Do you think the Buggery Law should be?

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


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

Friday, July 25, 2008

What is a rectal microbicide

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What is a rectal microbicide?....click title for more
Currently in development, a microbicide is a cream or gel, or maybe a douche or an enema, that could be used to reduce a person’s risk of HIV infection vaginally or rectally. Rectal microbicides could offer both primary protection in the absence of condoms and back-up protection if a condom breaks or slips off during anal intercourse.
For those unable or unwilling to use condoms, rectal microbicides could be a safe and effective alternative means of reducing risk, especially if they were unobtrusive and/or enhanced sexual pleasure enough to motivate consistent use. Such alternatives are essential if we are to address the full spectrum of prevalent sexual practices and the basic human need for accessible, user-controlled HIV and STD prevention tools.

You will find a plethora of information on the research and development of rectal microbicdes on this site. You will also learn of advocacy actvities underway to help move the science forward and make these important prevention tools a reality for the women and men around the world who need them. Please take advantage of the presentations and other materials you find here!

Selena Blake looks at Jamaican homophobia with 'Taboo: Yardies.'

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Writer, producer and director Selena Blake interviews gay and straight Jamaicans about the island nation's treatment of homosexuals in her documentary, tentatively titled 'Taboo: Yardies.'




Any doubts about how deeply homophobia is ingrained in Jamaica, West Indies, culture were put to rest in May when Prime Minister Bruce Golding told the British Broadcasting Channel that there were no homosexuals in his cabinet and none would be allowed to serve.




Click Selena's image for more on this story by the NY Daily News.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Are Gay Men Here Lesbophobes?

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Hmmm, in a recent discussion I was involved in I expressed my thought that it's time gay men and lesbians in Jamaica come together ideologically and work towards understanding each other. I agree that both sectors of the LGBT community have their share of issues and idiosyncrasies but why for example our lesbian sisters just want to be by themselves?

Even at our bi weekly Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Community (GLABCOM) meetings in Kingston and reportedly at the other three chapters it is evident that the ladies are not interested or so it seems, as the meetings are predominantly attended by men.

Gay men here have been accused of being too overbearing and intolerant of lesbian views and issues and that we (men) don't listen, many lesbians have expressed displeasure at these meetings where the males tend to out speak the them while they are trying to make a point, even at the local level socially, at regular parties the difference is clear, save and except for some gatherings.

My lesbian counterpart in the discussion said many lesbians are expressing their displeasure at the behaviour of some of our brothas and rightly so, but to then criticise the effeminacy or "realness" is just too much for me as some gay men are just that, REAL and cannot express themselves no other way.
However on the matter of my brothas being overbearing, in all fairness that's true to a certain extent and I have heard gay men also expressing their dislike for associating with lesbians.

What is this? Lesbophobia, we nuh like dem, dem nuh like we? eh eh,
(english: we don't like them, they don't like us? wow).
Is it a lack of understanding of each other's lifestyles or are we so busy being "Gay" in our own gender box that everything else seems irrelevant?
.
Another strange observation I have found is that many gay men like myself seem to have more "straight" female friends than lesbian ones and the reverse is true of lesbians in the Jamaican context.
For example a so called thug/shotta (male) will hang with a "butch" female and take her as one of the boys as opposed to socializing with an effeminate male, we see it publicly, lesbian females dressed in men's baggy jeans and smoking weed and being all "thuggy" on the corner and very few oppose it.

Strange bed-fellows in our so called homophobic environment. Personally I have many lesbian friends and in fact many of my gay brothas wonder how come I get along so easily with lesbians.
How can we begin to build the bridge between us and how can we sustain it?.

What do you think?

Howie seh so

Peace

Should AIDS Remain a Global Emergency?

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A new study examines whether HIV/AIDS should still be considered a global crisis in the age of antiretroviral medications, IRIN/PlusNews reports (plusnews.org, 7/18). Published in the June 2008 issue of Population and Development Review, the study asserts that HIV incidence worldwide has peaked.

According to lead author John Bongaarts, the study—called “Has the HIV Epidemic Peaked?”—shows that although HIV/AIDS constitutes just 5 percent of disease prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, the epidemic receives about a quarter of global health aid. According to the article, Bongaarts says that HIV/AIDS funding would be better spent on inexpensive interventions to fight other diseases with immunizations, mosquito nets and family planning.

“AIDS should now be treated like any other disease, and the world community should look at its investments in health and prepare the most cost-effective interventions,” said Bongaarts. “I’m not advocating less money for AIDS treatment, but I want more spent on AIDS prevention and other diseases. We can save lives for a few dollars.”

Homophobia in Africa Deters HIV Education

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AIDS activists warned at a meeting in Cameroon that violence against gay people in Africa jeopardizes efforts to combat HIV across all demographics, IRIN reports (irinnews.org 7/23).

Thirty-eight of the 53 African nations still consider homosexuality an offence deserving imprisonment. It is estimated that HIV infections are four to five times higher for men who have sex with men (MSM) than the population overall.

Dr. Steave Nemande, the president of the human rights organization Alternatives Cameroun, believes that by criminalizing homosexuality “social homophobia is legitimized and it increases fear among MSM, who take further risks to live their sexual life in secret.”

'Jamaican men are poppy shows'

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UWI lecturer says males are pursuing wrong priorities
published: Thursday July 24, 2008
Athaliah Reynolds, Staff Reporter

Declaring that Jamaican men are in trouble, Father's Inc chairman and university lecturer, Dr Herbert Gayle, says the country needs to readjust how males and females are socialised if it is to be saved from its downward drift.

Gayle, who is a lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, yesterday said Jamaican men were destroying themselves.

FULL ARTICLE HERE

Gay asylum seekers to be discussed at Lib Dem conference

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Rights for LGBT asylum seekers will be one of the primary focuses at the Lib Dem conference to be held in Bournemouth in September.
The DELGA, the Lib Dem gay group, is calling for equal rights for the LGBT community.
It put forward the motion to discuss the state of LGBT asylum seekers facing deportation from the UK.

They plan to argue the idea that LGBT asylum seekers can be deported on the grounds they act on their sexuality "discreetly" at home is "an inappropriate message for a the British government to send in the 21st century."
DELGA secretary Drian Trett said the motion "was on the preliminary list for the conference."
While the motion is not set in stone, its hoped that it will be discussed in detail the Lib Dem conference.
Mr Trett said the DELGA would be campaigning for better protection of LGBT asylum seekers in the UK.

Rights for gay asylum seekers was an issue at London's Pride march last month.
Harriet Harman, Labour's Deputy Leader and Minister for Equality, was booed by the Pride crowd while delivering her speech.

Some Pride London marchers felt the Labour government was exposing LGBT asylum seekers to possible torture, imprisonment and execution by deporting them from Britain

Human rights groups lash PM

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LOCAL human rights groups are taking Prime Minister Bruce Golding to task over a recommendation he made in Parliament on Tuesday, to allow for majority verdicts to decide cases of non-capital murder.

The Independent Jamaica Council of Human Rights (IJCHR), in a press release yesterday, said the categories of capital and non-capital murder were abolished in 2005 following amendments to the Offences Against the Person Act.

"The [IJCHR] is perplexed by this proposal. the circumstances that defined the former categories of capital and non-capital murder are now only considered after conviction, during the sentence hearing, and then only by the trial judge. Therefore, a majority verdict is impossible," the release said.


GOMES... says her organisation is trying to determine whether the prime minister's suggested reform is applicable
Similar sentiments were expressed by chairman of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), Dr Carolyn Gomes, who said her organisation was trying to determine whether the prime minister's suggested reform was applicable.

"We don't have a full position on that and there may be some problems with it because, as we understand, the law was altered to remove the distinction. It is supposed to be applicable when a person is charged and the verdict is arrived at, then the judge pronounces sentence on the basis of his assessment of the evidence. So we need to study that some more to see whether it is workable, and if it is workable, then whether or not we are in support of it," the JFJ chairman said.

On Tuesday, Golding announced in Parliament several new measures to be implemented by the Government to tackle the nation's soaring crime rate, including provisions for a majority of nine jurors out of 12 to decide on non-capital murders.

Golding also announced that criminal suspects could be detained for up to 72 hours without being charged, and that persons arrested and charged for serious crimes could be denied bail for up to 60 days. Both measures, however, drew the ire of the IJCHR.

"The council continues to reject the proposal for the detention of a person for any period without due regard to the provisions of the Constitution - particularly those in section 15(3), including the right to a trial within a reasonable period of time or to release.

".The imposition of a mandatory remand undermines the constitutional provision of the presumption of innocence and the discretion of the judges, it mandates a judge to 'sentence' a person to 60 days imprisonment, without a trial or proof of wrongdoing - in breach of several rights guaranteed by the constitution," the release said.

Gomes said, however, that the JFJ was 'palpably relieved' at the rule allowing for detention for up to 72 hours.
"We don't have any objection to that; we are very relieved that it is not the suggested 28 days without charge. We are quite happy with the oversight of assistant commissioner (to authorise the detention), we would hope that this would mean that we would now get the police to actually follow the rules," Gomes said.

She, however, said the JFJ had not yet taken a position on the 60-day period for detention without bail.

The IJCHR also described as breaching the constitutional mandate against mandatory imprisonment, the Government's decision to impose a minimum mandatory imprisonment period of 10 years for persons on gun-related crimes.

Both Gomes and the IJCHR were in support of the use of DNA evidence, but said this depended largely on how the evidence was gathered
and safeguarded.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

CALL TO ACTION TROOPS!! - JAMAICA HOUSE LIVE

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THE PRIME MINISTER'S CALL IN PROGRAM AIRES EVERY LAST WEDNESDAY FROM 8:30 TO 9:30 pm ON RJR FM, NATIONWIDE RADIO, HOT 102 FM, KLAS FM, ROOTS FM, BESS 100FM AND IRIE FM.

The Prime Minister may be reached at the following numbers during the programme:

960-7739, 960-9853, 968-2019, 926-7527.
JAMAICA TOLL FREE: 1-888-991-7785


A link to Jamaicans in the Diaspora is being facilitated by the Jamaica National Building Society.
The numbers from the United Kingdom are 207-708-6670 and 207-708-6672.
The numbers from the United States and Canada are 954-535-5761 and 305-597-7940 and 1-888-532-1754 respectively.

CALL IN AND AIR YOUR VIEWS, LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

NATIONWIDE RADIO LIVE LINK: http://www.nationwideradiojm.com/
(CLICK THE RADIO DIAL ON SCREEN, MEDIAPLAYER SHOULD START STREAMS)

LOVE 101FM LIVE LINK: http://www.lovefm.org/newlove101/flashindex.html
(CLICK LISTEN NOW AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE)

JIS LIVE STREAM: http://www.jis.gov.jm/

Because families are defined by love not gender

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"Because families are defined by love not gender.
Because hatred is not a family value.
Because equal rights are not special rights." - Anonymous


from Barbados Gays & Lesbians Against Discrimination

Lesbos islanders lose court case over use of "lesbian"

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A court in Athens today rejected a law suit from some residents of the island of Lesbos that attempted to stop homosexual women from using the word 'lesbian' to define themselves.

Three islanders took gay rights group OLKE, the Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece, to court to get a ban on anyone except islanders and their descendants using the term lesbian.

The court ruled that they do not have sole claim to the word.

The Greek island, home to the 6th Century BC poet Sappho, who wrote about female same-sex love, lends its name to the term 'lesbian.'

"My sister can't say she is a Lesbian," islander and plaintiff Dimitris Lambrou told AP at the start of the case last month.

"Our geographical designation has been usurped by certain ladies who have no connection whatsoever with Lesbos."

Andrea Gilbert, spokesperson for Athens Pride 2008 and a member of OLKE, has drawn attention to the amount of money from tourism that lesbians bring to the island when visiting Eressos, the birthplace of Sappho.

She told PinkNews.co.uk:

"The claim is based in serious prejudice and hatred, a ridiculous claim that most Greeks find laughable.

"However, the underlying homophobia and reactionary sentiment is no laughing matter."

Mr Lambrou said they will take their case to the European courts.

"The word lesbian has been associated with gay women for the past few decades but we have been Lesbians for thousands of years," he said.

Antilles to appeal against court ruling on same-sex couples

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The Netherlands Antilles has said it will appeal against a court ruling that established same-sex couples have the same rights there as they do in Holland.

The case concerned a health company that refused to accept a lesbian couple.

Like Aruba, the Netherlands Antilles is self-governing, but it remains a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, forming a commonwealth with the State of the Netherlands.

The appeal will test the extent to which the Antilles can make their own decisions about social policy and will argue that the Dutch ideas about marriage should not take primacy.

Gay marriage is legal in the Netherlands but not on the Antilles or Aruba, but a court ruling last year forced them to recognise marriages performed in Holland.

The decision followed a row over a same-sex couple who were denied the right to register their union in Aruba.

Aruba refused to recognise same-sex marriages in 2005 although it did legalise homosexual relations between consenting adults in private.

The Netherlands Antilles was scheduled to disband on December 15, 2008, but the process has been postponed.

Two islands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, are likely to become constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands while three others would become part of a Dutch province.

Monday, July 21, 2008

From Yarflex

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Click here for direct link to site

Gareth Henry, who was until January 2008, the co-chair for the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (JFLAG), filed a refugee claim in Canada recently.

Henry, who reported to Xtra that his memories of violence and brutality are too painful to dwell on, launched the 'Call For Love' campaign in Canada, on Valentines Day this year.

Calling for the protection of queers in Jamaica, the campaign mirrors like initiatives around the world and was introduced in Toronto, Canada by PRIDE, Egale Canada and the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. A wreath was delivered to the Jamaican Consulate in Toronto as part of the launch activities; in memory of those queers murdered on the island.

"I came to Canada on January 26, basically fleeing for my life," Henry told Xtra. He was initially invited to be this year's international grand marshal for Toronto's Pride celebration in June, but intensified and increasing threats on his own life, forced him to leave Jamaica early.

Henry, 30, who had been at the lead of JFLAG for 10 years had grown accustomed to harassment and even beatings, often at the hands of police, but in November 2007 he became devastated as he received one more threat close to his gated community home.

"I was stopped in traffic when a man got out of his car and came over to me and said, 'Gareth, we know who you are and we're going to kill you and burn JFLAG down. "I was really devastated by that threat," he says.

"I went for the very first time to live with my partner. But I didn't want to get him in trouble so I was basically living in solitary confinement. I was living in fear. I was being totally crippled by fear. If I heard someone on the outside I could not sleep. I said to myself, "Nobody should live this way. I'm not in prison. I need to break free.' I had exhausted all possible options."

As part of the 'Call For Love' campaign launch, a letter was also delivered to the Jamaican Consulate in Toronto. It pleaded with the Jamaican Government to ensure police, "uphold their sworn duty to equally protect and serve all Jamaican citizens." Valentines day was selected for the launch, as it represents the anniversary of Henry nearly being beaten to death by a mob in Kingston, Jamaica.

Henry disclosed to Xtra, the reality in Jamaica that sees Homophobia being a deeply entrenched philosophy of hate that stems from encouragement of such by: the establishment; politicians, religious leaders, media, police and entertainers. Each one of these groups mentioned, fights against repealing Jamaica’s anti-sodomy laws that can send a gay man to jail for up to 10 years if convicted of having anal sex.

Horror stories of many vicious attacks carried out on queer people he was once acquainted with, were recounted by Henry to Xtra. And according to Human Rights Watch, on January 29 2008, the most recent acts of violence against queers saw a mob break into a home of four gay men in Jamaica, leaving three in hospital, one with severe wounds from a machete and a fourth man still missing and presumed dead as he is thought to have jumped off a cliff to escape the mob.

None of the perpetrators of any of these crimes have ever been brought to justice and Henry says Canadians can help to achieve change in Jamaica by pressuring their own government. He also works now with the Stop Murder Music Canada, a coalition of groups bent on stopping the distribution and display of homophobic dancehall music and artists in Canada.

"I remember in 2003 one of our friends was at this dance and this song was being played, 'Boom Bye Bye Inna Batty Bwoy Head,' by Buju Banton. When the song was finished playing our friend Kitty was lying on the ground with three shots to his head and that was the end of it. Nothing happened. Nobody knew who shot him."

Henry will use his position as international grand marshal at Pride, to persuade Canadians to join the fight against Jamaican homophobia.

"If I'm denied refugee status I'll call my mother and tell her, 'I'm coming home. I won't live long,'" he says.

Posted by yardFlex at March 10, 2008 10:57 AM

Donna Smith on Homophobic Violence (Flashback)

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JAMAICA
Taking a Stand Against Homophobic Violence

By Zadie Neufville
KINGSTON (IPS) - Jamaican homosexuals battered by violence and discriminatory laws hope to benefit from public defender Howard Hamilton's willingness to stand up for anyone whose constitutional rights have been violated.

With more than 38 homosexuals killed here since 1980 and hundreds of alleged homosexuals viciously beaten, driven from their homes and jobs, the Jamaica Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) has been lobbying for a constitutional amendment that would grant them equal protection under the law.

But that could be a long time coming. So for now, their hopes of justice hinge on Hamilton.

''Where their constitutional rights have been breached and where one's right to life is affected,'' Hamilton says, that person is entitled to the full protection of the law.

He notes that while there is no legal protection from discrimination because of sexual orientation, they can seek protection under various statutes.

''Violence of any kind, whether it be against homosexuals, cannot be tolerated in civilised society,'' he says.

Under the 1962 constitution, discrimination because of race, creed, and religion is forbidden. But there is no protection from abuse because of gender or sexual orientation. Hamilton, as public defender and ombudsman, must protect the rights of all citizens but says he is unable to advocate the freedom of expression of homosexuals because homosexuality is against the law.

Prime Minister PJ Patterson vowed last year that he would make no changes to anti-homosexual legislation. This remains a significant obstacle to J-FLAG's hopes for constitutional reform. Any amendment to the constitution is likely to take years - a freedom of information act has been in the works since 1993- and with anti-gay sentiments high, no government is willing to take the risk, says Steve, a media professional who asked not to be identified by surname for fear of coming to harm if he is known to be a gay man.

Patterson's stance has found favour with many, but it has put Jamaica in the international spotlight. The Country's position is in breach of United Nations human rights regulations to which the country is a signatory and according to Hamilton, the country has to uphold the regulations it signed.

Hamilton's is a position that won't sit well in a society where homophobia is institutionalised and where homosexuals are constantly targeted for abuse and discrimination. Donna Smith, J-FLAG spokesperson, says anti-gay statements by Governor General Howard Cooke, the head of state, indicate just how deep-rooted homophobia is in Jamaican society. Cooke has sanctioned the exclusion of gays from the boys scouts.

"Those persons are not the type of persons we wish to be a part of the scout movement," Cooke, referring to gays, told a local newspaper.

The human rights group Amnesty International, in a recent report on hate crimes, listed Jamaica as one of three Caribbean nations with laws that promote discrimination against homosexuals.

According to Amnesty, ''Laws that treat homosexuals as criminals lend support to a climate of prejudice which increases the risk of attacks (and) other abuses.'' Amnesty also highlighted the case of four men arrested on charges of gross indecency at Kingston's International airport in November 1996 and who were held naked in full view of the public for more than 24 hours.

The men were reportedly taken to the rape unit, where they were sexually assaulted. Later, they were made to clean cells and toilets with their bare hands at the Kingston remand centre and their cells were left unlocked so other prisoners could beat them.

It is cases like these that Hamilton will most likely look at, and even he admits there is a tough fight ahead.

The police admit intolerance among their own ranks, with many arrests and illegal home invasions designed to cause embarrassment. With victims reluctant to come forward out of fear of humiliation and further violence, many won't press charges, J-FLAG concedes.

But the first order of business for Hamilton is to find out who was responsible for the deaths of 16, and injuries to more than 40, alleged homosexuals in 1997, in the worst single case of anti-gay violence.

That was when prison officials, in an attempt to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in prisons, announced their intention to distribute condoms. In response to the allegations of sex in the prisons, inmates at the St. Catherine District Prison and Kingston's General Penitentiary, two of the island's largest jails, rioted after warders walked off their jobs incensed by what some described as ''a homosexuality label.'' The case remains of great interest to Amnesty, the group says, because no one has been held accountable for the incident. Former prison doctor Raymouth Notice blames the riot on over crowding, poverty, and politics. Over crowding, he says, leads to rape and secret homosexual relationships.

According to J-FLAG, alleged homosexuals in the inner city are particularly at risk. Last year, one man was shot to death even as he sought refuge in a churchyard in central Kingston. In the past few weeks, a group of university students were severely beaten in central Jamaica, and in another incident, police were just on time to prevent the deaths of two young men at the hands of a mob.

The problem stems from the existence of laws that outlaw homosexual relationships and give the public "license" to abuse homosexuals, Smith says.

Pointing to section 76 of the 137-year-old buggery law in the Offences Against the Person Act, Smith notes that consenting adults can be imprisoned for to 10 years with hard labour if they are caught in the act.

J-FLAG wants the laws repealed or the constitution amended to give homosexuals the rights afforded every other Jamaican. It's a life and death situation, Smith says, because in Jamaica, homosexuality is not only against the law, it is also seen as abnormal and wicked, and in light of highly publicised cases of rape and buggery of minors, an unwanted part of society.

J-FLAG's actions have earned the ire of many influential locals including radio talk show host and attorney-at-law Antoinette Haughton, who says she believes that homosexuals who desire freedom of expression should live outside Jamaica.

"They want to corrupt our children and tell them it's OK to live immoral and nasty lives," she says. It is a view supported by the traditional churches and recently verbalised by evangelist Errol Hall when he told his congregation that homosexuals should come and have him lay his hand on them and ''cast out the demons.'' ''They believe homosexuals are the way they are because they choose to be. Why would someone choose to be something that is scorned and hated?'' Smith scoffs.

Jamaica's homophobia came to international attention in 1993 with Dancehall star Buju Banton released 'Boom Bye Bye', promoting a bullet to the head for homosexuals.

Another musical group, TOK, has released an anti-homosexual song, 'Chi Chi Man', which is being promoted in the United States. It advocates killing homosexuals by ''full them with copper shots.'' Until recently, fear of violence and discrimination meant J-FLAG had no face. But Smith, a lesbian, says ''Jamaicans need to see that their brothers, sisters, cousins are or can be gay.'' She believes that many parents disown homosexual children because of the violence that fuels homophobia. It is also the reason local human rights groups give for not offering their support to homosexuals.

Jamaica's acute homophobia is also stalling the Ministry of Health's safe sex and HIV/AIDS education campaign, forcing Chief Medical Officer Peter Figueroa to call for the buggery laws to be repealed.

It is a position Notice, the former prison doctor, supports because the law prevents the adequate care and counselling of victims of prison rapes, and hampers HIV/AIDS education and prevention programmes among inmates. (END/IPS

New Guidelines for Treating and Avoiding Opportunistic Infections

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by David Evans
Despite the fact that HIV is now perceived as “manageable,” opportunistic infections (OIs) remain a threat, especially for those who are unaware of their HIV status and those out of HIV treatment options. In this AIDSmeds interview, National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientist Henry Masur, MD, explains the Department of Health and Human Services’ recently revised OI prevention and treatment guidelines. They help health care providers and patients steer clear of—and treat—these life-threatening illnesses.How often do we hear today that HIV is a “chronic manageable disease”?
The implication is that HIV is no longer dangerous and that it’s relatively easy to treat. But according to Dr. Masur, a lead author of the guidelines, about one-third of people who test positive for HIV in many U.S. cities do so only after they already have AIDS and require treatment for a life-threatening opportunistic infection (OI)—or are in immediate danger of experiencing one. So it can be misleading to consider HIV and its related illnesses a thing of the past.The newly revised Department of Health and Human Services’ Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents includes an entirely new section on the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The guidelines also include sections dedicated to the prevention and management of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)—a flare of potentially dangerous symptoms mimicking OIs that can occur when antiretroviral treatment is started by people with low CD4 counts and whose immunity to infections is rapidly restored. These updated guidelines will be vital for all health care providers treating people at risk for OIs, particularly those doctors who treat HIV less frequently.AIDSmeds: Rates of OIs are way down because of the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy. So why update the OI prevention and treatment guidelines now? Maybe a better question is: Why have these guidelines at all?Henry Masur: Yes, the incidence of OIs has declined dramatically. But it’s also true that there are an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 new cases of HIV [in the United States] per year. Those numbers haven’t changed substantially in the last two and a half decades. In most cities, 30 percent of people are diagnosed with HIV when their CD4 count is already below 200—it’s 65 percent where I live in Washington, DC—and many are finding out that they’re positive after being diagnosed with Pneumocystis pneumonia [PCP], toxoplasmosis or cytomegalovirus [CMV] in emergency rooms. So there are still a substantial number of people who develop OIs. We’re really dealing with two populations who develop OIs. One is a population that has good access to care and the other is a population that doesn’t. Even in those who have good access to care, drug resistance may develop due to poor adherence and other factors, drug options can then run out and people find themselves at risk for OIs. So [finding] strategies to prevent OIs, including immunization, and management strategies are important.Tell us about the major updates to the guidelines.In terms of diagnosis, the guidelines provide new information about the utility of new tests such as PCR or BDNA tests for Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, CMV, and tuberculosis.We also highlight new drugs for OIs, including the antifungals voriconazole [Vfend] and posaconazole [Noxafil]. The question is, When should they be used? There are also new drugs for hepatitis B, which were not included in the 2002 version of the guidelines, so we make recommendations regarding those drugs, too.We’re seeing more and more immigrants in this country with HIV and HIV-positive U.S. citizens traveling abroad. In turn, we’re seeing more and more parasitic diseases. So there’s a new section focusing on protozoal infections and complications in the immigrant population and travelers. While I don’t think these infections are huge public health burdens in the U.S., busy health care providers will likely have to deal with them.There are a number of new sections on IRIS in the revised guidelines. How common is IRIS? What should patients and health care providers be looking for?Many HIV-positive people with low CD4 counts starting therapy for the first time experience IRIS, but it’s not always a problem. If you were to do a CT or an MRI study every two weeks in a group of people taking antiretroviral therapy for the first time, I’m sure you could find some lymph nodes that have changed in size—a sign of IRIS—but that is not usually clinically important. The question is, What is clinically important—and that clearly depends on what active diseases, or infections without symptoms, you’ve had in the past.If you’ve had cryptococcal meningitis, toxoplasmosis or even progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML] in the past, a bad flare can occur when you start antiretrovirals. People can also have a latent infection, such as Cryptococcus or Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that hasn’t caused symptoms but may cause problems once the immune system begins responding to HIV treatment.We don’t have the tools or the knowledge to predict which patients with low CD4 cell counts starting therapy will develop a severe episode of IRIS. We also don’t yet know if we should manage flares by simply monitoring our patients, prescribing steroids or stopping antiretrovirals altogether—which is usually not something you want to do.I know it’s frustrating for the people who have questions about IRIS, but unfortunately we don’t have many data-driven answers.Again, we’re talking about more and more people finding out that they’re HIV positive in emergency rooms. What is the NIH doing to make sure that health care providers, especially those in hospital emergency departments, are aware of these guidelines?We try to work with different professional societies so that they know that these guidelines exist. A major issue facing emergency medicine providers is deciding whether to deal with a health issue in the ER or elsewhere. There’s a lot of effort to make all health care providers, particularly those in emergency rooms, aware of the importance of HIV testing, the complexities of this disease and how essential it is to get infectious disease providers involved early.Any final words?We really appreciate the interest, because I think these guidelines are important. It is interesting that already 80,000 people have downloaded this document. Even without much publicity, people are looking at it and using it.The new guidelines are co-published by the NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (HIVMA/IDSA). Click here to download the document.

Pride Week forum 2008 - Canada

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Gareth Henry, Co-Chair of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, Allsexuals and Gays (JFLAG), noted that while progress may seem slow in Canada, things are very different in Jamaica, where the gay community is essentially excluded from society. "We're at the stage where we're talking about basic human rights for gays and lesbians," Henry told the group.


A gay community activist for the past 10 years, Henry said that in his home country, people must often flee for their lives because of their sexual orientation. In fact, he noted that 13 of his friends had been murdered in Jamaica between 2003 and 2007, simply because they were gay. He also reported that no one has ever been arrested for these murders, since there is scant regard for the lives of gays and lesbians in Jamaica.


"It's not easy to accept that you're not accepted because you're different," he said. "But, I believe strongly in what I'm doing."
Henry moved to Toronto in early 2008, following years of ongoing death threats and attacks. "Here [in Canada] we have a lot of freedoms, but there is a lot more to be done. I've experienced homophobia here too," he reported.
He pointed out that laws can't necessarily change attitudes, so it's important to make the laws meaningful. "Don't be complacent," he warned. "Things can change again."

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Podcasts You may have missed or want to re-listen




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



and



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

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

More uploads




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



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

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

Dr Carpenter cautioned after a heated exchange:

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


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


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






audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

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

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


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


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

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

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

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


Sexuality - What is yours?

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



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

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

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


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



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

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

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

The evidence is overwhelming readers/listeners, you decide.


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

Tomlinson's post originally was:






Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II






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

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

also see:

and





Calls for Tourism Boycotts are Nonsensical at This Time





(2014 protests New York)

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

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

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



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

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

Some Popular Posts

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

Did U Find This Blog Informative???

Blog Roll

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

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

Violence & venom force gay Jamaicans to hide



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

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

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

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

Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

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

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



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

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

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: 1-876-841-2923




Peace

Information & Disclaimer


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

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

Faces and names withheld for the victims' protection.

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much for your kind donations and thoughts.

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

Recent Homophobic Cases

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

Peace to you and be safe out there.

Love.


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


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

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

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

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

This may have a psychological effect on the individual.

Emergency numbers

The police 119

Kingfish 811

Crime Stop 311

Steps to Take When Contronted or Arrested by Police


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to do


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following may apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sexual Health / STDs News From Medical News Today

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





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

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

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

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

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

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

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



THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts


THE BEST OF & Recommended Audioposts/Podcasts 




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


Other sides to the msm homeless saga (2012)


Rowdy Gays Matter 21.08.11 more HERE



Ethical Professionlism & LGBT Advocates 01.02.12 more HERE


Portia Simpson Miller - SIMPSON MILLER DEFENDS GAY COMMENT 23.12.11


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


Al Miller on UK Aid & The Abnormality of Homosexuality 19.11.11


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


MSM Homelessness 2011 ...my two cents


Black Friday for Gays in Jamaica More HERE


Bi-phobia by default from supposed LGBT advocate structures?


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


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


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


Homophobic Killings versus Non Homophobic Killings 12.07.12


Big Lies, Crisis Archiving & More MSM Homlessness Issues 12.07.12


More MSM Challenges July 2012 more sounds HERE


GLBTQ Jamaica 2011 Summary 02.01.12 more HERE


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


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


Club Heavens The Rebirth 12.02.12 and more HERE


Should gov't provide shelter for homeless msm?


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


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


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


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


Urgent Need to discuss sex & sexuality II and more HERE


MSM Community Displacement Concerns October 2012


The UTECH abuse & related issues


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


Guarded about JFLAG's Homeless shelter


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


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


"Dutty Mind" used in Patois Bible to describe homosexuals


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


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


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


Homeless MSM challenges in Jamaica February 2013 more HERE


JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness 2013


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


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