The Cruising community’s dilemma .....

The Cruising community’s dilemma

In recent months we have seen some serious dents occurring in the section of the community hardly talked about openly or even recognized, the cruisers, with the Jamaica Observer story this year of a nude man found dead in the Coronation Market region with his throat slashed and his anus apparently penetrated which was deduced as a male rape by the police many have become nervous about their regular manhunt for sex or be it commercial sex activity in certain parts of Kingston. Certainly there are minor skirmishes in this risky form of sexual behaviour as done by men who have sex with men and given the sensitivities involved locally ever more so.

The follow up incidents that have also happened have not helped either with chases and the destruction of one male’s vending stall earlier in April as he was accused of stalking another man in the downtown Kingston area some of the guys who not only derive pleasure from their cruising habits but also some income are wondering if the walls are caving in on them and their version of the MSM lifestyle.

Some negative factors expressed include:

1) The loss of stomping grounds in downtown and surrounding regions

2) Stiff competition as more and more new faces join the fold some of whom resort to public homophobic taunts to scare would be competitors from turf or open war and fights for control of the business and traffic, many so called homophobic incidents that occur sometimes are as a direct result of this

3) Increased commercialization of once valuable areas of pleasure

4) Increased policing by the security forces of once quiet regions in and around Kingston and St. Andrew

5) Cross competition from other resident and nonresident street walkers such as homeless youths (windshield wipers who may or may not be MSMs themselves who use certain spots as their homes thus blocking traffic or “cock blocking”)

6) The increasing disappearance of easy access to public restrooms and specific gay cruising landmark buildings as stomping or hookup grounds as errors either from inexperienced persons or from more adept cruisers themselves have led to more vigilant security measures implemented thus leading to more “cock blocking”

7) Infiltration by “gay pretenders” on spaces and in the business who demand high payola, ultra secrecy and who also resort to public anti gay rhetoric in a few instances to threaten or intimidate the more affluent participants to comply in payment.

8) Trick cruisers (most of whom are MSMs) or other “gay pretenders” who use online or chat sites to get their prey to meet and may resort to even killing to protect their identities being revealed post an encounter or deal gone wrong.

The fallout is already creating havoc in the circle of things especially in sections of Kingston on January 8th a report that a man had to beat a hasty retreat in the downtown Kingston area after a cruising attempt went wrong as the intended target turned out to be not as he anticipated was true I have since gathered that a small mob was hastily put together by the man (the target of the cruiser) from the nearby rural municipal bus park as there are major works being done in that section of downtown Kingston with the new bus park being hastily put together beyond the old park.

January 8th a report that a man had to beat a hasty retreat in the downtown Kingston area after a cruising attempt went wrong as the intended target turned out to be not as he anticipated was true I have since gathered that a small mob was hastily put together by the man (the target of the cruiser) from the nearby rural municipal bus park as there are major works being done in that section of downtown Kingston with the new bus park being hastily put together beyond the old park.

The downtown area in particular like most other urban centers is a haven for "catching something" for a quickie or some outdoor action for the more daring MSMs around. Sadly many of these cruisers are not your average gays who frequent gay parties, clubs, interested, exposed or involved in advocacy typed activities or issues hence the actions go unnoticed or grossly under reported as incidents as the persons involved simply move on.

Read the rest of the Cruising Challenges post here from Gay Jamaica Watch, there was another chase typed event in Kingston some evenings ago but how do we reach these guys except the one off meetings or hanging with them in their own environment without disrupting their activities. Their recent revolve to protect each other following the gruesome murder of a cross dresser on Half Way Tree Road was a start in as far as their own protection mechanism which is commendable.

But given the fact there are several questionable cases of murder this year so far to include one prominent event promoter which is cause for concern.

Man murdered in Runaway Bay in strange circumstances

is one such case and the discovery of Roderick Reid in his car abandoned near Rollington Town earlier this year: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Roderick-Reid-killed and http://jamaica-star.com/thestar/20110131/ent/ent1.html

Let's continue to watch these events carefully and assist our brothas in this area where needed or possible.

Walk good out deh

Peace and tolerance

H

Stem the culture of intolerance (Gleaner letter) ... but what about intolerance from within??

Ever so often these days we see these letters coming to the fore in the papers, fine, as was encouraged and practiced by many advocates and others before and suggested by bloggers like myself but often times the letters only seem to be pointing to the intolerant and homophobic mainstream and rightly so but these letter writers (not specifically this one but includes it) tend to forget that on the subject of intolerance we as lgbtqi people exact some of the most caustic and more pronounced forms to each other socially, especially those relating to class, educational background and ostracism simply because someone does not fit a mould of how they ought to be. Some intolerance is needed when directed towards a wrong or principle but when it hurts deliberately or not we must speak out we cannot become complacent with some of the issues impeding our own growth and development. The positions of power media, business and even in government despite the not in my cabinet rant by the PM many lgbtqi persons occupy in this country yet we are aloof to the plight of many below simply because some feel they are insulated and maybe so to a certain extent yet we cannot see each other as each other's keeper.

The egregious way for example the very lgbt advocacy structure now works, yes I am going to hit until it changes, no matter how long it takes, it cannot be a question of after the fact, knee jerk responses glossed with intellectually masturbatory letters to the newspapers, it has to now become proactive, we refuse to deal with the inter/intra community issues upfront, only recently the limp-wristedness proved itself again, to have a policy of only financially assisting persons who are employed smacks of a kind of intolerance towards others from the lower socio economic ends when a recently unemployed man in rural Jamaica whose home is under threat of a firebombing had to seek help, he was told the aforementioned it was not until several phone calls to higher ups some of whom outside the day to day operations that prompted some better action although it could have been far more. There is another case of a young man who has been issued death threats and displaced by his very mother he was reportedly told he would be assisted with "contacts" what's that, when his very life is in danger?

The intolerance also not to accommodate other points of view and engage such presenters including the ever increasing criticisms of the advocacy structure is another one of the ways of corporatist culture but then they produce letters with the greatest of ease presenting a false unity. We may have agreement on some issues but those that a more "friendly" accord far more importance than from other circles.

The other danger where we now reside is we including the advocates and public commentators have over intellectualised aspects of the much needed and relevant discourse without including the ordinary lgbt body politic. Diversity will always be with us but intolerance and aloofness are choices that can be dropped and we can do without.

The belief that we must be spoken for sans interruption without any serious consultations of feedback from the community shows a kind of contempt that is just sad, we are already going through all kinds of stuff from the outside and even within indirectly through internalised homophobia, ego dystonic orientation problems, downlow going mad and a host of others identity crisis and sexual orientation related matters.

How we belittle and demean each other, backroom jokes, how we treat other orientations under the lgbtqi umbrella we (to include the advocates) tolerate and allow biphobia and transphobia by default coupled with invisibility of those representatives with such ease yet we use the call letters in giving only lip service to them through letters and speeches. The problems for example of lesbians versus gays and so on, effemophobia where it is now fashionable to "bitch" on someone who is effeminate all this being done by US! to each other. A total re-education exercise maybe needed to examine sexualities and sexual orientation from scratch within the community but one wonders how wide spread will that be as more persons are becoming ever so cynical which may harm us in the end.

WE HAVE TO CLEAN HOUSE AND IMPROVE INTERNALLY BEFORE WE GO OUT ASKING FOR THIS AND THAT AND PRESENTING A FALSE UNITY TO OUR DETRACTORS.

Here is the letter in question from the Gleaner April 30th.

Stem the culture of intolerance

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The intolerance of gender and sexual diversity in our country, demonstrated by intimidation, physical assaults and death threats against persons who are merely suspected of being homosexuals, within the work and education environment, is atrocious.

I am deeply perturbed by the alleged constant bullying of a hard-working male teacher, based on his perceived sexual orientation by a few of his male colleagues, at a high school in Kingston.

Since September 2010, a male teacher has been receiving verbal assaults and death threats, such as "POW! POW! ....-man fi dead", from his colleagues in the presence of other staff members and students.

The assault has continued until, recently, the victim, out of fear for his safety, has made a police report. This type of blatantly homophobic behaviour by teachers is inexcusable and unacceptable.

Many Jamaicans face discrimination in the workplace because of their perceived or actual sexual orientation. This can mean dealing with the prejudice of their own colleagues, which can be unbearable and lead to increased absenteeism and changing of jobs. Bullying and intimidation in the workplace can lead to depression, a sense of worthlessness, and even thoughts of suicide.

Furthermore, sexual orientation may be seen as a barrier to promotion or recognition of achievements. In some cases, lesbian, gay and bisexual people avoid certain careers that they think will be homophobic.

Teachers, as primary educators, are considered to be critical leaders in our society; however, they should be equally blamed for reinforcing and, perhaps, perpetuating this culture of homophobia within the Jamaican society.

Therefore, I am urging the Ministry of Education, the Jamaica Teachers' Association and all schools to stem this culture of intolerance.

I am, etc.,
DWAYNE BROWN
Duanyex@hotmail.com

Ohio Methodist Church says Homosexuality is a Gift, Not a Sin

(Photo: Central United Methodist Church)

Central United Methodist Church launched a campaign advertising "Being Gay Is a Gift From God."

By Eryn Sun|Christian Post Correspondent

Being gay is a gift from God, asserts one church in Ohio.

That’s the message that Central United Methodist Church is spreading throughout their community via a digital billboard, launched on Monday.

This “simple statement,” the church announced, is “intended to be a gift to those who have experienced hurt and discrimination because of their real or perceived sexual orientation.”

“The Church seeks nothing less than the healing of the world, and Central UMC wants to offer words and acts of healing to those hurt and marginalized,” the website states.

Jeff Buchanan, the director of Exodus Church Equipping & Student Ministries, agrees that the Church must display love and compassion for those in the LGBT community. But he opposes the message that CUMC is sending through their “Being Gay is a Gift from God” campaign.

“Why would God bestow this ‘gift’ only to condemn it throughout the Bible? This would seemingly contradict His character as a God who is loving and just.”

The Toledo church’s controversial billboard ad is directly connected to a long month-long sermon series by its new pastor, Bill Barnard. The church is hoping that the ad will move the public towards tolerance, reported ABC 13, and not perpetuate anti-gay attitudes and behaviors, which were harming the LGBT community.

The purposes of their recently launched campaign are threefold: to offer welcome to all persons who are gay; to challenge the larger Church to fully accept persons who are gay into the life of the Church; and to call on all people to bring all the gifts of who they are to God.

“By welcoming and living in community with faithful Christians who happen to be gay, we have come to understand that being gay is part of who God made them to be,” CUMC proclaims on their site. “And by gay Christians bringing all that they are to God, the body of Christ has been strengthened.”

“In fact, we would experience the body of Christ as incomplete without LGBT persons.”

Barnard told ABC, “We really believe that being gay is a gift from God, and it’s not anything that anyone has to apologize for or be ashamed about. So that’s how [the campaign] came to be.”

Believing sexuality to be a “good gift from God” – or as they declared yet another way in God’s infinite diversity – CUMC defines sin as denying who God created them to be.

“The overwhelming scientific evidence is that people are born with their sexual orientation, that it is not a choice,” the church contends. “Fully accepting one’s sexual orientation and identity is key to leading a normal and healthy life.

“Forcing people to act against their God-given sexual orientation will lead to disordered lives. Allowing people to act in accordance with their God-given sexual orientation leads to reconciliation.”

While deeming the marginalization of LGBT persons as “unjustified” – mentioning that Jesus did not speak directly regarding homosexuality – the Toledo church recognizes that the Church today continues to be divided over interpretation of Scripture related to homosexuality.

Just two months ago, 33 retired United Methodist bishops urged the denomination to remove its ban on homosexual clergy, prolonging the undying debate within the church body.

CUMC hopes to unify believers by focusing more on “things that [they] agree on, such as kindness, justice, and humility,” instead of contributing to hate and discrimination, which they believe leads not to reconciliation, but to self-destructive practices within the LGBT community.

“Holding people responsible for matters in which they have no control is irrational and immoral,” the church declares. “We believe that both those within and without the Church are hungry for dialogue about homosexuality that reflects compassion and humility rather than intolerance and strife.”

Buchanan contends that CUMC’s message “tells people that the only option they have is a gay identity.”

But “people need to understand that thousands of men and women have found there is another way and have found freedom from homosexuality through the power of Christ,” he says.

Even if there was conclusive evidence supporting the theory that people were “born this way,” Buchanan stresses that Christians were called to be “born again.”

“While we may not choose our desires, we do have the ability and responsibility to choose whether or not we act on those desires. Our goal should be living a life that is congruent with Scripture,” he says.

“Genesis describes the fall of man and the permanent effects that sin has on us spiritually, mentally, and physically. Just because something may be inherent does not mean it was intended.”

Despite the outcry of many from the Christian community against CUMC’s campaign, Barnard continues to proclaim that homosexuality is a “gift” and has people come and remain just “as they are.”

Working to accept persons who are gay into the full life of the Church, CUMC is a founding member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, which is the United Methodist movement for gay equality in the denomination.

Two of the volunteer staff members at their church, including the music director and lead team chair, live with their partners and have served the church for over seven years.

Grieved over the misinterpretation of Scripture and false teaching that is being promoted by CUMC and many other churches like them, Buchanan encourages churches to deliver the message of Christ with love and grace, but also with accuracy and uncompromised truth.

“We must always remember that authentic love is built upon a foundation of grace and truth.”

Butch Voices Conference 2011

Time	Thursday, August 18 at 6:00pm - August 21 at 10:00pm
Location	Oakland Marriott City Center 1001 Broadway Oakland, CA

BUTCH Voices 2011 Conference

August 18th – 21st, 2011

Click Here to Register

http://www.butchvoices.com

/registration/

What: BUTCH Voices 2nd National Conference – Oakland, CA

When: August 18 to August 21, 2011

Early Registration: $100*

*Contribute an additional $25 for a VIP Pass

Pricing will go up June 1st — so register today!

A Word on the VIP Pass: As a thank you to those who are able to contribute a little extra to the helping BUTCH Voices Conference happen, we will offer a BUTCH Voices Appreciation t-shirt, reserved seating at events (where space permits) an invitation to our Volunteer Appreciation Party and a special VIP mixer with a few of our amazing speakers.

We are able to make this event happen thanks to your monetary contributions as well as your volunteer service.

Volunteers (VIP): Volunteers pay regular registration rates – and receive VIP perks as a thanks for your completion of service.

Where: The official host hotel where most events will be held is the Marriott City Center in fabulous and historic downtown of Oakland. Room rates are $114.00 per night.

Hotel Reservations:

Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607: 510-451-4000

Hotel Code: bhvbhva (if you are calling by phone)

Make your reservations online by clicking here.

http://www.marriott.com/ho

tels/travel/oakdt-oakland-

marriott-city-center/?toDa

te=8%2F21%2F11%2F&groupCod

e=bvhbvha&fromDate=8%2F18%

2F11&app=resvlink

Please note that the url already contains the online group code, just plug in your dates and it will automatically find the Butch Voices rate.

The Marriott City Center is located in fabulous and historic downtown Oakland. Located right across the street from the BART system, the Marriott City Center is 4 miles from Berkley, 8 miles from San Francisco and 34 miles from Napa Valley.

For more hotel information

click here: http://www.marriott.com/ho

tels/travel/oakdt-oakland-

marriott-city-center/

Click Here to Register via Facebook

http://butchvoices2011.eve

ntbrite.com/?ref=bvfacebook

Stay tuned for our call for submissions and performers, as well as our sponsor and vendor information. Details being added to the BUTCH Voices website ongoing.