International Transgender Day of Remembrance

The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice mainly in the United States. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.

Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender — that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant — each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people.

We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through US the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.

Note: This page was taken from http://www.rememberingourdead.org/day/what.html

The Remembering our Dead Web Project and The Transgender Day of Remembrance are owned by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, All Rights Reserved ©2007

Source

tdor events and locations 2010 worldwide calendar

To our Jamaican transgender community though small you have an ally through this blogger and are thought of seriously not just by the way or for convenience to fit an agenda as elsewhere. Sad that our two main trans voices are not given the platform or tools to speak up more about their issues to the mainstream or even the other communities for clearer understanding and cooperation.

JFLAG's transgender page with very little information, get on it J, urgent matters are calling.

We too have had our share of attacks with the most serious one being that of a transgender individual in Jamaica though not spoken of alot, I had interviewed her in my days at JFLAG in 2008 as evidenced in the photos she allowed me to take of her following treatment from the attack in Kingston on September 21, 2008. FLASHBACK HERE. 

Sadly JFLAG here has not paid any serious regard to the Transgender community overall except for some lip service and in the case above some financial assistance, the small group meetings that had commenced have all faded without any news of recommencement so far.

"Lady M" from Jamaica

Groups that campaign for the rights of transgender, transvestite, transsexual, third gender and other gender variant peoples have been in existence since the mid-20th century, and have multiplied greatly in number since the 1990s. They may use a civil rights or minority rights political discourse, or may instead aim to challenge the very institution of gender. Their goals are varied, but include legal change, such as recognition in one's chosen sex on official documents; challenging discrimination in institutions such as prisons, housing, employment, health and education; and combating violence against transgender people.

see also: International Foundation for Gender Education (IFGE)

Please go to the leading African American Transgender activist TransGriot's blog for more on crimes committed against such persons and the outcomes in the United States. Teish was murdered some time ago there.

Peace and tolerance

H

IN THE LIFE Presents: Gen Silent (Video)

Looking on the happenings up north this month's edition of IN THE LIFE the grassroots activism video series looks at another section of the LGBT population in America often overlooked, maybe we have that same set of issues in some respects as well as many persons are living longer especially Men who have sex with men in the heyday of the HIV/AIDS epidemic when persons were falling like flies.

Now in the advent of sophisticated Anti retro-viral therapies and new discoveries in outliving the disease and side effects other social issues may be on the horizon waiting to reach us when the time comes, of course speaking as someone nearing their forties I know there are going to be challenges ahead with aging as a gay man in a homophobic state.

Check out the video:

featuring the story of KrysAnne Hembrough, a transwoman struggling to find acceptance and community while battling a terminal illness.

November 2010 (00:28:00)
The LGBT family "of choice" is a uniquely important lifeline and community support system. It is among the most profound legacies of LGBT life, illustrated by the men and women who came together to care for people with AIDS at the height of the epidemic. Today, a new health crisis is unfolding across America as LGBT seniors face homophobia, transphobia and insensitivity in the health care system.

With traditional support systems failing to address the needs of aging LGBT people, a new generation is called to organize care and community around its elders.

This month,

IN THE LIFE presents an excerpt of the film Gen Silent, a moving documentary about the very seniors whose generation organized the LGBT community into a movement, but now face so much fear and discrimination that they're driven back into isolation; featuring the story of KrysAnne Hembrough, a transwoman struggling to find acceptance and community in the midst of battling a terminal illness.

And we speak with the film's director, Stu Maddux, about the power of change.

also coming in the December 2010 instalment:

Additional viewing if you have the time:

US National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the Latino Community



Peace and tolerance

H

Down low gone mad, Biphobia, or Sexual Abuse?

"Battyman Fi Dead" said publicly "Mi really waan f*** yuh" privately .... problems and abuse in the DL world.

So another horrible case of possible male rape or sexual abuse from within the community this time in a way has been heard, a young Jamaican man whose sexuality is of no major concern to us in as far as this post is concerned has become a victim allegedly of male rape by down-low"heaviot" thugs in Kingston recently, in August I am being told. News of the incident is rife among certain circles downtown and other flash points as it quickly spread on the grapevine but some details are still sketchy I must add. However the main purpose of this piece though is to look again at the issue of clandestine homosexuality or DL as our African American counterparts call it and the possible negative effects that may come out of it such as this allegation of male rape by so called shottas and gangsters.

I doubt this has anything to do with substitutional sex or situational homosexuality (more so in a prison or physical enclosed setting) but you can be the judge while using what basic information that will be shared, it took a while for me to get enough information to prepare this post so please forgive my possible lack of details but I want us to focus on the main issue, that is frankly "bad man battyman" as some in our society call it.

Given the timing of this revelation in the middle of an international controversy involving a powerful Pastor in the form of Eddie Long and some four or possibly more males who have or may take legal action on alleged years of inappropriate sexual advances the varying discussions are abuzz over the internet and social network media with arguments for and against to punish him or finding the Pastor guilty without even seeing the court case through.

This particular incident on the local front however is certainly a reminder to the advocates also that there is another whole world that lgbt advocacy has not even addressed who suffer in silence most times as they do not know where to turn or are they powers that be really interested in taking on this very sensitive and possibly dangerous set of circumstances of male rape by members of the underworld?

In some way I am fortunate to have some insight into this realm without any major harm to my person as yet, thank God, as I usually keep in touch as best as I can with some of the poorer guys around on the streets and in communities who are gay or bisexual but who suffer double or triple marginalization just because of their class.

Here is a basic map of what I mean:

- Gay/Bisexual

- Poor/unemployed or not employable

- Ostracized or displaced by family and community

- Victims of violence

- Overlooked or shunned by the very advocates who say there offer service to lgbt people or misplaced focus by same leaves this group of men out in the cold

- Overlooked and shunned by the LGBT community in general and regarded as misfits and undeserving of existence

- Biphobia by default from general society, the LGBT community and ostensibly the advocacy structure

The Incident in question in summary based on reported accounts, the young man is in hiding.

The 23 year old man plies his rented handcart in a section of the market district and usually returns to his small shack which sits in a depressed section across volatile political boundaries in Kingston. On a faithful Saturday in August of this year he returned his rented cart that he uses in the market district to ply his trade of assisting shoppers to carry produce and organic food items to the bus-stop or car park for a nominal fee, on his way home by foot around 7:30 pm he took a route that he regularly takes to get home, bearing in mind that as early as this time is some parts of Kingston can be very lonely and given the absence of the main don who is away on trial in another country "the order" of things has changed.

There is a fight as it seems for turf and power in the market region which has not escalated to violence due to the strong police presence there and the local authorities push to bring formal order.

The man was approached by three men who questioned him, he answered them telling them what he had done etc thinking he would be OK as it was not customary to abuse anyone in the imaginary safety line of that zone as drawn by the dons. He was robbed allegedly at gunpoint and told to go to nearby bushes where they would decide his fate. The men however at first asked him if him "love man?" somewhere during the conversation although my sources suggest he is not effeminate of looks so either. They eventually attempted to take turns with him at gun point and to carry out anal sex but he resisted as best as he could, the men told him that they were not going to kill him they wanted some "batty" for the night. The ordeal was said to have gone on for almost an hour and after several attempts in trying to penetrate him they gave up it seems and demanded he performed oral sex on them and that he did reluctantly.

The sexual abuse ended but what allegedly happened next is what really sparked this post, the men while smoking marijuana sat and discussed their sexual encounters with other men and their ways of hiding their real sexual desires from their baby mothers and female sexual partners, they tried to enlist the participation of their "victim" in the post sex discussion but he barely answered when prompted to as he was said to have felt bad.

They proceeded to warn him that he must make himself available when they need him and he must keep it quiet, they even asked if he knew other men around the area who may get down (my words)? One of the men in particular was very upset at men who engaged in paedophilia and says he doesn't like boys as they are too young.

ENDS (updates may follow)

THE MATTER WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE POLICE

Judging by this synopsis we do have thugs who really want to get down but some questions come to mind and I am not an expert so let's discuss this please send responses or comment if you have such expertise.

Email just in case: lgbtevent@gmail.com

1. Are there men who really want to hit it but due to societal pressure they are prepared to steal it instead?


2. It is a case of abuse due to the power differential of the men in not only numbers but the fact that they are armed?


3. Did you think they surmise that the young man may have been inclined so they didn't harm him?


4. How should the advocates handle issues like this?


5. Do you think the issue of clandestine homosexual behaviour should be a main discussion point in presenting arguments for gay rights or tolerance?


6. Can this also be categorized as homophobia in a way?

This post may become a running series as we look at these set of issues more closely.

Peace and tolerance

H

"Tell Me Pastor" suggests Reparative Therapy to bisexual woman

So again as we continue to watch and document the respective media outlets for infractions towards LGBTQI people here we have another case of reparative therapy being suggested to a bisexual letter writer to the Jamaica Star column. One wonders of some of these letters are real but while correctly challenging her honesty to her male counterpart he goes on to mention the abomination bit at the end and instructs her to find a psychologist.

Read the letter and the Pastor's answer and check the "Tell Me Pastor" tab for previous entries here from GLBTQ Jamaica on blogger.

This should not surprise us though as the Jamaica Star on a whole along with other tabloid prints have been consistent in stimulating the homophobia towards the populace with timely embellished stories and letters.

Go Here for previous "Tell Me Pastor" homophobic/bi-phobic or lesbophobic entries from Gay Jamaica Watch as originally published in The Jamaica Star.

Here is the meaning and some background behind Reparative or Conversion Therapy

Please be vigilant out there people and don't be brain washed by these attempts.

The letter and response reads as follows:

I love her, not him

Dear Pastor,

I'm in a serious dilemma and I don't know how to deal with it. I have been in a relationship with a guy for about a year now. He treats me very well. He takes care of my needs. He also wants me to live with him. He loves me very much, but I am not in love with him. Whenever he asks if I love him, I try to shy away from the question or just change the subject.

My serious problem is I am having an affair with a girl for almost five years now. She loves me and would do just about anything for me. She is away now. So I am able to go out with my boyfriend and have fun. The next thing is that she is coming back next month, and it's making my boyfriend go crazy. I am deeply in love with my girlfriend. I am so confused.Can you give me your fatherly advice?

Bisexual Girl

Pastor answers:

Dear Bisexual Girl,

Your boyfriend knows that you are bisexual. The only thing you have not admitted to him is that you do not love him. Your love is for your lesbian partner who is abroad but will soon return. Evidently, you have not told your girlfriend that you also have a male partner.

You are with this man because he takes care of your financial needs, but you are not totally committed to him. Your commitment is to your female lover. Therefore, you should tell this man you do not love him. You are afraid to do so because you believe he would stop giving you the financial support you need.

I am not here to condemn you but I am afraid I cannot encourage you to continue to practise this kind of lifestyle. The Bible condemns the practise of persons of the same sex to make love. In fact, the Bible calls such practice an abomination. I would urge you to seek professional help by calling a psychologist and meeting for counselling sessions.

Pastor

"Has AIDS gone away?" Eve for Life responds on TVJ interview

E-Mail: info@eveforlife.org
Website: www.eveforlife.org
Twitter: EveforLife

Smile Jamaica morning television program interviewed Ms. Joy Crawford who is a founder and Director for Eve For Life another non governmental organization that targets women and children. She was formerly a part of Jamaica AIDS Support for Life and the Ministry of Health involved in the response to the epidemic over these many years.

Host Simon Crosskill at least was more serious this morning in the interview as sometimes his satire has been deemed cold sometimes he started off by asking "Has AIDS gone away?" a poignant question indeed seeing the prevention and condom use messages seemed to have slowed down and he hinted to the lack of images and stories about HIV positive persons who need to tell their stories, a point touched on further during the discourse.

Some points during the exchange with Simon included:

• Eve For Life is one of the newest response mechanisms to the HIV epidemic fight looking at needs with psycho social support with persons involved with over 15 years experience.

• Women are still the more vulnerable even though they are accessing care.

• The "I'm Alive Club" was implemented recently as part of new interventions to deal with the issues affecting women with HIV, it was designed for young women who are teen mothers a group that has not had any major sustained programs. EFL has been able to secure funding from the US Ambassador's Fund and CITA the Caribbean Treatment Action Group.

• More advocacy is needed HIV is still very much real.

• 1.7% of the population are now infected and vulnerable populations that were low on the radar have now seen increases in infection rates.

• The average teenager when it comes to sex especially unprotected sex their primary concern is still pregnancy not Sexually Transmitted Infections or HIV, pregnancy can be managed by contraception methods however this population have a disconnect that unprotected sex can result in contracting HIV.

• Antiretrovirals in Jamaica are free presently to most but the cost for other drugs and treatment for opportunistic infections is another matter, there are other challenges such as costs for antibiotics, improper adherence or lack of rigid compliance in following prescribed instructions, not eating properly, social support or lack thereof.

• Young people are having the most sex, not necessarily the best sex over 50% of infected persons are women with females between the ages of 15 -25 being the most vulnerable.

• At least 32,000 persons in Jamaica are assumed to be HIV positive with nearly half not aware of their status.

• EFL works with small groups for about eighteen months with interventions dealing with issues such as teenage impact that of social networking, the promiscuity problems and frivolity in that population with the emphasis on sex then our young folks are at risk.

• There is a lack of life skills and visual examples of PLWHAs, HIV positive individuals telling their stories, Simon Crosskill spoke to the need for visual evidence of persons healthy looking or not to be presented speaking about their own experiences first hand. "..... If we have a visual image of what HIV/AIDS looks like you are more likely to ... if we are to see it at its worse .... one might recoil."

• Ms Crawford responded by highlighting the monthly "Dear Eve" columns in the Jamaica Observer newspaper there will be testimonials from HIVers.

The Interview concluded.

Peace and tolerance

H

Let's start hugging someone today

Elgin Taylor

HUGGING!

Hmm!

Nice topic some would claim that conjures up all sorts of pleasant things in people's minds. Most of us hug others and like to be hugged in return, while others may avoid an invasion of their space, or anything that would give them a mushy feeling.

In our Jamaican culture, women tend to be more 'huggy huggy' than men. In fact, it may be safe to assume that many Jamaican men gave and got more hugging when they were infants.

But what is it, and is there any benefit to be derived from this activity which seems to come naturally for some, and is a drudgery for others?

Well, according to Wikipedia, a hug is defined as "a form of physical intimacy, not necessarily sexual, that usually involves closing or holding the arms around another person, or groups of persons. A hug is one of the most common human signs of love and affection. One study has shown that hugs increase levels of the chemical, oxytocin, which reduces blood pressure."

Reports also state that for one to receive the beneficial aspect of oxytocin there has to be an element of trust, meaning there should be mutual consent.

Types of hugging
There are several types of hugging being practised around the world. Here are a few: the bear hug, the man hug, the side hug, A-frame hug and the hand hug (handshake). The bear hug is perhaps the closest of them all. It involves body to body, thigh to thigh and toe to toe embrace that leaves not even the slightest chance of even a glimmer of light passing between the participants.

The A-frame hug is said to be used mostly on social occasions. Huggers stand about a foot apart leaned towards each other ending with only an embrace with the shoulders. Church sisters often hug their church brothers in this manner. The man hug involves the grasping of the hands in a handshake and as both men pull towards each other their shoulders and chests touch with the hands still clasped providing a buffer between them. They may also slap each other on the back while in the embrace. The side hug (otherwise termed the Christian side hug) involves the hugging around the waist or shoulders of the participants while sitting or standing. Some Jamaican men touch or clasp hands or fingers then embrace by the shoulders while greeting their counterparts.

A year ago an article in The New York Times reported that hugging was spreading like wild-fire among students on some school campuses, and that it had replaced the handshake and high five forms of greeting. Girls were hugging boys and vice versa, boys were hugging boys, and girls were hugging girls. Some schools were reported to have instituted a 'three-second hug' in order to minimise the loss of time by the students. Reports also stated that in some cases school administrators have banned hugging altogether through fear of sexual harassment charges arising from the practice.

Hugging in cyberspace
The hugging phenomenon has not been spared in cyberspace as the practice is very popular on most of the social networks. Persons engage in the habit of sending hugs virtually on a daily basis to their friends and families. So does this work? Is it the same as seeing and hugging someone in person? It may not be the same but it is reassuring to participants to know that someone out there cares for them. A website called Hugology is even available for persons interested in spreading the joy of hugging.

Ahh, hugging; it is a tax-free and a socially and psychologically rewarding activity, be it just a friendly gesture, or for passionate and compassionate reasons. Jamaicans have been hugging but there is always room for improvement. Let's start in our neighbourhood or places of work by hugging someone today.