First Permanent LGBT homeless facility in New York founded by Cyndi Lauper ............. and our scenario?

Isn't it ironic that just as we have had a two day insurrection or civil disobedience (the 2nd one in recent history) actions (August 23 & 24, 2011) by homeless msms in Kingston that a major superstar in a more LGBT friendly environment while lending her celebrity has founded a shelter for homeless persons to ease some of the problems in New York?

Does anyone finds this instructive?

Next month, Cyndi Lauper's 1986 hit "True Colors" takes on new meaning when the True Colors Residence for homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (L.G.B.T.) youth opens in Harlem on September 1.

In New York City, a very disproportionate number (up to 40 percent), of homeless youth identify as L.G.B.T. Even more disturbing are reports that these young people often face discrimination and at times physical assault in some of the very places they have to for help. This is shocking and inexcusable!
— Cyndi Lauper

The idea behind the 30-bed facility, which is on W. 154th St. near Frederick Douglass Blvd, was conceived by Lauper, her manager and the West End Intergenerational Residence, a non-profit that provides housing and support for homeless families and seniors.

The True Colors Residence will be the first permanent housing facility in New York for homeless L.G.B.T. youth.

"In New York City, a very disproportionate number (up to 40 percent) of homeless youth identify as L.G.B.T.," the Queens singer, actress and writer said in a letter urging donors to support the project. "Even more disturbing are reports that these young people often face discrimination and at times physical assault in some of the very places they have to for help. This is shocking and inexcusable!"

The True Colors Residence, a project of West End Inter-generational Residence and partners Cyndi Lauper and her manager Lisa Barbaris, is slated to open in Central Harlem this summer. True Colors will be the first permanent, supportive housing facility for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth in New York State.

Lauper has long been an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. In 2007, she created the True Colors Tour, in which she performed and talked about L.G.B.T. issues with Erasure, The B-52s, the Indigo Girls, Deborah Harry and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. She founded the True Colors Fund in 2008, a non-profit for the advancement of L.G.B.T. equality.

The True Colors Residence was subsequently constructed. The new energy-efficient building contains 30 studio apartments for youth aged 18 to 24 to live in, and indoor and outdoor community space. Residents will pay rent based on their income and receive job placement help, according to the facility's Web site.

Lauper will be the honorary chair of the shelter's board, and her manager, Lisa Barbaris, will be the board's honorary vice chair.

"Our primary goal is to provide a physically and emotionally safe and supportive environment that will empower our young residents to be the self-loving, happy and successful individuals they were meant to be," Lauper wrote.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has already started referring homeless and disconnected youth to the True Colors Residence.

"We have about 1,000 people a year come here," said Carrie Davis, the director of community services at The Center. "And at least 20 to 25 percent of those individuals face an issue of homelessness or are under-housed at some point in their adolescence."

Carl Siciliano, the founder and executive director of the Ali Forney Center, agreed that the new shelter was a much-needed facility.

"There are fewer than 200 beds for homeless youth in New York City, and fewer than ten beds for homeless L.B.G.T. youth," he said. "So every new bed aimed at this new population is really a matter of life and death that could get kids off the street."

He said the Ali Forney Center had also already referred and placed youth in studio apartments at the True Colors Residence.

Lauper's new shelter is part of a slowly growing movement that's calling attention to the plight of homeless L.B.G.T. youth in New York. In 2009, Mayor Bloomberg's office created a 25-member Commission for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Runaway and Homeless Youth. The director of the commission is Jeanne B. Mullgrav, the commissioner of the Department of Youth and Community Development.

"We are ecstatic that, with the opening of the True Colors Residence, more housing and services will be available to help our most vulnerable youth succeed and thrive," said Mullgrav. "In 2010, Mayor Bloomberg’s Commission on L.G.B.T.Q. Runaway and Homeless Youth report highlighted that LGBTQ youth are particularly at risk of leaving home. In response, the Commission recommended the addition of beds and specialized services for this population, so we are especially pleased to see this vision becoming a reality."

Lauper, who was raised in Ozone Park, will also be performing at a 9/11 tribute at the U.S. Open on Sept. 10.

parts taken from Abbie Fentress Swanson article, thanks to her

Meanwhile our advocates throw or bar our homeless MSMs in particular and hire canine teams to keep them out of the establishment of advocacy

See:

The dark side to the homeless issue ..............

my two cents in audio over the recent civil disobedience in Kingston

Other sides to the msm homeless saga part 2 by glbtqja2

Bisexuality Day is September 23 ....

Celebrate Bisexuality Day is observed on September 23 by members of the bisexual community and their supporters originally in the United States but has been extended worldwide.

This day is a call for bisexual, pansexual, friends and supporters to recognize and celebrate bisexuality, bisexual history, bisexual community and culture, and the bi/pansexual people in their lives.

First observed in 1999, Celebrate Bisexuality Day is the brainchild of three United Statesbisexual rights activists: Wendy Curry of Maine, Michael Page of Florida, and Gigi Raven Wilburof Texas.

Wilbur said,

“

Ever since the Stonewall rebellion, the gay and lesbian community has grown in strength and visibility. The bisexual community also has grown in strength but in many ways we are still invisible. I too have been conditioned by society to automatically label a couple walking hand in hand as either straight or gay, depending upon the perceived gender of each person.

”

This celebration of bisexuality in particular, as opposed to general LGBT events, was conceived as a response to the prejudice and marginalization of the bisexual persons by some in both thestraight and greater LGBT communities.

In its first year, an observance was held during the International Lesbian and Gay Association, which occurred during the week of the 23rd. While at first it only took hold in areas with an extremely strong bisexual presence, it is now celebrated worldwide.

It features event such as discussions, dinner parties and dances in Toronto and a large masquerade ball in Queensland, Australia. At Texas A&M University, the week featured discussion panels and question-and-answer sessions. Princeton University celebrates this day each year by throwing a party at its LGBT Center.

It has also been celebrated in Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately in Jamaica either our advocates haven't matured to the recognition of bisexuals as a part of our struggle or we can't be bothered as "batty business" and the associated dramas are more important when some of the very issues of homophobia as we call it are not really so but bi-phobia if one were to closely examine the details at times.

JFLAG, Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays has "Allsexuals" included in their acronym I suppose to cover all other orientations and variants outside of the original LGBT population (excuding thoses associated with disorders) but I never heard of any direct meetings, interventions or strategies to engage this section of the population or any inclusion in the umpteen public statements or press releases.

Bi-phobia or bi-erasure by default?

I would hate to think that our advocacy representatives are themselves guilty of bi-phobia in the form of bisexual erasure (the tendency to ignore, omit, remove, falsify, or reexplain evidence of bisexuality in history, advocacy, academia, the news media, and other primary sources.

In its most extreme form, bisexual erasure can include denying that bisexuality exists. Inclusiveness is the name of the game now if we are to get anywhere but with the elitist position taken by the group one wonders when will we begin to move on anything? with recent ugly events further darkening our LGBT history that of aloofness towards the homeless msm population more and more persons in and outside the LGBT community are asking what are the reasons for these organizations, their credibility as well has been shattered further with the unconditional love and tolerance ad campaign rejection by mainstream tv stations, how can they ask for tolerance and unconditional love on our behalf and turn cold to the least amongst us in the form of the homeless MSMs who had to launch a civil disobedience action at the gates of their parent organisation 
Jamaica AIDS Support for Life in Kingston.

It is refreshing to see other individual voices saying their piece and going out on their own, I would love to see an all out Jamaican bisexual website or at the very least a couple of blogs related to bisexual issues exclusively. There has been some discourse regarding bisexuality but the backlash from the MSM and SGL female communities suggests we have a far way to go towards inclusiveness and tolerance, ways that are to be facilitated by a JFLAG that is not engaging the community but six or seven persons deciding what is "right" for the rest of us.

Let us hope in the near future something can be done about that either by them despite the insulation or some other group, organization or individuals. Here is an ironical take on the issue from a UK perspective, the images included here were burrowed from this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-4w6NqfLAc

Celebrate yourselves anyway my BI-FRIENDS. We won't erase you here.

my audio commentary on the issue:

 Bi-phobia by default from supposed LGBT advocate structures? by glbtqja3 

Also see:

Biphobia in the L & G communities maybe higher than thought

Peace and tolerance

H

Intersex Individuals & Sex

Claudia Astorino (Intersex Blogger)

Having sex can be fun and great and wonderful, but it can only be these things when all parties involved are comfortable and consenting with what’s going on. Intersex individuals may have particular needs and concerns that are uncommon for others when having sex, and understanding how to make an intersex partner comfortable may require some additional knowledge and communication. These points below are not applicable to all intersex individuals, but may give you an idea of some things to discuss before getting down to ensure that a good time is had by all.


Intersex individuals may not be entirely comfortable with their bodies. Yes, many (perhaps even most) individuals in some populations struggle with body image, but it’s important to understand that the origin of such uncomfortableness come from different places. Common body image issues stem from certain kinds of body forms that are lauded as damn-near-perfect and made prominently visible in the media and entertainment industries, bombarding us at every turn - i.e., white, thin, with "conventionally attractive" facial features = a certain suite of traits most commonly found in a subset of white individuals. Those whose bodies don’t closely resemble these idealized forms may feel a host of negative feels about this.

Intersex individuals may experience these common body image issues, which serve to judge and provide the standard with what attractive and the most highly-valued bodies look like. Intersex individuals may, on top of this, also experience body image issues surrounding what "NORMAL" bodies look like and/or how they are supposed to work. Now, that's kind of a bullshit statement, because when you say, these bodies as best, you're normalizing them. But what I mean isn't the your-body-is-not-ideal-and-therefore-not-so-normal kind of normalcy, but the people-can't-conceive-that-your-bodies-even-exist-are-you-SURE-this-is-for-real kind of normalcy. There's a lot of pressure tied in with sex as it is - "Are you having it?," "Is it good?," "Are you good in bed?," "Are you sexually attractive enough?" Things get more complicated yet when you throw in, "Does my body look normal?...Will my partner(s) find my body attractive, regardless?," "Does my body work like it's expected to in sexual situations?...How will my partner(s) react if it doesn't?," and "If my partner(s) don't know I'm intersex, (when) do I want to disclose that?...Does planning to have a short- or long-term sexual relationship change my answers?"

Let's take on the last questions first. Intersex individuals may choose to disclose their intersex or not disclose it before sexual encounters, especially they are not planning on having an extended sexual relationship with their partner(s). It is important to note that not disclosing one's intersex is not being dishonest - it simply means that that intersex individual decides to to share that part of themselves with their partner(s). For example, individuals hoping for a one night stand together aren't likely to sit down together beforehand and have an hours- if not days-long conversation, staring soufully into each others' eyes, and disclose every aspect of their personal being so that prospective partners can decide whether or not to sleep with someone for one night only after hearing their whole life story. People don't necessarily disclose their entire selves to anyone, and even individuals who know us best may not know every last, single thing about us. Or people who have disclosed every aspect of themselves may not have shared every detail with a given individual - that knowledge of their whole selves is spread across people they know, have talked to, have confided in, have shared with. People pick and choose what they wish to tell others, and what they choose to tell may be highly dependent on context. It's no less dishonest to decide not to disclose one's intersex status than it is to fail to report what you had for lunch on Oct 13, 2007 or that thing you did with the thing that one time. People decide what to share of themselves with others. Deciding not to do so can't be deemed dishonest unless people consider that thing to be offbeat and bad in some way, and thus "withholding" this information was a deliberate act to deceive. Being intersex isn't bad.

The reason intersex people may choose to withhold this isn't because they view their intersex as bad (although some may that have had this ingrained by years of medical "treatment"), but it may be that they know that other people may not understand what it is, and/or they don't want to get into a lengthy conversation and explain Intersex 101 and risk getting asked invasive questions (again), and/or THEY WANT TO ENSURE THEIR SAFETY. It is well-known that transgender people for some time have been blamed for being deceptive by not disclosing their transgender status, only to have a (potential) sexual partner to verbally and/or physically assault them. You have to do what you have to do to be safe. Sometimes intersex individuals won't disclose their intersex status before having sex, and that is okay and perfectly within their right to do so.

If an intersex individual DOES share their intersex with (potential) sex partners, then the bottom line is that consent and communication are key, as they should be in any sexual encounter and/or realtionship to keep it healthy. There are some things that intersex individuals may want to discuss before having sex (again) that are relevant to the sexual experience to be had. The importance of listening and communicating respectfully can't be overstated, since it's sometimes scary to share this shit!

Intersex individuals may want to share the fact that their bodies don't always look garden-variety in various aspects. This may mean explaining their form of intersex, and what features they have and/or don't have. For example, it's very common for people with AIS (androgen insensitivity) like me to have very small nipples that pretty much don't grow since childhood. I'm really self-conscious about that when having sex sometimes, and it's something I'd want to disclose before having sex. Just to get it out there, on the table, because otherwise I'm just gonna be thinking about it and wondering if they notice and are reacting to it. I just wanna talk about it beforehand so that I'M comfortable. It has definitely been helpful when partners complement your body, let you know they find you attractive, and communicate verbally and non-verbally that they desire you. Compliments and showing that they think you're super-hot? Definitely can help put someone's omg-are-they-gonna-think-my-body's-freaky?-o-meter at ease.

This may also lead into discussions of what these body parts do and/or don't do, and thus what intersex individuals want or don't want to do during sex. Individuals with various intersex variations may want to explain the form of body parts. AIS individuals planning to engage in penetrative sex, for example (using whatever body parts or toys - we're not making penis-assumptions here!), might want to discuss the fact that, without a uterus, the vagina is "blind-ended," or ends in a sac of tissue that doesn't go up to the cervix, and thus there's a back wall to the vagina. Sometimes, there can be pain with certain kinds of contat with that back wall, and an intersex individual might want to give partners a heads up. CAH individuals might want to talk about what is called alternatingly by medical folks as an enlarged clitoris/hemipenis (although individuals may have different terms, since they can describe their own bodies however they want!) and their erectile capabilities. (Clitorises of any size have muscle tissue for erectile capabilities, but erections may be more visible with larger such-structures.) Individuals with the MRKH variation, where individuals do not have a vagina, may want to discuss that penetration would not be possible, although that most certainly doesn't mean that penetrative sex couldn't happen, and certainly doesn't mean that sex can't happen! There are SO MANY different ways one can have sex. This whole heterosexual, penis-in-the-vagina thing? Is just one way to do it. All other forms of sex are just as valid, and just as much sex as the glowing hetero standard of intercourse {*insert choir of angels here and rays of white light*}. The same goes for individuals with the aphallia variation, where individuals do not have a penis. Sex can totally happen - these individuals just might want to talk about what sex could/would look like with partners.

Individuals that have gone through medicalization may not want to do certain kinds of things during sex, or may only want to sometimes, or only in certain contexts. Some of this might be due to the fact that certain sex acts are potentially triggering for these individuals. For example, with all the dilator stuff I experienced, I sometimes don't want penetration, and need to decide if that's what I want to do on my own terms, and know that I can consent to and reserve consent to it at any time (just like any other sex acts!). Remember that, like any individual that experiences triggers, partners should be attuned to watching for signs of triggering, and communicate if their partner indicates verbally or non-verbally that they are uncomfortable. Check in. Be attentive and patient. Talk about things. A good place to get started in thinking about issues of consent is Cindy Crabtree's of (Doris zinefame) Support zine. This zine is geared toward individuals that have survived or are working through sexual abuse trauma, and so is not geared toward intersex individuals, but we have discussed how intersex individuals that have gone through medicalization have often had similar experiences as those that have experienced other forms of sexual abuse. It's also worth noting that individuals one has sex with may have a history of abuse, regardless of their intersex, so it's just good to be aware of this stuff in general. <3

Individuals who have had surgeries performed on them may also have different needs. It is known that individuals that have had clitoral surgery may, post-surgery, experience diminished or no pleasurable sexual sensations when responding to stimuli, or sensations experienced might be painful either sometimes or all the time. They may also possess scarring from the surgery, and may be self-conscious of what their genitals look like post-surgery. (Ironically, it's much less common to hear of individuals reporting they were self-conscious of their genitalia BEFORE surgery. HMMMMM.) Individuals that had vaginoplasties may experience a range of experiences having sex post-surgery since, depending on the kind of tissue used (e.g., bowel, skin), the vagina may have a more or less "typical feel" or be more or less stretchy if one cares about penetrative sex. (In the extreme case for the latter, vaginal stenosis may occur, where the vagina closes partially or completely, making penetrative sex difficult, if not impossible. This would require - you guessed it! - MORE SURGERIES. This is yet another reason such surgeries shouldn't be performed on infants and children, who are still going. If surgery is to be performed, it should be by the intersex individuals themselves, as adults, when they understand everything and want it and can CONSENT to it.) Some of the after-effects of these surgeries are also legitimate health concerns - which is ironic, since the surgeries are performed not to track health but to conform to social norms about sex and gender and bodies, but can create health problems themselves. (Does this seriously make sense to anyone?!) For example, vaginas may prolapse (= extrude out of the body partially or, in more severe cases, entirely) or grow HAIR inside them (which may happen if the tissue used to make the vagina possessed hair follicles, e.g., skin from someone's arm). These are all things that an intersex individual may want to talk about before having sex. Or not.

Let's also not forget the fact that, like any group of individuals, some intersex individuals may identify as asexual, and will want to have sex infrequently, seldom, or not at all. In this case, some of this stuff might not be super-applicable to intersex indviduals who want romantic relationships no sex involved. But aren't ya glad you know anyway? :)

In general, consent, communication, and respect are necessary components for having satisfying sexual experiences. Ask if it's okay to ask questions. Be honest, and discuss honestly and openly. Take concerns and dialogue seriously, and listen to what is being said. Evaluate what is comfortable and desirable together, and then go have lots of fun! Keeping these things in mind will result in healthy sexual encounters. And yay for that!

TVJ Wimpy On Gay Ad Furore (Gleaner Letter)

THE EDITOR, Sir:

By refusing to air the public service announcement (PSA) advocating love for gay children, Television Jamaica (TVJ) has failed to live up to what is expected of a modern media house in a democratic society. In my view, TVJ's cowardice has exposed them as sycophantic clowns pretending to be serious journalists.

Of course, Gary Allen sees things differently. He defends his station on three grounds. Those grounds are not only, in themselves, intellectually weak, but are an insult to the intelligence of right-thinking Jamaicans.

First, he complains that the station was not consulted in creating the PSA. Boo-hoo! The fact that the station was not involved at the moment of creation is irrelevant. When the station was approached to air the ad, I am sure there were negotiations, which would have brought opportunities for comment and input by the station. That is, of course, assuming that TVJ nego-tiated in good faith.

Ridiculous arguments

Second, he admits that the station kowtowed to the clerics. This is where my point about failing to meet expectations holds true. The media have always defended their cherished right to broadcast, publish and disseminate ideas and opinions, especially those that are critical of governments. In fact, they cry foul at the first sign of censorship.

But, as we all know, with rights come responsibilities. Given that democracies thrive on diversity of opinions, one such responsibility is to communicate all angles in a debate, so that citizens can make informed decisions. The PSA is one such angle in the debate on homosexuality, and by refusing to broadcast it, TVJ committed an act of self-censorship for the purpose of placating the clerics.

True, broadcasting the PSA would have been controversial, but serious journalists are not afraid to take on controversies. Besides, what was TVJ afraid of: that we would all stop watching the station? Get real!

Third, Mr Allen hides behind "the law". Jamaican law criminalises buggery. The PSA is about family love and unity; it avoids the issue of sex all together. This excuse is baseless and silly.

We may never know the true reasons for TVJ's position, but in the end, history will judge the station on its failure of courage to do the right thing.

V FOR VENDETTA

ja_shogun@yahoo.com

ENDS

My comment to the Gleaner page (which I doubt will be posted)

"TVJ maybe wimpy indeed in sharing this tolerance message (not a gay message as some believe it is before even seeing the clip) but the ad which has the wrong shade of people speaking on behalf of LGBT people to begin with as Miss Straw and her brother are far removed from the realities of real homophobia on the ground and smacks as a kinf of uptowners telling the rest of us how to be mentality. Worse yet given the recent developments with JFLAG & JASL banning supposed bad behaving homeless MSMs and the civil disobedience actions taken by the men over two days who are the ones who face the daily rigours of abuse in various forms I am afraid the NGOs have lost all credibility and moral standing or authority in asking the mainstream to be tolerant." (comment ends)

The ongoing standoff between the men and the organizations seems on the face of it to be cooling now as no reported clashes between the parties have occurred since August 24 despite the Executive Directors of JFLAG, CVC, The Crisis Intervention officer and even the Chairman of the JASL Board direct interface with the men all of whom were forced to speak to them as a way to quell the impasse the men still persisted, guards have been posted on the property and a canine team, a meeting that was scheduled to discuss certain issues with key influentials was also cancelled leaving speculation that this issue is not going to be dealt with by the powers that be. So the very population who are to be directly engaged by the NGOs so set up to do is left to fend for itself and or carried by the influentials with a view to watch them fail as we all know that they do not have the requisite resources or access to funding, expertise and influence to a certain extent to carry out the interventions so urgently required but yet the ad asking for "Unconditional Love" must be aired?

Where is the "Tolerance" or "Unconditional Love" for the least amongst us?

see: The dark side to the homeless issue ..............

The Problematic “Battyman Entitlement” phenom, homelessness & LGBT safe spaces

I STILL PREFER THE OLD AD

also see from GJW:

Blow to gay ad - TVJ rejects J-FLAG’s PSA ....... J-FLAG says rejection of PSA unfortunate

and below on this blog:

Jamaicans weigh in on rejection of gay ad .....

plus my audio response:

More on the JFLAG Video Ad Campaign by glbtqja1

Peace and tolerance

H

The Flip Side: A response to the MSM homeless controversy

Contributed by Concerned Citizen close to the happenings

also from the same advocate in 2010 on the then Safe House issue and its closure:

Response to the Shelter issue from a concerned advocate

THE FLIP SIDE: A RESPONSE TO THE HOMELESS ISSUE CONTROVERSY.

At the time of this article—August 23rd—

There have been no shortage of other articles dealing with the now much-discussed homeless boys’ situation. I am closer to this topic than most due to geographic location but also through advocacy as well. I am, however, firstly a private citizen and that is in the capacity with which this article is submitted. It is for all to understand with a broad mind the issues at hand. It is not to judge or profess support in any capacity. It is plainly a document that hopefully helps all to find a middle-ground.

The Observer story that came out this past Sunday raises more questions than answers. For one, it raises the acknowledgement that the street boys have been cast out of their homes and communities. Up to this point, I have not heard the media or even supporters of their cause hone in on this adequately. This abject, cultural homophobia must be analyzed first even before we can sensationalize the supposed ban by the two organizations, Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) and J-FLAG.

For, if families are educated to love their gay sons/daughters more, then it lessens the amount of homeless people both organizations have to deal with. I know that both organizations have been successful in re-tooling the thought process of many families to reunite them to the once castaways. In such a proposition, both organizations function. It is left up to the rest of civil society to now pick up on this issue and not rely on JASL or J-FLAG alone. It is time the Church, politicians and social groups realize that they too have a huge part to play. Advocates opposed to both organizations must realize as well the strain (financial and otherwise) on both and realize that we’re trying to do as much as possible with the little we have at our disposal.

My second point is that while some of the street boys claim that they have lost the support of both organizations, the media reports have not really analyzed this. These guys have not been ‘thrown out’ to the extent where they are not welcomed. In fact, even when JASL operated the safe house, a lot of the guys still preferred to be on the street vis-à-vis on the property. Essentially, the behaviour pattern of these guys has not changed overtime. This was the case before the safe house, during and now after. It’s not as if they were perfectly-behaving angels then as soon as the program ended they turned devils.

What the Observer doesn't credit either is the fact that the guys had a safe house to begin with. I do not know of any other organization locally that operates one and if that’s the case then isn’t it about time that changes? On the flip side though, the piece did not press either organization on whether they provide outreach services which the guys have flatly said they do not. If this is so, then both Boards need to clarify because there is a definite need out there.

I can confirm too that both Mr. Lewis and Miss Levermore (heads of the respective organizations) have tolerated more than most other organizations would have. So much so that they have borne the brunt of the close neighbours and the landlady of the premises on occasions. Their collective fault though is ca lack of communication…to neighbours, to the minority groups and for the various programs aimed at the community. They need to engage more and trust that there are others out there willing to assist. It isn't easy being in either’s shoes as there are many dissenting voices and an unwilling landscape. Everyone is waiting for their leadership to either elevate or fail. It is easy to look like a villain too when a minority complains and you’re the ‘big, bad bully’.

For one thing that these guys draw on quickly is how JASL expected them to change behavior overnight. I’m very iffy about this because that is a cop-out that no one buys. They behave when they want to and carry on badly when they want to. J-FLAG in fact never tackled the issue of behavior modification because it wrongly felt that threatened the rights of such persons…irrespective if that behavior was a threat to anyone else. In short, they ended up providing a sort of ‘special right’ to these guys, they very special right that the majority of heterosexuals are dead set against. It has only been recently that J-FLAG realized that this acceptance of bad behaviour was damaging and therefore it is the organization’s lack of forward-thinking that has caught up with it. If you allowed someone to do something before without much concern, of course they would react violently if you then start to intervene.

This homeless group is not a group to self-cleanse either, so they cannot be relied upon to weed out their own bad members. Their fights have shed blood on the compound, threatened staff and the other tenants and even draw the attention of passers-by in a very distracting manner, weakening their claims. And they were selling gay sex to begin with, that’s how they got in the homeless program to begin with.

Their claim of the care packages not being delivered is one JASL must answer to however as that is a serious allegation. Indeed, if JASL is intent on keeping the unruly ones out then that must be a type of solution. What is the real solution? I do not know but JASL and J-FLAG must be pro-active and show that their outreach efforts can help these guys but not be held hostage to them either. Everyone (from the former E.D. and sympathizers) must play their part too and help the guys understand that they are but a part of the organization’s target group, not the entirety. The sooner the better before things escalate even more.

ENDS

Some historical refernces

Here is some historical background that involves this man:

1) Disturbing Repeat homophobic cases - published February 2010

2) Former homeless man attacked again - published January 2010

3) Police Harassment of homeless men - published August 2009

4) Gay Party DVD reveller on the run - published June 2009

also from 2010 when the previous agitations from the ground occurred

MSMs employ Civil Disobedience to get Board's Attention ....

also see today's happenings

The dark side to the homeless issue ..............

AUDIO post on the proceedings

Other sides to the msm homeless saga by glbtqja2

also see this post from GLBTQJA on Wordpress

The Problematic “Battyman Entitlement” phenom, homelessness & LGBT safe spaces

Will The Circle Be Unbroken? (Gleaner)

Gordon Robinson

The spectacular furore, mainly by the Church, regarding a public service announcement (PSA) featuring Christine Straw encouraging the embrace of homosexual family members could easily have been set in 15th-century Spain.

History buffs should recall that a 15th-century friar named Tomás de Torquemada was appointed the first inquisitor general of that notorious Christian crusade to purify Spain by eliminating non-christian behaviour from its mainstream. The politico-religious tool used became known as the Spanish Inquisition. Torquemada hunted down 'crypto-Jews' and 'crypto-Muslims' (closet Jews and Muslims forced by the crusade to pretend to be Christians) and, in a process he patented but which was unashamedly plagiarised by one Joe McCarthy (who extended the persecution to homosexuals), non-believers were rooted out, given an opportunity to "confess" their hereticism and to "finger" other closet heretics.

Charter of Rights

Uncooperative accused were removed from the mainstream by being burnt at the stake. In 15 years as inquisitor general, Torquemada eliminated 2,000 Spaniards of impure belief. Accordingly, he was hailed as "the hammer of heretics, the light of Spain, the saviour of his country, the honour of his order".

Since then, conventional wisdom teaches that nations have progressed beyond such intolerance and bigotry. Recently, Jamaica's Parliament passed a new Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It begins:

"Whereas:

(a) The state has an obligation to promote universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and freedoms;

(b) All persons in Jamaica are entitled to preserve for themselves and future generations the fundamental rights and freedoms to which they are entitled by virtue of their inherent dignity as persons and as citizens of a free and democratic society."

Among the rights "guaranteed" is "the right to freedom of expression". Our press fought for that right to include a specific Freedom of the Press guarantee but, instead, won only "the right to seek, receive, distribute or disseminate information, opinions and ideas through any medium".

Except, of course, when one's opinions or ideas promote love and tolerance to the detriment of the Church's right to frighten us into blind obedience, especially when passing the plate. So, faced with this subversive message, Tower Hill Missionary Church in Kingston associate pastor, Mark Dawes, a former journalist, commented:

"As innocuous and as innocent as that public service announcement might appear, it's part of a wider plan by militant homosexuals to gradually desensitise Jamaicans to homosexuality, so that homosexual behaviour and practice can become mainstream in Jamaica."

Power struggle

OMG! Head for the hills! Load your weapons! Stock up on canned goods! The homosexuals are coming! The homosexuals are coming!

This just in, Mark. Homosexuals have been here since the dawn of time. Every Jamaican knows this. No country is more 'sensitive' to homosexuality than Jamaica. Jamaicans can't be 'desensitised' to homosexuality. The danger is that Jamaicans might be desensitised to homophobia; might stop hating homosexuality; stop discriminating against homosexuals. This is a clear and present danger to the authority of the Church (whose sermons stoking the fire of homophobia are habitually prefaced with lip-service opposition to violence against gays while 'promoting' that violence with Bible-thumping condemnation) and must be crushed before getting out of hand.

Consider this. If Jamaicans were "desensitised to homosexuality", we might become sensitised to the proliferation of paedophilia in the Church. We might begin noticing that foremost among the many Ponzi scheme satellites that helped fleece our citizens were church leaders who, through excess materialism, encouraged members to entrust life savings to pastors for 'investment' in schemes whose philosophies of incredible returns violated Jesus' mandate of good stewardship more than any racetrack totalisator.

And what can I say about our paragons of press freedom and free-speech guardians? The first time media are called upon to put their principles where their mouths were, it shrivels up like 'shame old lady', claiming buggery is a crime, which the PSA could be interpreted as encouraging. Seriously? Larceny is a crime. But, if a goat thief is slaughtered by an angry mob, is it encouraging larceny to publish a message of tolerance for the thief? Is reporting the lynching aiding and abetting murder? Should the lynchers be tolerated and receive due process, or should they too be lynched? Should Martin Luther King's messages encouraging racial integration while it was illegal have been banned from media?

Will the circle of violence against homosexuals ever be broken? By and by, Lord, by and by. Who'll stand up for tolerance against bigotry? Is there a press corps in Jamaica? Or a bunch of wimps, lackeys and yes-men?

Peace and love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.

The K12 threat came and went ...was it real or used as a diversion to more pressing matters?

From as early as August 14th to the 15th messages such as those below were circulated all over the internet but mostly on Facebook via various groups with a frenzy being kicked up and almost a state of panic which was unbelievable as the very advocates themselves sounding afraid, then to think that a similar rumour several years ago sans the network pages and blackberry services for instant messages in late 1999 (purported JFLAG march) when angry persons mostly men bought out every machete and cutting or chopping impliment they could find to wait for would marchers in Half Way Tree to chop them up. It became apparent as early as midday to some especially me that this K12 threat however was going nowhere. But take a look at some of the postings from the scouring advocates;

Circulated messages to include those from the illusive K12 group

"What is happening..? Me a see too much Battyman and Lezbian in a HWT and Barbican, how the fuck dem a move so daring!? Dem naw hide nuh more..man a look man and gal a suck out gal tongue In a public, the upcoming generation a see dem ting ya an a get confused! We need to take a stand..we need to start beat dem again and run the waste material dem. Bargain Mall has become the main hang out spot for them, we need to take that step in getting back our country.. send this BC and let us Unite!! On 19/8/11 K12 group will be beating all Homosexuals that visits the Bargain mall! We are taking back our country step by step! Play your part and Re-Broadcast to all "straight" contacts if u wish to participate contact the K12 unit at 372-0290.. --K12-- --K12-- --K12-- --K12-- Make K12 apart of your name if your against homosexuality."

"Our plan is to attack and beat any boy who dress,look fishy or we suspect or know seh a fish. Just by their action (walking,talking,movement)... Also we will be using the silver metal ring and black and colour hand band to identify the battyman and lesbian them"- Inside Source of K12 Group
The group calling itself K-12 has begun attacking community members. We want to encourage persons who frequent the Half-Way-Tree area to beef up personal security. Be aware of your surroundings and those sharing the space with you. If you see anything please alert 119 or the nearest police stations HWT 926-8184-5 and New Kingston Police Post 926-3508

People on the street are angered...bad...I dont think I have ever seen it like this...any feedback on the reports to the police...this fall out was anticipated...can you advise of the 'plan' (I think I asked this before) what do we tell ppl to do? (the advocates did not respond to this question)

a group calling itself K-12 has begun attacking community members. Members that frequent the Half-Way-Tree area and the Jamaica Aids support for Life Compound are urged to beef up personal security. Fem boys and butch lesbians seem to be especially vulnerable to attacks. if possible please utilize On Time or El-Shaddai taxi service until the threat level has receded.

ENDS

My comment at around midday on social network Facebook hinting to a lower threat level than banded about was greeted with cold water as well as it came apparent that this was no usual threat and I hinted it could be a hoax either by some weirdo who in the midst of a public debate on a the rejection of the JFLAG ad or someone else trying to divert the attention of the homeless MSM issue which just about made the news at the same time via a letter to the Gleaner editor complaining of their behaviour at a certain spot in Kingston much to the dismay of many and I fear until proven otherwise that some move was made to spread this as fast as possible as no member on the streets in particular knew of this K12 even as late as Friday night when myself and others walked the Bargain Mall where this doom was to have started and surrounding areas.

At one point a misguided individual clearly inexperienced referenced the injured man (photo to the right) as a victim from K12 where it turned out to be an incident that occured on the other end of the island totally unrelated to the K12 phenomenon, this of course was where some red flags started to go up for some persons. Why this rush to judgement without proper verification? meanwhile all of Friday night myself and others were on the lookout none the less for this K12 and we saw no suspicious moves to suggest the threat was real in the area named, the phone number listed rang on some attempts and went to voicemail at other times

some questions come to mind:

were we duped?

who did the duping?

were these K12 persons linked to a major university?

why was it that the only persons who knew of this were from the advocates on Facebook not on the ground?

are you surprised that such a major community threat did not reach the homeless men who sit openly in New Kingston despite their high visibility in the news?

was this used as a convenient distraction to over shadow the homeless MSM issue that the advocates feared would have led to an embarrasing situation as it has now become since today?

Bargain Mall in Half Way Tree where the beatings were to have commenced on August 18th

Speculation is rife but may soon die as the homeless issue has become centre stage now following the damning Jamaica Observer article finally bringing to public attention the rejection of the advocates in serving the most marginalized of the community.

here is an earlier audio commentry I did on the issue:

MSM Homelessness 2011 ...my two cents by glbtqja1

Since today as the Jamaica Observer piece is digested and the focus now goes to that K12 remarks are now basically dead as very little if any references have been coming forth from the very persons who were frantically warning before. Very suspicious in the eyes of some including myself but I did not come up with this speculation on my own, the very persons who were in the Half Way Tree area and the homeless men some of whom I spoke to on Friday night after CVM TV interviewed some of them for a feature they are preparing.

Let us watch closely my friends meanwhile here is my account from walking the block on Bargain Mall and its surroundings:

Monitoring K12 Threat ...... the review by glbtqja2

Peace and tolerance

H

Jamaicans weigh in on rejection of gay ad ......

The Jamaica Observer has been busy on the LGBT scene much to the possible dismay of the advocates with the vexed issue of not only the rejected ad campaign by the national television stations but the bubbling homeless MSM issues of which this blog is replete with posts regarding it from as early as 2009, the paper also carried today the point that JFLAG and Jamaica AIDS Support for Life has rejected seeing members of this community by banning them, sad it had to take a national expose to FINALLY get some needed attention to this issue in particular as my rantings and that of other dissenting voices who were and are conveniently ignored as we don't match the agenda and line that is to be carried.

Please also see:

Rowdy gays banned by J-FLAG, JASL .......... (Jamaica Observer)

JAMAICANS have expressed mixed views about a decision by Television Jamaica (TVJ) not to air a public service announcement (PSA) encouraging tolerance for the island's homosexuals. The PSA, which features former Miss Jamaica World and Miss Jamaica Universe Christine Straw and her gay brother Matthew, wants Jamaicans to embrace gay and transgendered family members and friends. On Thursday, Observer reporter Kimmo Matthews sought the reaction of several persons in the Corporate Area and St Catherine.

Beverley Harvey
I do not support the decison. I think the advertisement will enlighten people more and let them become more aware.

Dale Edwards
I disagree with the decision. Everybody have them rights.

Tyrone Erskine
We agree with them not to carry it. Doing that is like we going publicise and legalise such practice.

Christina Clarke
Yes, I support them (TVJ). Can’t give a full reason, but is just how I feel; we have a responsibility to uphold certain morals.

Kenisha Brown
Totally agree with (TVJ) their decision. It is just not right to carry such information.

Fitzgerald Hunter
I totally agree with them (TVJ) to not carry it. The reason why, I just believe certain things should not happen.

Tashane Wallace
Everyone decides what they want to do, I am not in support of the act, but it is a free country.

Kinania Linton
I agree with the television station. In terms of, I am thinking about the negative influence such an ad will have on the children.
ENDS

My two cents continued

I have said in previous posts I prefer the first ad with the many actors and players from the human rights arena including FAMILIES AGAINST STATE TERRORISM's FAST Yvonne McCalla Sobers and others:

PREVIOUS AD

TVJ RESPONSE

NEW AD

You decide

Peace and tolerance

H