Coming Out: Telling Family Members .......

As I continue to highlight some tips on the Coming Out Process here are some more points to consider as

put together by my fellow Jamaican activist Fiyupikni on Gay Jamaicans United's website.

Remember October 11th is Coming out Day if you feel so moved to come out please do consider all the options and possibilities before making this life changing decision.

No matter what their age, many people are afraid their parents will reject them if they come out. The good news is that you’re probably wrong. However, if you are under age 18 or financially dependent on your parents, consider this very, very carefully.

Coming out to family members

Some reactions you may want to prepare for:

■ Some parents may react in ways that hurt. They may cry, get angry or feel embarrassed.

■ Some parents will feel honored and appreciate that you have entrusted them with an important piece of truth about yourself.

■ Some parents will need to grieve the dreams they had for you, before they see the new, more genuine life you are building for yourself.

■ They may ask where they “went wrong” or if they did something “to cause this.” Assure them that they did nothing wrong.

■ Some may call being GLBT a sin, or attempt to send their child to a counselor or therapist in the baseless hope that they can “change.”

■ Some parents will already know you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender — or they might have an inkling. They may have been waiting for you to tell them, and find your doing so a relief.

■ It may take time for a parent to absorb or come to terms with the information. Good or bad, their initial reaction may not reflect their feelings over the long term.

Remember that your parents grew up in a time when some of the stereotypes about GLBT people were more prevalent than they are today.

Remember, too, that they’re probably trying to keep you safe from something they do not understand.

Finally, keep in mind this is big news, and there’s no timetable for how long it takes parents to adjust.

Continue to: Living Openly on Your Terms

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GAY JAMAICANS UNITED

Transgender Trinidadian is the New Gay Caribbean USA Queen for 2010

Trinidad and Tobago’s Jennifer Banks winner for 2010

Victoria of Guyana placed second here she is in swimwear

St. Lucia’s Lady Blu performs in evening wear

Brooklyn, New York, Weds. Sept. 29, 2010:

Trinidad and Tobago’s Jennifer Banks proved that Big Girls can do it to by winning the crown at the 2010 Gay Caribbean USA Pageant.

She is transgender and the first full figured contestant to win the pageant.

Victoria of Guyana who stunned the audience with a Stand Up Comedy piece came in second.

St. Lucia’s Lady Blu placed third, followed by Ven Detta St. Mykeal of Barbados.

(first to third place photos above)

All the contestants are crowned winners for their display of courage and determination by being part of the pageant.

Heat Wave Productions who organizes the event, wishes to thank the general public, the media, cooperate sponsors and the NYPD for their support.

Miss Jamaica Lyana Grey seen here in swim wear did not place this year

Kinetic Playground nightclub Cancels "Burn Queers" performer Capleton

CANCELED

Source: Cody Maxwell Meltzer thekineticplayground.com

"The Capleton show has been canceled at The Kinetic Playground. I have spoke with Andy Thayer and Roger Fraser to inform them of such. This show many still happen somewere else but as far as The Kinetic Playground is concerned this show will never happen at our venue. We supported your organization, now we would hope that the LGBT community would come support ours. Come out and have a drink the Oct 9th at theKinetic Playground!"

Andy Thayer organizer for the GLN has confirmed that this Chicago venue which was persisting on hosting this vehemently anti LGBT Jamaican performer has canceled the Capleton show.

Source: Andy Thayer GLN Organizer Facebook page GLN: Chicago-Area LGBTQA Liberation Network :

"Once Again, Public Pressure Delivers the Goods!"

"Please THANK "The Kinetic Playground" Nightclub for Doing the Right Thing!"

"Through a series of negotiations this week and last and with the threat of a demonstration, Gay Liberation Network (GLN) and other community activists were successful in persuading management at Kinetic Playground nightclub, 1113 W. Lawrence Avenue, to cancel "Kill Gays" dancehall performer Capleton for a show originally scheduled for late this Saturday night, October 9th."

"In human rights circles, Capleton's Jamaica has one of the worst reputations for anti-LGBT mob violence in the hemisphere, with Jamaican police openly tolerating it. In 2004 the country's leading gay rights campaigner, Brian Williamson, was stabbed multiple times in an apparent anti-gay hate murder. The constant threat of violence has forced other gay rights campaigners to flee the country."

"Capleton is one of a small group of Jamaican performers who have gained international notoriety for openly calling for the murder of lesbians and gays in the lyrics of their songs. As recently as last December at a concert in Jamaica, Capleton called out congratulations from the stage to those who commit violence -- "All who a bun battyman and sodomite, hand up!" ("All who have burned queers and sodomites, put your hands up!")."

"We are big supporters of free speech, having had our own threatened on numerous occasions. But only a fool would say that calls to lynch people – whoever the targets – is "free speech," any more than is yelling "fire" in a crowded theater. Nor is Capleton's right to spew hate from the stage compromised by GLN's right to protest his presence on that stage. He has a right, within limits, to say what he pleases; he has no right to the stage he wants to say it from, it doesn't belong to him."

"The cancellation of Capleton is a victory that all human rights supporters should savor. The Gay Liberation Network, which initiated the campaign against Capleton in Chicago, commends Kinetic Playground management for putting human rights principles above dollars by canceling the show."

"Please put an exclamation point on this victory by buying a drink or two this Saturday night at Kinetic Playground, 1113 W. Lawrence Avenue, so that the management and staff there know that Chicago is willing to stand behind those who follow their conscience."

Outside the Windy? Please Email The Kinetic Playground and thank them!