Bahamas PM says no to same sex marriage

Sounds so familiar eh? oh boi these Caribbean leaders and holding on to outdated so called traditional values.

NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) — Prime Minister Perry Christie says the proposed referendum to amend the constitution will not allow for same sex marriages to become legal in the Bahamas.

Christie launched the YES Bahamas Campaign “Equal Rights for our Sons and Daughters” on Sunday, telling his audience that the Bahamas will only recognise marriage as being between a man and a woman.

The referendum will be held on June 7.

Observer's cartoonist Clovis took a swipe at the matter 

“I repeat: this referendum will not cause same-sex marriage to become legal in the Bahamas. Marriage in the Bahamas will be legal only if it is between a man and a woman, and male and female are determined at birth,” he said.

“I am so emphatic because it is so important for Bahamians to vote on what is really at stake – equal rights for our sons and daughters – and not let false rumours or incorrect information hold sway.

“This referendum does not seek to change Bahamian society or our traditional values – instead it seeks to change the Constitution so that it more clearly reflects those values, and our shared belief in fairness.”

Prime Minister Christie said that the YES Bahamas Campaign will be relying on Bahamians, young and old, for their creativity and enthusiasm, visiting each of our islands, and providing information to Bahamians on each of the amendments.

He said that the Constitutional Commission will continue a very intense schedule of information sessions leading up to the June 7 referendum, adding in carrying out its work, the Commission will continue to operate independently and with neutrality.

“Its job is to educate not to advocate for a Yes or No vote,” he added.

Prime Minister Christie said that the referendum was necessary to change the 1973 Constitution, which prevented Parliament from passing laws which would discriminate based on race or creed or place of origin.

But he said that the framers of the Constitution “did not include sex, that is, they did not insert any language in the Constitution which would prevent Parliament from passing laws which discriminate against men or women.

“This referendum is simply about bringing our Constitution up to date to reflect our shared values as a society. Men and women will always be different, and no law or change to the Constitution could or should ever change that – in fact, we celebrate our differences – but we do believe that as citizens who share the same responsibilities, the time has come for men and women, our sons and daughters, to share the same rights.”

Sexual assault of a same sex nature part 2

also see part 1 from 2013 HERE

As April is observed on this blog as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and also recognized in the United States where many of my readers hail and who encouraged me to mark the activities locally; some responses have come in via social media and by phone (the number located on the blogs 1-876-799-2231). Two respondents have shared their issues less than twenty four hours after the previous post to mark the awareness activity for 2016. I reminds me of the need for trustworthy spaces to air such issues as persons seek outlets to share and find if ever some emotional release.

Both respondents also granted permission to share the central issues from their experiences on here as well to whom I am very grateful, while observing the sensitivities involved I think it is important to raise the issue to indicate they are happening and out of sight is not necessarily out of mind; and that they read the original post on the subject for this year. Many suffer in silence or feel they have nowhere to really vent or share their concern. There is also deep mistrust indeed under reporting of such matters and even as more visible advocates are out there these days while commendable some persons see such advocates as unapproachable; a sentiment ringing out more and more in recent years and is as old as the life of advocacy itself since the nineties. Some persons are seen as cocky and standoffish and too ‘up there’ to identify with such issues or give a listening ear. Both respondents expressed such sentiments; I guess image is everything that is something that really needs to be addressed; the vain displays via social media can be a turnoff to many who want to reach to real people and not superficial appearing individuals via their social media profiles.

In each case the assault if not abuse was of a same gender nature and stemmed from a date gone overboard by the perpetrator who it seems misinterpreted their friendliness and or familiarity as an open initiation to sex or entitlement. 

The first case involves a long term dating couple who had been seeing each other for some time but also had intermittent hints of subtle demands for sex as a way to end the dating cycle. After an evening out on the town with all the pleasantries a working professional in her mid twenties was ready to call it a night and was expecting a chivalrous end to the date only to have groping and insisting by the date who was described as a stud that she wants some of the ‘sweet stuff’

Upon refusal things got far more physical and the think you’re better than me’ philosophy presented itself in the conversation wrapped up in an entitlement mantra as seen or displayed by misogynistic men in Jamaica. So because the aggressor was known to the impacted woman and slightly intimate the suddenly the latter is obligated to ‘let off a ting’ or give up her body to consummate whatever the aggressor thinks is happening or they are together all of a sudden in terms of a permanent relationship. Things got really rough after a while but thankfully never went to the stage of full rape but the woman was assaulted none the less. The matter was not reported to the police but she was considering it and wondered if there was any legislation that would protect her; I suggested yes as a previous case had intimated regarding a so called lesbian who was charged for assault after using a bottle to penetrate another female. She has not seen the aggressor in person and several attempts by same to contact her via Facebook has subsequently blocked her and has gone as far as to change her number. She is even considering relocating to a new address just to avoid impromptu visits by the aggressor. I suggested if it gets really weird or stalking becomes the means to pursue her then a police report is definitely in the works if not a restraining order of some kind. She sounded more upbeat by the end of the exchange none the less and is trying to move on with her life she says.

In the second matter it is a more midterm relationship issues involving non consent or forced sexual advances. Both women cohabit in the home of the impacted lesbian for less than two years and while there was some sexual activity based mostly on consent or some light aphrodisiac resistance as foreplay things got testier as time progressed. The impacted woman shared that the partner would demand sex almost immediately via phone or social media and upon arrival at home the demand was expected to be met; when not met the aggressor goes into ‘take it’ mode with occasional struggles that do not go to a full rape. However one moment led to a full assault in her eyes as she was pinned down for a few minutes as the aggressor kissed and attempted to undo her blouse etc. Since then the women were not on speaking terms and a third party was made aware of some of the challenges who in turn offered temporary shelter until she was able to fully relocate to another rented premises. The matter was not reported to the police as usual the fear is perceptions are that the cops may not be equipped to address such matters given the sentiments on homosexuality generally and exposure to family and others.

The near misogynistic appearing practices by some women especially studs and butch identified in a kind of masculine and manly experiences in same gender loving women populations is a bit disturbing to me; they adopt almost totally the attitudes of some men in Jamaica or their bravado to project strength on their partners or prospect and the age old entitlement phenomenon sets in. There are some outlets to assist women to navigate those issues thankfully as some training have been ongoing with even non LGBT outfits for women. It seems maybe some awareness campaign is needed or fine tune the ones already out there to let women know there are such outlets with confidential operatives to share and work out solutions.

Most of us can only offer emotional support and encouragement towards moving on while addressing the concerns including safety. It is hard to measure how deep these sensitivities lie as well as I still suspect some under-reporting is still at work.

Peace & tolerance

H

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month ...............

OK so I missed it last year and I apologize [while being racked for making such a faux pas lol], maybe so much was on my plate or scheduling issues. Thanks for the reminder readers; I am impressed now that there are and indeed always been some on point readers.

Now to pressing matters:

This year's theme on this blog is "Prevention is possible'' as myself and stakeholders offer some tips with regards to lessening ones risk of assault. Specific to corrective rape challenges there were only two reports that came in for 2015 that were confirmed which is two too many but a marked reduction as opposed to recent years.

The abuse of children however is still an issue and will be tackled by Eve for Life at an event planned for April 12, 2016.

Now for some tips on reducing risk of assault.

Safety Planning
For many people who have been impacted by sexual assault, current and long-term safety can be an ongoing concern. 

If Someone is Pressuring You
If you find yourself in in a situation where someone is pressuring you, remember that it’s not your fault. These tips may help you exit the situation safely.

What Consent Looks Like
The laws about consent vary by age in Jamaica AOC is 16, but you don’t have to be a legal expert to understand how consent plays out in real life.

Safety Tips for Traveling
The following tips can help travelers plan for a safe and comfortable trip and may reduce the risk of many different types of crimes, including sexual violence.

Alcohol Safety
Alcohol may make it easier for a perpetrator to commit sexual assault and can even prevent someone from remembering that the assault occurred.

Safe Web Browsing
There are two important safety elements to consider when you're browsing online: privacy and security.

Meeting Offline
Consider these safety tips when you plan to meet someone offline.

Social Media Safety
Take steps to protect your personal safety with the following social media safety tips.

Staying Safe on Campus

College campuses can give you a sense of security—a feeling that everyone knows each other and watches out for one another. There are perpetrators who take advantage of this feeling of safety and security to commit acts of sexual violence.

Lesbophobic threat:
If in any doubt relocate as quickly as possible, report the matter to a trusted source or outfit or the police. Set your schedule for daytime movements as best as possible. Note untoward comments and misogynistic gestures. 

Resources for Parents

Protect Your Child from Sexual Abuse
There is no foolproof way to protect children from abuse, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of harm.

Talking to Your Kids about Sexual Assault
Conversations about sexual assault can be a part of the safety conversations you’re already having today.

If You Suspect A Child Is Being Harmed
Child sexual abuse is a crime that often goes undetected, but you have the power to make a positive difference in a child's life by stepping in when you suspect harm.

Evaluating Caregivers
There are steps you can take to evaluate caregivers, such as babysitters or nursing homes, to reduce the risk of something happening to your loved one.

If Your Child May Be Harming Another Child
If your child has acted inappropriately or hurt another child, it is imperative that you take steps to ensure the safety of others.

Warning Signs

It’s not always obvious when someone you care about has been affected by sexual violence. Learn the warning signs for children, teens, and college-age adults.

Try to research other online sources for tips and be vigilant at all times even when you may feel there is no threat.

Peace & tolerance.

H

Antibody Mediated Prevention Study ...........

source Gettyimages

AMP stands for Antibody Mediated Prevention. This is the idea of giving people antibodies to see if they will protect against HIV infection.

This study, also referred to as HVTN 704/HPTN 085, tests a new idea for HIV prevention. In traditional vaccine studies, we give people a vaccine and wait to see if their bodies will make antibodies against HIV in response. In this study, we’ll be skipping that step, and just giving people the antibodies directly. We will do this through an infusion, which some people know better as getting an IV or getting a drip. This is the first study testing whether this antibody can prevent HIV infections in people.
READY TO GET AMPED?

HVTN and HPTN Announce initiation of antibody mediated prevention (AMP) study
SEATTLE and DURHAM, N.C. - The HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) today announced the initiation of HVTN 704/HPTN 085, also known as Antibody Mediated Prevention (AMP), a Phase 2b clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VRC01, a broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody (bnAb). AMP is the first study to evaluate whether bnAbs are effective in reducing acquisition of HIV-1 infection among at risk populations.

"Injections or infusions of antibodies to prevent acquisition of an infectious disease have been utilized in medicine for decades," said Larry Corey, M.D., study chairperson for HVTN 704/HPTN 085 and principal investigator for the HVTN. "The remarkable advance in technologies to isolate and manufacture human monoclonal antibodies in concentrations high enough to potentially prevent HIV is a major advance and provides the underlying principle for our enthusiasm for these trials."

The clinical trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, global effort conducted in the U.S., Brazil, and Peru and will enroll 2700 men or transgender persons (TG) who have sex with men or TG persons. Study participants will be randomized to receive VRC01 or placebo by intravenous (IV) infusion every eight weeks. Infusions will continue for 72 weeks for HIV-uninfected participants in all groups, with follow up for 20 additional weeks. A parallel study, HVTN 703/HPTN 081, will be initiated later this year in sub-Saharan Africa and will enroll 1500 sexually active women.

AMP is being sponsored and funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIAID Vaccine Research Center discovered the VRC01 antibody and manufactured it for this trial.

"This study represents an important next step in developing agents that can prevent HIV infection by using bnAbs," said Myron Cohen, M.D., study chairperson for HVTN 704/HPTN 085 and principal investigator for the HPTN. "AMP will leverage the research expertise, resources and reach of two NIAID-funded HIV prevention trial networks, and underscores our commitment to innovation and identification of new interventions to prevent HIV transmission."

"New HIV infections have continued to increase in our most vulnerable populations in the United States including African American men who have sex with men," said Srilatha Edupuganti, M.D. M.P.H., co-chairperson of HVTN 704/HPTN 085 and associate professor of medicine, Emory University School of Medicine. "The use of bnAbs offers new hope to stem that tide as we have for other at-risk populations here and around the world."

###

About HVTN

The HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) is the largest worldwide clinical trials network dedicated to the development and testing of HIV/AIDS vaccines. The HVTN is an international collaboration that conducts all phases of clinical trials, from evaluating experimental vaccines for safety and the ability to stimulate immune responses, to testing vaccine efficacy. Support for the HVTN comes from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Network's HIV Vaccine Trial Units are located at leading research institutions in 27 cities on four continents. The Network's headquarters are at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit http://www.hvtn.org.

About HPTN

The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) is a worldwide collaborative clinical trials network that brings together investigators, ethicists, community and other partners to develop and test the safety and efficacy of interventions designed to prevent the acquisition and transmission of HIV. HPTN studies evaluate new HIV prevention interventions and strategies in populations and geographical regions that bear a disproportionate burden of infection. The HPTN research agenda is focused primarily on the use of integrated strategies: use of antiretroviral drugs (antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis); interventions for substance abuse, particularly injection drug use; behavioral risk reduction interventions and structural interventions. For more information, visit http://www.hptn.org.

also see: Newly Discovered "Teenage" Antibody Could Mean Knocking Out HIV for Good

Activists, operatives seem unapproachable, slacktivism or activism?

In the last four years or so Jamaican LGBT rights/visibility has gotten a major boost on many fronts, commendable indeed that public advocacy is on but there is a way in which the more things change the more they stay the same. JFLAG and indeed other new outfits all have a public face to boot and I and other older operatives both locally and abroad did not think for one minute to show our faces back in the day, we all should remember what happened to Gareth Henry when he spoke up on Brian Williamson’s murder, the Monarch Pharmacy/Macey Grey mobbing incident and the subsequent police harassment as he pushed his public advocacy work on behalf of the J, death threats and such.

But there has always been and continues to be issues of perceptions of unapproachable activists, the gulf between the executive types personalities versus the frontline street based grass roots individual and whether who is more valid, credible or qualified to speak on in this case homophobia and related matters. The insulated operative just by virtue of class continue to lead the pack which is understandable to an extent as they can place themselves above the earthy homophobia and not engage the issues directly but from reportage out there but there is a way in which a kind of essentialism if not territorialism or elitism with bouts of condescending tones have set in; they can bring a higher visibility to the issues but my lord!. One blogger on his Facebook page for example recently lamented that he is not a paper pusher sitting at a desk embroiled in preparing studies of the lower classes for intellectual sporting but gets a better feeling by being on the street. Then there is the ongoing but old rift between the newcomer or newer generation of activists, bloggers and volunteers of NGOs versus the still active older far more experienced functionaries; and the appearing resistance from the latter to the former with the latter being somewhat brash and impatient with the former dismissing those valuable sometimes real world experiences as a learning template.

A disturbing report suggested that a present day advocacy officer recently suggested that former operatives who live abroad especially should not comment on local issues; suggesting thus that they do not qualify to do speak on such matters despite their numerous years of real world experience versus the more precky administration restricted advocate. I want someone to directly try that stunt with me and some folks need to remember that they are still on a learning curve. It took a lifetime for some persons to learn and have a grasp of the issues and are still learning as nothing remains constant; but such persons are in a far better position to address some issues with authority than others bearing in mind this is not a competition but more about continuity a virtue that has been starving for some time.

A 2014 article from Big Think spoke to the issue of social media activism and related matters excerpted in part:

"Many of us have fallen victim to it: changing our profile picture to those white equals signs atop a red background because someone said that it meant you support marriage equality, sharing the now-infamous #Kony2012 video that no one ever watched in full, or reposting the Huffington Post article only because the title was too witty and relevant not to.

Social media might be said to revolutionize political activism, connecting us to like-minded peers in previously inconceivable ways. The hive is easier to stir than ever before. But these technologies have a much darker side. Facebook activism amplifies harmful underpinnings of capitalism. It drastically alters how we conceive of ourselves. And ironically, Facebook does harm to the social causes offline that we champion online. Why? Social media platforms transform social issues into cultural capital: issues become labels of political alignment and lend an appearance of social awareness attached to a digitally curated self. They become a means to the end of social gain, rather than of social change. 

Through social media, we engage in personal branding. We cultivate a name and image that we can manipulate for social gain: “likes,” retweets, comments, and shares—rather than real change on the ground—become our primary goal. We choose how we desire to be seen by others and then manipulate that artificial “self” in accord with our known, or desired, audience.

No self-presentation through social media can be fully genuine. The prospect of social rewards always taints that decision-making process. Individuals cultivate their amplified selves on such platforms by sharing a given set of signifiers to attach to their “profile” through the sharing of news articles, the act of ‘liking’ pages, or re-posting other people’s writings. There is a hyper-awareness of our image in the eyes of others; whether consciously or not, our profiles become a self-promoting narrative. 

The Perils of "Slacktivism"

And the end-goal of this online “activism” is typically limited to raising awareness. As valuable as it is to widen people’s understanding of the world, no tangible change flows from awareness alone. In addition, many online activist campaigns reveal their true colors when they raise awareness of convenient untruths.

These examples of “slacktivist” rebellion from current events are prevalent within social media, especially (but not exclusively) among the liberal class who claim to advocate for social justice. The irony lies in the fact that when the labels of “rebel” enters popular culture and “trendiness,” it becomes conformity. The idea of rebellion becomes another commodified modifier to one’s online self. “Rebellion” acts as a signifier to denote a sense of global awareness and a self-directed, educated position within the subject matter. Despite the appearance of rebellion in this public display of a seemingly more radical opinion, the individual is doing just the opposite. We are always keenly aware of our audience; often that audience is one of similar opinion, as that audience is comprised of “friends” or “followers.” 

Individuals craft their public selves and accompanying opinions to obtain social reward from a positive response from their followship. Social issues and critique become buzzwords or clickbait. They function as modifiers for that online public self, and lose their rebellious force. Those issues become objects used to accumulate cultural capital in exchange for social reward. In this process it becomes apparent that both the public self and the social issues become commodified to achieve an end reward that’s external to the function and existence of the commodity.

This isn’t to say that all that happens on these platforms is negative. With this new form of media and communication, there are many liberating and redeeming qualities that arise from these platforms, including the newfound ability to bridge conversational gaps and the opportunity for a larger number of people to engage in a conversation and disseminate knowledge and opinions relatively freely. Social media is fast, easy, cheap and, in one sense, democratic. 

Every now and again present day realities just slaps one in the face as Miss Diana Ross in her song “The Boss” said ‘...stood right up in my face ....’ and such was the case that I was forced again to look at this business of social media to include adulation seeking bordering on a kind of narcissistic complex, persons presenting false bettered images and perfect philosophical positions of themselves than who they are in actual reality, camouflaging reality and an ever increasing patting on the back slaps in the face (in the minds of some onlookers) or applauding activists or activism from just mere announcements, lovely photos at a workshop or conference and such. To put it bluntly one lesbian said it quite boldly in words to the effect as to why some gay rights people inna Jamaica a move so like dem a foreen and a show off so .....? (why are some gay rights activists operating as if they are abroad and being boastful or showing off?)

I think what that lesbian’s comment was alluding to is that human rights activists have become so self absorbed and do not know how to celebrate success or achievement or highlight work done without making it into a song and dance, or without hubris and vain imagery. Such perceptions of bragadociousness/arrogance seems to be rubbing some persons the wrong way an already old challenge of under-reporting issues was another lesbian’s comment that made me take a look at the aforementioned issues more seriously barring mistrust as to where to turn, she reached out to someone regarding an issue she had that individual in turn reached out to me, in our conversation it was clear very quickly that the issues were out of my league in as far as expertise; I suggested to her to make a report at one of the leading NGOs to which she paused as we spoke over the phone; the hesitation was so real to me one could cut it with a knife. The exchange recommenced but she was politely resistant to my suggestion when it was repeated, when I pressed her as to why, then came the bombshell where she said she did not feel that some NGOs or operatives are approachable and indeed would not be able to identify with her issues on the basis of class and perceived lack of experience in other words too young in her eyes to understand matters. I was stunned but I should have expected it as that perception is as old as I can recall; but here I also thought with the myriad of avenues available for reaching out it seems said avenues are occupied by gate blockers (if you will) indeed gate keepers more so than facilitators in terms of perception by those seeking redress or just a listening ear.

How does one celebrate genuine success while sharing them publicly and use it as motivation without it being seen as arrogance is a thin line to me. That is why I am a little selective as to what goes on my wall; filtering who sees what is also practice I use with regards to my Facebook page in particular.

There seems to be some unsupervised social media management on the part of the NGOs and their staff etc even with regards to operatives personal pages; it is also tedious in the line between personal and the professional regarding online personas; the recent tiff between two particular persons though passed for some time has left bitter butter memories in the minds of some I was also told by the respondent as she like many others including myself read the tweets and Facebook battle in shock and some dismay; image is everything and if said operatives are busy suring up professional profiles whilst forgetting that their very actions online and persona can be linked to the organizations they are attached. I never use my personal Facebook page to throw barbs at anyone or group and if I have something to comment on or critique I do so with my blogs and identify for the most part specifics via quotes and related media. I do not even have a personal Twitter page but the GLBTQ Jamaica account where my entries are filtered coupled with my DJ stuff. Owing to the fact that the posts and such are public operatives need to remember ones online mannerisms and behaviour can be scrutinized and seen and help to form impressions from the very populations they are sometimes tasked to engage. One needs to be very circumspect even with one’s personal page, Twitter or Instagram accounts.

A word to the wise is sufficient I guess I am going to hear that bloggers (as said to others as well) are telling others what to do but those who are irked by years of experience brought to bear may have a prickly experience henceforth as such advice, suggestions etc. will continue I imagine.

Peace & tolerance

H

Government of Jamaica Committed to the Eradication of Gender Based Violence

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (CGES), the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange shares a photo opportunity at the launch of The Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Project with (from left) Permanent Secretary, Ministry CGES, Alison McLean; Women’s Incorporated, Joyce Hewitt and Former Senator, Imani Duncan-Price. The event took place at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston on April 4, 2016.

Minister with responsibility for Gender Affairs, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, has said that the Government is committed to ensuring that gender-based violence is eradicated through the use of the National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence in Jamaica (NSAP-GBV).

But this sounds like a typical cisgender thrusted efforted on a heteronormative construct of gender, wherein April is observed on this blog and in the United States as Sexual Assault Awareness Month this news is not comforting at all as it is limiting.

Speaking at the launch of ‘The Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Project’ at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston yesterday (April 4, 2016), the Minister said, “I wish to re-iterate in the strongest and most unequivocal manner that the Government of Jamaica is committed to ensuring that the scourge of violence against women and other forms of gender based violence are once and for all eradicated from this society”.

She added that once this is done, “all Jamaicans will be able to live free from the fear of harm and hurt because of domestic violence, sexual violence and other forms of gender based crimes”.

Minister Grange also highlighted the fact that gender based violence remains a critical issue and therefore a collective effort is necessary, noting that it is important to work together in order to ensure change in this area. She said, “We are not going to be able to bring about meaningful change without the active and consistent engagement of ordinary citizens, government and non-governmental organizations”.

The Minister pointed out that the NSAP-GBV, though currently in draft format, will be used to tackle gender based violence in Jamaica. “We intend to have this Action Plan before the cabinet for approval by the end of May,” she stated.

The NSAP-GBV was crafted by the Bureau of Gender Affairs and other stakeholders and will serve as a monitoring and enforcement mechanism, which will facilitate a holistic approach towards the elimination of gender based violence in Jamaica.

Let us see what the final document or policy will look like to include 'third genders' and transgender persons and such if it is the government is clear on real inclusion here.

Also see from Loop News: ‘Bureau of Women’s Affairs’ out; ‘Bureau of Gender Affairs’ in

Peace & tolerance

H

Jamaican Intersex (ambiguous genitalia) baby case a cause for concern part 2 #learning moment

See part one HERE

A reminder - What is the difference between a TRANS, transsexual or transgender person & an intersex person? INTERSEX is not a part of transgender because intersex is not about gender. Intersex is about anatomical differences in sex. Also the word ‘hermaphrodite’ is no longer an acceptable term in discussing such issues since 2005. Sadly a sociologist who hosts a show on Nationwide had fun using the term disparagingly. She is the same sociologist who featured in this previous post: Aphrodite’s P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ tackles gender identity, transgender misconceptions & an ignorant sociologist ......

now to pressing matters:

So part two of the series regarding little baby ‘Angel’ and the associated ambiguous genitalia issue garnered several comments on social media where it was shared on CVM TV’s Inspire Jamaica Facebook page. The feature has been growing on the minds of Jamaicans as the stories carried therein as very positive and host Kerlene Brown has certainly grown since her appearance on television several years ago; Miss Brown obviously did some research on the matter as she also raised the issue of the timing of the surgery whether it should occur at puberty or not; my beef is not with the show itself but the decision by the goodly consulting gynaecologist & endocrinologist Dr Gabay to rush to surgery as he suggests when baby ‘Angel’ get to 18 months after the birth. Bear in mind the mother though while seemingly obedient to the suggestion has not said a full yes based on the interview. This entry is in no way questioning the competencies of persons such as Dr Gabay but the principle if not ethics regarding addressing sex and gender specific to ambiguous genitalia.

There seems to be mixed positions on whether to take the early surgery route versus waiting until after puberty. Some experts suggest it maybe too late in some cases as developmental trends may preclude such reassignment surgery or post hormonal treatment courses.

also see: Chilean officials oppose “normalization” surgery for intersex children! 2016 (OII)

The push by intersex activists worldwide but especially in the United States, Australia and Canada have all pushed that early surgery is not the way to go and that issues to do with chromosomal changes can occur even after initial tests may shoe XX as in this case and a uterus but no undescended testicles suggesting male features or the lack thereof. I still suggest that no surgery be done to little ‘Angel’ and allow the baby to develop to puberty (age 18 as our age of majority) and then allow the adult person to make a decision based on more test now that they have matured.

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; at least in this case according to part 1 of the video the mother explained the process she was told that she could get the changes made at the Registrar General Department, RGD. 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. Such a hint came through loudly when the goodly doctor spoke to the possible embarrassment by the parent(s) and inquisitive family members where lies are told to cover up or deflect the scrutiny. Given what we now know I believe persons can be allowed to mature with the right psycho-social interventions and some medical monitoring but not medicalizations as seen before.

Vaginoplasties are another common feminizing treatment, performed on girls affected by CAH, by complete or partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, or by Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser Syndrome.

Vaginoplasties, as well as other associated genitoplasties, seems to be the recommended course in this specific case and which are also performed to feminize intersex bodies when an infant has been assigned female at birth –for example, in cases of penile agenesis. Early surgical interventions are known to have significant negative consequences:

In children with ambiguous genitalia assigned female, vaginoplasty is commonly performed during the first year of life even though the child will not menstruate for a further 10 or so years and is unlikely to be sexually active until after puberty.

High rates of introital stenosis of up to 100% have been demonstrated as well as frequent requirements for repeated reconstructive surgery in adolescence before tampon use or intercourse. Given that there is no available data to suggest early infant vaginoplasty has a better long-term outcome than a later delayed surgery, vaginoplasty in infancy is, then, chiefly to create a reassuring appearance for parents and clinicians’.

Vaginoplasties usually require regular follow--‐up treatment through dilation, a procedure that has been repeatedly identified as an experience comparable with rape by intersex people forced to undergo it after non--‐consensual interventions, or following interventions where consent was not fully informed. The latter cases are characterized by inadequate or incomplete access to proper information regarding follow up treatment and long--‐lasting consequences.

Dense scarring and the closing of the vagina opening are common complications [in addition to] chronic pain during intercourse, excessive vaginal secretion and total closure of the vagina”, complicated by other factors “including poor communication, inadequate follow--‐up, humiliating encounters with health professionals including medical photography, poor treatment outcome, and inadequate psychological support.

Given the occurrence of long term failures, long--‐term follow up is rare, for example, because pediatric urologists do not follow patients into adulthood, and because patients “have been shown to be reluctant to seek further medical advice despite significant distress”; clinicians acknowledge that such data are necessary “to provide an honest and meaningful account” of results.

Given the limitations of such data, a “common weakness of the existing literature is that most studies have been based on surgeon impressions of outcome, as opposed to patient satisfaction”

Other concerns
Prenatal Treatment

Dexamethasone, a steroid, is used to prevent homosexuality and physical “virilization”in infants with CAH assigned female. This is defended as a means of preventing post--‐natal elective surgical treatments, and is considered to be of greater benefit than established cognitive and physical risks to the children exposed to such treatment. Dexamethasone treatment does not address the more critical issue of salt wasting associated with CAH, an issue which may necessitate urgent medical attention to ensure the health of an infant. Genital variation is seen as a social emergency.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a consequence of treatment rationales related to tumor risk. The fertility of persons with intersex variations is not valued in the same way as that of other persons – and sterilizations may not be viewed as such if a child’s capacity for fertility does not match a gender assignment or reassignment removing a person’s only route to biological parenthood.

I hope some gentile persuasion can be brought to bear on this and a rushed decision is not enter into on the part of the mother for this baby; Dr Gabay did say in the video that the department which he is a part sees on average five to six cases per year.

What isn’t intersex ?

A point from OII Australia with whom I totally support:

INTERSEX is not a sexual orientation. Although nearly all intersex have a sexual orientation, we are no different to other people in this. It is unknown if our intersex influences our sexual orientation and intersex resist efforts by researchers who seek to link the two. We do this because we hold the view that it is a back door way to find the gay gene. We hold the view that this effort is essentially homophobic.

Peace & tolerance

H

Orgasms can improve your health ..........

Dr Shelly Ann Weeks share more advice

I know that when we talk about sex, many persons have different opinions about its necessity outside of procreation. The fact is that while the sexual act is necessary to procreate, that's not the only, or dare I say it, the most important function that this activity has. Before I get into the other necessary functions of sex, let me first take a look at the various stages that the body goes through when we have sex.

The sexual response cycle

The sexual cycle starts with excitement or arousal which is when the body starts to prepare for intercourse. During this stage foreplay is essential to get the blood flowing to the various organs and to put the body in the right mood. The excitement phase leads to the plateau phase where the body is aroused and heart and breathing rates are elevated and so is the blood pressure. During this phase the skin is extra sensitive and the erogenous zones (lips, nipples, genitals, neck, etc.) are even more so. It's during the plateau phase that intercourse happens and the genitals are stimulated to create friction that will lead to orgasm. For some persons one orgasm is enough, but some persons are multi-orgasmic and may require further stimulation and orgasms to be satiated.

photo added for effect from the net

I started off talking about orgasms, so let's get back to it. There are many persons who have difficulties achieving orgasm and the reasons are variable. But having an orgasm a day can actually improve your overall health and even your quality of life.

STRESS RELIEF

Orgasms are your body's built stress reliever. When someone orgasms the hormone oxytocin is released from nerve cells in the hypothalamus (a region of the brain) into the bloodstream. This hormone is also known as the 'feel good hormone' and it helps to stimulate feelings of warmth and relaxation.

HAPPIER RELATIONSHIP

More frequent orgasms might make it harder for your partner to cheat. The hormone oxytocin is also known as the 'love hormone' and studies have shown that its frequent release strengthens the bond between a couple and makes them less likely to go outside of the relationship for their sexual pleasure.

BETTER SLEEP

With the fast paced, busy life that most of us lead, sometimes it's hard to settle down and get a good night's rest. Having an orgasm before you go to sleep is a great way to fall asleep and improve the overall quality of your rest.

Pain relief

The magical chemicals (oxytocin, endorphins) released in the brain during orgasms are excellent pain relievers. Women who orgasm during child birth report better management of pain. Even women who orgasm during her menstrual cycle have less discomfort.

BUILDS IMMUNE SYSTEM

Having frequent orgasms will increase the production of 'killer' cells called leukocytes which are essential in helping the body fight off infection.

Orgasms feel really good and they are good for you, so I didn't think I needed to give too many reasons why you should try to have at least one a day. Think of it like taking your vitamins. After all, the benefits speak for themselves. Remember also that even though it's great to share the experience with someone, there is nothing stopping you from enjoying orgasms solo. Have fun and stay sexy.

Send your questions or comments to sexychatwithshelly@gmail.com or Tweet me@drsexyann or Facebook www.facebook.com/allaboutthesexy Website:www.drsexyann.com