Major Decline In STDs Among Sex Workers

The National Family Planning Board (NFPB) is reporting a significant decline in the prevalence rate of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) among sex workers.

A recent sex worker survey done by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) showed that the rate has dropped from 12 per cent to 2.9 per cent.

Director of Health Promotion and Prevention at the NFPB, Andrea Campbell, who made the disclosure at a recent JIS Think Tank, said the results are encouraging, and indicate that the sex workers are receiving and acting on the safe sex messages from the NFPB.

She informed that the entity, through its training and outreach activities, has been able to engage more sex workers and share prevention and safe sex messages.

Ms. Campbell noted that sex workers are among the high risk group for STDs, as they are more likely to be raped, have multiple partners, and often practice inconsistent condom use.

The NFPB team reaches out to them through workshops, by visiting clubs and massage parlours, and doing streets visits.

Ms. Campbell said that many of the sex workers, who attend the workshops, share the information with their colleagues.

Through the NFBP’s intervention some former sex workers are preparing to enter the workforce.

“We have a group of 14 young ladies, who will graduate this year from a vocational institution,” Ms. Campbell informed.

She told JIS News that the NFPB is also placing emphasis on reducing unwanted and unplanned pregnancies among the child bearing age group 16-39 years.

She pointed out that emotional and socio-economic problems, resulting from unwanted pregnancies, can destroy the family structure, particularly if the women have turned to sex work as an alternative.

The NFPB is observing National Family Planning Week from October 25 to 31 under the theme: ‘Building Families, Building our Nation: A Focus on Vulnerable Populations’.

LGBT Community Eyes More Than Conscience Vote (Gleaner)

Source

After Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's broken promise to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community during the election campaign of four years ago, activists are, this time around, rooting for more than just a parliamentary vote. Dane Lewis, the executive director, The Jamaica Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG), told The Gleaner that there is need for a defined strategy to address issues affecting the LGBT community.

"Despite the powerful statement by Simpson Miller in the leadership debate in 2011, we are yet to see any equally powerful or bold action taken by the Government to address the discrimination experienced by this marginalized population," he declared. Transgender activist F.J. Genus complained that "with the exception of a few, (politicians) held their tongue in silence and are more willing to augment the living conditions of those in our prisons than decriminalising acts that consenting adults, both gay and straight, might perform in their bedrooms."

Said human rights advocate Karen Lloyd: "While it is important for our elected officials to be proactive in ensuring that all citizens have equal access to state resources and are free from discrimination in all its forms, I don't believe a conscience vote is the best approach in our context and at this time."

Lewis noted that the rights of persons who identify as LGBT has always been a political issue around the world and is no different in Jamaica. After former Prime Minister Bruce Golding's "not in my Cabinet" declaration, seen as a rejection of LGBT practices, Simpson Miller promised a conscience vote on the eve of the December 2011 general election.

Lewis asserted that the LGBT community needs clear, articulate strategies on how the Government and Opposition intend to effectively address the community's concerns. This, he said, is based on some faith-based organisations launching what he described as a moral panic campaign against LGBT Jamaicans and their fundamental human rights.

According to Lewis, while there seems to be a "tireless" focus on laws, particularly the buggery law, this cannot be sufficient. He suggested that a societal shift is needed to cauterise the stigma that causes those who are LGBT to be disenfranchised, displaced, and discriminated against.

"This shift is important if we are to create an enabling environment for every Jamaican to reach their full potential and for making Jamaica a safer place for all to live, work, raise families, and do business," said Lewis.

ENDS

MUST read:

Promised (I mean suggested) Conscience vote on Buggery law not a priority right now (yet again) says PM 2014

also see my take from previous posts on the promise or suggestion listed below as you see it on the illusive conscience vote, JFLAG is still so lapse it is not funny I tell you and it took them so long to arrive at shifting from their original stance of a repeal to decriminalization of buggery. I still say we need to be careful what we wish for, conscience votes may become or used as the sure fire route for political parties to gain an extended foothold on power and play to the homo-negative environment as nicely displayed just days ago. Look at the fiasco happening in the Senate presently and politicization of a critical issue as the Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ. Also see: The line in the sand for the PNP part 10 : Buggery referendum & more CCJ

The JLP leader Andres Holness made it clear he is going the route of a referendum on buggery and the CCJ. Of course young Andrew is also pandering to the religious right and their supposed threat to vote out any government that amends or repeal the Buggery Law as it were. He said among other things in Western Jamaica recently:  “ ... You will also know that when it comes time to determine whether or not we should make any changes to the buggery act or to any other act that determines how Jamaicans see the family; you know that we are not going to take it upon ourselves in parliament to make that decision; we are going to come to you the people of the country to make that decision.” also see:  Opposition leader (JLP) reiterates his call for a referendum on Buggery .... 2014

now the for list as promised:
JFLAG Tries to Clarify its Agenda 2014

The Line in the Sand for the PNP ...... but vote ☐ PNP ☐ JLP ☑ Legalize Buggery in private

No Buggery Law Removal says Justice Minister, Gay Marriage parachuted in yet again

Jamaica Coalition For A Healthy Society Obama Protest Fizzles In Mona

J-Flag Says It Wants More Done For LGBT People

Health Minister Says Boldness Needed to Change Buggery Laws for HIV Prevention Work to be Effective

Foreign Affairs Minister says Govt should be cautious on gay rights issues in Jamaica

Holiness, hypocrisy and homosexuality …Pastors and the buggery law debate


CVM TV @ Sunrise on the Buggery review & JFLAG's 100 days hope for meeting with PM

Health Minister Ferguson on WAD '13 & FBOs fear of a Buggery repeal with future parachuted gay marriage

Promised Conscience Vote on Buggery in Jamaica was a fluke

PNP’s Bobby Pickersgill differs on Conscience Vote route to decide on Buggery Law 2013

Church defends Buggery Law ... 2013

Buggery Law challenges & overlooked judicial solutions 2013

PNP's Damion Crawford says it's highly unlikely buggery review will happen .....

PNP Wins ................Hope for LGBT People ??? 2011

The Line in the Sand for the JLP Part 14 ...... but vote ☐ PNP ☐ JLP ☑ Legalize Buggery/Anal Sex in private ........ 2011

Mark Wignall on Buggery law review promise was a political sham

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

JFLAG Position Statement on Upcoming Conscience Vote on Jamaica’s Buggery Law earlier released before the change of direction by the PNP.

Mark Wignall ....... Gay Lobby will wait in vain from 2012 just after the election win by the PNP.
Interesting times lie ahead.

finally we must be reminded the PNP's press release in 2011

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.

ENDS

also see some more older entries from this blog & Gay Jamaica Watch

GLEANER EDITORIAL - Courageous Stance Worthy Of Replication and ‘Idiot plan that!’ - Many Jamaicans against Buggery Law review

What say you? as we watch the developments unfold. Bear this in mind as well, after digging my archives I found the presentation by Mrs Simpson Miller in 2009 (poor audio though) where she sided wholeheartedly with the then Prime Minster Bruce Golding (his speech linked) on the banning of gay marriage, gay marriage rights by the way was never asked for by the LGBT advocacy structure but it was dishonestly pushed on the agenda during the Charter of Rights debate then as a smoke screen to deny us recognition in the Charter. 

She said on October 20th 2009 - "Mr Speaker when we accepted the final report from the joint select committee that were looking at the bill we were completely satisfied with their recommendation of a provision to restrict marriage and like relationships to one man and one woman within Jamaica and that the provision should be specifically spelt out so that there could be no ambiguity .......... yes one man one woman (laughter in the house) and if you are Jamaican and go overseas the same applies ..........." 

US Study explores if autogynephilia exists in women .........

Background

It has been postulated that gender dysphoria is associated with self eroticism in trans women. Moser's article below demonstrates that their autogynephilic experiences are no different from those of other women.

ABSTRACT

Autogynephilia, an erotic interest in the thought or image of oneself as a woman, has been described as a sexual interest of some male-to-female transsexuals (MTFs); the term has not been applied to natal women. To test the possibility that natal women also experience autogynephilia, an Autogynephilia Scale for Women (ASW) was created from items used to categorize MTFs as autogynephilic in other studies. A questionnaire which included the ASW was distributed to a sample of 51 professional women employed at an urban hospital, 29 completed questionnaires were returned for analysis. By the common definition of ever having erotic arousal to the thought or image of oneself as a woman, 93% of the respondents would be classified as autogynephilic. Using a more rigorous definition of “frequent” arousal to multiple items, 28% would be classified as autogynephilic. The implications of these findings are discussed concerning the sexuality of women and the meaning of autogynephilia for MTFs.

Key Words: Autogynephilia, female sexuality, gender dysphoria, gender identity disorder, paraphilia, transsexual

======================================================================================

A controversial take:

see: The truth about AUTOGYNEPHILIA 

The study goes on:

The term autogynephilia, defined as an erotic interest in the thought or image of oneself as a woman, was coined by Blanchard (1989a, 2005) from its Greek roots, and associates the presence or absence of autogynephilia with the sexual orientation of male-to-female transsexuals (MTFs). Blanchard (2005) suggests that autogynephilia is absent in all homosexual MTFs (those who are primarily erotically attracted to other genetic males) and present in all nonhomosexual MTFs (those who are primarily attracted to genetic women, men and women, or not attracted to others). (The terms homosexual and nonhomosexual are used in this article as Blanchard has defined them; see Blanchard, 1989b). The theory and definitions suggest that this association is true of all MTFs, although Blanchard (2005) acknowledges the need for these statements to be confirmed by empirical studies. Autogynephilia is also present in at least some transvestites and gender dysphoric males who are not transsexual (Blanchard, 2005). Blanchard (1989a, 2005) states that autogynephilia does not exist in genetic females and suggests the analogous concept (erotic interest in the thought or image of oneself as a man, autoandrophilia) does not exist in female-to-male transsexuals.

The degree to which non-gender dysphoric individuals are sexually aroused by their own bodies has not been well studied. It has been reported that approximately 9% of women and 20% of men report at least a “little” sexual arousal by seeing themselves nude (Gebhard & Johnson, 1979, p. 470). In addition, “…many individuals find some additional stimulation in observing their own genitalia…” during masturbation (Kinsey, Pomeroy, & Martin, 1948, p. 511). It is not known if non-gender dysphoric individuals have sexual fantasies in which they have different body types (thinner, more muscular, clear skin, etc.).

Clinically we know that some individuals report changes in their levels of sexual desire when their body types change (e.g., weight gain or loss). It is reasonable to assume that a more desirable body type may be an aspect of some sexual fantasies. If the thought or image of one’s body affects sexual arousal in some non-gender dysphoric individuals (male and female), then it would not be surprising that the thought or image of their “female” body similarly would affect sexual arousal in some MTFs.

A sexual fantasy in which the individual has a different body (or the individual’s body functions differently) is distinct from a sexual fantasy where a different body type is a significant factor in the individual’s arousal. A man with erectile dysfunction may not be aroused sexually at thought or image of himself with an erection, but having a full long-lasting erection may be integral to his fantasies. A fantasy in which he is unable to obtain an erection may not be arousing sexually. Analogously, MTFs may picture themselves as women in their fantasies, but just fantasizing about themselves as women may not be arousing sexually.

Autogynephilia only has been used to describe genetic men. Blanchard (2005) opines, though he notes again that the following statement needs to be confirmed by empirical studies, “Autogynephilia does not occur in women, that is, biological females are not sexually aroused by the simple thought of possessing breasts or vulvas” (p. 445; italics added). I can find no study where MTFs were asked if they were aroused by the simple thought of possessing breasts or vulvas. Although some MTFs probably are aroused by this “thought,” it is not clear how common or frequent this experience is.

Blanchard (1993b) studied whether individuals with autogynephilia were most aroused by imagining themselves as nude women, women in underwear, or clothed women. Nevertheless, it is not clear that the respondents interpreted the test question as only involving the specific image of themselves. Although conjectural, they may have interpreted the question as asking about which type of dress was most sexually exciting when engaging in other sexual acts.

Even if we assume that autogynephilic MTFs reported sexual arousal to the simple thought of possessing breasts or vulvas, one would think that autogynephilia in natal women would be expressed differently. Women already possess breasts and vulvas, it seems reasonable to assume that individuals tend to fantasize about what they do not have. If we tend to fantasize about “things” we do not have, we would expect autogynephilic arousal would decrease after Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS), as the post-op MTFs now possess breasts and vulvas. This is precisely what Lawrence (2005) found when she studied MTFs pre- and post-SRS: Pre-SRS, 49% of her sample reported autogynephilic arousal “hundreds of times or more” while post-SRS, this dropped to 3%. It is possible that after surgery, the respondents did not have time to have hundreds of autogynephilic episodes, but the number of individuals who reported never experiencing autogynephilic arousal increased from 14% before SRS to 56% after SRS. Comparison data concerning their interests in other sexual stimuli do not exist, though 69% reported at least one sex partner, 83% reported masturbating, and 62% reported a stable romantic or partnered relationship after SRS (Lawrence, 2005). Prior to SRS, some MTFs had erotic (autogynephilic) fantasies of themselves with breasts and vulvas. After SRS, we can speculate that since they now have breasts and vulvas, “autogynephilic” fantasies were less common. It is possible that the postoperative MTFs who continue to have autogynephilic fantasies now focus upon a different or more feminine ideal than their actual, post-surgical, body type.

If Lawrence’s (2005) participants were reporting this decrease in autogynephilic interests over time (prior to surgery) then SRS may not have been the factor that led to the diminished autogynephilic interests. Other possible explanations for the decrease in autogynephilic interests include a decrease in testosterone levels or aging.

The presence or absence of autogynephilia is considered clinically and etiologically important in MTFs. Blanchard (1993a) stated “Autogynephilia is clinically significant because it interferes with normal interpersonal sexual attraction and because it is associated with gender dysphoria” (p. 301). Additionally Blanchard (1991) suggested that “Gender dysphoria, in young nonhomosexual males, usually appears along with, or subsequent to, autogynephilia; in later years, however, autogynephilic sexual arousal may diminish or disappear, while the transsexual wish remains or grows even stronger” (p. 248).

The hypothesized absence of autogynephilia in women is seen as supporting Blanchard’s theory that autogynephilia is an unusual sexual interest of men and that the desire for SRS is sexually motivated. If genetic women and MTFs both endorse the same statements and exhibit the same behaviors, then autogynephilia may not be an unusual sex interest of men, but a sex interest shared by both groups; it could be a characteristic of female sexuality. Thus, the presence or absence of autogynephilia in women is a significant finding in understanding the sexuality of both natal women and MTFs.

More HERE

Intersex Issues in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)

From discussions at the Third International Intersex Forum in Malta, December 2013, a meeting of activists and experts took place in Geneva, in September 2014, on revision and reform of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) by the World Health Organization (WHO). The meeting aimed to develop a collective analysis of intersex issues in the ICD, identify connections between diagnoses and treatments, and to highlight human rights issues related to current biomedical management practices.

The September 2014 meeting was organised by the GATE International Initiative on the ICD Reform Process, in partnership with ILGA. It was planned and coordinated by Mauro Cabral (GATE) and facilitated by Ruth Baldaccino (ILGA). Participants in the meeting were Janik Bastien-Charlebois (Canada); Morgan Carpenter (Australia); Dan Ghattas (Germany); Holly Greenberry (UK); Natasha Jimenez (Costa Rica); Ev Blaine Matthigack (Germany); Nthabiseng Mokoena (South Africa); Daniela Truffer (Switzerland) and Markus Bauer (Switzerland). The meeting was also attended by Doris Chou (WHO); Sara Cotter (WHO); André Du Plessis (ILGA); Robert Jakob (WHO); Rajat Khosla (WHO); Eszter Kismödi (Human Rights lawyer); Renato Sabadini (ILGA); and Michael van Gelderen (OHCHR).

Following the meeting, this report was submitted in November 2014 to the WHO Topic Advisory Group for Genitourinary, Reproductive & Maternal Health (GURM TAG) for the ICD revision. The submission addresses specific concerns related to intersex issues in the ICD reform process. It was edited by Morgan Carpenter and Mauro Cabral, with substantive contributions from the intersex activists, experts and allies convened by GATE.

The report establishes a set of grounding principles, and provides an overview of terminological and historical issues, before an analysis of broad and specific issues with the ICD framework and diagnoses. The submission also details human rights concerns and presents an epistemological analysis. The submission is intended as an invitation for a critical dialogue between intersex activists and the World Health Organization.

Intersex issues and the International Classification of Diseases 

The ICD revision and reform process has a key relevance for the intersex movement. Diagnostic categories play a central role in expressing scientific understandings, establishing medical approaches, informing clinical protocols, defining surgical, hormonal and other treatments. Diagnostic categories defining intersex bodies reify differences between stereotypical female and male bodies on the one hand, considered to be healthy, and bodies that vary from female and male standards on the other hand, considered to be “disordered”, or “abnormal”. Current classifications therefore contribute to stigma and discrimination against intersex people; they endow appropriateness to medical attempts to “fix” or “normalize” intersex bodies through surgical and hormonal means. 

They play a direct role in determining how intersex bodies are treated in society at large. Everywhere in the world, people born with intersex traits are subjected to “normalizing” procedures, including clitoridectomies, labioplasties, vaginoplasties, gonadectomies, hypospadias “repair”, and treatment with steroids or sex hormones. Many of these procedures are performed during infancy and early childhood when intersex individuals cannot provide their informed consent. Intersex babies, infants, children and adolescents are also subjected to related practices in medical settings, such as continued exposure. 

In different parts of the world, treatments also include socio-legal measures, including a lack of birth certificates. Most of these treatments have lifelong consequences: they produce sterility, genital insensitivity and impaired sexual function, chronic pain, chronic bleeding, and chronic infections, post-surgical depression, and trauma (in many cases associated with the experience of rape), massive internal and external scarring, metabolic imbalances. These procedures have been internationally denounced as institutionalized forms of genital mutilation. 

They reproduce and reinforce the cultural sense of intersex bodies as disordered and shameful; they produce coercive social environments. The ICD reform process would benefit from a in-depth revision of assumptions and conceptions around sex, and the connection between clinical language and treatments. In our review of both ICD-10 and ICD-11 (Beta), it is notable that the term intersex is not explicitly included; however, intersex-related diagnoses are contained in both versions, with many common characteristics: ! Both ICD versions share the same implicit and normative conception of sex as binary, rendering all bodies that vary from female or male standards as pathological by definition. ! While heterogeneous in their application, both ICD versions share the same negative definitional approach to intersex bodies, employing pathologizing and stigmatizing diagnostic descriptions such as “disorder”, “disease”, “malformation”, “pathologic”, “defect”, and “abnormality”. Multiple such terms may be employed in the same diagnosis. Both ICD versions combine different diagnostic languages (such as, ‘hermaphroditism’ and ‘DSD’).

Download the Document HERE 

also see: DSM-5 FALLS SHORT ON GENDER DYSPHORIA REVISION, ICD 11 UPDATE 2013 from GLBTQJA Wordpress

Critique and Alternative Proposal to the “Gender Incongruence of Childhood” Category in ICD-11 PDF

Peace & tolerance

H

Intersex Awareness Day 2015

Intersex Awareness Day is an internationally observed civil awareness day designed to highlight the issues faced by intersex people.

The event marks the first public demonstration by intersex people in North America, on October 26, 1996, outside the venue in Boston where the American Academy of Pediatrics was holding its annual conference. Intersex activists from Intersex Society of North America were Morgan Holmes and Max Beck, alongside allies from Transexual Menace including Riki Wilchins. The group demonstrated carrying a sign saying "Hermaphrodites With Attitude". The commemoration day itself began in 2003.

also see: UN launches Intersex Fact Sheet 2015 and Despite opposition, EU Parliament votes for LGBTI rights/trans identity depathologization in gender equality

Intersex Awareness Day is an international day of grass-roots action to end shame, secrecy and unwanted genital cosmetic surgeries on intersex children. The day also provides an opportunity for reflection and political action. Between October 26 and November 8, intersex organizations try to bring attention to the challenges intersex individuals face, culminating in the Intersex Day of Remembrance on the birthday of Herculine Barbin, also sometimes known as Intersex Solidarity Day.

Notable observances:

On Friday 25 October 2013, the day before Intersex Awareness Day that year, the Australian Senate published a report on an inquiry titled the Involuntary or coerced sterilization of intersex people in Australia. On 11 November 2014, the New South Wales Legislative Council in Australia passed a motion marking Intersex Awareness Day and calling on the State government to "work with the Australian Government to implement the recommendations" of the 2013 Senate committee report.


For Intersex Awareness Day 2014, the Senate of the German Land of Berlin issued a statement calling for self-determination for intersex people. Also in 2014, the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, held a visibility event on intersex issues.

Relationship with LGBT and queer communities


The relationship of Intersex campaigners to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans, and queer communities, is a little complex. In an Intersex for allies explanatory leaflet, the organisation states that some intersex individuals are same sex attracted, and some are heterosexual, but "LGBTI activism has fought for the rights of people who fall outside of expected binary sex and gender norms. 

Intersex is part of LGBTI because of intersex status and a shared experience of homophobia, not because of sexual orientation or gender identity." An associated guide for service providers comments that not all intersex people identify with the LGBTI "human rights movement.

Important to Remember:

INTERSEX is not a part of transgender because intersex is not about gender. Intersex is about anatomical differences in sex.

Below are some of the differences in the experience of trans and intersex individuals.

Trans:
Self-identified gender does not match apparent sex at birth.
Some human rights protection. In NSW this is limited to “recognized transgender” or people thought to be “transgender” – 36B Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 in Australia.

Can change cardinal documents, but usually requires irreversible surgeries usually involving sterilization and applicants must not be married. (wish we had that)

The right to marry someone of the opposite legal gender.

A full and functional reproductive system.

Physical differences limited to brain anatomy.

Transsexual people have an effective medical protocol that produces a 98% effective outcome with long-term studies and follow-ups.

The right to choose the time of surgery with extensive peer support.

The ability to participate fully and in an informed manner in their surgical and hormonal options.

Transsexual people generally have a strongly defined sense of gender – man or woman.

Can compete in sport up to and including Olympic level through established protocols.

Many effective and extensive organizations worldwide, with some NGOs attracting government funding (e.g. NSW Gender Centre).

also see:

More on Intersexuality from a 2010 post and this one from 2011

also see: IGLHRC Hails Landmark Law in Malta on Gender Identity, Expression and Protections for Intersex Children

Footage from the side event on the human rights of intersex people, organised during the 30th session of the UN Human Rights Council by Advocates for Informed Choice, CIPD, Organisation Intersex International Australia Limited, Oii-Chinese and OII Europe, supported by ILGA and COC Nederland.

download the brochure HERE

I stand in solidarity with my intersex brethren most of whom I have met through this blog and will continue to share any relevant information to raise awareness.

also see:

"Curing Intersex Is Damaging and Common": Great Piece by OII-Australia Member, Morgan Carpenter

Impossible for Intersex People to be Cisgender?

Peace & tolerance

H

Stop Trans Pathologization Day 2015

Some People Are Transgender, and Some People Are Not, 

The slogan of the 2015 Call to Action is: Stop Trans Pathologization - Stop Pathologizing Gender Diversity in Childhood.

I have not forgotten readers as one of my savvy ones reminded me of the day but so much was on my plate recently as evidenced in the rapidity of posts on here and on Gay Jamaica Watch. Usually the day is observed on October 22 or 23 or as in this years' the 24th.

Just like any variation of the human condition, some people are left-handed, and some people are not. Some people have two different colored eyes, and some people don’t. Some people are allergic to dairy, and some people are not.

Some people are transgender, and some people are not.

In some of the trainings I do or have been apart of, I ask the question: when is gender pathological? It’s basically a trick question, because gender isn’t pathological. Gender just is. It has neither good nor bad qualities. Yes, distress can come from feeling like your exterior presentation does not match your brain gender identity, and distress can come from society not understanding your gender, but gender in and of itself isn’t distressing. It just is, and we all have a gender identity even if that gender identity means not having a gender at all.

Some people are transgender, and some people are not.

Parents come to me with various theories for why their child may be transgender, or at least “presenting” as transgender. I’ve heard many different theories over the course of my years in working with transgender children, and many similar ones. I think space needs to be held for these parents wondering “why?”, and their theories should be listened to and considered. However, sooner rather than later there needs to be a time to take the “why?” and replace that with “OK, now what?”. In the end, the “why” doesn’t really matter. What matters is the child’s happiness.

My theory?

Some people are transgender, and some people are not.

Some people wrongly believe that being transgender is some form or sign of mental illness. In fact, even some professionals will use the term “co-occurring” when they speak of someone being transgender along with having a mental illness. Being transgender is not a mental illness. There is not a certain “type” of person with a certain set of presenting problems who is transgender. Say it with me:

Some people are transgender, and some people are not.

***********

International Day of Action for Trans Depathologization, an annual day created by Campaign Stop Trans Pathologization.  Let’s stop pathologizing gender… because simply some people are transgender, and some people are not.

Some history via a press release from the campaign:

The International Day of Action for Trans Depathologization 2014, convened by STP, International Campaign Stop Trans Pathologization1, took place on Saturday, October 18, 2014. Within the framework of this Call to Action, 108 groups and organizations coordinated more than 90 actions for trans depathologization in 45 cities of different world regions throughout this day and the entire month of October under the slogan “Stop Trans Pathologization - Stop Pathologizing Gender Diversity in Childhood – For the Diversity of Gender Expressions and Identities”. Furthermore, to date 390 groups, organizations and activist networks in six continents, as well as numerous individuals have declared their support of STP, International Campaign Stop Trans Pathologization.

 

The International Day of Action for Trans Depathologization 2014 is the sixth edition of this Call to Action, celebrated each year since 2009 on an international level with the objective of demanding the removal of the diagnostic classification of gender transition as a ‘mental disorder’ and claiming state-funded access to a trans health care of the highest attainable quality. Other relevant demands include the removal of the diagnostic classification of gender diversity in childhood, the change of the trans health care model from the current assessment model towards an approach based on informed decision making, the legal recognition of name and gender without medical requirements, as well as the protection of trans people against discrimination and transphobic violence.

In relation to the revision process of the ICD, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, developed by the WHO, World Health Organization, we evaluate positively 1. The removal of trans-specific categories from the chapter ‘Mental and behavioural disorders’, and 2. The publication of the proposal of new trans-specific categories, elaborated by the WHO Working Group on.

   the Classification of Sexual Disorders and Sexual Health, in the ICD-11 Beta Draft

In order to facilitate public coverage, STP proposes the inclusion of a non-pathologizing mention of trans health care in the ICD-11, as a health care process not based on disease or disorder. We consider the inclusion of a new trans-specific category addressing adolescents and adults in the ICD-11 Beta Draft chapter ‘Conditions related to sexual health’ to meet our proposal in part. However, we are still concerned with regards to 1. The presence of pathologizing categories in the chapter ‘Conditions related to sexual health’, 2. The use of the concept ‘Gender incongruence’ in the title and the definition of the new trans-specific categories, and 3. The continued inclusion of a diagnostic classification of gender diversity in childhood, under the title ‘Gender incongruence of childhood’. 

  

We continue to demand the complete removal of the diagnostic classification of gender diversity in childhood, as mentioned in former press releases and reflective texts. In order to avoid the pathologizing connotations of the concept ‘Gender incongruence’, we propose the use of a descriptive language in the title and definition of a new trans-specific category addressing adolescents and adults (using a concept such as ‘Trans Health Care’ of ‘Health Care related to Gender Transition’). Finally, we suggest giving a non-pathologizing approach to the chapter ‘Conditions related to sexual health’, according to the definition of ‘sexual health’ established by the WHO, World Health Organization.

 

We would like to highlight that the removal of the trans-specific categories from the chapter ‘Mental and behavioural disorders’ in the ICD-11 Beta Draft, as well as the inclusion of new trans-related categories in the chapter ‘Conditions related to sexual health’ have proposal status, and therefore are still subject to changes and pending approval of ICD-11 by the World Health Assembly, expected in 2017

  

While we identify some recent advancements in the field of trans rights and trans depathologization, we nevertheless continue to observe situations of pathologization, psychiatrization, discrimination and social exclusion of trans people worldwide, including a high level of exposure to transphobic violence and institutional ill-treatment. For these reasons, we continue to view trans depathologization activism as relevant, not only in providing critical knowledge to the revision processes of diagnostic manuals, but also in working through broader social change towards societies that are welcoming of gender diversity. 

  

We would like to express our deepest acknowledgment to the groups and organizations in different world regions which, once more, have participated in the International Day of Action for Trans Depathologization. 

  

Stop Trans Pathologization! Stop Pathologizing Gender Diversity in Childhood!  For the Diversity of Gender Expressions and Identities! 

  

Coordination Team of STP, International Campaign Stop Trans Pathologization, October 18, 2014. 

Cops urged to use diversity training to make a difference, but .......

Earlier this month newly trained cops were urged to be non judgemental in carrying out their duties but frankly speaking anyone can sit in a training session and play the conformist and still go out there and stigmatize persons.

As a previous post here shows the older cops need training badly. There are complaints of alleged shake downs yet still and bribe seeking from party promoters who may have their events too loud and such. 

present cases as posted on Gay Jamaica Watch:
Cops in $500k gays blackmail case mentioned in St Catherine court


So our displaced cannot settle eh? ....... police raid premises with cross dressers!

Public Defender pleased with diversity training for police

I see no mention of refresher courses or re-training of the same cohorts or previous groups but USAID COMET II in supporting the Community Based Policing efforts of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is conducting a series of Training on Diversity. The areas of focus are women and girls, people living with disabilities, marginalized youth and the LGBT community.

The objectives of the training sessions are:

• To raise the awareness of the participants as it pertains to the nuances of the diverse groups in society.

• To better understand the safety and security issues and challenges facing the diverse groups.

• To increase the capacity of the police to develop interventions that are inclusive or are specific to the needs of diverse groups.

• To enable the participants to maintain professionalism in the discharge of duties; to treat with dignity and respect, uphold and preserve the human rights of all irrespective of who the individual is or to which group a person belongs. 

see: Lesbian profiled & pepper sprayed by cops

Donaree Muirhead doing an overview of the training at the start of the day

We have had several rounds of trainings via Amnesty International through Carla Gullotta thorugh to other names and groups and the results are slow in the making. Maybe there needs to be sanctions in place to make persons conform

KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Some 230 newly minted police constables, who have benefitted from diversity training, are being urged to use the knowledge gained to make a difference in how they relate to the Jamaican public.

DCP Clifton Blake

“I am going to ask you to go out there and make a difference… in how you speak to persons,” advised Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of Operations, Clifford Blake.

“If you see your colleague doing something wrong, regardless of rank, regardless of service, just say to the person, I think you could have done this differently,” he urged the participants.

He was addressing the closing ceremony held on Wednesday at the Police Officers Club, St Andrew, where the participants were presented with certificates.

The two-day training sessions were held in the JCF’s five area divisions over the course of September and focused on the safety and security of women and girls, persons living with disabilities, marginalised youth, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual or Transgendered (LGBT) community.

The training was conducted under the Culture of Lawfulness component of the Community Empowerment and Transformation (COMET) Phase Two, a project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The specific objectives of the training were: to increase awareness of the participants to the nuances of the diverse groups in society; create a better understanding of the safety and security issues and challenges facing these groups; increase the capacity to develop interventions that are inclusive or are specific to the needs of the diverse groups; and enable participants to maintain professionalism in the discharge of duties.

The training, which included interaction with representatives of the various groups, was in support of the strategic objectives of the JCF of upholding human rights and restoring public trust and confidence.

DCP Blake said the course was developed out of recognition of the value of impacting the mindset of persons just coming into the organisation, and as such, will be offered to upcoming batches of recruits.

also see from Gay Jamaica Watch: Stereotyping from the police 2011

Peace & tolerance

H

Lesbian profiled as ‘Manroyal’ in tussle with men at Portmore Mall

As I continue to track and document matters arising .........

Corroborated

On October 14th 2015 a woman became the latest in a series of bizarre occurrences regarding what appears to be a trend in intensified heat against butch identified, indeed studs or androgynous looking women; this instance by a group of three men in the Portmore Mall just adjacent to the Kentucky Fried Chicken Store around 6:30pm. According to reports and a somewhat blurred photograph of the ordeal that was on Facebook but has since been deleted the woman was on her way to the mall or the carpark when somehow an argument ensued with men in the car park. The argument got louder and intense to a point where got to a stage of physical pushing shoving between the woman who refused to be manhandled and the men who were intent on supposedly embarrassing her or teaching her a lesson while ridiculing her appearance or aesthetic.

The heated exchange lasted for some ten or so minutes before security guards by the nearby entrances to the NCB ATM and westwards to the Jamaica Public Service, JPS bill payment office intervened to try to calm things down. One of the guards allegedly sided with the men in castigating the young lady upon hearing the gist of the argument and words to the effect including the grossly stigmatizing ‘Manroyal’ were hurled at her from who was supposed to be a peacemaker in the scheme of things; effectively demonizing her as she was dressed in what appeared to be male attire. So aesthetics factors in this latest matter; this ugly business of profiling has been featuring in recent times again especially with our same gender loving sisters with ghastly outcomes from arson to death threats to police pepper spraying (despite a police diversity training effort) to forced evictions.

Also see:
Kicked Out! Lesbian told to leave home by father as he can’t stand the site of her


Lesbian profiled & pepper sprayed by cops

Public Defender pleased with diversity training for police

Disturbingly it seems some NGOs or personalities in them want to keep the truth away from the public square on said issues as they seem to be more interested in suring up their images and portrayal of a middle to affluent out levity while the less privileged classes are relegated to at risk populations and victims. It has been said that those who carry reports such as these are exaggerating them; when sadly the vast majority of so called advocates are so out of touch with the real world and are comfortable in their own bubble complete with security guards in gated communities or apartment/townhouse complexes are do not dare venture into the byways, fields and hedges where the real heat exists. They only come into contact with such persons after the fact via reports or an office visit by the victim; so I do not expect anything else from such persons lacking real world experience as they try to paint a false rosy less homophobic picture of Jamaica when it comes to homophobia or indeed lesbophobia. The tweets are more about being out and proud and their own personal matters more so than that of the organization’s collective imperative.

The young lady according to my two reliable sources who witnessed aspects of the exchange and picked up more from the aftermath and conversations involving the intervening guards and members of the public some laughing defended herself ably despite the three against one unfair advantage. This ‘Manroyal’ stigmatization has been with us for some time and has been legitimized in a sense by dancehall artists; chief among them is Beenieman who voiced an old recording simply titled “Manroyal” where he claimed he is not interested in any intimate relations with a woman who dresses like a man and even via subtle hints suggest violent rebuffs to change her or suggesting that such a woman is to be then treated as a man since he wants to become one. A street dance on the Heroes Day Weekend nearing my house the song was played several times by the DJ among other antigay songs (Buju’s “Boom Bye Bye” included) driving the audience into a frenzy and I felt I was in the 1990s all over again.

the offending track in question:

more on the lyrics and their meaning here: Lesbian construction worker profiled told not to return to worksite 2013

There are other reports similar to this one but the challenge as usual is confirmation or at least corroboration; so they just remain as hearsay or a report unconfirmed which makes the job of tracking our situation difficult. We may never get a true picture as many other persons choose to remain silent and absorb the disruption or instance and try to recover on their own with only their own circle having knowledge of the situation. Asking persons to make reports to established NGOs as the ones I hinted to above is even more challenging as the old feelings of such groups being male dominated or insensitive lesbian advocates within such structures persons do not come forward so the under-reporting continues. The display for example of two present supposed leaders in a certain women’s group via some disturbing if not embarrassing tweets as their relationships battle is made very public has turned off some lesbians and bisexual women to approach said groups for anything.

Trust is so important in this kind of work especially in crisis intervention but where is the interest apart from promoting coming out & proud? When the reality is certain socio-economic groups simply cannot be out and still homo-negative Jamaica; the appearance of tolerance to me seems dormant and only requires a spark of some kind to revive such feelings; case in point the recent antigay rally deceptive labelled as a concern for the family by groups such as Jamaica CAUSE, Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship LCF & Lovemarch. The week immediately following that rally in Half Way Tree, HWT saw a spike in reports of verbal and physical tussles with suspected LGBT persons, so called Manroyals & androgynous or gender non conforming persons as well a trend I observed after the previous rally in 2014. Tastees Patties store for example smack in the middle of HWT was the scene of a short lived verbal spat earlier this year with a tattoo bearing, sleekly dressed woman often seen as ‘studs’ in the labeling ladder where one of the obnoxious male DVD bootleggers who peddle DVDs in the vicinity followed her to the establishment and attempted to verbally embarrass her while she waited in line to place her order. She responded in no uncertain terms that she was not intimidated by him and proceeded to conduct business as the man tried to repeatedly incite support for his stigmatizing cause which fizzled as other men around reportedly told him to leave the woman alone as it made no sense to proceed down that path. One person allegedly said words to the effect that sodomites will always be around.

I guess we need to defend ourselves sensibly where possible but is shows me that we have a long way to go in terms of changing hearts and minds not just buggery law reform; the amendment to the Offences Against the Persons Act regarding incitement for example seems to have gone quietly into history, how many folks are aware of such an amendment so they can use it? If the buggery law is amended or decriminalized tomorrow what happens after that?

Peace and tolerance

H