hit the streets in November

0 comments
Howard Campbell

A Jamaican film-maker's documentary about the country's indifference toward homosexuals is tentatively scheduled for a November release.

Taboo Yardies is the title of Selena Blake's project which looks at the intolerance of Jamaicans toward persons with an alternative lifestyle. The project is being produced by Blake's Maynov Productions.

"Hopefully, the film should be completed within the next two months. I think the buzz surrounding this project is human rights because it's never been told in this manner before," she said.

The Old Harbour-born Blake interviewed several persons in the Caribbean gay community in New York City, and travelled to Jamaica late last year for similar discussions with prime minister Bruce Golding, psychologist, Aggrey Irons, journalist, Beverley Anderson Manley, and the Jamaica Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays.

Significant assignment

The Golding assignment was significant. In a 2008 interview on the British Broadcasting Corporation television programme Hard Talk, the prime minister said there was no space for homosexuals in his administration.

Blake, 47, said it was difficult getting archival material in Jamaica.

"We knew it would be challenging trying to get footage from sources that are homo-intolerant but we managed to overcome the road blocks," she said.

Jamaicans have long shunned homosexuality, mainly on religious grounds. In recent years, many dancehall artistes have been targeted by gay advocates in Europe and North America for their anti-gay songs.

Taboo Yardies is the second film by Blake, a former model who has lived in New York City for more than 30 years. Her 2005 debut, Queensbridge: The Other Side, dealt with deteriorating conditions at the Long Island housing project of the same name where she once lived.

The Queensbridge scheme was built in 1939 and was once home to World War II veterans. NBA star Ron Artest and rapper Marley Marl grew up there.

That documentary got strong reviews including a thumbs-up from the New York Times. Blake hopes Taboo Yardies will also strike an emotional chord.

"I hope it will become a vehicle that will spur an open and honest conversation where homo-intolerance is concerned," she said. "I'm sure there are bigger issues facing Jamaica than same-sex relationships."

see also: A glimpse into the lives of Taboo Yardies


TABOO YARDIES, a documentary that examines Jamaica's indifference toward homosexuals, will have a screening at the General Theological Seminary in New York City next week.

Selena Blake, a 49 year-old Jamaican filmmaker who is producing Taboo Yardies, says persons attending the April 24 event will see 17 minutes of the film which is expected to be released in late 2009.

"I hope that the documentary will be a springboard in the way we as Jamaicans conduct ourselves in the name of God," Blake told The Gleaner this week from her home in New York.

Blake, who was born in Old Harbour, St Catherine, started work on Taboo Yardies in 2007. Through interviews with gay Jamaicans in the United States and Canada, she attempts to show the un-initiated a look at the prejudice homosexuals face in Jamaica.

The documentary also has interviews with businesspersons who have suffered because of the anti-gay themes of some Jamaican dancehall acts. Businesspersons like show promoter D'Niscio Banks of the annual Carifest concert who was strongly criticised by New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg for inviting Buju Banton and Bounty Killer on that show last year.

Aljazeera Network carries Island of Music & Murder Story

0 comments


Though not directly related to homophobic violence here is a damming piece by the Aljazeera Network in the middle east on our murderous trends specifically related to murdered DJ Kentucky Kid.

Click the image or here to see the video feed from their website.

More:
With 268 armed gangs or neighbourhood 'corner crews' locked in deadly turf wars, Jamaica is one of the most violent societies on earth.

With a population of less than three million people, police kill hundreds of people every year in what they claim are crime-related shootouts, making Jamaica's police force among the deadliest in the world.

Rights groups say that these shootings add up to a campaign of extra-judicial executions carried out by police who have taken the law into their own hands.

The official police response to these allegations cannot be recorded - the commissioner has issued standing orders which ban all officers from speaking to foreign journalists.

But, as reporter Simon Ostrovsky discovered, many others in Jamaica are prepared to speak out. One of them, Robert Hill, an entertainer, actually warned of his own impending death.

"Hello Jamaica. I'm Robert Hill AKA Kentucky Kid. I really don't know what is going on but all I know, police are covering up for each other and they're trying to kill me," Hill explained in a video message.

Robert Hill installed a video camera in his house because he was concerned about his safety

Hill went on to explain how his car had been hit by a police car that had passed through a red light.

Hills car was badly damaged in the incident and he was taken to the police station to give a written statement.

But after waiting for four hours, Hill was sent home and told to return within 24 hours to submit the statement.

When he returned the following day, the police told him that they could not take his statement.

"They told me that they could not take my statement, [and asked] why I did not give it [at] the time of the accident. I told them that Sergeant Gardener told me to return to give it," Hill explained.

When he refused to leave without providing a statement, Hill said he was physically forced out of the building.

"All I know is I can't get any justice. Who will fix my car? Who will take care of my health?" Hill asked in his video message.

Fearful

Kimmo Matthews, a reporter for the Jamaica Observer, says Hill was concerned for his safety.

"The first time he came in and spoke to us it was evident that he was really concerned. He had mentioned that police had threatened him at his home and they were intimidating him."

Hill saw a legal aid lawyer who advised him to install a camera in his house. He followed their advice.


Many Jamaicans are angered by police violence and corruption

"After installing the camera he came to me three days later showing me some video footage of what appeared to be police manhandling him along with his wife. It appeared they were holding him and pushing him around in a room and they were asking him questions," Matthews says.

Hills wife was eight months pregnant when she was beaten by police along with her husband.

Hill told Matthews that members of the police wanted him to drop his case and had resorted to intimidation and physical violence to make him do so.

When Hill took the video of the violence to the police high command, he said nobody was willing to help him.

"I can't get any justice from anyone in Jamaica. All I know is everywhere I go for justice in the police force there is someone there trying to kill me or someone there trying to set me up with the police," Hill said.

"So I would like the whole world to check this out, listen to this, and know that if I'm dead or anything happens to me, it's the Jamaican police that carry out that work or that order."

Shot dead

On December 8, 2009 Robert Hill was shot dead by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The police report said they were forced to shoot because Hill had a gun.

Kumiko, Hill's wife, said Hill had received a call that night from someone who said they wanted to see a car that he was selling.

He told her he was going out to show it to them but would be right back.

His cousin accompanied him, but Hill had forgotten the car key and asked his cousin to return to the house for it.

"The Robert Hill case perhaps is a nadir for Jamaica because Robert went and caught the people on tape," says Carolyn Gomes, a medical doctor and the executive director of Jamaicans for Justice.

"You can see them, their faces, you can see them beating him and his wife. You can see them threatening him, and he took that tape to the police high command and they came back and killed him."

"It was too much. It was too much for me to bear. Up to this point I cannot believe that he is dead, that he is gone, just because of a car," says Hills mother, Caroline.

Robert Hill was one of 224 people killed in police shootings last year.

"In the last ten years, 1,900 of our Jamaican citizens, officially, have been killed by the police, more than 1,900. In that time, one policeman has been convicted of manslaughter and he has been freed on appeal," Gomes says.

Corruption and crime

Police blame Jamaica's high crime rates and gang violence.

The national security ministry estimates that there are 268 gangs active in Jamaica.


Jamaican police kill hundreds each year in what they claim are crime-related shootouts

Horace Levy of the Peace Management Initiative says that the police often treat corners crews in the same way as criminal gangs and that it is the black people in the inner cities of Jamaica who are dying at the hands of the police.

"Each time we keep hearing the same reports. Police engaged a man in a shootout, firearm was recovered, a revolver, three live rounds. It's always amazing how when you hear of the incidents the residents always have a story totally different from what the police are saying," Matthews says.

Levy says that many of the police are frustrated because known criminals are being released back onto the streets after just weeks or months in prison.

"The fact is that this is probably one of the most difficult and dangerous places to police in the world because the number of illegal firearms that are on the streets is enormous. And that's a situation that's developed over the past 30 years," Mark Shields, the former deputy commissioner of police, says.

"We have to acknowledge that the JCF is rivven with corruption and crime and we have to make some very difficult decisions around well what we going to do about it? How are we going to protect the citizens of the country, how are we going to protect the good police, the good civilians who work with the police. How can we make their job easier and how can we make the public trust the good police?"

Gomes and Jamaicans for Justice believe that the current police force should be disbanded and that a new service should be created to protect Jamaica's citizens.

"If you gave them equipment, if you gave them the laws and they were not reformed, they continue to be corrupt, than obviously it's time that you dismantle and abandon that police force and form a new one," says Reneto Adams, a former senior superintendent of the JCF.

Eight months after Robert Hill gave the video tape showing him and his wife being beaten to the police high command, and three months after he was killed, no action had been taken against the officers involved and investigations were still in progress.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

UK 'breaching UN rules' on returning gay Iraqi asylum seekers

0 comments
An Amnesty International report claims that the UK and several other European countries are breaching United Nations rules on returning vulnerable Iraqi asylum seekers.
According to the report, women, ethnic minorities and gays, or those perceived to be gay, are most likely to be at risk of violence and persecution in the country.

More than 100 civilians died in the first week of April.

Amnesty accused the UK, along with several other countries, of forcibly returning "scores" of Iraqis to dangerous areas in the country, breaking international rules.

The report said: "Despite the ongoing violence in Iraq, several European governments continue to forcibly return rejected Iraqi asylum-seekers to Iraq.

"In 2009, the authorities in Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK forcibly returned scores of Iraqis to unsafe parts of Iraq, such as central Iraq, in breach of UNHCR guidelines."

It recommended that all forcible returns should cease and resume only when the security situation in the country has stabilised.

Amnesty said that gay people in Iraq were living under a "constant threat" and that Muslim clerics were making frequent public statements condemning homosexuality.

Homosexuality is not illegal in Iraq but it is frowned upon.

In the first few months of 2009, an estimated 25 men and boys were killed in Baghdad because they were thought to be gay. The killings are thought to have been carried out by militia groups.

In some cases, the report said, there was evidence that members of the security forces and other authorities were encouraging the targeting of people suspected to be gay.

The report added that killers of gay men could find protection under the law, as it offers lenient sentences for those committing crimes with an “honourable motive”.

It said that Iraqi courts were continuing to interpret provisions of Article 128 of the Penal Code as justification for giving "drastically reduced" sentences to defendants who have attacked or killed gay men they are related to if they say that they acted to “wash off the shame”.

UK campaigners have complained in recent years that gay asylum seekers from around the world are being deported by UK authorities on the grounds that they will be safe in their home countries if they are "discreet".

Ali Hili, the head of London-based Iraqi LGBT, told PinkNews.co.uk that the British government was "failing Iraqi lesbians and gays".

He said: "We welcome the report. We continue to receive reports of killings and now have over 738 documented.

"Within the last fortnight two young gay men were taken by men in police uniforms and their graffitied bodies displayed in one of Baghdad's main squares.

"We have and will continue to try to get people to safety but the British government must do more. It is wrong to tell Iraqi asylum seekers that it is safe to return if only they are 'discreet', which they have done."

Amnesty International Middle East director Malcolm Smart said: “Iraqis are still living in a climate of fear, seven years after the US-led invasion. The Iraqi authorities could do much more to keep them safe, but over and over they are failing to help the most vulnerable in society.

“The continuing uncertainty as to when a new government will be formed following last month’s election could well contribute to a further increase of violent incidents of which civilians are the main victims.

“The uncertainty is threatening to make a bad situation even worse. Both the Iraqi authorities and the international community must act now to prevent more unnecessary deaths.”
Related Posts with Thumbnails

AddThis

Podcasts You may have missed or want to re-listen




A look at the fear of the feminine (Effemophobia) by Jamaican standards & how it drives the homo-negative perceptions/homophobia in Jamaican culture/national psyche.



and



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

Listen without prejudice to this and other podcasts on one of my Soundcloud channels

More uploads




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


Sexuality - What is yours?

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:






Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II






Following a cowardly decision by the Minister(try) of Education to withdraw an all important Health Family Life, HFLE Manual on sex and sexuality

I examine the possible reasons why we have the homo-negative challenges on the backdrop of a missing multi-generational understanding of sexuality and the focus on sexual reproductive activity in the curriculum.

also see:

and





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

Are you ready to fight for gay rights and freedoms?? (multiple answers are allowed)

Did U Find This Blog Informative???

Blog Roll

What do you think is the most important area of HIV treatment research today?

Do you think Lesbians could use their tolerance advantage to help push for gay rights in Jamaica??

Violence & venom force gay Jamaicans to hide



a 2009 Word focus report where the history of the major explosion of homeless MSM occurred and references to the party DVD that was leaked to the bootleg market which exposed many unsuspecting patrons to the public (3:59), also the caustic remarks made by former member of Parliament in the then JLP administration.

The agencies at the time were also highlighted and the homo negative and homophobic violence met by ordinary Jamaican same gender loving men.

The late founder of the CVC, former ED of JASL and JFLAG Dr. Robert Carr was also interviewed.

At 4:42 that MSM was still homeless to 2012 but has managed to eek out a living but being ever so cautious as his face is recognizable from the exposed party DVD, he has been slowly making his way to recovery despite the very slow pace.

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




Peace

Information & Disclaimer


Individuals who are mentioned or whose photographs appear on this site are not necessarily Homosexual, HIV positive or have AIDS.

This blog contains pictures that may be disturbing. We have taken the liberty to present these images as evidence of the numerous accounts of homophobic violence meted out to alleged gays in Jamaica.

Faces and names withheld for the victims' protection.

This blog not only watches and covers LGBTQ issues in Jamaica and elsewhere but also general human rights and current affairs where applicable.

This blog contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please view labels, post list or exit.

Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics.

This blog is not designed to provide medical care, if you are ill, please seek medical advice from a licensed practitioner

Thanks so much for your kind donations and thoughts.

As for some posts, they contain enclosure links to articles, blogs and or sites for your perusal, use the snapshot feature to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.

Recent Homophobic Cases

CLICK HERE for related posts/labels and HERE from the gayjamaicawatch's BLOG containing information I am aware of. If you know of any such reports or incidents please contact lgbtevent@gmail.com or call 1-876-841-2923

Peace to you and be safe out there.

Love.


What to do if you are attacked (News You Can Use)


First, be calm: Do not panic; it may be very difficult to maintain composure if attacked but this is important.

Try to reason with the attacker: Establish communication with the person. This takes a lot of courage. However, a conversation may change the intention of an attacker.

Do not try anything foolish: If you know outmaneuvering the attacker is impossible, do not try it.

Do not appear to be afraid: Look the attacker in the eye and demonstrate that you are not fearful.

This may have a psychological effect on the individual.

Emergency numbers

The police 119

Kingfish 811

Crime Stop 311

Steps to Take When Contronted or Arrested by Police


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist

c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tensed) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports

f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)

g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible

h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violated. When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions

j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it

What to do


a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone

b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council

c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state

d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police

e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number

f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided

g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence

h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail

i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail

j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence

Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you

The following may apply:

1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries

2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial

3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.

4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.

5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence

6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts

7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.

Sexual Health / STDs News From Medical News Today

VACANT AT LAST! SHOEMAKERGULLY: DISPLACED MSM/TRANS PERSONS WERE IS CLEARED DECEMBER 2014





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:
the CVM NEWS Story HERE on the eviction/raid taken by the police

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 




The Prime Minister (Golding) on Same Sex Marriages and the Charter of Rights Debate (2009)


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