Trinidadian gay advocates hail victory of supportive PM-designate

By Keino Swamber 

keino.swamber@trinidadexpress.com 

 

PRESIDENT of the Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO), Colin Robinson (immediate photo), says Jamaican Prime Minister-designate Portia Simpson-Miller did the right thing by stating quite clearly that she opposed the discrimination against homosexuals.

Simpson-Miller led the People's National Party (PNP) into victory in Thursday's general elections in Jamaica.

The country with a population of 2.8 million people has developed a worldwide reputation for its strong anti-homosexual views and acts of violence against homosexuals.

During a televised leadership debate on December 20 between herself and Prime Minister Andrew Holness, whose Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was voted out of office, Simpson-Miller said her administration believes in protecting the human rights of all Jamaicans.

"No one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation," Simpson-Miller said.

"Government should provide the protection and I think we should have a look at the buggery law and that members of parliament should be given an opportunity to vote with their conscience on consultation with their constituents.

"But for me, I do not support the position of the former prime minister (Bruce Golding who said he would not appoint a gay person in his Cabinet) because people should be appointed to positions based on their ability and to lead."

Simpson-Miller said she has no intention of prying in the private business of anyone and will appoint anyone with the ability and capacity to manage in her Cabinet.

Robinson said Simpson-Miller's victory, in spite of her statements, is a lesson for all "Caribbean cowardly politicians".

"What the win says is that you do not lose an election by being supportive of the rights and the humanity of gay people," Robinson said.

"Similarly the JLP candidate, who was most outrageous (by) using homophobia as a campaign tool, lost his seat. So the other message is 'bun batty man' and beating the Bible on the backs of gay people will not win you elections."

Robinson said it is a signal to politicians that the issue of nondiscrimination against homosexuals does not carry the political liability they think it carries.

"The only reason that the politician has now to oppose full equality concerning gay people is their own prejudice."

The view was shared by the president of another local lobbyist group, Friends for Life, Luke Sinette. He said he fully endorses Simpson-Miller's statements.

"Gay people are full citizens just like anyone else," Sinette said.

"Gay persons should not only be allowed the same protections as anybody else under the law, but they should also be allowed the opportunity to serve their country just like anybody else. People should be allowed to be full citizens irrespective of race, class, gender, ethnicity and, of course, sexual orientation."

Lynette Vassell, a member of the Women Resource and Outreach Centre in Jamaica, told the Express the strategy used by the JLP in their attempt to discredit Simpson-Miller, backfired on the ruling party.

"It backfired because the issues on people's minds were more concrete and practical," Vassell said.

"I and a lot of right-thinking Jamaicans support the stance she took during the debate because what she is saying is that we need to open up a conversation around a matter that is very touchy in our context.

"What she has said is that she is going to open the debate around the repeal of the buggery Act and she is going to encourage parliamentarians to deal with it on an individual basis after consulting with their constituents.

"Of course we recognise that if a man had said it, it would have been a damaging and dangerous thing (politically) and I am glad that she is the one who very sincerely made the response."

ENDS

for extra reference, cartoonist Clovis depicted this in a recent edition of the Jamaica Observer

PNP: No election money from gay groups .............

THE Opposition People's National Party (PNP) yesterday declared that it had not received any funding from any gay rights organisation locally or overseas, and dismissed such claims as propaganda generated by the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

At the same time, PNP campaign director, Dr Peter Phillips, said the party had no discussion with or made any promise to anyone about reviewing the buggery law prior to the party's president Portia Simpson Miller's pledge during the national leadership debate to review the law if the PNP forms the next government

Asked by the Observer yesterday if the PNP had financial backing from gay rights groups, Dr Phillips responded: "Absolutely no truth to that whatever. It is a figment of somebody's imagination if not a total invention for cynical and nefarious purposes. I have been very much involved with the fund-raising of the People's National Party and the funds have come universally from the private sector in Jamaica and from individuals supportive of the party, all of whom are reputable, high-standing businesspeople."

Simpson Miller stated that she would support a review of the Buggery Act in responding to a question posed during the leadership debate between herself and Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Her response has set off a firestorm of public debate, with JLP candidate Daryl Vaz questioning if the PNP has received money from the gay community.

Dr Phillips, in dismissing the claim yesterday, said the JLP was trying to twist Simpson Miller's words to their political advantage.

"It is the kind of propaganda I have heard from Mr Vaz who I suspect in his overactive imagination he conjures up things from time to time. Let me repudiate it absolutely, completely, comprehensively and throw it out of the stadium," he stated.

At a press conference, Dr Phillips defended Simpson Miller's comments, reiterating that she indicated that the law would be reviewed, with the possibility of each member of Parliament taking a conscience vote on the matter after consultation with their constituents.

"She answered the question that she does not believe people should go about beating up people in Jamaica because of presumed sexual orientation and that we should be a more tolerant country in that regard", Dr Phillips told the Observer.

"We have had no discussion with anybody representing any gay community, not from Jamaica, not from anywhere in the world. It is some people who have contrived upon an honest, sincere answer to go into the gutter because of their own political predilections."

PREVIOUSLY 

Has PNP received financing from gay community?

Vaz says JLP confident of securing 34-38 seats in Dec 29 poll

DARYL Vaz is challenging the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) to state whether it has received funding from the international gay community, and what, if any, commitments were given in exchange for that funding.

Vaz, the treasurer for the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), said it was obvious that both parties had managed to get funding for their election campaigns based on their activities.

But suggesting that PNP president Portia Simpson Miller had injected a new dimension — homosexuality — into the campaign, Vaz said his team was trying to ascertain whether there was any truth to claims that the PNP had received money from the international gay community.

"We would like to know if this is true; and more importantly, what commitments the PNP has made in exchange for that funding, because we know that is how it works" he said.

Simpson Miller, answering a question in last Tuesday's political debate with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, said a PNP Government would review the buggery law and allow members of parliament to vote their conscience on the matter.

"We are not happy about the opposition leader introducing the issue of homosexuality into the campaign and we are wondering how deep it goes and how much involved the international gay community is with the PNP. We have been hearing of the interest that that community has taken in our elections since her pronouncement," said Vaz. "It is the first time that we have seen such strong interest from the gay community in any Jamaican election," he added, reiterating that his West Portland constituents had already made it clear that "God had made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve".

Meantime, Vaz conceded that the election appears to be a close race, but said he was now "extremely confident" that the JLP would win between 34 and 38 seats, based on all the indicators and a conservative analysis of the constituencies that were regarded as battleground seats.

He said the public opinion polls were very confusing because they were giving contradictory results. However, they were showing that the undecided voters were in favour of the JLP, raising the strong possibility that the party could get more than 38 seats.

"Both parties have energised their base, resulting in a close contest. So it is the undecided who will decide the outcome of this election," said Vaz. "They are in favour of the JLP because they have faith in our new, young leader. He will get the votes of the young as well, based on the successes of the Government in stabilising the country and setting it on a path to growth."

Vaz said that a clear indication of the tight race was the fact that PNP campaign director, Dr Peter Phillips, was leading a motorcade on Christmas Eve through East Portland, long regarded as a safe PNP seat, and despite the fact that the party leader and former leader, PJ Patterson had been there the week before.

Gleaner Editorial - Vulgar 'Fire Bun' Rhetoric & Morality cannot be policed

 

EDITORIAL - Vulgar 'fire bun' rhetoric

Mr Clive Mullings will probably declare us to be unfamiliar with the stress of the hustings, especially in a tight election race. So, he might be forgiven for the slightly ridiculous figure he cut last Thursday, clutching Bible and preaching fire and brimstone on gays and those who would argue in favour of a review, or repeal, of the buggery law.

The energy minister remains an intelligent and capable man with much to offer in politics and government, should his side win this week's general election.

Nonetheless, much of what has transpired in recent days on Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) campaign platforms with regard to gay rights is not only sad, but dangerous. Some might add cynical and vulgar.

The worst of it has come from Mr Daryl Vaz, the efficiency minister, and Mr Desmond McKenzie, the mayor of Kingston, at the party's rally in Portland last Wednesday night.

To the backdrop of songs widely considered to be anti-gay, Mr McKenzie called "fire bun", in this context an epithet that is hurled at gays.

And Mr Vaz declared that people in his West Portland constituency didn't buy "number two inna Cash Pot", which references a popular lottery game, but whose metaphoric meaning is clear to anyone who potty-trained a child.

Portia's courageous declaration

The trigger for this new onslaught of anti-gay diatribe from the JLP was the courageous declaration by the president of the People's National Party (PNP), Mrs Portia Simpson Miller, that sexual orientation would not be a determinant in who was selected for membership of a Cabinet she led. She wouldn't ask.

She also pledged that should the PNP form the Government, she would allow a conscience vote, where MPs, after consultation with constituents, would not be subject to the parliamentary whip, on a vote regarding the fate of the buggery law.

That Prime Minister Andrew Holness waffled on the matter, preferring to dodge behind popular Jamaican sentiment, is one thing. The tone of his party's subsequent campaign is another.

It has gone beyond making a coherent philosophical or even religious fundamentalist argument against a gay lifestyle to a kind of mindless homophobia that belittles the quality of the discourse in which the parties had hitherto engaged. Indeed, the JLP runs the risk, if not direct incitement, of creating an environment in which misguided persons may feel it to be open season on gays.

While Mr Holness may not declare a willingness to have gays in his Cabinet, we are surprised that he would tolerate what has spewed from his party's platforms. It is, to say the least, not the image of tolerance, inclusiveness and intellectual rigour he has sought to fashion for himself.

and

Tackle homosexuality through moral suasion, says Rev Oliver Daley

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

At least one prominent member of the clergy has parted ways with what has emerged as the firm anti-gay position of many church leaders in the controversial debate raging on the issue of homosexuality in Jamaica.

Moderator of the United Church in Jamaica and the Caribbean, Oliver Daley, insists that tackling this explosive issue through moral suasion should be the way forward, rather than seeking to legislate morality. "Moral suasion is preferred to a court of law," Daley declared in an interview with The Sunday Gleaner.

"I believe that we should not deny people the privilege to participate in the life of society based on race, gender or sexuality," Daley said as he weighed in on Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller's pronouncements in last week's National Political Debate that qualified and capable persons with homosexual propensities would not be turned away from a Cabinet that she heads.

Simpson Miller also strongly rejected the "not in my Cabinet" declaration of former Prime Minister Bruce Golding during a BBC interview.

"I believe that not everything in this world that is wrong is necessarily illegal," argued Daley. "Adultery is wrong, but it should not be made illegal as it would be difficult to prosecute ... . It is a matter to persuade people about their conduct. It just can't be policed," Daley contended.

Sunday Gleaner checks revealed that other church leaders agree with Daley, but are hesitant to speak.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has been more cautious in response to the question of homosexuality having a place in his Cabinet. He said he would accede to the sentiment of the people.

Jamaica is regarded internationally as a strong homophobic society, but this claim is being challenged by some social workers and sociologists.

No need for different treatment

Daley stressed that he holds a strong moral position on the matter, but contended that homosexuals should not be treated any differently from other persons who breach moral norm.

"I have a strong moral position on the matter as I cannot find anything in scripture that supports the behaviour. We have a moral problem, it is how we manage the problems," Daley stressed.

He suggested that there are differing points of view within the church that are not being thoroughly explored by the media.

"I have found that sometimes in the media, we don't speak across the church, we don't get a wide perspective on the issue," he said. "On this matter, we have the same people expressing their views, but there are others of us with a different perspective."

Daley argued that society needs to come to the place where people are accepted as human beings even if their behaviour is abhorred.

"Although we don't accept their behaviour, I don't believe that decriminalising it is saying that it is good and right," contended Daley. "It is saying that society is managing this issue in a different way."

Daley alluded to Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron's veiled threat that his country would withhold some financial grants to countries that are intolerant of homosexuals.

"It has become a political issue all over the world. As such, reason tends to take the back seat over emotion," he argued. "It (the issue) needs to get to the place where we apply some reason to treat people who are in a minority in a way that is humane and responsible."

The church leader said he was well aware that people who hold similar views to his run the risk of others assuming that they harbour sympathy with wrongdoers. "In the end, it is the need to uphold the dignity of all human beings who are made in the image of God," he declared. "They are to be valued and treated with respect."

Daley said in debating whether the issue should stay on the law books, minors must be treated in the same way as other sex-related offences. "We need to ensure that in decriminalising, we do not expose minors to any form of abuse," he stressed. "The laws that apply to minors being abused by heterosexuals should apply. No exceptions should be made in relation to people abusing children sexually."

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com

also see the video of Mrs. Simpson Miller defending her position on the Review of the Buggery Law

go HERE

and

Portia's Opinion On Buggery Review Mature

Int'l gay press claims PNP has two homosexual candidates

A website dedicated to news affecting the gay community around the world is suggesting that the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) has at least two gay candidates contesting the upcoming election and one of them is being targeted by the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in a homophobic campaign.

The website, Gaystarnews.com, has also highlighted PNP president Portia Simpson Miller's promise to review the Buggery Act and not to discriminate against homosexuals in appointing her Cabinet as "positive".

In a story headlined 'Jamaican Opposition leader backs gay rights' by Tris Reid-Smith, Gaystarnews.com reported that "the Jamaican Opposition leader has come out in favour of LGBT rights and reviewing the anti-gay buggery law during an election debate".

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) is a term which better defines what is usually called the gay community.

The story claims that the "PNP has selected a non-gender conforming candidate who has been the subject of a barely veiled homophobic campaign" by the JLP.

It said "Jamaican LGBT rights group J-FLAG has written to the JLP complaining about this tactic".

In a response yesterday, PNP campaign spokesman Delano Franklyn said the party does not concern itself with what happens in persons' bedrooms in selecting its candidates.

"We wish to condemn and deplore any scurrilous attacks against any of our candidates based on what is unfounded in relation to them offering themselves as candidates of the PNP," Franklyn told the Observer.

"The PNP, in determining its representatives in the different constituencies, does so on the basis of their experience, knowledge and commitment, which they bring to the political process, and the loyalty and dedication they have shown in contributing to the growth and development of Jamaica. The party does not seek to investigate the personal lives of candidates in relation to what they do or do not do in their bedrooms," he said.

Simpson Miller's comments made in Tuesday's national leadership debate with Prime Minister Andrew Holness also forced the PNP to issue a news release yesterday seeking to clarify that she promised to review — not repeal — the Buggery Act which makes gay sex illegal.

According to the website, "Simpson Miller said no one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, and that she would have no problem appointing gays to her Cabinet if they were able to do the job."

The website also reported that "she pledged to give politicians a free vote on removing the anti-gay buggery law from the statute books if elected prime minister".

The website also noted the "different stance" taken by Holness.

"Holness went on to again imply that he would not support gay rights — at least until the majority were in favour of them."

It quoted the prime minister's statement in the debate that his "sentiments reflect the sentiments of the country".

Gaystarnews.com describes itself as the first global 24-7 news site with the latest LGBT news, entertainment, information and lifestyle content.

It says it is owned by a company backed by international investment, with full-time journalists around the world covering stories affecting the LGBT community.

Yesterday's release from the PNP stated that Simpson Miller would allow members of Parliament a conscience vote on the issue, and such a vote would take into consideration the views of constituents.

"The PNP president remains committed to her pledge to make appointments to a Cabinet led by her on the basis of competence", the release stated.

Franklyn, in the meantime, said that when the Buggery Act is being reviewed MPs would be free to exercise their conscience in voting as to whether the Act should remain, be amended or repealed.

also see from Gay Jamaica Watch PNP Wins ................Hope for LGBT People ???

‘Idiot plan that!’ - Many Jamaicans against Buggery Law review ...............

As reactions continue to come from all quarters on the answer given to the question of the Not in My Cabinet stance taken by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding during the leadership debate on elections opposition leader Mrs Portia Simpson Miller who expressed her disagreement with the stance is coming under flack for taking the high road for some and declaring her opinion she wants to have the buggery law reviewed leading to a conscience vote in parliament. Her political capital seems to be depleting on the face of it. We saw where the church and or the religious right movement has already responded, a leading anti gay pastor and restorative advocate has said,

“That is very concerning for me [reviewing the buggery law] and I am disappointed that we are still insisting to go back in that direction, because the matter was dealt with in the amended Bill of Rights earlier this year,” said Rev Al Miller, pastor of the Fellowship Tabernacle in Kingston.

Miller said he was equally disappointed with the Opposition Leader’s stance that she had no problem admitting anyone to her Cabinet once they were qualified to carry out their duties.

“I am seriously concerned about that, because it is saying that moral values becomes secondary to ability to perform,” the pastor said, adding: “That kind of approach would be difficult for Christians to support because character and integrity takes precedence over ability.”

The PNP has since released a statement on their site: 

PNP HAS GIVEN NO COMMITMENT TO REPEALING THE BUGGERY ACT

Kingston, December 22, 2011: 

The People’s National Party notes that following Tuesday’s leadership debate, some persons have been suggesting that PNP President Portia Simpson Miller, has given a commitment to “repealing” the Buggery Act. The PNP uses this opportunity to state clearly that Mrs. Simpson Miller gave no such commitment.

The PNP President said it was time that the Act be “reviewed” and all members of the House of Representatives provided with an opportunity to vote on the matter based on their conscience.

It would be expected that in such a vote, Members of Parliament on both sides of the House, would take into consideration the views of their constituents.The PNP President remains committed to her pledge to make appointments to a Cabinet led by her on the basis of competence.

Here comes some more reactions via the Jamaica Observer and the cartoon by Clovis seen below

THE pronouncement by Opposition Leader and People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller during Tuesday night’s national leadership debate that a PNP government led by her would review the buggery law has set off a heated debate with many Jamaicans as well as some churches voicing strong opposition to any such move.

Observer staff reporter Kimmo Matthews yesterday sought the opinions of members of the public on Simpson Miller’s position.

‘Rastaman’

It is something that I would have to go think about, as I do not want to jump to any conclusion on what was said.

Judith Brown White: Supermarket Sales Rep

I have a problem with that decision. To carry out such a review is totally wrong. What it is promoting is totally against the teachings of the Bible.

Chevan Brown

I think it was a ploy to get votes.

Delroy Mitchell

It has been happening, not here in Jamaica only, and soon or later we are going to have to take a stance. I believe that the rights of citizens should be recognised.

Devon Campbell: Taxi Operator

Not in my cabinet! If a man a deal with him thing, mek him deal with it one side. So that means sooner or later, with this review of the law, my grandchildren can’t walk in peace.

Hubert Palmer: Security guard

We are to stop trying to put a pretty coating on the issue. That sort of practice should not be tolerated. What sort of message will that send to my little son down the road?

Chairmaine Mundle: Supermarket Sales Rep

That should never be allowed to happen. God has never created people to operate and entertain that sort of practice. Our country has a strong Christian faith and belief and that sort of practice should not be encouraged and that is what such a planned review will do.

‘Businesswoman’

Our source is God. Why are we trying to sell our souls for the almighty dollar? Jamaica is not a country that embraces that sort of practice. She is out of her cotton-picking mind and she should not sell her soul for the dollar.

Ian

It is full time we should try to move away from that sort of primitive approach and allow people to live their lives despite of their sexual orientation.

Richardo Wedderburn: Security Guard

She should have tried to come up with some different approach. I know because she is a woman she a go try balance the thing. But I believe a revision of such laws is going to affect us down the road.

Jonelle Jefferson: Secretary

I do not care what a man or woman wants to do with their life, but the Opposition needs to realise that it is Jamaica we are living in and we are not going to change our views and I think it is going to hurt her chances in the upcoming election.

Orlando Gayle: Security Guard

That is totally unacceptable. Such practice and support of such practice cannot be right at all. We burn that sort of practice. Her move or plans to review the law will certainly help to promote such practice.

Toney Bromwell: Taxi Operator

Idiot plan that. Jamaica no deal with that. A vote me feel she a look.

ENDS 

Also see:
Church angry, gays happy PNP on collision course with Christians ………………. but some of us are not impressed

and

On Buggery and gays in cabinets with politics ............ some responses ............

also here is the video from the leadership debate:

Also listen to a quick audio commentary I did on the issue recently: 

On Buggery & Gays in Cabinets ......... 21.12.11 

Convener of Families Against State Terrorism (FAST) has written to the Gleaner's Editor:  Impressed With Portia

Of note is the transforming Leighton Levy of the Star News who has been presenting more balanced writings on LGBT issues which is a last refresher on that tabloid's list, check out his latest offering here: 

Jamaica lost the debate!

" ........You want to know why we are going to hell in a hand-basket if we don't act soon? In a time when Jamaica faces significant financial issues that require brave and creative solutions, during a debate - the worst of the three - between the leaders of the respective parties Tuesday night, the big news coming out of the debate is whether either leader would employ a homosexual person to the Cabinet.

If I was asked that question during a debate about important issues, I would simply respond: 'First of all, how does one tell who is a homosexual and second, what difference does it make?' I find it extremely disturbing that neither individual found it necessary to rise above the fray and demonstrate the kind of leadership that Jamaica so desperately needs. In the grand scheme of things, are homosexuals the cause of Jamaica's problems and is ensuring that they are not in the Cabinet a guarantee that this country will find itself on a path to rapid recovery and success? It's kind of like waking up to find your house on fire and wasting time deciding what to wear before you flee the house.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness was disappointing in that he waffled in his response that really said nothing, one way or the other."

Peace and tolerance

H

"Tell Me Pastor" on Bisexual swinger & switch hitting ll.......

The latest entry in the Star News Tell Me Pastor series looks at a bizarre case of a young lady (the letter writer) who found out her male hubby was a switch hitter in a sense and wanted more than just a passing fancy with both sexes while including here in the mix. 

Couple Swinging is also a feature here and there have been talk of it becoming more pronounced here in Jamaica but usually with ground rules of the extent of sexual contact and certainly not with the crossing of the sexes in as far as the accounts of the oral histories told to me.

First please see the letter from the tabloid:

My boyfriend is swinging both ways 

Dear Pastor,

First of all let me tell you what a great job you are doing. Please keep up the good work. I do not know what to do. I am a 25-year-old. I left high school with honours and went to a local university. But despite pressure from my father to do medicine, I chose to study finance. I think I live an ok lifestyle here in Kingston.

The problem is, I have had a boyfriend for the past five years. He is a really nice guy. He parties a lot and attends all the major parties in Kingston and Negril. Recently, he went to a well-known club in Kingston and met some 'new friends', both males and females. They live in Kingston as well.

They invited him to a private party not far from where I live. I decided not to be "nuff" and allowed him to go alone. A few days after, he started asking me to have these new friends (three girls and two guys) to join us in bed during sex. I allowed it once for the 'fun of it'. During that one instance, he forced me into having sex with the girls that came. While these girls were pleasuring me, I noticed one of the males passionately caressing his body and the other performing oral sex on him. I was too drunk during the session to intervene, so I let it pass.

I made mention of it to him recently and he got upset. He said that if I ever mention it to anyone else, he would kill my sister and me. He is one of those 'garrison yutes' and he said if anyone found out, he would have to leave his area as well as Jamaica.

I do not know what to do. My sister is a counsellor and she is the only one who knows about the incident. He keeps telling me he wants us to do it again, this time with only the guys. I have no choice but to believe that he is now gay. I cannot leave him, as I am afraid of what he will do to me, as he has showed me his gun before as a threat. I need help.

M.

Pastor's response 

Dear M.,

I suggest that you leave this man forthwith. And you need not be scared about his threats. You have been fortunate to have a good education, but you have associated yourself with a man who has no class. He is not a good man. A good man will not force his woman (and my emphasis is on force) to have sex with his friends, both males and females. You made a big mistake in agreeing to participate in such sex party. These people used liquor to break down your inhibition so that they could have had their way with you. You should not do so again regardless what your so-called boyfriend says. And you should report him to the police without fear.

You claim that he has a gun and that he is a 'ghetto yute'. There are many 'ghetto yutes' who repudiate any form of homosexual practice, and that is why he does not want people in his area to know what he has become. Be strong. Don't allow this man to intimidate you. Don't give him the impression that you are afraid of him.

Pastor

ENDS

Clearly the hint to the man being a ghetto yute touches on down low thug culture that is fast becoming public knowledge but with a disdain added to it. The dangers as well of this kind of swapping and or swinging under the influence of alcohol is indeed dangerous that I will agree with and will impair ones judgement but the controversial issue of trust in relationships be they mixed or heterosexual is an underlying factor as well. Most persons would rather be told of their partner's choice than to find out later through some indiscretion or accident. If the letter writer never volunteered she may not have known so the knowledge may not be so much of a curse for her as she can take the needed precautions including condom use if she agreed to continue meeting his requests or demands as they  become more as instructions under duress, they she may not be able to negotiate condom use. 

I am not sure about the reporting of the police section as suggested to the letter writer as thug type same gender sex engagers do not like their issues exposed in any way shape or form and are ruthless in going to great lengths to keep them so secret.

Certainly the gay community has expressed deep mistrust when it comes to bisexuals as they are deemed incapable of being faithful to a single partner by virtue of their wide tastes in both genders.

Coincidental that her sister however happens to be a counselor but still this letters reaches Pastor Dumas and is published, group sex is not uncommon across Jamaica in regards to the second wish with the other parties being all male by the her male switch hitter but the matter of consent here is crucial. The first instance according to the letter writer was done at her own recognizance but certainly she should have expected the request would have come again after noticing the intimacy between himself and the other male. The red flag should have been raised from there. Why didn't she object from the get go? 

Why stay with him then? is it the usually dependency issue that many women face as these men support them financially so they remain to continue gaining benefits?  

also see: Lady Switch Hitters & the Boyfriends who complain … for an opposite take on switch hitting.

There have been a few other instances that have come to public attention of this nature but is not spoken of openly, I strongly suggest that bisexual issues and behavioural bisexuality also be added to the slew of subjects towards LGBT advocacy and rights as there are cross cutting issues that cannot go unnoticed or swept under the rug.

Walk good

Peace & tolerance

H

Kidnap for Ransom ring thwarted.

A series of horrific instances continue though carried over from 2010 to 2011 where LGBT persons mostly MSMs who are deemed affluent in a sense or have pricey material possessions with accompanying flashy lifestyles have been targeted for kidnappings in exchange for ransom in cash of kind by other gay or bisexual gangsters who have or are connected to the criminal underworld. The practice was an issue for the community some years ago but was slowed by the arrest of several of the operatives involved by the authorities and the death of another who was gunned down in 2009. 

These persons are known to some of their victims but issues to do with questionable activities of some of our community members has also caused a shadow on the community in terms of perceptions of the lavish lifestyles some persons lead without proper show or proof of income. Male homosexuals have long been perceived as having more disposable income by the mainstream and as such these hyper masculine types also seem to work from that belief be they gay or not, which gives some credence to the belief as well that most murders of more affluent SGL men is done by other gay men who are dependent so to speak on them for wealth and or money, even the dancehall fraternity has shifted its focus now from direct gay bashing and boom bye bye themes in murder music since they cannot do so anymore to now targeting supposed “switch hitters” or DL men as in this case men who will get into gay sex for clothes, material things and money, could this perception be a driving factor as younger more eye candy attractive thugs who are lazy want to still maintain? 

The would be kidnappers would in some instances form relatively long term associations or have sexual relations with their intended victims and move in for the kill either by direct capture at gunpoint or traps set to gain the material wealth or large sums of cash some msms carry on their person. One of the characters was incarcerated years ago for gun crimes and was also a leach on some of the community members who have or carry large sums of money or have retail clothing businesses as the demands for a kind of extortion as well include high end clothes, shoes and such.

 The matter came to a head just this Monday last December 12th when a well known drag personality was the victim of one such trap where a thug eventually held “her” at gunpoint and proceeded to rob the individual of thousands of dollars she was about to use to purchase items for resale for the advancing Christmas season. The scheme allegedly had two other men who were waiting in the wings to take the victim to a secure location while demanding ¾ of a million dollars, the key to the SUV and other gadgetry including high end cell phones and I-Pads recently purchased were eventually taken. 

The matter was however reportedly dealt with by “friends” this time connected to the diva who confronted the fleeing men in the Eastwood Park Gardens area where a car the “friends” were in was used to block the driving men who had the SUV in their possession, threats, heated words and a few blows were reportedly exchanged and the vehicle was returned as the men had no other weapons on them at the time and the gun turned out to be empty when they were cornered. 

A GPRS tracker on the SUV was used to locate the vehicle which they thieves did not realize was activated and well hidden and the diva kept in touch by phone with her cohort who assisted her in retrieving the SUV, so much for active networking there. She has since warned other compatriots to be very careful this season and other times as well and subsequently told me of the incident, I told her I will blog on it without exposing her identity, she agreed. 

It was also several months ago a male teacher from the Portmore community fell victim to this practice as he met a thug who as it turned out was also apart of this very same group, how coincidental? the actual numbers of them is still not clear but this thug who pretended he wanted a relationship with the teacher carried out the facade for months before finally arranging the move on the unsuspecting and enthralled lover turned victim. 

His car was stolen firstly and then an attempted robbery while he was away also occurred as the thug has access to the home via keys that were copied but the attempt was nipped in the bud by vigilant neighbours who witnessed the suspicious actions with the thug and other cronies and notified the police who arrived but the men escaped. The ring according to my well placed source inside the police unit who I spoke to days ago is or was based in Portmore with connections to Kingston, St. Ann and are also responsible for crimes outside the gay community, a woman who is described as “a man royal” was said to be apart of the ring who targets same gender loving women as well but she is now serving time for robbery with aggravation with her case pending awaiting witness testimony. 

Another of the other trouble makers in the community who had repeatedly robbed persons at either knife or gunpoint elsewhere or even at LGBT events or at their homes is also back on the street after a short time incarcerated but has been quiet as of lately, I ran into him some months ago in Half Way Tree but he knows when it comes to me he should keep his distance and don’t even entertain the thought however he was seeking money he says to purchase equipment to start a landscaping business he wants to run he says and not rob persons, he tried to convince me that he has changed but I have my doubts. This side of the thug community in the MSM grouping is not engaged at all by our advocacy structure and hence these problems surface every now and again and often go unreported. 

Let us also not forget the others in the homeless msm community that are being manufactured in a sense by the lack of engagement by the advocacy structure many of whom now are also becoming petty robbers and have targeted other community members, it was recently that there were two robberies in the New Kingston area of LGBT persons leaving an ATM machine on Knutsford Boulevard.

Other reasons and such

Lack of employment or requisite skills make them unemployable and susceptible to getting involved in criminal activity and in some instances their perceived sexual orientation by other thugs in their respective inner city communities set them apart as well although they may not suffer the ostracism and or displacement or forced evictions as the more effeminate brothers or divas are faced with as their defence mechanisms are more pronounced and may even involve violence as retaliation, we all know guns and bullets are available if one knows where to look and who to go to for sale, rental or burrowing. 

This also is a part of the whole public homophobia that presents itself from the underworld which looks as real to some but really is a masked version to conceal more problems these men maybe going through navigating the demanding hetero normative gangster imaged lives these men must show to be approved in not only the depressed areas where they originate, the mainstream but also from the very MSM community itself as we too have bought into the concept of hetero hyper masculine manhood as proof of having or being a real man in local standards. 

This pressure too drives this group to having to maintain an image even if it is a farce hence the expensive clothes, shoes, bleached faces, other forced hyper masculine aesthetics and attitudes such as higher than normal decibelled voice tones to project strength. Really sometimes when the outer trappings are removed they are lonely souls who need love. As indicated in the first paragraph many of these men are lazy, do not want to work and depend on “hustling” by our standards anything that brings in the bacon and they feel justified in doing so as the sanction/verification comes in cultural beliefs and odes such as men will or should do anything to survive so long as you are successful in doing whatever that illegal act is, this in my view also is part and parcel of the anancyism that pervades the national psyche, what other perfect example we can look at but the election campaigns now on in earnest where all these persons who do not normally work or are from depressed communities find this unusual energy to cheer with or alongside political party marches when it is known some of them are paid to be present there. 

 A recent murder in Portmore of an ally Sean McFarlane who was a clerk at the houses of parliament also has brought into sharp focus this issue of thugs who only want access to materialistic things as more details slowly become known though unconfirmed it is suggested he too was involved with one of his accused who have numbered two so far who have been caught by the police. Mr. McFarlane was laid to rest on November 27th at Meadowrest, he was found dead just outside his home in Greater Portmore on October 31 with several stab wounds in his car with money reportedly stolen. 

The initial report in the Gleaner only made mention of the would be killers being probably known to Mr. McFarlane a tactic the media uses to avoid putting the gay issue too much in such cases. The intersections of the effeminate or semi effeminate men who have sex with men versus the hypermasculine types are just ever so interesting and leads to all other kinds of issues some of which we are yet to fully comprehend. 

It was only in August of this year that a leading same gender loving female poet and blogger was also attacked and an attempted abduction was carried out but she managed to escape her attackers but the incident had traumatized her and she now literally plans her routes for travelling and outdoor activities and has greatly reduced her social activities away from home unless absolutely necessary. 

It was only a few months ago we were broad brushed by Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey (see apology here) he noted that many crimes committed were by gay men, is there some truth in all of that? Also see: Stereotyping from the police ............... for some more background

Be ever so careful out there please and warn others. 

Peace and tolerance 

H

Melbourne elects Australia's first intersex Mayor

Melbourne has Australia’s first openly intersex Mayor following the election of long time queer community supporter and advocate Councillor Tony Briffa to the top position at the City of Hobsons Bay at the end of November.

Not being associated with any particular political party, Tony Briffa is an independent councillor whose focus has remained on representing his community (where he has lived all his life), community diversity and environmental issues.

Speaking enthusiastically at the launch of the Midsumma 2012 program on the weekend before the Hobson’s Bay election, Briffa who was a councilor at the time, said he was proud to be a member of the queer community and excited about the involvement of the city he represented in the full cultural life of Melbourne.

At the launch, he announced his intention to run for mayor, promising that should he get the top mayor position that he would be attending Victoria’s Pride March in February 2012 in full mayoral robes. Since officially becoming Mayor of the city of Hobsons Bay, Briffa has re-confirmed his intention to march at Pride March in the official robes. The City of Hobsons Bay, which includes the suburbs of Altona, Brooklyn, Laverton, Newport, Seabrook, Spotswood and Williamstown, has played an increasingly significant role in Melbourne’s queer cultural celebration the Midsumma Festival over the past few years, becoming a major hub of the 2012 program.

“I am excited about the future of our community and look forward to serving the city with enthusiasm and pride,” Briffa said following his election.

National LGBTI Health Alliance Board Member Gina Wilson says Briffa is inspiring.

“Tony is an inspiration and a role model for a whole generation of intersex people, both those who have suffered early interventions and those who have come to their differences later in life,” Wilson said.

“We share Tony’s hope that his election will break down taboos associated with intersex differences. Tony is a wonderful example of how intersex people can overcome the devastating and unnecessary medical treatment meted out to so many intersex children, and go on to become champions of human rights and cultural diversity for everyone.”

Additional Information:
The following is provided to help people understand who I am on a more personal level, particularly given my genetic intersex condition and some of the media articles about it. (Note that intersex conditions are sometimes also referred to as Disorders of Sexual Development, but I like to consider them as just a variation in nature).

The first thing parents are told when a baby is born is whether the baby is a boy or a girl. In my case, doctors weren’t sure because I was born with physical attributes of both sexes as well as missing attributes of both (i.e. a genetic intersex condition). This means I am biologically not exclusively male or female but somewhere in between (or both). My doctor immediately referred me to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne who ran a number of tests including chromosomal karyotyping, hormonal analysis, a laparotomy and biopsies. They diagnosed me with an intersex condition called “Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome” and the treatment paradigm – likely elsewhere in the world – dictated that I was to be raised as a girl, any male physical attributes had to be surgically removed if possible, and I was not to be told the truth about my condition. This was a particularly difficult time for my parents.As a result of my diagnosis I was named Antoinette and raised as a girl. I went to Mount Saint Joseph’s Girls’ College in Altona and lived as a woman until I learned the truth about my condition and sought to find out who I would have been had the medical profession not sought to “normalise” me. I didn’t have a gender identity issue; I just wanted to be the person nature had intended. Frankly, after learning about my condition I felt like I was living a lie as a woman given I did not have a complete female reproductive system and was also born with some internal male organs.

After starting hormone replacement therapy to replace the hormones my testes would have produced had I not been castrated as a child, my body started to change. My voice deepened and I started to grow hair in places where I never had hair before. It started getting more difficult being “Antoinette” so I had my identity documentation “corrected” to state I was male. I didn’t particularly feel male because I didn’t have all the basic male attributes and the male upbringing, but it made public life easier. The funny thing is that my birth certificate is as wrong stating my sex as male, as it was when it classified me as female.

Years later I feel very comfortable having accepted my true nature. I am not male or female, but both. I am grateful for the years I lived as a woman and the insight and experiences it gave me. I am still “Antoinette” and have now also incorporated and accepted my male (“Anthony” or “Tony”) side. I feel whole. I’ll continue to live as Tony but I feel I am now at a point in my life where I can celebrate being different.
I am very touched that despite my condition the Altona and Hobsons Bay community has always accepted me. I think it shows our community is genuinely accepting and understanding of people who are different.

The following articles are just some examples of things I’ve done or articles written about me and my condition. My personal story has also been featured twice on 60 Minutes and I continue to advocate strongly for the rights of children born with intersex conditions and their families:

• “Choosing the Right Gender”, The Age (1 February 2005)

• “He’s the Man”, 60 Minutes (4 September 2005)

• “Human rights close to home for Tony Briffa”, Hobsons Bay Weekly (2 September 2009)

• “Dilemmas when gender is uncertain”, The Australian (19 March 2005)

• “Tony Briffa goes boldly as ‘other’”, The Hobsons Bay Weekly (7 July 2010)

• “Award-winning research gives hope to children of uncertain sex”, IBM Output (Winter 2007)

• Presentation by Tony Briffa at an Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW forum at the NSW Parliament House in 2003

J-FLAG Celebrates 13 Years of Promoting Tolerance for Gays ... higher expectations from some quarters .................

One day before JFLAG's 13th anniversary as was formerly launched on Human Rights Day December 10th 1998 in the sted of the then defunct Gay Freedom Movement (GFM) and also to create an advocacy arm for parent NGO Jamaica AIDS Support (the "for Life" name addition came some years later) they have released a statement as seen below from the desk of the Executive Director. I was proud to have witnessed that period of LGBT history in the early days of murdered co founder/advocate Brian Williamson whose home some of us as battered and bruised MSMs gathered to hear the plans of the movement in 1997/8, he too also opened his home to displaced msms and sgl women, some including myself provided information on our personal struggles with homophobia, incarceration and family ostracism as gay men at the time through active persons such as Thomas Glave a co founder as well who now reside overseas. Other operatives had to also seek asylum for their own safety. 

I may stand alone hereafter but sometimes it takes only one.

My buggery case and that of my three other co-accused which was in court at the time (started in December 1996 through to 1999) was also used as reference material for to develop the crisis intervention structure at the time I was told afterwards. While we can appreciate and congratulate them on the milestone and the more meaningful achievements such as the Stop Murder Music Campaigns and the Parliamentary Submission (which was not properly followed up) in the good early years they seem to have lost the original vision with purpose and some major issues and obstacles that have impeded LGBT community development have been highlighted from the mainstream but some handicapping occurring precisely due to the advocacy structure's ineptitude or dropping the ball, selectiveness on issues, very little or full non engagement of key sub groups under the lgbt umbrella and in some instances downright laziness on their part, also bearing in mind no recognition of their very own milestone was given by them two years in succession. Several things are missing from this release in my mind and as a former volunteer and full time advocate with them I feel we need to get real and honest about where we are. Most communications written and the view oral or limited forumatic activity from the goodly J is not tailored to the main LGBT audience which also says a lot about the organization's ideology. It took several years and alot of noise in some circles to get the J to even become enlightened in the use of proper descriptions and the very website languished for years without any updates for the community to see and follow up on, even now on the new site comments posting is closed, so how are persons for or against to engage the group when the very acronym implies action to interact with the groups? Alternate independent media was suggested as an option and even those ideas were subtly rejected. Now those are now being embraced quietly. 

But have a read first and decide for yourselves. Frankly JFLAG's representation here is much to be desired for the person with higher expectations as they seem to continue to ignore the real issues on the ground and present this artificial unity to the globe. 

The release read as follows via their website

J-FLAG Celebrates 13 Years of Promoting Tolerance for Gays

Kingston — December 9, 2011

Jamaica has come a long way in promoting respect and tolerance for the human rights of Jamaicans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) but much more needs to be done to make Jamaica a cohesive and just society where everyone can live, work and raise their family.

J-FLAG was launched on December 10, 1998 as Jamaica’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights advocacy group by twelve business people, educators, lawyers, public relations practitioners and human rights activists to advocate for protection from state-sanctioned and community violence. In this regard, J-FLAG’s call was for the fair and equal treatment of gays and lesbians under the law and by the ordinary citizen.

Thirteen years ago there were more dancehall and reggae artistes singing homophobic songs, more persons right to life was being violated because of their sexual orientation, the Commissioner of Police would never instruct police officers to respect the rights of all civilians, regardless of their sexual preference, political representatives would never meet with us and publicly support LGBT rights, the media would never openly advocate the repeal of the buggery law, and HIV programmes were not catering to the needs of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Today, 7% of HIV/AIDS organisations in Jamaica are working with MSM, more and more research is being done on homosexuality and homophobia in Jamaica, there are social and entertainment spaces that are friendly and for LGBT people and there are more than five LGBT focussed organisations and many support groups across the island.

The truth is more of us are realizing that human rights belong to every one of us without exception and more of us are promoting this concept. However, unless we know them, unless we demand that they be respected, and unless we defend our rights to love and care for each other without distinction, these rights will be just words in a decades-old documents.

However, despite our progress over the years, this year alone J-FLAG received more than sixty reports of murder, mob attacks, extortion, home evictions and verbal and physical abuse. Tomorrow is Human Rights Day, and as Hon. Rudyard Spencer said on December 1, 2011 at the Leaders’ Breakfast on HIV and AIDS, “we should not ignore the cries of those who continue to suffer because we fail to do what is right. It is time to be courageous and to be strong. It is time to usher our country to into a new day where justice, liberty and freedom prevail for all.” It is important that we begin recognizing and respecting the rights and beliefs of others.

J-FLAG strongly believes that the next government must take the steps needed to promote tolerance and respect for human rights, regardless of, inter alia, sexual orientation and protect LGBT persons from abuse. Already the United Nations Human Rights Committee has instructed the government to report by the end of 2012 on the steps it will take to come into full compliance with its human rights obligations. We stand ready to assist our government on issues of concern to many Jamaicans with respect to the rights of the LGBT community.

Here are five concrete things the leaders of both political parties can do if they form the next government and can easily accomplish within a year. These are:

· Taking Leadership for Human Rights,

· Promoting Equality and Non-Discrimination,

· Tackling Crime and Violence,

· Integrating Sexuality Issues within Gender Policy and

· Ensuring Every Child Learn in Safe Schools.

These will have a welcome and meaningful impact on the lives of all citizens, including LGBT Jamaicans, their family, friends and allies. J-FLAG stands ready to support the government in demonstrating its commitments to protect and promote the human rights of all Jamaicans, regardless of their socio-economic status, sexual orientation, health status, disability, work, and political and religious persuasions.

For further information contact:

Dane Lewis

Executive Director

P.O. Box 1152, Kingston 8, Jamaica

T: (876) 978-8988 | M: (876) 875 2328 | F: (876) 946-3244

W: www.jflag.org | E: admin@jflag.org

Follow us @equality_JA on Twitter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/J-Flag/96340216669

ENDS

Glaring realities:

Sadly no mention of the two murdered lesbians who were taken from us tragically just this month as well or the other same gender loving female issues that abound which more and more confirms the belief it's a man's world when it comes to LGBT advocacy in Jamaica 

No recognition of the introspective activities by a small group who did an expose on LGBT business and culture in a Pride Fest to which the J was invited to participate in and of which they ignored

No mention of the overall health and or concern of the homeless community lest we forget earlier this year some of them launched a two day civil disobedience action August 23rd and 24th at the parent NGO office that being Jamaica AIDS Support (for Life), where there was open defiance to the Exec Director when he and the former Crisis Intervention Officer tired to engage the angry men, two days of shame for us as thinking people, the men were banned from the groups before the action and then the structure turned around and hypocritically asked the nation for tolerance in the now rejected tolerance ad, credibility lost other methods have been employed since to agitate for rights or the decriminalization of buggery, a call I support but not without a proper ethical base from which to speak. 

Still no serious look at transgender issues overall during the year even with the death of two of the most prominent ones, a suspicious voting process for trans representatives for the former Global Fund CCM for Round 11, their website still has not shown any serious moves towards this population as a matter of public record, their version of Jamaican transgender news is a Wikipedia link as evidenced below:

Lack of serious frontline interventions and presence ISLANDWIDE not just a Kingston office is URGENTLY needed especially with regards to a more younger active LGBT community

Interest seems to be more on the international stage, governmental battling and suring up image than dealing with inter and intra community issues which is a longstanding criticism from several sections of the community and is spreading slowly as persons begin to evaluate where we are as a people.

To say that HIV programs are not catering to the msm population is disingenuous as JFLAG is parented by the oldest NGO in the field of HIV Jamaica AIDS Support for Life founded by and still run by very powerful and influential MSMs along with other persons and who have direct access to the community if they so desire which makes us question the reasons for such groups existence now, simply documenting incidences and or allotting a couple thousand dollars to victims is NOT enough, still there are no resident psycho social services as spread out in any meaningful islandwide framework with real cooperation not selected friends., it is for the greater good of the community that the work is to be done.

There is so much that is just not in place for proper representation too numerous to list here but with the cogs of HIV, funding and other interventions gateways jealously guarded by elements linked to the J we may never see any true serious and proper coverage islandwide especially in the area of frontline work. I guess we are going to be told there is no money for what we are expecting. That I totally disbelieve having participated in fundraising action on behalf of the J. With the Obama administration in the US pledging more support and conditionalities to countries for aid with regards to LGBT rights and support for advocacy groups as well some are expecting that the J will benefit seeing the connections they have to the consulate locally, it is with great interest a few including myself are watching to see if and when such funds become available if we won't see major improvements in advocacy and intervention work with real forumatic activity.

Wake up J, we are expecting far more than this after 13 years seeing that dissenting voices are not engaged or ignored so read what some feel on independent media. I do not think major JFLAG founders like the late Brian Williamson or even some alive today do approve or would have approved of the direction we are heading, the silence from the ones alive albeit some are living overseas is also troubling. They seem to be only majoring in scoring asylum seekers access overseas and a late in coming counseling line by an external associate in ASHE supposedly opened on Fridays to Sundays on 294-1111. One hopes the old accusations of the phone counselors in a previous dispensation were hitting on some of the callers every now and again don not resurface.


more here in my audio commentary:

 JFLAG 13 years but expectations are higher in some quarters 09.12.11 by glbtqja4 

Peace and tolerance

H