Utah Professor Says ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy Group Deliberately Misrepresented Her Research

FOR THOSE JAMAICANS IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION WHO LIKE TO DRAW ON NARTH'S RESEARCH AS THEIR BASE FOR DEFENDING ANTI GAY POSITIONS please read and there is more on http://www.truthwinsout.org/

Truth Wins Out released an exclusive video interview today with University of Utah professor, Dr. Lisa Diamond, who said that the National Association of Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) grossly and deliberately distorted her research on sexual orientation. Dr. Diamond’s assertion comes one week before NARTH’s annual conference in Denver, which will take place Nov. 7-9.

“Dr. Nicolosi, you know exactly what you are doing,” said Diamond in the video, addressing NARTH’s co-founder Dr. Joseph Nicolosi. “This is a willful misuse and distortion of my research. Not an academic disagreement. Not a slight shading of the truth. It’s willful distortion. And, it’s illegitimate and it’s irresponsible and you know that. And you should stop.”
“We are fighting back against the gross distortions of our lives by anti-gay organizations who manipulate science for political gain,” said Wayne Besen, Executive Director of Truth Wins Out. “These organizations claim to be moral, but often twist scientific research in the most shameless and dishonest ways imaginable. We are committed to exposing these lies and ensuring that science is accurately and honestly presented.”

Lisa M. Diamond, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Gender Studies in the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah. She has won a number of awards for her work. In 2000, Dr. Diamond published a study, “Sexual identity, attractions, and behavior among young sexual minority women over a 2 year period.” This study was distorted by NARTH. The anti-gay organization falsely claimed that Dr. Diamond’s work shows that sexual orientation is “amenable to change.”

Dr. Diamond also produced a second study, “Female Bisexuality From Adolescence to Adulthood: Results From a 10-Year Longitudinal Study” in Developmental Psychology (2008, Vol. 44, No 1., 5-14). NARTH recently cited this study to support its anti-scientific belief that homosexuality is a mental disorder that should be treated. Truth Wins Out informed Dr. Diamond about these misrepresentations of her research, and she agreed to discuss how her work was manipulated.
To see further right wing cherry picking, misquoting, misrepresentations and flat out distortions of genuine science, please visit http://www.respectmyresearch.org/.

“J-FLAG applauds contributions of Stop Murder Music Campaign”

STATEMENT

“J-FLAG applauds contributions of Stop Murder Music Campaign”

Kingston, Jamaica - November 5, 2008

The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays, J-FLAG, recognises the Stop Murder Music Campaign, SMMC, which has been running since Summer 2004, as an important partnership in the fight against anti-gay violence, discrimination and homophobia. Against this background, J-FLAG supports the efforts of Tjenbé Rèd (Stop Murder Music France) in bringing public attention to bear on the Paris tour by Dancehall Artiste Capleton.

J-FLAG takes this position mindful of the fact that the threat as well as the reality of homophobic violence hangs over the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community in Jamaica. Indeed, violence has claimed the lives of too many members of the Jamaican GLBT community. J-FLAG remains convinced that this situation is fuelled, among other things, by the anti-gay lyrics of performers within the dancehall genre. If steps are not taken to address the threat posed by such lyrics, many more members of the Jamaican GLBT community will suffer.

The SMMC, a network of activists in Europe, the United States and Canada, speaks out against the performance of lyrics that promote violence against the gays and lesbians. These activists have called for a breaking of the silence regarding a particular brand of violence and hate against members of the GLBT community triggered by anti-gay lyrics.

We are conscious of the fact that the respect for the human rights of the GLBT community in many parts of Europe and North America has been won after a long struggle, and depended largely on governments and societies taking a stand against anti-gay violence. We therefore appreciate the seriousness of the issue for those who believe that allowing entertainers to call for the murder of GLBT persons represents a threat to the hard won respect for their humanity.

J-FLAG reiterates its respect for the sanctity of life and applauds the contributions of SMMC towards the safety of all GLBT persons.


Contact: J-FLAG
Telephone: (876) 754-8704
Email: admin@jflag.org

Homosexuelle Arbeitsgruppen Basel, SwitzerlandBasel Press Release

habs – Homosexuelle Arbeitsgruppen Basel, SwitzerlandBasel, November 5th, 2008

Capleton broke Reggae Compassionate Act (RCA) in 2007Concert cancelled in Basel, Switzerland: Big Testimony to the RCA

A Reggae concert with the Jamaican singer Capleton that had originally been scheduled for Nov 6th has been cancelled by the organizers. Local gay interest groups together with “Stop Murder Music Bern” have heavily disputed the concert because Capleton had been performing songs with homophobic lyrics in the past. The cancellation then happened when „Stop Murder Music Bern“ was able to prove that Capleton had broken the so-called “Reggae Compassionate Act”, a self-obligation to not perform such tunes anymore, during last Years Christmas Extravaganza in Jamaica.

Capleton, a Jamaican Dancehall singer, was planned to give a concert in the Kaserne, a local, alternative music venue in Basel, Switzerland on Nov 6th. Because the concert was controversial from the very beginning, the organizer emphasised not to promote artists who are still performing homophobic lyrics. Nevertheless, some groups and activists – among them the „habs“, Basel’s local LGBT-group – asked the organizers to cancel the concert, as long as Capleton does not play a more active role concerning human rights. Capleton's own blame – caused by long lasting homophobic calls – would not have been taken into account sufficiently by just signing the Reggae Compassionae Act (RCA). The principles of the RCA, like 'civic engagement' or 'conciousness raising', require such an active role.

Open letter to CapletonConsequently, the “habs” formulated prerequisites to agree with a Capleton concert in Basel: his public apology and a clear statement that homo-, bi- and transsexuals also have the right of psychological and physical health and integrity. In terms of 'civic engagement', such a statement could not just mean a one-time avowal, but would need to be repeated in the future. In particular, a similar publicity would be necessary, like the one given for years when singing homophobic lyrics. To establish a dialogue about those questions, the “habs” sent an open letter to Capleton.

Big testimony by the Kaserne BaselThe Kaserne Basel, however, was faster: On Nov 1st, it was proofed that there was a homophobic act involving Capleton on Dec 25th 2007, i.e., after his signature under the RCA in May 2007. By cancelling the concert, the organizers made a big testimony to the RCA. Homophobic acts are nothing to be forgotten easily! There is much respect from the local gay groups for this decision by the Kaserne.

Appeal to the fansBecause of the cancelation, many fans here in switzerland – absolutely most of them not homophobic – will be disappointed. The „habs“ calls to directly contact Capleton: „Say him, that you were looking forward to the concert; say him, that you cannot understand, why he did not stop with homophobic statements; and explain him, that there needn't be hatred to whomever in the music you like.“ info@capletonmusic.ch

Upcoming concerts?There are still other concerts planned with Capleton: in Lausanne, Switzerland on Nov 8th, and about 15 concerts in France starting from next week. Different Swiss organizations are now calling for cancelling the concert in Lausanne. More Informations provides Stop Murder Music Bern.


Further information:

http://www.habs.ch/
email: info@habs.ch

Open letter to Capleton, Nov 3rd 2008:http://www.habs.ch/aktuell_pics/20081103_openletter_Capleton_habs.pdf

http://www.stopmurdermusic.ch/

Proof of Capleton breaking the RCA, Nov 4th 2008:http://www.stopmurdermusic.ch/reitschule/stopmurdermusic/Texte/CapletonbreaksRCA-Video.pdf

Stopmurdermusic-Protest against the Capleton-Concert in Lausanne:http://www.stopmurdermusic.ch/reitschule/stopmurdermusic/index2.html

Figueroa wants buggery law repealed

Montego Bay, St James - Head of Epidemiology and AIDS in the Ministry of Health, Dr Peter Figueroa, has called for an urgent repeal of Jamaica's buggery law, stating that this would greatly help in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

"From the public health point of view, this is an extremely important measure," Dr Figueroa said Friday. He was addressing reporters on the final day of the eighth annual general meeting of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), at the Rose Hall Resort and Country Club in Montego Bay.

Head of Epidemiology and AIDS in the Ministry of Health, Dr Peter Figueroa (right), in discussion with chairman of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the Honourable John Fabien (centre), and its director Carl Browne at the organisation's 8th annual general meeting in Montego Bay. (Photo: Keril Wright)

According to the epidemiologist the "outdated law", which has been cited by legal advocates as serving no useful purpose, serves only to push stigmatization of homosexual men and drive the spread of the dreaded HIV.

"When we stigmatise men who have sex with men, it drives not only the epidemic underground, but it also moves men who have sex with men to disguise their sexuality," explained Figueroa, who was recently awarded with the Order of Jamaica - the nation's fourth highest honour - for his work in HIV/AIDS education/prevention. As such, he said some men, in order to disguise their true lifestyles, take on a girlfriend and have sex with these women, who are unaware that they are really homosexuals.

"This acts as a bridge in terms of HIV transmission from the gay community, where rates of HIV are very high, into the general population and continues to feed the epidemic," Figueroa charged.Unprotected anal sex, he noted, was a very high-risk means for HIV transmission and although the epidemic is primarily heterosexual, there is a significant contribution through risky unprotected sex among men.
He added that his call was purely from a public health standpoint and not on any moral grounds.
"By removing the buggery act and sending clear signal to the community that they are included in the society, it helps to promote personal responsibility for safe sex," Figueroa told reporters. "It's also important from a recognition and affirmation of rights standpoint," he explained, noting that this would affirm their right to make decisions as adults about their sexuality and what they do in the privacy of their bedrooms.

He cited certain countries like Suriname and Cuba, which have no such laws and Barbados, which repealed its buggery law in the early 90s.

Dominica's minister of health and environment and chairman of PANCAP, John Fabien, supported Figueroa's stance, insisting that he too would be in support of his own country repealing its buggery law and for other regional nations to get it off their books.

"This is a core group that is very vulnerable and the question of human rights and the question of discrimination comes in and you have this piece of legislation which is outdated," said Fabien. "We have to do something about it. We have to try to get it off our books."

The two-day AGM comprised 170 participants from 29 countries, 33 regional bodies and 15 bilateral agencies and saw the ratification of a new strategic framework. PANCAP's director, Carl Browne, said this new framework seeks to achieve a 25 per cent reduction in new infection, mortality and socio-economic impact on households by 2012.

Stop Murder Music network in France Press Release 2008

Homophobic singer Capleton violates
the Reggae Compassionate Act
and arrives to tour France and Europe
(Tjenbé Rèd takes on the tasks
of the Stop Murder Music network in France
and calls all organisations who defend human rights
to resolute action against comments
by the would-be “queer burner” Capleton.)
Paris, Thursday the 30th of October 2008

Press Release No.TR08SOC33

It’s a big disappointment.

On the 13th of June 2007, the organisations J-Flag (Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, Allsexuals
& Gays), 

BGMAG (Black Gay Men’s Advisory Group) and Outrage! announced that the singer Capleton had signed the Reggae Compassionate Act (RCA). He is an iconic figure for Reggae
Dancehall, a form of music marked by its numerous homophobic songs (207 according to the Murder Inna Dancehall Internet site, 29 of which, between 1991 and 2006, were by Capleton himself). 

By signing the RCA, he committed his moral authority to help the fight against homophobia.

Unfortunately, thanks to the alertness of Stop Murder Music Bern, in Switzerland, and À Jeu Égal in Grenoble, Tjenbé Rèd has learned today that Capleton has violated the RCA, While performing, on the 25th December 2007 in a concert in Jamaica, he employed several lyrics calling for the murder of LBGT people (lesbians, gays bi- and trans-sexuals). 

Thus, as in the past, Capleton called upon his fans to begin work to “burn the queers and sodomites”.

This gesture shows that the LBGT movement across the world has been well and truly had.

The very spirit of the RCA has been called into question. What is the use of a document which is treated, by the various artists who have signed it, like a flimsy piece of paper? All have either renounced it or trampled it underfoot. Their fans too. Finally, doesn’t the procedure, to which those who support the RCA committed themselves, imply that they should continually tackle artists who violate it, but should do so patiently and politely? 

We noted this all too well with Sizzla, last May, for example, which we wanted to think was a slip, but we now see is the rule.

Capleton takes us for idiots, and with him, one might at least wonder, the whole Dancehall business. The rumour mill is humming. They know exactly what is happening, but think we don’t, or that we would not have any proof. We do have the proof. We do know.

Tjenbé Rèd is becoming Stop Murder Music France (the contact point for Stop Murder Music in France). As such, we call upon organisations who defend human rights for resolute action against the remarks of Capleton’s - the would-be “queer burner”, who will be touring France and Europe from the 5th to the 29th of November [2]. 

We call upon Stop Murder Music to suspend the RCA, which now threatens to turn us into the agents of our own destruction, no longer the agents of dialogue. For proof, we refer to the murders, preceded by torture, in Jamaica, of Brian Williamson (9th June 2004), Lenford Steve Harvey (30th November 2005) and Nokia Cowan (3 January 2006).

For Tjenbé Rèd (Stop Murder Music France)
President, David Auerbach Chiffrin
tjenbered@hotmail.fr +33 (0)6 12 95 16 21

P.E.A.D ? A man's attitude changes after ejaculation .......

The ideal objectified thug but they can rob you after a good get down

Well, I did some searching online and found nothing close that could describe a trend that I have seen over some time now. I call it P.E.A.D, you know, they always have an acronym for some illness, disease or disorder but here it is.

P - Post

E - Erotic

A - Anger

D - Disorder

Gay men here in Jamaica have spoken of it before and 2 days ago it happened to a friend of mine. Why do some guys just literally change before your eyes after sex on some sort of guilt trip or error blaming that the partner of the moment just forced him into doing something he did not want? yet he did not resist the moves or urges in the heat of the moment.

He picks up a thug who he has met before but no sexual contact, this thug suddenly wants something sexual to go down so, they caress and intercrurally get to it (fake penetration or leggings as we call it here) then masturbate, they both ejaculate and almost instantly after the "nut"(climax) the thug demands money, doesn't want to be touched and is a totally different person, boisterous and physically threatening, he hits my friend and proceeds to rob him of cash and his bank cards.

While the incident is unfortunate it's not the first time I have heard of this when men almost instantly become a different personality and change their behaviour after ejaculation,

str8 women complain of it too.

If someone reading this post can explain it, please do, but for now I call it P.E.A.D, the acronym has other meanings according to Wikipedia however but for now until I get a proper explanation on this I'll work with this for now.

There was an incident some time ago where another young man had sex with a guy in bushes then immediately after climaxing the guy gets angry and almost severs the ear of the young man with a knife when he tried to hug him, he wanted none of it, no touching, caressing or any intimate contact for a part two.

He was simply done and wanted no reminder of sorts according to the report from him and the guy started cussing him out that he was a battyman yet as if he forgot that just moments before he was intimate with him.

Strange, anyway ......... mi caan badda.

Peace to everyone.

Howie seh so

Cops hunt Lesbian "Shottas"

click the caption for story

Girls accused of shooting men in quarrel over women
Again The Star is at it with hearsay and innuendo........anyway (with a pound of salt) read and decide (click image)

Why would a lesbian want to shoot someone if she wasn't first attacked or harassed? hhhmmmm.

Doesn't The Star understand that when they publish stories like this they are in essence inciting violence literally on anyone who "looks" gay including lesbians, who by the way have still not recovered from a previous story carried by the same paper in September on

Lesbians taking over nightclubs,
Many of them have been heckled and threats made to their person.
Just beyond us why this paper is so irresponsible?

N.B. In fact a the week following that publication at the very club some women were entering the establishment and they were harassed by the vendors on the outside and male patrons.

LGBT History Month - GLABRISH LGBT Newsletter

The final post in the LGBT History month series for this year, here is GLABRISH a monthly tabloid that was circulated in 1997 to 1999, it had everything from the local suss, facts, trivia and HIV/AIDS information. Limited copies are in my possession(see samples above) and was pulished by private individuals and JFLAG operatives.


It was revived by a Gay writer Chris Eaton for a short time in 2002 but was laid to rest finally as time did not allow himself and his allies to continue the tabloid and the community took a while to warm up to it as the original readers had since moved on to online publications and chatrooms that were fast becoming the rage.


Mr. Eaton now resides in the United Kingdom.

The Glabrish had everything from the local suss, facts, trivia and HIV/AIDS information. Limited copies are in my possession(see samples above) and was published by private individuals and JFLAG operatives. Some were held by The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays JFLAG but were not in so good a condition similar to the Gay Freedom Movement Archives that were subsequently returned to its co-founder Larry Chang after much agitation from myself and some others.

Fortunately we were able to find these before they went the way of done for in time to share them with the world as our culture sadly is not one of preservation or archiving for historical purposes and reflection.


Look out for more on previous activities in the LGBT community here in Jamaica.

Pride in who we are …. luv unu self yeaaahhh!


Peace and tolerance


H

World Pride 2012 for London

Video produced to support the successful 2012 London World Pride bid

London wins right to host World Pride in 2012

Gays not the real problem (Public Opinion Heightens)

Just a word: the court of public opinion is once again active with pro and cons of homosexuality here the debates are welcome. See these two letters below and draw your own conclusions.

Gays not the real problem

The Editor, Sir:
In response to Kay Wilson's letter, 'No re:Gays' (see below) I would like to say - please, grow up, get educated and enlightened. The world is moving forward, not backward. I believe there was a time when certain people thought that being black was something you could wash off with soap and water. Thankfully, we know better now. I recently qualified as a nurse, and it was through my studies that I became aware of the scientific evidence that this genetic malfunction is expressed on the chromosome, and is the determinant factor of sexuality.

Consenting adults
But anyway, that aside, we live in a so-called civilised world, don't we? What consenting adults do in the privacy of their own bedrooms is their business, as long as they do not involve children or animals. The real problem in our society is not gay men, it is the misogynistic heterosexual men that we allow to use women as a public convenience, lying and cheating on us as we turn a blind eye ("It is what men do", I hear you say); siring children hither and thither, with rampant disregard for their responsibilities and no regard for their welfare.

Think of all the gay men driven underground, hiding behind women as husbands, babyfathers, lovers, and you will realise it is people like you who are causing the time bomb called AIDS that is about to engulf Jamaica anytime soon.

I am, etc.,
J. BERNARD
jamal@hotmail.com
Via Go-Jamaica

(original letter)
No re gays
Time for change re gays? Absolutely NOT. Being of colour is not a choice, Being gay IS. The Bible says it is an abomination to God, and NO homosexual will be in heaven. That IS biblical. Lev. 2: 20 & Lev. 20:13, and there are many more texts. We should love them, yes, they are God's children. However, we should not encourage them by accepting their behaviour. Their lifestyle is repulsive. We are in the last days and Jesus will be returning soon. Let's encourage them to prepare for this great day. God bless you and my country that I love so very much.

Kay Wilson
kaylove072000@yahoo.com
Via Go-Jamaica

LGBT History Month - Hotness / Jamaica Outpost LGBT Newsletter

Now out of print but I thought I'd remind you of this publication that ran in June 2004 - 2005 as done by GL Publishing.

The name was changed by its fifth issue to The Jamaica Outpost and continued so until its cessation.

JFLAG are holders of limited archival copies of the publications courtesy of its originators.

(GL Publishers)

This post was done when this blog was published under the JFLAG name before I renamed and refocused my entries


Peace and tolerance


H

Fire Time – Capleton......(aka: Turn It Up (Fire Time Lyrics), still more murder music out

Intro:
> Huh, huh, a who dem? Blaaaaaaaaazzzzzzzeeeeee!!!!!
> Mi waan tell dem somethin, seet yah
> Come on everyone well this is fire time
> Blazin this fire whether rain or shine
> Come on everyone well this is fire time
> I'm di real fireman and fireland a mine
>
> Verse 1:
> Weh mi seh fi do, tun it up, tun it up, bun it up eh? tun
> it up (Eh)
> Bun it up, tun it up, bun it up, hey, yo, uh
> Weh yuh lighta, bun a fighta, weh yuh lighta, bun a dycka
> Weh yuh lighta bun back bita, weh yuh lighta, bun a spita
> Weh yuh hand, weh yuh hand
> Let mi see yuh hand from yuh a bun chi chi man eh?
> Weh yuh hand, weh yuh hand
> Caan push it up dat mean yuh a one eh?
> Weh yuh hand, weh yuh hand
> Put it up how yuh tek so long eh?
> Weh yuh hand, leff ram, bend ham, yo, yo
>
> Chorus:
> Mi nuh bizniz weh dem a talk bout
> A mi nuh bizniz weh dem a laugh bout
> Man a smile and a wid dem a laff bout
> Then mi dispair di whole a dem AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
> Mi nuh bizniz weh dem a talk bout
> A mi nuh bizniz weh dem a laugh bout
> Let mi dispair di whole a dem AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
> Fire weh mi blaze it yo!!!!
>
> Verse 2:
> To rule and (?) a nuff a dem nuh black, don't, have
> right
> A nuff a dem nuh have, nuh, conscious
> So mi a go bun, dem, conference
> Dat di fire come fi purge, clean, and then
> Keep it burnin yo!!!! Keep it blazin!!!!
> Keep it burnin!!! whoa yeeeeeaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
>
> Bridge:
> Come on everyone well this is fire time
> Blazin this fire whether rain or shine
> Come on everyone well this is fire time
> I'm di real fireman and fireland a mine
>
> Verse 3:
> Weh mi seh, tun it up, tun it up, bun it up eh, tun it up
> yeah
> Tun it up eh, bun it up, aiyyo Fire Links!!!!!
> Weh di torch, weh di torch
> Fire fi di bwoy dem a climb up and scorch wah!!!
> Weh di torch, weh di torch
> A who mi hear deh all a sleep wid di (?) wah
> Weh di torch, weh di torch
> From mi bun di funnyman line up and march eh
> Weh di torch, weh di torch
> Dem di bwoy deh fi worsa than scorch eh
> Weh di torch, weh di torch
> See dem and bun dem (?) eh
> Weh di torch, weh di torch
> Inna people bizniz dem love first eh
> Weh di torch, weh di torch
> Dem a go reach back home and nyam grass eh?!
> Weh di torch, weh di.........
> Round a way yuh a go tell dem go pass eh?!
> Weh di torch, weh di torch
> Fuck around advise and gwaan like dem smart eh?
> Weh di torch, weh di torch
> Dem get drown caan go a see Rob eh?!
> Weh di....weh
> di....Blaaaaaaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

http://www.stopmurdermusic.ch

Confusing justice with righteousness (Observer Letter 29.10.08)

wait a minute who does Rev Al Miller thinks he is? In the same breath read this letter to the editor in the Gleaner.

Confusing justice with righteousness

published: Wednesday October 29, 2008

The Editor, Sir:
I write this letter in reaction to the letter submitted by Lucius C. White on Saturday, 25th of October. Mr White asserted that Christianity and the Jamaican legal system should be considered as one. This argument is laughable and needs to be addressed.

The notion of a legal system so heavily based on a religion is ill-thoughtout. Such a system is constantly at risk of confusing justice with religious righteousness. Thus, the legal system suggested by Mr White is radically dangerous to a democratic state such as Jamaica. This is evident as Mr White states: "Christians are instructed to obey the laws of the land; however, if those laws conflict with Christian teachings, they should obey the teachings of Christ." Mr White's tone is authoritative and ignorant as well as inducing anarchy.

Mr White suggests his obviously devout interpretation of Christianity as a greater law than the one proposed by a democratically elected government. Such 'interpretation' of religion is clearly dangerous to the general population of a country. This was shown recently in the Indian state of Orissa where Hindu radicals, who held their interpretation of religion over the state's law, slaughtered Christian citizens. This crime was committed in a state where the constitution also 'makes provisions for the accommodation of all other religions'. In this instance, utter devotion to religion has confused justice: the same devotion suggested by Mr White.

Radical devotion
The audacity and radical devotion to his religion is apparent within the wording of his letter. He states: "The Christian teachings encompass several very important doctrines". The sentence holds within it an intolerance which is exhibited as Mr White attaches the word 'the' to Christian teachings. Surely, he has no grounds to state that his interpretation of Christianity is ultimate and absolute, as implied by the 'the' he attaches to it.
The perilous attitude apparent in the wording of his letter is once more present in his final paragraph: "We must stand firm in our opposition to the legislation of abortion and homosexuality in our society because both practices are contrary to our Christian teachings and culture."

Not only does this comment seem to legitimise murders carried out by the public due to personal decisions of victims, but it conflicts with the Jamaican Constitution: "Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, the said freedom includes the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, and freedom from interference with his correspondence and other means of commu-nication." Ironically, Mr White refers to the Jamaican Constitution himself; surely, a contradictory act.

Secular judiciary system
Thus, I call for a secular judiciary system: one devoid of a religious leaning. Otherwise, we risk living within a radical state run by religious extremism. Such a state as this was recently defunct: the Taliban-headed Afghanistan. Should Jamaicans wish to avoid the fate suffered by Afghanistan, then a secular law is necessary.

I am, etc.,
FREDDIE PRAGNELL
Kingston 8

Dealing with paraphilia

the piece below appeared in the health lifeline section of The Star with Dr. A. J. Morgan, thought we would post it, interesting the response, we think to this query on sexual fantasies.

Dear Readers,
J.S. is a 22-year-old man, who is concerned over his growing sexual fantasies which, he believes, are probably abnormal but seem to have become his primary source of sexual gratification. He is most sexually stimulated when imagining himself exposing his genitalia to various women - some known, some imagined. He fantasises about the act when masturbating and even during sexual intercourse. He has even thought of actually committing the act in reality but has restrained himself out of fear of the repercussions should he be caught. J.S. is embarrassed to even discuss these urges with his family doctor and asks Lifeline what he can do to let go of this fantasy.

Societal norms
A significant number of individuals fantasise about sexual acts when they masturbate or have intercourse, which may be beyond what they are willing to participate in. In fact, an act is not necessarily described as deviant behaviour (paraphilia) unless societal norms and social functioning have been violated and the rights of others have been transgressed. It is, therefore, a matter of degree.
Where the erotic mental (sexual) activity, in this case, exhibitionism, becomes the major source of sexual gratification, with or without orgasm, then something is wrong. If the individual can only achieve an orgasm through either fantasising about the act or actually performing the act, then the behaviour is sexually deviant. Exhibitionism, if it occurs under the above conditions, would then be a form of deviant sexual behaviour, or paraphilia.

Persons who have these different sexual interests are often ostracised by society and it is difficult to determine the extent to which this behaviour occurs in any given population, as it is hidden.
The urge to participate in deviant sexual behaviour usually develops during adolescence. Usually, the person fantasises about his or her sexual interest during masturbation and attempts to use this method to satisfy his or her sexual urges. What they often do not realise is that, as time passes, the links between the fantasies and masturbation only strengthen the urge to actually perform the act. After a while, exhibitionists may conclude that exposing their genitalia is actually an enjoyable sexual experience for their victim, rather than an assault. They may interpret the victims' response as showing sexual interest.

See a shrink
Most family physicians would refer a person with these behavioural and sexual problems to a specialist, usually a psychiatrist or psychologist, as the most successful method of treatment for sexual deviation is psychological intervention in the form of cognitive behavioural treatment. This targets the reduction of deviant sexual arousal and the enhancement of normal sexual arousal, while helping the person to develop effective coping and pro-social skills.

The SSRI antidepressant group of medication which include Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft can reduce the sexual drive and, therefore, reduce deviant sexual behaviour, so they can be useful in the treatment of this condition. Other hormonal treatment can also be prescribed.
J.S. should take the first step by visiting a family physician whom he trusts and in whom he has confidence in. There is help available.

Write Lifeline
P.O. Box 1731
Kingston 8

Red Flag Warning for Lesbian Relationships

When dating or starting a new relationship, many lesbians tend to ignore certain behaviors in their new partner that may not bode so well for their future. Yet when things fall apart and they are in the middle of a bad breakup, many lesbians say they wish they had known about these behaviors/habits/issues before they had gotten involved. The reality is, even though some women are capable of hiding their true colors for extended periods of time, if you pay close attention to the signs, you can usually detect red flag warnings before you become too involved in a relationship.

Here are just a few red flags warning to keep an eye out for:


Blames others for their problems - Women who won't take ownership for their own problems and tend to play the part of "the victim," will eventually start blaming you for all of their problems.

Gets attached or falls in love too quickly. (U-haul syndrome) - Women who tend to quickly jump into a relationship may be looking for someone to save them from their problems. You may want to question their motives for rushing into a relationship. Are they in debt, unemployed or homeless and looking for a Sugar Momma? Are they depressed and looking for someone to make them happy? Are they looking for someone to help them forget about an ex?

Big Flirt - Someone who overtly flirts with other women, even when you are together, and then insists it's harmless, is a Big Red Flag.

They won’t make sacrifices - Healthy relationships don't require bending over backwards all the time, but a certain amount of sacrifice is normal to keep things balanced. If your partner is rarely willing to give in on anything, chances are, that will not change anytime soon.

Does not want to help with simple chores - Women who pout or complain when you ask them to help you out with the smallest of tasks, like washing the dishes or taking out the trash, is likely to view you as their care-taker, rather than a partner. In the long run, you may end up resenting this person.

Control Issues - Does your partner tell you whom you can and can’t talk or spend time with? Does she tell you what you can or cannot wear? Does she try to make you feel guilty about pursuing outside interests or spending time with your friends and family? Romantic partners are supposed to support each other not own each other.

Trust issues - Whether it is a little white lie you caught her in, or something much bigger, it is hard to regain trust once it is lost. A partner who lies, misleads you or fails to communicate openly, is not someone capable of a healthy relationship, nor are they worthy of your affection.

Relationship Longevity - Women who have not been in a long-term relationship for longer than a year or two will often have commitment issues and tend to continue this pattern of short-term relationships until they have dealt with their issues.

Financial Status - Not that I believe having money is everything, but I do think it is important that the person you are dating is gainfully employed and can keep a job for an extended period of time. It will also be helpful if they are not in serious debt, how your partner handles their finances can really effect the future of your relationship.

Living Situation - Last, but not least, if you meet a woman who is over 30 and still living with her parents, RUN! Of course there are always exceptions, perhaps you meet someone who is taking care of her aging parents, which is very honorable. But lets face it, in this day and age, that is rarely the case, so be sure to check out the details before getting involved.
So those are my top 10 red flag warning, although I am sure I could probably come up with another 50 or so...yikes!

Please feel free to share your favorite red flag warnings, when dating, you can never really have enough warnings, can you???

Staceyann Chin performs on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam

Dr Pauline Williams Green on Premature Ejaculation

Problems of ejaculation are common occurrences in the sexual life of men. This week we will discuss premature ejaculation. It occurs when a man ejaculates shortly after intercourse begins.
At least a third of men surveyed in the United States in a 1999 report at least one incidence of premature ejaculation in the previous year. It may well be the most common male sexual problem. It occurs in men who are sexually inexperienced and also among those in sexual partnerships for many years.

Orgasm and ejaculation
Ejaculation is distinct from orgasm in men. While ejaculation describes the release of semen, orgasm is the subjective, pleasurable sensations which occur before ejaculation.
Before a boy reaches puberty, he can experience orgasm but does not ejaculate because the male organs are still immature. After several ejaculations, young men can experience orgasms without ejaculations during intercourse.
So, premature ejaculation becomes a non-issue for men who are concerned only with their own orgasms. In fact, in some cultures, it is considered very masculine to ejaculate very quickly.

Why does premature ejaculation occur?
Men are capable of orgasm within two minutes of initial stimulation while women usually require about eight minutes. It is, therefore, 'normal' for young, inexperienced men to ejaculate before their partners have reached orgasm. To achieve mutual satisfaction, men have to be able to time their ejaculation. Overanxiety will cause premature ejaculation in any relationship. Afterwards, the penis goes down and will not respond immediately to stimulation during the normal refractory period.
Premature ejaculation becomes a problem only when there is the persistent and recurrent absence of reasonable voluntary control of ejaculation. It is generally believed to be caused by psychological factors. Men may have had early sexual experiences where they hurried through intercourse. Sometimes, premature ejaculation presents many years into a relationship and may represent interpersonal problems in the relationship. Premature ejaculation results in disappointment, frustration and ultimately loss of self-esteem.

Medical therapy
Treatment is twofold - medications that delay ejaculation and counselling. Pharmacological agents that may be used to delay ejaculation include antidepressants and benzodiazepine anxiolytics. These are useful in the short term.

Sexual therapy
Open discussion between partners with or without the help of a therapist may resolve the problem. They can be taught simple behavioural techniques to help them manage the problem. First, the frustration of the couple is reduced by teaching them sensate-focus exercises.
These exercises teach the man not to hurry during sexual relations. Then the couple is taught to manually stimulate the penis until the man is close to orgasm. They cease stimulation whenever the man feels ejaculation is imminent. This stop-start technique is repeated several times. In another technique, the man can ask his partner to squeeze his penis firmly behind the glans whenever ejaculation seems close at hand.
Both stop-start and squeeze techniques teach the man to delay ejaculation. Eventually, the man learns to change his thoughts and mental pictures when ejaculation is imminent and thus prolong intercourse.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email yourhealth@gleanerjm.com

Prevention guidelines for BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer awareness takes centre stage in October. Most women are interested in preventing breast cancer.

Rosalee M. Brown

The evidence is not clear, but there are drug trials which have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent breast cancer in women. The results from the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial have also shown that women at high risk for breast cancer, who take the drug tamoxifen, lowered their risk by 45 per cent.
There are other available prevention measures which include preventative mastectomy and early detection through breast self-examination and routine mammograms.

What of nutrition
There are inconclusive studies and sometimes even conflicting ones regarding the role of nutrition in breast cancer prevention. The Women's Healthy Eating and Living study states that a "diet high in fruits, vegetables and fibre and somewhat lower in fat did not protect early-stage breast cancer survivors from further breast cancer, nor did it help them live longer than women in a comparison group'.
These findings contradict at least one other large study of diet and breast cancer risk. JAMA 2007 Jul 18;298(3): 289-98). Results from the Women's Intervention Nutrition study, a large randomised clinical trial reported in 2005, suggested that a low-fat diet helps prevent breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women, especially those whose cancers don't respond to oestrogen.
Another study, Low-fat Diet May Reduce Risk of Recurrence by Chlebowski et al, concluded that a low-fat diet may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women. However, in the Women's Health Initiative, completed in 2006, researchers found only a slight, statistically insignificant reduction in breast cancer risk among women 50 to 79 who lowered their total fat intake.

Factors at play
It is very difficult to study people's diet because, for example, someone who reduces his or her fat intake may also reduce his or her animal protein intake. The same individual may also increase his or her fruit and vegetable intake. So, there are many factors at play which make it difficult to isolate positive or negative effect.
Although particular foods and nutrients have not been identified as preventative weapons in the fight against breast cancer, there is evidence for the role of diet and a healthy lifestyle in other cancer prevention. The American Cancer Society advises people to reduce cancer risk through exercising, limiting alcohol use, maintaining a healthy weight (as overweight in postmenopausal women has been linked to breast cancer), breastfeeding and avoiding postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy.
Standard nutritional guidelines holds - food has a synergistic effect on health; consume a diet from the six food groups; consume more whole plant-based foods and less processed foods; consume a little animal fat and consume large amounts of fruits and vegetables of all colours.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.

Early Jamaican LGBT History

1976: Meeting point in New Kingston: The Closet

It seems that the first gay club, named The Closet, was established in New Kingston around 1976.

1976: The first Jamaican gay association is founded

Chinese-Jamaican gay man and political organizer, Larry Chang, organized a gay group in Jamaica, called the Gay Freedom Movement (GFM) as early as 1976 in a fiercely hostile climate. He held the position of General Secretary and was Publisher and Editor of its newsletter: Jamaica Gaily News. The newsletter was first named The Toilet Paper. As of issue No.3, Larry decided that the name was no longer relevant and changed it to The Jamaica Gaily News, which was a take-off on the Jamaican daily newspaper The Jamaica Daily News. .

Songs Of Freedom documentary – Interview with Larry Chang

Songs Of Freedom: Compelling Stories of Courage and Hope by Jamaican Gays and Lesbians 

Excerpt taken from an interview recorded in 2002, available in the documentary Songs Of Freedom.'When I graduated, and it was time for me to think about coming back to Jamaica, I made a conscious decision that I would come back here to contribute to nation building and all of that sort of stuff but on my own terms. /// Having met more and more people, I sort of know my way around gay Kingston, at least what there was at the time. And after I got my own apartment, of course, it became open house for a lot of gay people. If those walls could talk, if my dining room table could talk. These stories it would produce. A lot of people would have come out in my house. There has been all kind of revelations, breakdowns, emotional trauma and everything that you can think of that happen at my house. /// Sometimes after, there happen to be a club called The Closet, which was actually in the heart of New Kingston. I was going on well for quite a while and then we had the eternal problem of gay on gay violence, we had a lot of who we now refer as downtown people who would come there, would pick fights, break bottles, try to stab each other all that kind of wonderful behavior.

And the viability of the club therefore would be threaten by this type of behavior.As a response to this problem of violence, a few of us decided to get together and call a meeting to see if we could develop some sense of community among gay people where by we could turn to each other, just to find out what was on gay people’s mind: why all this violence, why all this self hatred, because that what it was down to: self hatred. What could we, as a population, do to address this. So we called a meeting at The Closet. There was a fairly good turn out and a very good participation. And out of that came a comity of six people, who came together to form the Gay Freedom Movement. At the end of the first meeting, I remember that I pull together (a none page mimeograph - sorry - a one-sheet mimeograph), a one-sheet newsletter, just reporting on what the proceedings were. I irreverently called this The Toilet Paper, because after all, the meeting has taken place in a closet.

It was Toilet Paper No.1 and we went to issue No.2. And by the time the third issue was come out, I said “no, I can’t keep calling this ‘The Toilet Paper’ has it is no longer appropriate”, so I change the name to The Jamaica Gaily News, which was a take-off on the Jamaican daily newspaper The Jamaica Daily News. At about the same time too, a letter had come out in The Daily Gleaner from a Helen Sommers Overcan, on the subject of population control. She was basically giving an historical overview of all the different methods of population control that have been attempted by different people. Among these she listed infanticide, and fracticise all the other things that you can think of.

I found myself to write a letter back to the Gleaner, responding to this letter that it was a very good letter, but she had a gearing ommition that she had not listed homosexuality as a time honored and natural means of population control. I suppose the Gleaner couldn’t believe that anybody would have written a letter like this to them. So they called me to confirmed: “did you really write this letter and signed your named to it and blah, blah, blah”. And I said “yes”. Except that I didn’t just signed my name, but I put under it: Gay Freedom Movement. At that time, the Gay Freedom Movement did not exist, the meeting at The Closet has not yet been held, but I felt that if I put the name of an organization behind my name, that the letter would have a little bit more impact, a little more clout, and that I was not just a voice crying for inunamist. Those two things kind of came together at a point in time, to give us that historical event, which we now referred as the Gay Freedom Movement, which I think happen in the mid to late 70’s.It was at the height of Michael Manley’s area and democratic socialism where the political climate, emphasis durable values, participation, co-operation, sharing, rights and all of these things. It was a very fertile time for ideals, movements, concepts, people-based initiatives. I think the Gay Freedom Movement was born at the right time. There is nothing that happen before its time. It was time for it than. ///The GFM had basically two objectives, one was to educate ourself has who we were. We are talking about consciousness raising, self awareness, that type of thing. An the other objective was to educate others, meaning the public. /// We had connection with almost every gay group right across the world, from Scandinavia to South Africa, to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Israel, you name it.

We had this change arrangement with these groups, we would send them Jamaica Gaily News and they would sent us their publications. Because of the breath of our international connections, when the whole AIDS epidemic broke out, we were able to have up-to-date information on AIDS, long before anybody in Jamaica knew about it. We were fairly well prepared, at least in terms of being armed with information. I think that is one of the things to witch I attribute the fairly low incidence of HIV among the homosexual population in Jamaica. /// 

We started a Pen Pal club because we would have letters from all over Jamaica and all over the world, requesting Pen Pals. That was one of the most popular features that we carried in The Gaily News. I remember in particular one letter from this guy who signed his name and his address was Cornpiece District, Hayes, Clarendon. I was very trilled to know that we were reaching isolated rural people who otherwise would have no kind of contact with anything or anyone gay. And the fact that we were reaching these people, to me it prove that we were doing something worthwhile.

HIV rebounds rapidly without drugs

Zurich University Hospital scientists have discovered that the HIV virus survives antiretroviral medicine and can spread from a single infected cell.
Antiretroviral medication suppressed HIV so well that no traces of it appeared in laboratory tests, researchers said. But scientists Beda Joos and Huldrych Guenthard found that the virus that causes Aids resurfaced with astounding rapidity as soon as patients stopped taking the drugs.

That led them to two debateable theories about the virus's ability to survive medical treatment: either it remained in the blood at extremely low levels of infection, or it built itself into a cell's DNA and waited.

The study looked at 20 patients who had been using anti-HIV medication for a long time. Researchers stopped giving the medicines for two-week periods, followed by two-months of steady treatment.

Numerous variations of the virus rapidly resurfaced between treatments. That meant anti-AIDS medication was so effective because it completely paralysed the virus, researchers said.