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

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Radio program "Love & Sex" on Sexual Identities & Transgenderism (Were you born in the wrong body?)

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December 1st, World AIDS Day the Jamaican transgendered community got a chance to voice their concerns through representative “Jane” on a radio program aired on Newstalk 93FM


named :Love and Sex” hosted by Jamaican Clinical Sexologist of The Caribbean Sexuality Research Group (CSRG) Dr. Karen Carpenter and co-host Gavin Walters. Sexual identities were the broader subject of the discussion as other variants and orientations were also examined. It is not very often the local transgender community gets an opportunity on the airwaves to share real information on their lives and to dispel the misconceptions about their community and the mix up with the Lesbian, Bisexual and Gay lifestyles. Host Dr. Karen Carpenter made mention of Cuba’s lead in public education on sexual identities and their interventions with the various groups. She highlighted the outreach there as providing jobs and overlooking the packaging of persons but more so seeing people as people.

Dr. Marilyn Volker famed international Sex Therapist who has worked with transsexuals in the United Stated as well was also a guest on the one hour and forty two minute discussion touched on the possible causes of transgenderism to sexual orientations and identities.

(photo from GIRES) Gender Identity Research and Education Society UK
The opening dialogue before the interview also dealt with the differences between Transgender, Transvestite and or Cross dressers. Being the qualified person that Dr. Carpenter is she simply defined the differences.
  • Transgender – seems themselves as a different gender than the one they were born as physically also known as body dysmorphia or born in the wrong body. The person is unable to conceptualise themselves as the sex they are physical in. Sexual re-assignment surgery is used to make the changes for the individual.
  • Transvestite – Persons who like to dress in clothing of the opposite sex mostly for entertainment.
  • Inter sexual - persons born with undefined genitalia or sexual organs.
  • Drag Queens – Dr. Carpenter referred to famed diva Rupaul or males who wear female clothing either for entertainment or just comfort.
Dr. Marilyn Volker Adjunct Professor with the University of Miami Florida, Florida International University and Diplomat of the American Board of Sexology, Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists and teacher to Dr. Karen Carpenter was introduced. She also hosted a program Sex with Marilyn. She contributed much to the discussion.
She contributed among other things:

Sexual Identity: consists of four parts, Biology consisting of chromosomes and hormones persons need to look at the brain structure and not the sexual organs to determine the finality. Gender identity is the second part; it’s the brain that determines sexual identity not the genitals. i.e. male, female or in between no matter what sexual organ the person has. The there is gender role that means how persons appear or dress, if we went by what the sexual organs are and not what exist between the ears we may be dressing a child or person of a different gender. We must see children and people with the heart and not by outward appearance. Gender role is on the external, Gender identity is on the internal Sexual orientation is the last no matter what is between the legs of the person, or the brain orientation is who one is attracted to. So a transgendered person could be right handed or ambidextrous, heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. It is very complicated at times but bear in mind what’s between the legs and ears doesn’t necessarily match how a person dresses.

Dr. Volker referred to twin studies where pairs of twins have different orientations that suggest there is more than just parenting, social and chromosomal and hormonal structure of each person. A child in as far as identity is concerned that may be born with a vagina may get more male hormones when in the uterus it could develop a masculine brain with feminine private parts.

The term for matches in sync with brain identity versus physical genitalia is CISGENDER transgender is the opposite and doesn’t match. In one in every two to five thousand births there is some difference in chromosomes and hormones. There maybe ambiguous development during birth. When there is a combination of chromosomal hormones in the middle that leads to ambiguous genitalia it is called inter sexuality also called androgyny (outside of entertainment use for rock music). Androgyny comes from the Greek word “Andro” Male and “Gyny” Female suggesting behaviour roles as well identifying with a wide range of activities and feelings excluding biological concepts.

“Jane” the leading local transgendered voice was introduced to the program where she explained she discovered she was trans when she was six years old but never started the process of living as trans female until her late twenties. She explained she was born male growing up she acted effeminate and liked doing girl’s things. “Living in Jamaica one knows that kind of thing is not normal” so she hid it depicting a male persona even becoming a bully at school using it as a shield. She adopted a very macho personality using it as a shield and became in Jamaican terms “a girl’s man” i.e having many girls and hyper masculine or the stereotypical yard man. In doing so she tried to purge the feelings within and the guilt of growing in a Christian home with heathen thoughts. She adopted a destructive cycle while cross dressing in private with suicidal thoughts which temporarily relived the tension. She would often destroy and burn feminine personal possessions only to recycle the same actions all over again. She struggled with the fact that she was still a man; the early morning boner was like “alien appendage” to her. She also had a fiancée while as a man but eventually broke off the engagement; persons were shocked upon discovering her “change” as family shunned her save and except for her father surprisingly as mothers are expected to cope with this better, she has since become accommodating.

Dr. Volker responded by emphasizing doctors are now realising through brain scans, hormonal tests and chromosomal tests to say to parents with children who are possibly transgender that one may have a child who has a particular genitalia but is the opposite sex in the brain. If many parents and troubled transgender persons were told as early as birth what the proper diagnosis is then a lot of the problems similar to the ones described by Jane would have been avoided. She also touched on chromosomal issues as in X and Y versus hormonal levels in determination of the baby’s sex, usually in a female it’s XX and a male XY, there are children born XXY born with a penis but an extra female chromosome meaning they could look more feminine or look masculine on the outside with a penis with a feminized brain, things can occur during birth. Usually girls get XX patterns with more estrogen and progesterone while most boys gets XY patterns with testosterone and androgen sometimes there is a mix in the uterus where a mix of chromosomes like XXY leading to less masculine development somewhere. There may even be more testicular tissue in girls where this mix up occurs. The available tests now can see into the hormonal and chromosomal structures. The paediatrician can now ask a parent does the they like to or want to know the chromosomal structure of their child.

Jane continued that she harnessed the power of the Internet as there were few doctors in Jamaica who knew about transgenderism. She sourced her own hormones from the Internet, she looked at the Harry Benjamin principles of care and read where possible medical journals. Dr. Volker noted that several Trans persons have to teach their doctors about the issues. Jane noted her website was down at this time. She is aware of ten individuals in Jamaica living as women some of whom are lost in the gay community due to the lack of education for them. Dr. Volker said the important thing is what the brain is attracted to and not the physical. There maybe a heterosexual female born in a girl who has a penis her brain maybe attracted to a male who maybe mistaken as gay. There maybe need for a serious re-socialization process globally to deal with these new phenomenons. One would have to also go to gender specialists, endocrinologists to get more professional and detailed information.

Jane highlighted she is pre-operative transgender meaning she has not done the full sexual re-assignment procedure so she can father a child now but after surgery cannot have children naturally or get pregnant. She plans to have the surgery as soon as she can find the money.

In answering Dr. Volker’s questions on her orientation Jane responded bisexual. Dr. Volker continued to explain that gender identity and orientation differ in the trans world. She has worked with transgender who have moved from having a penis while trying to be heterosexual male but their brain was heterosexual female but couldn’t express it as they would look as if they were gay on the outside,” it is confusing to persons going through the issues.” She emphasized the need for support. Jane continued on the lack of support systems in Jamaica except the Internet or possibly contacting JFLAG who may put one on to other transgender persons.

Dr. Carpenter noted that the Caribbean Sexuality Research Group (CSRG) offers some support to transgendered persons and runs a free clinic at the UHWI Psychiatry Unit which has been running for the last month by calling 977-0316 with a small registration fee of $500.00, leave a message for appointments as all calls are answered.

She also remarked on the misconception of homosexuality and paedophilia and the tabloid papers sensationalism creating the homo-negative perceptions over time. “The minute we find out someone’s sexual orientation is different from others we begin to monitor, oh they must be about to hit on somebody which is inappropriate.”

She highlighted that paedophilia happens when there is an economy is depressed and the power differential between the adult versus the young person despite sexual orientation is wide.

On the matter of gender variant children from a caller to the program Dr. Volker suggested that the child be monitored by a paediatric endocrinologist or a child psychiatrist who understands gender. Children who present with the mis-match usually the assessment is done in early puberty where hormones may be administered dependent on the case to stop the actions opposite to the physical presentation but the sexual re-assignment surgery is left to later in life in most cases unless they were born with both genitals or intersex. (A practice which is opposed by some intersex activists)


Program continues to the end.


Peace and tolerance.

H

Friday, December 3, 2010

Another Murder ..... where will it end?

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Previously corroborated.

Confirmed 4:34pm


A popular cross dresser as will be described as such for now from the community was found dead in the vicinity of the Half Way Tree Road area on December 3rd, known for her ghetto fabulous look and sometimes overly nice yet sometimes rough personality "Charm" as she is affectionately called may have been the victim of a meeting or cruise hook up gone bad as she was known to "work" the streets at nights not formally as a commercial sex worker but on the cruising trails along those areas. I have no evidence to determine if Charms was confirmed or diagnosed to be transgender officially by any health expert. 

According to a popular drag queen who I interviewed for this post Charm was warned on several occasions to avoid the area even on the very night before her demise as the more experienced "queens" and "workers" have avoided the area as a stabbing incident occurred some weeks ago from "strange faces" appearing on the popular strip which aroused suspicion, the regulars starting drifting to other areas.

Most of these older more experienced street walkers have learnt how to operate in stealth on the streets and are masters of the craft of cruising, honing in their prospective hook ups and carefully observing their environment while adjusting accordingly they had since left the scene to operate elsewhere.

She was in full drag at the time of the discovery of her body but it was confirmed later today by a passer-by from the community who saw the crime scene as a crowd had gathered there, he described some persons as jeering and laughing as the news that it was a cross dresser had been murdered surfaced. She reportedly had several visible stab wounds all over her body. She was discovered by a woman who apparently took her young daughter to a nearby dark area for her to relieve herself when they pounced upon the deceased.

Time of death is unknown at this time but more than likely in the wee morning hours of Friday December 3rd,

This raises serious concerns again in my mind about the lack of serious preferably residential typed interventions towards homeless, displaced persons, officially diagnosed transgendered individuals to include pre-operative trans, all categories of commercial sex workers and those under the GLBTQI umbrella who traverse the city streets at night at their own risk. Do we have to wait until more are killed before we do something about this lack of activities to make them occupied with something else. The concerns for homelessness in general to include GLBTQI people are real as the abuse reports are rising we need some sort intervention urgently to deal with this need to roam the streets given our homophobic and homo-negative society.

This comes on the heels of a stabbing incident only last Saturday November 27th in the same Half Way Tree area but nearer to the square where a young man and his friend were making their way to conduct their private business when they were profiled as gay and rushed, after the attack the victim sustained five stab wounds and was rushed to the hospital, fortunately he has been recovering slowly and he has the support of his friends around him to help him through that process which is welcomed positive news given the circumstances.

It was only on World AIDS Day that the deceased "Charms" visited a popular non governmental organization and was well known there where she transacted her private business now everyone there is in disarray.

Meanwhile ......
Only on November 30th some members of the local and international non governmental, blogging and advocacy communities marked the fifth anniversary of the tragic passing of Steve Harvey formerly of Jamaica AIDS Support for Life and other LGBT interventions and volunteerism as he was robbed at his home in Duhaney Park in 2005 taken by car to an undisclosed location, he was found some time later with gunshot wounds.


Steve Harvey

Meanwhile sections of the community are sounding off as to the carelessness by government towards LGBT people and the constant cases of murder and abuses coming to the fore. But anyone who has watched the proceedings over the years know that Jamaican political parties are not going to simply capitulate to LGBTQI rights demands as that would be suicide in our caustic environment, lest we forget the present Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) "Not in my cabinet" administration recently participated in removing sexual orientation from the list of extra judicial killings at the United Nations.

Please folks let us watch out for ourselves and each other no matter what station or place in life we are.

Peace and tolerance.

H

Monday, November 29, 2010

"Tell Me Pastor" commits the ultimate bi phobic infraction, tells writer she is not bisexual

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Another day another Star News infraction to document at the train rolls on, Tell Me Pastor columnist, radio personality and Psychologist tells an alleged bisexual female writer who questions her bisexuality and by extension her orientation. This letter appeared in today's edition of the Star as many others before contributing to the continued anti gay and bisexual stigma and discrimination from the media.

She apparently by her assumption in the letter recognizes her basic orientation and is simply seeking information on how to deal with it, instead he Pastor Aaron Dumas sends a "deny yourself" message. It's stuff like this that leads to depression and suicidal tendencies when Psychologists and such persons are to help folks wrestle with personal questions on orientation as this.

I still believe that some of these published letters are either fabricated or so edited and embellished to reflect the anti gay agenda to fit the paper's objective and sell more through semi or full sensationalism.


have a read as the writer's question and Pastor Aaron Dumas's response is shown below.

Peace and tolerance.

H

Female letter writer asks:
Was i born bisexual?

Dear Pastor,

I am a teenage girl who is living abroad, but I am originally from Jamaica. For nearly a year, I have been struggling with a problem. For my whole life, I knew that there was something different about me. Well, gradually I have come to terms with the fact that I am bisexual. I really do not have a problem with it, because I figure that it is a part of me. Why not embrace it?

I had told most of my friends about my orientation and they are fine with it, but I have lost a few friends over it, too. The thing I am worried about is actually telling my mother that I am bisexual. I am afraid that if I tell her, she would be mad at me or kick me out. You see, I do not want to disappoint her in anyway. She expects so much from me already and, so far, I have lived up to all her expectations, and even exceeded them. I have done well in school and I have stayed out of trouble, and so on.

Well, I need your help. What do you think I should do?

Bisexual

Pastor Aaron Dumas responds:

Dear Bisexual,

You are wrong. I cannot agree with you. You were not born bisexual. You have embraced that lifestyle, and that is why you say you are comfortable. However, I know you are not comfortable. If you were, you would not have written to me. You feel tormented, and you believe that your mother would go crazy if you were to tell her how you feel, and what you have been doing.

Now, please do not misunderstand me. I am not here to condemn you. God forbid that I would condemn anyone who is struggling with a problem. What I would like to encourage you to do is to call a family counsellor or psychologist and make an appointment to see him for professional counselling.

There are times when people claim to be bisexual - homosexual when they are not. Sometimes, young people have gone to parties and got wild after they have had too much to drink. They engaged in illicit sex and do things that they would not normally do. Often, when they are told that they did certain things, they would deny it. That is why one should keep away from drugs and learn to protect themselves at all times.

When you go to see the counsellor and he access your situation, he would advise you how to relate to your mother.


Pastor

The Pill killed my sex drive (Gyno issues)

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THE Pill has long been seen as a saviour for many women, with a whopping success rate at preventing pregnancy. But more and more women on boards and blogs across the world have been noticing one trend -- it kills libido, and is a death sentence to many women's sex drives, with some brands causing a downward plunge in desire from day one.

A German study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine earlier this year said what many Pill users had suspected for years — those taking hormonal contraceptives are more at risk for problems with sexual interest, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and even painful sex.

The study, done by researchers at the University of Heidelberg, studied 1,086 women and found that those taking hormonal contraceptives are at the highest risk for sexual dysfunction.

It's a catch 22 situation for 29-year-old Peta-Gaye Richards, who laments that after finding what she thought was the perfect pill, she has become a shell of her former amorous self.

She said there is never any desire to be with her fiancé, a situation that causes friction in the relationship.

"Some pills do cause a decrease in libido," said gynaecologist at the Amadeo Medical Group in Spanish Town, Dr Charles Rockhead. "This can be avoided if women find the right pill suitable to their body. Let's just say no drug is tailored to any specific person and so different people will react differently to it."

But what does a woman do when she has searched long and hard for the perfect pill, with the fewest symptoms, and gets a low sex drive as the only drawback?

"I suffered for years trying to find the perfect pill and I've been through several brands," Richards said. "I was moody on some, nauseous on most, headachy, homicidal, and finally I found one where I had no side effects, except for a drop in my sex drive. I'm very hesitant to stop taking it, because none of the other contraceptive methods are suitable."

Said Dr Rockhead: "The only thing that a woman can do if this happens is to stop taking that pill. Or she can try other pills until she finds the right one that suits her body."

And he said pills are not contraceptives he personally recommends, instead he suggests IUD methods such as the Mirena, especially if the woman has already given birth.

"Anything that you have to ingest has to be metabolised by the liver and the potential effect can lead to other complications," Dr Rockhead explained.
He also said the expectation of the body 'seasoning' to the pill over time, resulting in a normal reaction, is a myth.

But, for women comfortable with the pill, Dr Rockhead said while some pills will cause a decrease in women's sex drives, others can cause an increase as is the case with pills with a high component of androgen — the male component to oestrogen.

It's these pills that women who complain of libido problems can seek out, for a test run on overall satisfaction.

The bad news continues ........

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WARNING: disturbing photo enclosed


As Human Rights Day December 10th approaches and the serious concerns about the obvious sharp rise in homophobic and lesbophobic attacks just boggles the mind here are some recent confirmed, unconfirmed and corroborated stories of such incidents that have been brought to my attention.


The individual in the edited photo above was stabbed several times on Friday November 26th in the Half Way Tree area by a man, he is presently recovering in the hospital and our prayers go out for his life to be spared by God's hand. He was reportedly the victim of profiling a dangerous practice on the rise again where just by assumption ones sexuality is used to justify homophobic abuse. More details to come as they unfold and permissions granted from his close friends who supplied the photo, thanks to them also for sharing this.

see also:


Lesbian killed

A lesbian was murdered earlier this month, a story I held on to before going public as the information is unclear as to the cause of her demise. Speculation suggests she may have been caught in the middle of the dangerous cash for gold underground business gone haywire and not direct lesbophobia, recent crimes statistics have suggested a fall out in the new phenomenon on our society where nearly every public space possible at shopping plazas and street corners some person is yelling openly "Cash for gold"or "Sell your gold"imploring passers-by to sell their gold and gold filled jewelry. It seems to be big business as major jewel store chains as well are advertising for persons to take in old jewelry even if they are plated ones.
The trend has indeed invited the participation of many undesirable types and also many "butch" women have been seen peddling the trade as well as many butch lesbians are good at being one of the boys in our hustler typed society.

Lesbian raped by five men infront of her family

A woman was raped for a reported five hours by men in St. Catherine while her family watched helplessly recently adding to the growing list of corrective rapes happening to our lesbian and bisexual women, it appeared as if her attackers were lurking on the premises before entering the house and holding up the occupants at gunpoint. They are said to have proceeded to rape the woman and rob her.

The incident was reported to the Ewarton police station and it was also said that the woman had to seek counselling following the frightening ordeal.
That incident is said to be the latest in a series of cases occurring in two communities in the parish.

The police say that a group of men are said to be wreaking havoc on the women in the St Catherine communities.

In another case, a 16-year-old girl was also raped over a week ago by a group of men who discovered she was home alone. The police suspect the same group of men are responsible for both acts.

Exhibitionist/street masturbator attacked

A man known to many in certain parts of Kingston was recently rushed by a group of taxi drivers in Kingston as they say they have had enough, the man who by his physical appearance is not of unsound mind as open masturbation is attributed to has been seen especially after rainfall "backing his fist" as several spots in New Kingston and even downtown. He reportedly was acting as a voyeur watching a couple make out by a car in a popular make out spot where he proceeded to relieve himself. He was seen by a group of taxi drivers who normally in the late hours of the morning park near the make out spot monitoring their short wave radios or phones for possible contract carriages. They chased him away but no sooner had he ran he returned to finish his backing session, the men would have none of it and a short chase followed where a machete was thrown after him, it reportedly hit him on his left calf injuring him but he made good his escape. The drivers said they have seen enough of him and that he is a battyman as he has been seen eyeing men urinating in public and masturbating at odd hours of the morning in very inconspicuous spots.

Male gang rape

A reported case of gang rape of a man in a section of Kingston is still causing some unease in the community, the entry was carried on my wordpress GLBTQJA blog and cross-posted here as well and is excerpted as follows:

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."


Read the rest HERE


If you are in Jamaica just be careful out there folks, we know it is not easy.


Long time community member passes:



Winner of the recent Oscar Award for Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 Patrick as he is affectionately called made the transition and was promoted to glory on Saturday November 20th at a Kingston hospital after suffering from complications of a long standing illness. He will be missed as his presence and contributions to the community over the years have been outstanding. May his soul rest in peace.


Peace and tolerance.


H
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.

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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