Do you think the Buggery Law should be?

The Safe House Homeless LGBTQ Project 2009 a detailed look & more


In response to numerous requests for more information on the defunct Safe House Pilot Project that was to address the growing numbers of displaced and homeless LGBTQ youth in Kingston in 2007/8/9, a review of the relevance of the project as a solution, the possible avoidance of present issues with some of its previous residents if it were kept open.
Recorded June 12, 2013; also see from the former Executive Director named in the podcast more background on the project: HERE also see the beginning of the issues from the closure of the project: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

Friday, November 20, 2015

Transgender Day of Rememberance 2015 ..... Remembering

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Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), which occurs annually on November 20, is a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and to bring attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community or those who have passed away.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a trans woman who is a graphic designer, columnist, and activist, to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester in Allston, Massachusetts. 



Since its inception, TDoR has been held annually on November 20, and it has slowly evolved from the web-based project started by Smith into an international day of action. In 2010, TDoR was observed in over 185 cities throughout more than 20 countries. This and my sister blog on Wordpress have carried entries remembering our friends and colleagues who have served or lived and are taken away.

Typically, a TDoR memorial includes a reading of the names of those who lost their lives during the previous year, and may include other actions, such as candlelight vigils, art shows, food drives, film screenings, and marches.


Remembering some of the club children from my more active DJ days:


Britney Boudashious the former Miss LGBT World 2012 who was murdered in November, she was to hand over the crown at this year’s gala event but she did not make it, no clear motive has been established for her demise.


Britney’s Crowning in 2012


her glorious moment after such hard work and practice to get there

rest in peace daaaaahlin’



Barbie making front page news on the now defunct XNEWS

also see: Disturbed by Xnews Story on Drag Queen and Gay Cop or HERE

also flashback to: International Day of Transgender 


Good times at Diva Kerry’s Bday bash in 2011


fierceness

also see:

CARIBBEAN VANITY FAIR GRAMMY AWARDS REVIEW (PINK REPORT) 2010


Then the other shocker in August as the popular socialite Barbie Love passed after a brief illness, you may remember her public appearances that were not so positive but she brought visibility to the cross dressing and transwoman communities in 2009 as photo shows below when the XNews published a sensational article and the on Television where she was arrested after a cruising hookup went bad then public, subsequently she sealed her fame by granting an exclusive interview on Ragashanti live

see: Ragga Shanti Interviews Jamaican Drag Queen Part 1 & 2 !




Carolyn Cooper on Dressed For Murder (The Dwayne Jones Trans murder)


To all the ladies REST IN PEACE and we will miss you. Also the fabulous Mi'Que:



Diva Diva Diva! ......... the one and only Mi'Que transgender representative in this year's remembrance was taken from us tragically in 2011 after an altercation with her spouse went haywire. I only got to know her well over the past two years with her regular appearances at formerly club heavens in St. Ann. She too in some way assisted financially with the now defunct Safe House project and travelled extensively, judging by the two photos I chose out of literally hundreds her sense of style was impeccable and unique.

also see:
LGBT History Month: Allies – Posthumous Recognition ’11 Part II

Near death brush: Another Vicious Anti-Trans Attack 2008




photos I took back in 2008 as Crisis Intervention Officer at JFLAG

At around 2:40am Sunday September 21, 2008 the above photographed victim was befriended by two males at a park in New Kingston, pretending to help "her" out nearing the Shoemaker Gully. 


Shoemaker Gully prior to the Homeless MSM/Trans population explosion there

New Kingston is widely known for open commercial sex work by mostly women and males as cross dressers servicing specific clients then who are aware of the demarcations. While sitting at a bus stop initially near the park, the two males who were passing by presented themselves as keeping her company, around some time after the men offered to keep her warm, as it turned out this was a front to launch their planned assault on the victim.

Other name of recent note (no photo available:
Marsha Blacks: November 2015 passed from illness and is to be interned next week, the set-up/nine-night celebrations were held at a family home November 18th 2015.

also see:




Caitlyn Jenner urges people to 'put an end to hate and violence' in heartfelt message for Transgender Day Of Remembrance 2015

also see:
And the machinery ..... murder of diva "Charms" ............... 2010

Peace and tolerance

H

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

New single-tablet HIV treatment Genvoya wins FDA approval

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The US Food and Drug Administration have approved a new single tablet as a complete treatment for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in people aged 12 years and over.



The new single-tablet HIV drug contains a new form of the powerful HIV inhibitor tenofovir.

The new treatment, called Genvoya, from Gilead Sciences, is a fixed-dose combination of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide.

It is intended for patients aged 12 and over, weighing at least 35 kg (77 lbs) and who have never been treated forHIV before, or for infected adults whose HIV is currently suppressed.

The drug was tested against other HIV treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in four clinical trials involving a total of 3,171 participants. Results showed that it reduced viral loads and was comparable to other treatments.

Genvoya contains a new version of tenofovir - a powerful HIV inhibitor - that has not been approved before. Gilead say that because the new version (called TAF) enters cells - including HIV-infected cells - more efficiently than the previous version (TDF), it can be given at a lower dose that results in 91% less tenofovir in the bloodstream.

The new drug was developed to reduce side effects, and the trial results show it appears to be associated with less kidney toxicity and reductions in bone density than previously approved drugs containing tenofovir.
Suitable for patients with moderate kidney impairment

The FDA note that while Genvoya is not recommended for patients with severe kidney impairment, those with moderate impairment can take Genvoya.

However, the US regulator also comments that "patients receiving Genvoya experienced greater increases in serum lipids (total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein) than patients receiving other treatment regimens in the studies."

The drug's Boxed Warning says it can cause lactic acid to build up in the blood and lead to severe liver problems, both of which can be fatal.

The most common side effect is nausea, and serious side effects include new or worsening kidney problems, reduced bone mineral density, fat redistribution and changes in the immune system.

The warning also says Genvoya should not be given with other antiretroviral drugs and may interact with a number of commonly used medications.

Dr. Edward Cox, director of antimicrobial products in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA, said on Thursday:

"Today's approval of a fixed-dose combination containing a new form of tenofovir provides another effective, once daily complete regimen for patients with HIV-1 infection."

Estimates suggest around 1.2 million Americans aged 13 and over know they have HIV, and more than 150,000 others are infected but do not know it. In the last 10 years, the annual number of new HIV infections has remained relatively stable.

HIV-1 is the predominant strain of HIV that causes the vast majority of HIV infections worldwide. When people refer to HIV, they usually mean HIV-1.

Earlier this year, Medical News Today reported on a study that suggests drugs already being tested for the treatment of cancer could reawaken dormant HIV in cells of patients treated with antiretroviral drugs to allow complete eradication of the virus.

Written by Catharine Paddock PhD

ENDS


With images such as that one above of one of our homeless MSM and the obvious emaciated state more evidence of the lack of interest in addressing homelessness and HIV/AIDS. I am reminded of when friends, colleagues and party patrons at my parties I DJ or promote used to drop like flies in the early nineties; when one would wonder who will be off the scene this month or week or if someone is missing the guess would be they are in the hospital; then when one actually finds them they are mere skin and bones. Sigh

We are told repeatedly of promises to deal with it or flimsy excuses that a space cannot be found etc, see: 

Homeless Awareness Month: Flashback to New Kingston's Displaced MSM 2013

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard Oct 2015


Reported homophobic cases: January - October 2015

Where is that "I am Not a Fish" documentary?

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard

Complaint of "Freaky Gays" Harassing New Kingston Residents 2011

And The Machinery ...... The murder of Charms 2011


Hypocrisy from the pulpit on homeless MSM in Jamaica? yet the populations continue to languish while the priveleged religious and LGBT simply move on. Remember also that JASL received a major donation for such work, 

see: 


Justice Minister reiterates his personal position on the Buggery Law, Anal Intercourse, Consent & Privacy
Health Ministry To Reach MSM, Commercial Sex Workers Through Church 2015

Caribbean Region Must Change Mindset About HIV/AIDS – Dr. Ferguson

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

Promised (I mean suggested) Conscience vote on Buggery law not a priority right now (yet again) says Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller

YOUNG MSM/TRANSGENDER WANT TO BE TREATED AS CITIZENS NOT POTENTIAL HIV/AIDS VICTIMS

Gay Men Are Receptive to Sexual Health Info on Hookup Sites says Scottish Study

German Study: Gay men who discuss HIV status with sexual partners are less likely to acquire HIV

St. Kitts and Nevis PM Douglas defends PANCAP’s Justice For All programme

Continued oversight or deliberate overlooking of Jamaican SGL Women in HIV Prevention?

Jamaica Increasing Funding For HIV/AIDS Programmes

13,328 Jamaican MSM Reached by HIV Prevention says report on National HIV Program ........ but

New Efforts To Halt Spread Of HIV Among Gay Jamaica Men

Concerns for HIV prevalence rate in MSM in Jamaica & connected matters

Incestuous messes, poor NGO monitoring & ever deepening mistrust about "gay rights"

Why did CVCC & JFJ not Fund a Project/Home for Homeless LGBT Youth in New Kingston instead of the Children’s Home Fiasco ...........

YOUNG MSM/TRANSGENDER WANT TO BE TREATED AS CITIZENS NOT POTENTIAL HIV/AIDS VICTIMS from March 2014

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


Major disappointment in assisting our lesser colleagues

Peace & tolerance

H

Lesbians, robbery, mistaken Identity & a wrongly accused man beaten

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Queen Latifah from 'Set it Off' 2012 blockbuster immortalizing the butch woman gangsta aka 'Man Royal' in Jamaica

Gordon Pen, St Catherine by a popular community shop was the scene as persons were both angry and laughing as to the pieces to a strange puzzle of a robbery of the house shop as is customary in such depressed communities. A robbery via a break in took place somewhere between Friday night November 13, 2015 and Saturday the 14th with the result of some $60,000 cash and several grocery items went missing; no dollar value was ascertained for the groceries at the time of gathering this report as I made my way into the community thanks to a brethren who towed me on his bicycle and my investigative curiosity kicked in; I spoke to two ladies I know who reside nearby and who are angry as well as to the allegations and outcomes. The shop is popularly known as ‘Whitey’ nearing the popular section in the community known as ‘the gulf’ and is known for its music and jovial atmosphere with the occasional bashment street dances.

As it turned out the robbery was perpetrated by two women departing from the traditional male perpetrators according to investigations done by some of the men in the area but not before a man who has a bad reputation for break ins inside and outside the community and was subsequently accosted and roughed up by men who took matters in their own hands in a vigilante style approach. Further discussions over the weekend and observations by some of a white car deemed a taxi dropping off or appearing to be picking up items aroused suspicion and a subsequent visit to the address where one of the suspected women reside with her cousin resulted in boxes and bags of items of groceries and phone cards similar to what went missing found; which led to further interrogation by men from the lanes nearby of the driver when returned to make another pickup or drop off as the case may be. He could not give a proper account of the items and why he was making so many stop-offs. He was ordered not to return.

Threats of arson in regards to the house where the items were found and the ladies reside were made but one wonders if it was just hot in the heat of the moment.

As regret set in by some of the area men who participated in an assault exercise of the accused man with the bad break-in reputation residents quickly gathered at the house and were boisterous as they could not accept that the women would have been the ones to rob the popular community shop. The shop’s operator has a reputation of offering credit or as we say in Jamaica ‘trust’ where some other shops tend to have misgivings and so makeshift signs on their doors or entrance spots with wording to the effect ‘No trust’ or ‘No credit’ ‘Absolutely no credit’ which tends to turn off patronage to rival shops who do offer some delayed payment system. The popular shop also offers breakfast at reasonable rates from egg sandwiches for only $60 with a cup of tea and breaks down items that would be sold as a package; for example sliced bread as a whole is sold in slices if persons do not have enough money or Vienna sausages or bulk ones are literally opened and sold in low denominations of one to three and upwards. So one can understand the justification of the upset of the residents; the police were notified they did come eventually and the items left in the house were seized with one of the accused ladies present but not before the angry residents and the ‘shotta thugs’ verbally abused them and the castigation included that they were ‘sodomites’ and living together.

The tense standoff lasted according to my sources some twenty minutes with the cops appealing to the residents to keep calm while the ‘shotta thugs’ could not exact their version of justice and were hampered to execute same since the police were there and warned persons; according to my source their faces said it all as they were peeved they could not act and discipline the girls involved. A truck was said to have arrived to remove their belongings yesterday and the driver and crew were verbally abused but that soon died down. There was some concern that the truck would be trailed by bikers who live in the community in the lucrative bike rental business but with the death last Saturday of a man who rented one of the bikes for $300/2hr without any serious experience he was eventually ran over by a motorist on the main road so such bikers are curtailed for now. Some of the bikes have since been seized and deemed illegal without a license both by riders and machinery alike.

Yesterday afternoon the truck returned to collect the remaining stuff with police which was where I was brought into knowledge of the occurrences as the boisterous residents were out again asking or demanding blood in as far as the accused ladies are concerned; none of them has been seen in the area since and the cops’ visit and the one lady who was on site was not taken in or detained for questioning which to me seems strange. One of the women is said to be a butch identified person or as stereotypically sighted ‘man royal’ a term made popular by dancehall acts such as Beenieman and Elephant Man and used to justify opposition verbally or violently to such women as they are seen as a threat to men especially in the department of multi-partnering; some men really believe that such women are sharp and may steal away other women sexually via good oral sex which may make such passive partners extremely satisfied as they may reach an orgasm easier than with a man. On the opposite side of things butch women are also seen as one of the boys in some circles and are treated as men in a social circle construct; so they do the things the guys do and still be a lady in a sense, smoke weed, dress as a typical ‘thug’ and have and share women or be allowed to access women for sex on behalf of the boys in the circle. Problem is when there is a standoff she is the first to be blamed or castigated as a ‘manroyal’ and or a man wanna be so she deserves anything that comes her way, including violent reactions or corrective rape in the extreme. 

more on the manroyal problems:






Tensions were still high this morning as the house is now empty according to my source, I did not get a chance to get back to the lane to get a first hand view as Gordon Pen is close to my housing community. This incident just goes to show the challenges that can come when same gender loving women get into criminal behaviour, I am reminded of the ‘cash for gold’ woman who was subsequently involved in an altercation with one of her male counterparts yet the matter was reported and seen by some including JFLAG as an attack due to her sexuality when that was NOT the trigger for the attack initially; she was accused of relieving cash she was due to hand over to another business partner and could not account for same hence the imbroglio.

Another lesbian was murdered some weeks ago and her nine-night (ninth night remembrance event) was held Saturday last thanks to a colleague who confirmed it; she was killed due to an ongoing gang warfare in Spanish Town and she was said to be related to one of those involved in that war. Meanwhile one ‘Black Marsha’ or 'Marsha Blacks' also passed away recently from kidney failure as she was said to have missed her dialysis treatments over time due to the overwhelming waiting list at public facilities for such services; she had missed several dates as she became frustrated with the system and simply stopped the follow up. Sadly it has caused her her life.

May their souls rest in peace.


 a song for the girls gone

Hope we learn it makes no sense to get involved in criminal activity and this one could have ended up with far more disastrous consequences and outcomes.

Peace & tolerance

H

Monday, November 16, 2015

International Day of Tolerance 2015

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On the day of its fiftieth anniversary, 16 November 1995, UNESCO's Member States adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. Among other things, the Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe.






The Declaration qualifies tolerance not only as a moral duty, but also as a political and legal requirement for individuals, groups and States. It situates tolerance in relation to the international human rights instruments drawn up over the past fifty years and emphasizes that States should draft new legislation when necessary to ensure equality of treatment and of opportunity for all groups and individuals in society.

Along with outright injustice and violence, discrimination and marginalization are common forms of intolerance. Education for tolerance should aim at countering influences that lead to fear and exclusion of others, and should help young people develop capacities for independent judgement, critical thinking and ethical reasoning. The diversity of our world's many religions, languages, cultures and ethnicities is not a pretext for conflict, but is a treasure that enriches us all.

How Can Intolerance Be Countered?

Fighting intolerance requires law:
Each Government is responsible for enforcing human rights laws, for banning and punishing hate crimes and discrimination against minorities, whether these are committed by State officials, private organizations or individuals. The State must also ensure equal access to courts, human rights commissioners or ombudsmen, so that people do not take justice into their own hands and resort to violence to settle their disputes.

Fighting intolerance requires education:
Laws are necessary but not sufficient for countering intolerance in individual attitudes. Intolerance is very often rooted in ignorance and fear: fear of the unknown, of the other, other cultures, nations, religions. Intolerance is also closely linked to an exaggerated sense of self-worth and pride, whether personal, national or religious. These notions are taught and learned at an early age. Therefore, greater emphasis needs to be placed on educating more and better. Greater efforts need to be made to teach children about tolerance and human rights, about other ways of life. Children should be encouraged at home and in school to be open-minded and curious.

Education is a life-long experience and does not begin or end in school. Endeavours to build tolerance through education will not succeed unless they reach all age groups, and take place everywhere: at home, in schools, in the workplace, in law-enforcement and legal training, and not least in entertainment and on the information highways.
Fighting intolerance requires access to information:
Intolerance is most dangerous when it is exploited to fulfil the political and territorial ambitions of an individual or groups of individuals. Hatemongers often begin by identifying the public's tolerance threshold. They then develop fallacious arguments, lie with statistics and manipulate public opinion with misinformation and prejudice. The most efficient way to limit the influence of hatemongers is to develop policies that generate and promote press freedom and press pluralism, in order to allow the public to differentiate between facts and opinions.

Fighting intolerance requires individual awareness:
Intolerance in a society is the sum-total of the intolerance of its individual members. Bigotry, stereotyping, stigmatizing, insults and racial jokes are examples of individual expressions of intolerance to which some people are subjected daily. Intolerance breeds intolerance. It leaves its victims in pursuit of revenge. In order to fight intolerance individuals should become aware of the link between their behavior and the vicious cycle of mistrust and violence in society. Each one of us should begin by asking: am I a tolerant person? Do I stereotype people? Do I reject those who are different from me? Do I blame my problems on 'them'?

Fighting intolerance requires local solutions:
Many people know that tomorrow's problems will be increasingly global but few realize that solutions to global problems are mainly local, even individual. When confronted with an escalation of intolerance around us, we must not wait for governments and institutions to act alone. We are all part of the solution. We should not feel powerless for we actually posses an enormous capacity to wield power. Nonviolent action is a way of using that power-the power of people. The tools of nonviolent action-putting a group together to confront a problem, to organize a grassroots network, to demonstrate solidarity with victims of intolerance, to discredit hateful propaganda-are available to all those who want to put an end to intolerance, violence and hatred.

also see and hear previous rantings from me:







Perkins scolded for his "tolerance"









remember this poll from TVJ:



We have some way to go with all the hardened positions out there I am wondering how long it is going to take to change hearts and minds; with poor crisis communications from advocacies and a strident anti gay movement I am still hopeful.

Peace & tolerance

H


Dancehall meets house music part 2: Artistes, Producers Willing To Try EDM

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So a full five years has passed since my first post on this fusion I saw from way back and where I questioned whether some tolerance could come from same? my post then was Dancehall meets house music: Is Tolerance already there in the fusion but unrecognised? and a follow up entry that same year Jah Cure goes techno with Never Say Never ..... remember the dancehall meets house post? with the upcoming EDM Festival in Jamaica finally some pundits are saying persons are just riding the trend for now until it changes again.




I have been spinning dancemusic for some twenty years now and had stopped playing dancehall because of the murder anti gay elements of it; it just turned me off and I zoomed in on house (which I already was a HUGE fan of) and ballroom with Euro Techno and nowadays Electro, Trance, Nu Disco, Filter and Deep Tech alongside the bootleg community's output.

The Gleaner carried this yesterday:
Now that it has been confirmed that EDM (electronic dance music) originated in Jamaica and with a steady increase in the popularity of EDM parties and festivals locally, The Sunday Gleaner has sought to find out from artistes and producers if more of them would now be willing to branch out into the genre.



DJ Sunshine: I would consider producing EDM rhythms. For me, music has no colour. I don't set limits or boundaries on my creativity. I'm open to new ideas of expressions. I just let the music take me wherever. Given the fact that EDM was created in Jamaica, I would definitely explore the option of producing music with that flavour.



Macka Diamond: I think I did an EDM style song a few years ago, but if it's the new thing coming in, we have to work with the flow. We can't just stay back and flop. Music changes over time. Artistes have to keep up with what is going on. Mi fit inna everything. A me name water.



Stacious: I love EDM and the vibe and energy that come with it. I did an EDM track with a Swiss-based artiste called Fat Cat which we are currently promoting. I think a lot of music forms originate in Jamaica. We have influenced reggaeton, rap, hip-hop, etc. We are the mother of music.



CeCile: I didn't know that the origins of EDM could be traced back to Jamaica. That's actually very exciting to hear. I've always done EDM and I've performed at EDM festivals also. It's not new to me.

It's something that I've already done, been doing and will continue to do.


Seanizzle (producer) : I'm a lover of music. I enjoy every genre. If you listen to Bugle's Rasta Party, which I recently produced, there are traces of EDM in it. It's something I've been messing with a while now.


ENDS

The interviewer did not it seem approach the real caustic artists such as Elephant Man, Beenieman (despite his dancehall queen song with Chevelle Frranklin being remixed by the house music prince remixer Maurice Joshua) and Capleton, I guess artistes would be against it as the old beliefs that dancemusic overall is gay music which in truth is so as it was founded by the DJs then. The Gleaner played it safe and spoke to friendly acts to the LGBT community it seems but it would have been good to balance it out.

There was a dancehall riddim some years ago that easily could be considered dancehall/house as I played it in my house sets at parties. The $20 Bunch riddim has artists like Macka Diamond 



Just speed up the BPM settings and it becomes a nice house bouncer, the Scoobay Riddim was another riddim I and other DJs would speed up while time stretching the vocals etc to avoid the Mickey Mouse or chipmunk voice. Unfortunately Beenieman's murder music track which is still available "All Battyman fi Dead (All gays are to be killed)" was released on that riddim. Here is one of the most popular tunes on that riddim.






another track I used to mix with songs like Rosabel's Cha Cha Heels sped up to 132 BOM both with tribal/Jamaican revival but house music feel.

perfect combination of dancehall and house/dance includes the infamous tracks:








 and the hard to find Johnny P's Look Good Metro Club Remix go HERE of HERE


Embracing the genre is one thing but the fusion so early in the years has not really slowed the homo-negativity in a large sense; I hope the EDM festival will enhance that part of the discourse and I want to go to see the DJs especially King Jammys who is a dancehall veteran but was asked to spin EDM see Many Battle To Be First - But Paradise Lost Takes Dibs On Three-Day EDM Festival In Ja from the Gleaner.

Also hear some of my set mixes:








Let there be HOUSE as they say and enjoy. I can be reached on 1-876-841-2923 or email lgbtevent@gmail.com

Peace & tolerance

H
Related Posts with Thumbnails

AddThis

Podcasts You may have missed or want to re-listen




A look at the fear of the feminine (Effemophobia) by Jamaican standards & how it drives the homo-negative perceptions/homophobia in Jamaican culture/national psyche.



and



After catching midway a radio discussion on the subject of Jamaica being labelled as homophobic I did a quick look at the long held belief in Jamaica by anti gay advocates, sections of media and homophobes that several murders of alleged gay victims are in fact 'crimes of passion' or have jealousy as their motives but it is not as simple or generalized as that.

Listen without prejudice to this and other podcasts on one of my Soundcloud channels

More uploads




Aphrodite’s PRIDE JA tackles gender identity, transgender misconceptions .....



Nationwide New Network, NNN devoted some forty five minutes of prime time yesterday evening to discuss the issue and help listeners to at least begin to process some of the information coming from the most public declaration exercise as done by Jenner. Guests on the show were Dr Karen Carpenter Board Certified Clinical Sexologist and Psychologist, ‘Satiba’ from Aphrodite’s P.R.I.D.E Jamaica of which I am affiliated and Lecturer (Sociologist) and host of Every Woman on the station Georgette Crawford Williams (sister of PNP member of parliament Damian Crawford); one of the first questions thrown at Satiba by host Cliff Hughes was why has Jenna waited so long at 65 years old to make such a life changing decision?

Satiba responded that many transwomen have to hide their true identity in life .... given her life when she was younger she was a star athlete she would have been under tremendous precious to stay in from the expectations by the public and her team etc, also owing to the fact that she had a family as a man with children one may not want to upset the flow at that time until the kids are old enough. There is a lot of burden of guilt that some persons carry in weighing the decisions of coming out or transitioning so suppression of one’s true self is the modus operandi.

Dr Carpenter cautioned after a heated exchange:

“We really must remember as professionals we must stay in our lane I will never pronounce as a Sociologist cause I am not a Sociologist ............When we have an opportunity to speak publicly we must be careful of what we say unless it is extremely well informed......”


Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website


Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website on December 1 2015 on World AIDS Day where they hosted a docu-film and after discussions on the film Human Vol 1






audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

See posts on APJ's work: HERE (newer entries will appear first so scroll to see older ones)

Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?


Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?


It seems like homosexuality is on everyone's tongue. From articles in the newspapers to countless news stories and commentaries, it seems like everyone is talking about the gays. Since Jamaica identifies as a Christian nation, the obvious thought about homosexuality is that it is wrong but only male homosexuality seems to influence the more passionate responses. It seems we are more open to accepting lesbianism but gay men are greeted with much disapproval.

Dancehall has certainly been very clear where it stands when it comes to this issue with various songs voicing clear condemnation of this lifestyle. Currently, quite a few artistes are facing continuous protests because of their anti-gay lyrics. Even the law makers are involved in the gayness as there have been several calls for the repeal of the buggery law. Recently Parliament announced plans to review the Sexual Offences Act which, I am sure, will no doubt address homosexuality.

Jamaica has been described as a homophobic nation. The question I want to ask is: What are we afraid of? There are usually many reasons why homosexuality is such a pain in the a@. Here are some of the more popular arguments MORE HERE

also see:
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation


Sexuality - What is yours?

Promised conscience vote was a fluke from the PNP ........



SO WE WERE DUPED EH? - the suggestion of a conscience vote on the buggery law as espoused by Prime Minister (then opposition leader) in the 2011 leadership debate preceding the last national elections was a dangling carrot for a dumb donkey to follow.

Many advocates and individuals interpreted Mrs Simpson Miller's pronouncements as a promise or a commitment to repeal or at least look at the archaic buggery law but I and a few others who spoke openly dismissed it all from day one as nothing more than hot air especially soon after in February member of parliament Damian Crawford poured cold water on the suggestion/promise and said it was not a priority as that time. and who seems to always open his mouth these days and revealing his thoughts that sometimes go against the administration's path.

I knew from then that as existed before even under the previous PM P. J. Patterson (often thought to be gay by the public) also danced around the issue as this could mean votes and loss of political power. Mrs Simpson Miller in the meantime was awarded a political consultants' democracy medal as their conference concludes in Antigua.


War of words between pro & anti gay activists on HIV matters .......... what hypocrisy is this?



War of words between pro & anti gay activists on HIV matters .......... what hypocrisy is this?

A war of words has ensued between gay lawyer (AIDSFREEWORLD) Maurice Tomlinson and anti gay activist Dr Wayne West (supposed in-laws of sorts) as both accuse each other of lying or being dishonest, when deception has been neatly employed every now and again by all concerned, here is the post from Dr West's blog

This is laughable to me in a sense as both gentleman have broken the ethical lines of advocacy respectively repeatedly especially on HIV/AIDS and on legal matters concerning LGBTQ issues

The evidence is overwhelming readers/listeners, you decide.


Fast forward 2015 and the exchanges continue in a post from Dr Wayne West: Maurice Tomlinson misrepresents my position on his face book page and Blog 76Crimes

Tomlinson's post originally was:






Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II






Following a cowardly decision by the Minister(try) of Education to withdraw an all important Health Family Life, HFLE Manual on sex and sexuality

I examine the possible reasons why we have the homo-negative challenges on the backdrop of a missing multi-generational understanding of sexuality and the focus on sexual reproductive activity in the curriculum.

also see:

and





Calls for Tourism Boycotts are Nonsensical at This Time





(2014 protests New York)

Calling for boycotts by overseas based Jamaican advocates who for the most part are not in touch with our present realities in a real way and do not understand the implications of such calls can only seek to make matters worse than assisting in the struggle, we must learn from, the present economic climate of austerity & tense calm makes it even more sensible that persons be cautious, will these groups assist when there is fallout?, previous experiences from such calls made in 2008 and 2009 and the near diplomatic nightmare that missed us; especially owing to the fact that many of the victims used in the public advocacy of violence were not actual homophobic cases which just makes the ethics of advocacy far less credible than it ought to be.

See more explained HERE from a previous post following the Queen Ifrica matter and how it was mishandled

Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14



debate by hosts and UWI students on the weekly program Issues on Fire on legalizing polygamy with Jamaica's multiple partner cultural norms this debate is timely.

Also with recent public discourse on polyamorous relationships, threesomes (FAME FM Uncensored) and on social.

Some Popular Posts

Are you ready to fight for gay rights and freedoms?? (multiple answers are allowed)

Did U Find This Blog Informative???

Blog Roll

What do you think is the most important area of HIV treatment research today?

Do you think Lesbians could use their tolerance advantage to help push for gay rights in Jamaica??

Violence & venom force gay Jamaicans to hide



a 2009 Word focus report where the history of the major explosion of homeless MSM occurred and references to the party DVD that was leaked to the bootleg market which exposed many unsuspecting patrons to the public (3:59), also the caustic remarks made by former member of Parliament in the then JLP administration.

The agencies at the time were also highlighted and the homo negative and homophobic violence met by ordinary Jamaican same gender loving men.

The late founder of the CVC, former ED of JASL and JFLAG Dr. Robert Carr was also interviewed.

At 4:42 that MSM was still homeless to 2012 but has managed to eek out a living but being ever so cautious as his face is recognizable from the exposed party DVD, he has been slowly making his way to recovery despite the very slow pace.

Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

Thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.

Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this blog(immediately below, GLBTQJA (Blogspot), GLBTQJA (Wordpress) and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact: glbtqjamaica@live.com or lgbtevent@gmail.com



Activities & Plans: ongoing and future
  • Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives

  • To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

  • Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere

  • Welcoming, examining and implementing suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public

  • Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner

  • Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise

  • Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL
Thanks again for your support.

Tel: 1-876-841-2923




Peace

Information & Disclaimer


Individuals who are mentioned or whose photographs appear on this site are not necessarily Homosexual, HIV positive or have AIDS.

This blog contains pictures that may be disturbing. We have taken the liberty to present these images as evidence of the numerous accounts of homophobic violence meted out to alleged gays in Jamaica.

Faces and names withheld for the victims' protection.

This blog not only watches and covers LGBTQ issues in Jamaica and elsewhere but also general human rights and current affairs where applicable.

This blog contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please view labels, post list or exit.

Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics.

This blog is not designed to provide medical care, if you are ill, please seek medical advice from a licensed practitioner

Thanks so much for your kind donations and thoughts.

As for some posts, they contain enclosure links to articles, blogs and or sites for your perusal, use the snapshot feature to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.

Recent Homophobic Cases

CLICK HERE for related posts/labels and HERE from the gayjamaicawatch's BLOG containing information I am aware of. If you know of any such reports or incidents please contact lgbtevent@gmail.com or call 1-876-841-2923

Peace to you and be safe out there.

Love.


What to do if you are attacked (News You Can Use)


First, be calm: Do not panic; it may be very difficult to maintain composure if attacked but this is important.

Try to reason with the attacker: Establish communication with the person. This takes a lot of courage. However, a conversation may change the intention of an attacker.

Do not try anything foolish: If you know outmaneuvering the attacker is impossible, do not try it.

Do not appear to be afraid: Look the attacker in the eye and demonstrate that you are not fearful.

This may have a psychological effect on the individual.

Emergency numbers

The police 119

Kingfish 811

Crime Stop 311

Steps to Take When Contronted or Arrested by Police


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist

c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tensed) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports

f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)

g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible

h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violated. When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions

j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it

What to do


a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone

b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council

c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state

d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police

e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number

f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided

g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence

h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail

i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail

j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence

Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you

The following may apply:

1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries

2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial

3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.

4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.

5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence

6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts

7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.

Sexual Health / STDs News From Medical News Today

VACANT AT LAST! SHOEMAKERGULLY: DISPLACED MSM/TRANS PERSONS WERE IS CLEARED DECEMBER 2014





CVM TV carried a raid and subsequent temporary blockade exercise of the Shoemaker Gully in the New Kingston district as the authorities respond to the bad eggs in the group of homeless/displaced or idling MSM/Trans persons who loiter there for years.

Question is what will happen to the population now as they struggle for a roof over their heads and food etc. The Superintendent who proposed a shelter idea (that seemingly has been ignored by JFLAG et al) was the one who led the raid/eviction.

Also see:
the CVM NEWS Story HERE on the eviction/raid taken by the police

also see a flashback to some of the troubling issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless GBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

May 22, 2015 update, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston



THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts


THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts 




The Prime Minister (Golding) on Same Sex Marriages and the Charter of Rights Debate (2009)


Other sides to the msm homeless saga (2012)


Rowdy Gays Matter 21.08.11 more HERE



Ethical Professionlism & LGBT Advocates 01.02.12 more HERE


Portia Simpson Miller - SIMPSON MILLER DEFENDS GAY COMMENT 23.12.11


2 SGL Women lost, corrective rape and virtual silence from the male dominated advocacy structure


Al Miller on UK Aid & The Abnormality of Homosexuality 19.11.11


Homosexuality is Not Illegal in Jamaica .... Buggery is despite the persons gender 12.11.11 MORE HERE 


MSM Homelessness 2011 ...my two cents


Black Friday for Gays in Jamaica More HERE


Bi-phobia by default from supposed LGBT advocate structures?


Homeless MSMs Saga Timeline 28.08.11 (HOT!!!) see more HERE


A Response to Al Miller's Abnormality of Homosexuality statement 19.11.11


UK/commonwealth Aid Matter & The New Developments, no aid cuts but redirecting, ethical problems on our part - 22.11.11


Homophobic Killings versus Non Homophobic Killings 12.07.12


Big Lies, Crisis Archiving & More MSM Homlessness Issues 12.07.12


More MSM Challenges July 2012 more sounds HERE


GLBTQ Jamaica 2011 Summary 02.01.12 more HERE


Homosexuality Destroying the Family? .............. I Think Not!


Lesbian issues left out of the Jamaican advocacy thrust until now?


Club Heavens The Rebirth 12.02.12 and more HERE


Should gov't provide shelter for homeless msm?


National attitudes to gays survey shows 78% of J'cans say NO to buggery repeal


1st Anniversary of Homeless MSM civil disobedience (Aug 23/4) 2012 more HERE


JFLAG's rejection of rowdy homeless msms & the Sept 21st standoff .........


Atheism & Secularism may cloud the struggle for lgbt rights in Jamaica more HERE


Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II and more HERE


MSM Community Displacement Concerns October 2012


The UTECH abuse & related issues


Beenieman's hypocrisy & his fake apology in his own words and more HERE


Guarded about JFLAG's Homeless shelter


Homophobia & homelessness matters for November 2012 ................


Cabinet delays buggery review, says it's not a priority & more ...........................(November 2012) prior to the announcement of the review in parliament in June 2013 More sounds HERE


"Dutty Mind" used in Patois Bible to describe homosexuals


Homeless impatient with agencies over slow progress for promised shelter 2012 More HERE


George Davis Live - Dr Wayne West & Carole Narcisse on JCHS' illogical fear


Homeless MSM Issues in New Kgn Jan 2013 .......


Homeless MSM challenges in Jamaica February 2013 more HERE


JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness 2013


Poor leadership & dithering are reasons for JFLAG & Jamaica AIDS Support’s temporary homelessness May 2013 more HERE


Response To Flagging a Dead Horse Free Speech & Gay Rights 10.06.13