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

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Sexual Offences Amendments Passed 16/07/09

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The senate passed the Bill to amend the Sexual Offences Act with 28 amendments.

The passage followed rigorous debate in the Upper House for more than three weeks.

During this morning’s sitting, Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne morning drew the ire of Opposition Senators after she accused former justice ministers K.D. Knight and A.J. Nicholson of failing to provide effective leadership of the justice portfolio.

Senator Lightbourne was hard put to explain why prepared modifications on the Sexual Offences Bill were not submitted to the Senate in a timely manner.

Senator Lightbourne launched a verbal attack on the former Justice Ministers who served during the People’s National Party administration over the 18 year period.


However opposition Senator KD Knight would not allow the Justice Minister’s comments to pass.

Despite Senator Lightbourne’s resistance to Senator Knight’s intervention, he was given the green light by the President of the Senate, Oswald Harding to respond.

Senator Lightbourne later apologized for her ministry’s tardiness.

The proposed statute now gives a definition of rape, as none existed in the Offences Against the Person Act, which covered sexual offences.

The Bill also makes provision for a range of new types of sexual offences, which are not covered under the new definition of rape and makes marital rape a criminal offence.

The amendments deal with, among other things, sexual violations of persons suffering from mental disorders and allowing convicted sex offenders to apply to the court to terminate his or her registration.

Another change seeks to protect victims of sexual offences, and witnesses, from having their names and addresses disclosed in the media.

The Bill, which was passed in the House of Representatives on March 31, seeks to amalgamate various laws relating to incest and other sexual offences.

It also includes provision for a Sex Offenders Registry and a Sex Offenders Register to monitor offenders.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Sexual Offences Bill - Comparison & Readings

0 comments
The last two senate sessions have been moved up on the agenda so no new developments yet, The debate should have continued last Friday (July 10), but was deferred to allow members time to study proposed amendments to the Bill, which arrived late for that sitting.
The amendments deal with, among other things: sexual violations of persons suffering from mental disorders; allowing convicted sex offenders to apply to the court to terminate his/her registration; as well as to protect victims of sexual offences, and witnesses, from having their names and addresses disclosed in the media.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Dorothy Lightbourne, advised members that the amendments incorporated proposals resonating outside the Senate.
The Bill, passed in the House of Representatives on March 31, seeks to amalgamate various laws relating to incest and other sexual offences, and includes provision for a Sex Offenders Registry and a Sex Offenders Register to monitor offenders, please see below the recent Scottish Amendments/Passage to their bill(s). It is with great interest that I note the speed at which hansards and other notes relating to the Scotts' debate is readily available to the public while here in Jamaica it's sometimes a three week wait for hard copies and very little online references for perusal. Anyway let's compare notes, shall we? to see what we can learn from the Scotts, I am also trying to track the Guyanese debate as well. see posts on sexual offences bill so far

Please also see the UK's 2003 Sexual Offences Bill

Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 11)
Related Links
Understanding bills
A Bill to make new provision about sexual offences, and for connected purposes.
Current status of Bill: The Bill passed Stage 3 on 10 June 2009.
Current version of Bill: Bill (as passed) (549KB pdf posted 11.06.2009)

Contents:
Introduction
Stage 1 After Stage 1
Stage 2 After Stage 2
Stage 3
Introduction
This Executive Bill was introduced by Kenny MacAskill MSP on 17 June 2008.
Bill (as introduced) (898KB pdf posted 18.06.2008)
Explanatory Notes (718KB pdf posted 18.06.2008)
Policy Memorandum (466KB pdf posted 18.06.2008)
Delegated Powers Memorandum (54KB pdf posted 19.06.2008)
SPICe briefings on Bill (as introduced)
SB 08-48 Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill (258 KB pdf posted 17.10.08)
SB 08-57 Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill: Children (122 KB pdf posted 23.10.08)

Stage 1
The lead committee for Stage 1 was the Justice Committee. The deadline for consideration of Stage 1 was extended to 13 February 2009 (the previous deadline was 23 January 2009).
Lead committee: Justice Committee's Stage 1 consideration
Lead committee Stage 1 report
The Bill was also considered by the following committees:
Equal Opportunities Committee on 30 September 2008.
Finance Committee on 24 June 2008.
Subordinate Legislation Committee on 9 September 2008, 7 October 2008, 28 October 2008 and 4 November 2008.

Chamber proceedings at Stage 1 (12 February 2009): Official Report and Minutes
The Bill passed Stage 1 on 12 February 2009.

After Stage 1
The Subordinate Legislation Committee considered the Scottish Government’s response to that Committee’s stage 1 report.
Subordinate Legislation Committee meeting, 3 March 2009

Stage 2
The Bill was referred to the Justice Committee at Stage 2.
17 March 2009 (Consideration of amendments, Day 1)
1st Groupings of Amendments for Stage 2 (91KB pdf posted 13.03.2009)
1st Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 (113KB pdf posted 16.03.2009)
Minute
Official Report
24 March 2009 (Consideration of amendments, Day 2)
2nd Groupings of Amendments for Stage 2 (74KB pdf posted 20.03.2009)
2nd Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 (144KB pdf posted 20.03.2009)
Minute
Official Report
31 March 2009 (Consideration of amendments, Day 3)
3rd Groupings of Amendments for Stage 2 (109KB pdf posted 30.03.2009)
3rd Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 (129KB pdf posted 27.03.2009)
Minute
Official Report
The Bill passed Stage 2 on 31 March 2009.
Bill (as amended at Stage 2) (443KB pdf posted 31.03.2009)
Supplementary Delegated Powers Memorandum (18KB pdf posted 18.05.2009)
Revised Explanatory Notes (158KB pdf posted 04.06.2009)
The deadline for Stage 2 was 1 May 2009.

After Stage 2
The Subordinate Legislation Committee considered the delegated powers provisions in this Bill after Stage 2.
Subordinate Legislation Committee meeting, 2 June 2009
SPICe briefing on Bill (Parliamentary Consideration prior to Stage 3):
SB 09-39 Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 (233 KB pdf)
Subordinate Legislation Committee 31st Report 2009: Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill as amended at Stage 2
Stage 3
The Stage 3 meeting was held on 10 June 2009.
Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (128KB pdf posted 08.06.2009)
Marshalled List of amendments for Stage 3 (73KB pdf posted 08.06.2009)
Chamber proceedings at Stage 3 (10 June 2009): Official Report and Minutes
The Bill passed Stage 3 on 10 June 2009.
Bill (as passed) (549KB pdf posted 11.06.2009)

COPFS Progress on the Recommendations of the Review of Sexual Offfences

Sexual Offences Bill Debate - Senator Hyacinth Bennett's Summary Remarks 26.06.09 Part 4

1 comments
2) Anal Sexual Activity

"Section 4(1)(c) and (d) reads as follows:

Section 4(1) - a person (hereinafter called "the Offender") commits the offence or grievous sexual assault upon another (hereinafter called the "victim") where in the circumstances specified in subsection (3) the offender -

(c) penetrates the anus of the victim with his penis;
(d) causes another person to penetrate the anus of the victim with the penis of that other person;

Mr. President, we already have the common aw and also sections 76 and 77 of the offences against the person act which provides the penalties for buggery and the attempt to commit buggery.
Buggery is anal sex between two males, a male to a female and a male to a female with an animal. In other words it covers unnatural offences. Buggery is a crime whether or not one consents. On the other hand, grievous sexual assault would be an act done without consent. If we implement paragraphs (c) and (d) which in effect is buggery without consent I am of the view that some good lawyer can one day use it as the basis for an argument that the existing anti-buggery law ought to be replaced concerning consenting adults in private. Such a result would not be in keeping with the common good. I would therefore urge this house to take the view that paragraphs (c) and (d) should be deleted entirely.

3) Other Sexual activity between males

Paragraphs (g) and (h) of the same section 4(I) that defines grievous sexual assault require scrutiny. Paragraphs (g) reads:

(g) places his mouth or her mouth onto the vagina , penis or anus of the victim ; or

Paragraphs (h) reads:

(h) causes another person to place his or her mouth onto the vagina, penis or anus of the victim.

Mr. President these sections speak to what is now commonly termed as oral sex. At present such acts are committed with the use of mouth on the penis or the anus and they are between two male persons, it is captured by section 79 of the offences against the person act under the offence of gross indecency. That offence also does not require consent. Similarly, by including such acts under grievous sexual assault we would also be setting up the basis for the argument that since consent is an issue we should do away with the gross indecency provision which does not require consent? Again we must tread carefully. I recommend that the references to the penis and anus in paragraphs (g) and (h) be deleted.
Now let me hasten to say that I am not insensitive to any cases where maybe a man may be "raped" by another man. I know that the maximum penalty for buggery is only (10) ten years whilst maximum penalty that would be imposed for rape or grievous sexual assault is imprisonment for life. I am however pointing to the possible dangers of going down the road of including anal sexual activity or other sexual acts between males in this bill. As a concession, the proposed section 4(I) (c), (d), (g) and (h) could remain with a provision that nothing in the new law should be construed to reverse the common law or repeal sections 76, 77 & 79 of the offences against the person act that address buggery and gross indecency. However, I am not sure if such a proviso could remain indefinitely in light of what I understand are recent utterances by the privy council that legislation must be in keeping with new human rights thinking which may find buggery provisions repugnant. The legal luminaries can help me with that. We cannot assume either that a Caribbean Court of justice will necessarily take a position in keeping with the values of our people since judges are supposed to think independently and some judges may be of a liberal mind set. An individual judge may take a position that is not shared by the majority."

She continued with Gender neutrality rape and Marital rape.

The END

Monday, July 13, 2009

On the down low: Men sleeping with men - another view

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On the down low: Men sleeping with men



March 15, 2009

Heather Little-White, Ph.D.

'Men sleeping with men' is an established homosexual activity. Sex between men has been recorded in almost every human society and at every stage in history, accepted in certain cultures and repressed and denied in others. However, the real dilemma is for female partners in a supposedly heterosexual relationship to discover that their partners are also having sex with men. These men who sleep with men and women are bisexual, a sexual orientation which many women cannot tolerate.

Sophie was engaged and just a week before her wedding, She began packing to move to her new home. Sophie found pictures of her fiancé in a compromising position with a male friend of the couple. She found it hard to believe and when she confronted her fiancé, he broke down in tears and admitted that he enjoyed bisexual relationships for most of his adult life. The wedding was cancelled and Sophie has since lived a celibate life as she works through her pain in therapy.

Business associates

Men who have sex with men find a certain kind of fascination with this lifestyle. Bernie admits that he became involved in having sex with men because his business associates who were involved with powerful people got him in places and positions that he never thought would have been possible. He has plans of marrying one day to improve his social standing and the woman he dates now also share those plans, unknowing of his other sexual orientation, sex with men.

The secret world of men who lead a double sexual life is known as the Down Low in the United States. What is the Down Low? Men who have sexual relationships with other men while in a sexual relationship with women. They are said to be on the Down Low or DL for short. Often, these men do not consider themselves gay or bisexual and their female partners are unaware that they are having sex with other men.

Down low

Men on the 'down low' believe that women are for relationships and men are for sex only. They get the balance of having a woman for the benefits of a relationship with the caring and 'mushy' stuff, and the raunchy sex with men. Living the double life is very easy to do, according to one DL man. "As long as you are not suspected of having sex with another man, you are safe with your woman and society. If you dress effeminate, you place yourself at risk of being beaten because of the homophobic society in which we live," he added.

The Down Low world includes a surprising array of men in academia and business to homosexual thugs, often unemployed. The Down Low has taken centre stage in discussions on the increase in HIV/AIDS, especially among black women. Data show that the main mode of transmission is through heterosexual sex, moving from the former popular mode of transmission - drug use.

HIV transmission

The practice of straight men secretly having sex with other men is common among African American men, but it is seen across all ethnic groups. Experts have attributed the high rates of HIV to down-low practices where men have sex with other men then go home to their wives or girlfriends and infect them with HIV, never having told them that they have unprotected sex with other men.

How many HIV-positive black men consider themselves heterosexual? According to the Centers for Disease Control, it is difficult to quantify this population, but the tendency is for a good portion of men who have had sex with men to consider themselves heterosexual or straight. Black men do not like to be termed 'gay' or 'bisexual', as it makes them think of white guys wearing pink. They also feel that the terms rob them of their masculinity. In order for the AIDS prevention messages to be effective, health workers now use the term 'men who have sex with men' (MSM) to make men feel more accepting of the messages for safer sex and HIV testing.

Old boys' clubs

Men continue to lead a double life in secrecy and it is a place where they find acceptance in a highly homophobic society. Historically, it has been found that men who sleep with men find fraternity with members of the 'old boys clubs', sporting bodies, fellow deacons, work colleagues and friends, many of whom are known to their female lover and accepted as a 'good friend/colleague'.

Writing in the Invisible Life, author Lynn Harris posits that several cases of MSM were best men in the wedding of a male friend and wife. Several of the men in this 'secret' world, hang out together, drink, get drunk and end up at a secret apartment. "The next morning their underwear is on the floor and they just get up and put it back on as if nothing happened," Harris adds. What is dangerous about men having sex with men is that no condom is used. Some men admit that getting the condom forces them to think about the DL behaviour and may hinder their performance and achieving orgasm.

Precautions for women

Women, who fall in love, should take more pains so as not to end up with men who sleep with other men. Therapist Brenda Wade writing in Essence magazine suggests the following:

Do some groundwork during dating before engaging in sex. Dating gives a woman time to determine if her date is sane, available and compatible with her.

What if your date reveals that he has had sex with men or has an attraction to female? You may feel that you have to move on, but the real issue is whether you can have a committed, monogamous relationship and to determine what is needed to take it to another level.

Explore the reasons your date started the 'down low' and it may be possible to help him overcome it and women can go on to establishing healthy relationships with HIV tests. Some say that the only thing difficult as not knowing is knowing.

The issue of bisexuality is often shunned because of shame and the fear of being ostracised by the public. However, with the increases in HIV transmission, the group of men who sleep with both men and women can no longer be ignored in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

No vagina registry, Muddled discussions in the Senate on the Sexual Offences Bill

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Glenda Simms (article in the Gleaner)


The current debate on the Sexual Offences Bill which was recently introduced in the Senate has frequently provided the television-viewing public the opportunity to either raise their eyebrows or drop their jaws. These responses are related to the bizarre comments of some of those who purport to bring sober and intelligent responses to the policies that are designed to bring decency, sobriety and balance to societies which adhere to the Westminster parliamentary model.

Some of the sensational sound bites emanating from the pristine upper chamber include visions of:

Scrotums on silver platter delivered to conniving wives

Wicked women who tell lies about rape

The spectre of the need to differentiate between real vaginas and surgical ones

The sound knowledge base of a non-biased woman who knows that having a sexually transmitted infection is not a death sentence

The idea that, without a change in the current definition of rape, men can be raped in some circumstances such as when a female uses "date rape drugs" to overpower a hapless and unsuspecting guy in the bar

The laying of criminal charges against bisexual men or those "on the down low".
All of these muddled discussion points demonstrate a serious and severe lack of understanding of human sexuality and the historical sexual atrocities that are designed and executed to keep women and girls in their place in patriarchal systems.

Sexual Offences Bill

These systems are still rigidly cemented in individual psyches, in the religious institutions and in the fundamental social, economic and political structures of the nation state.

Perhaps, before they continue to debate such an important piece of legislation as the Sexual Offences Bill, the members of both esteemed chambers of Parliament should take a refresher course in human sexuality before they speak to complex issues which should not be defined in terms of any indivi-dual's sexual experience or belief systems.

Edmond Campbell, Gleaner staff reporter, enlightened the readers of the June 28 edition of the attempts by some of the honourable Senators to block loopholes in the proposed sex laws which are now before them.

It is these attempts that have shown the Jamaican public moments of hilarity in the Senate. We observe men bent over in laughter slapping their chests and thumping their desks at some of the most titillating of comments.

These responses are rather disheartening to those who have worked so hard over the years to ensure that our decision makers take seriously the issue of sexual violence against women and children in the Jamaican society.

These are not laughing matters, nor should they become hysterical sound bites in the Upper House.

One of the most controversial and unclear notions put forward by one of the female senators is the concept of the real versus the surgical vagina. Of course, the gender of the senator should be important to such a 'red flag' idea. In some quarters it might be argued that it would have been inappropriate for one of the male 'landed gentry' to even imagine the difference between a real vagina and a fake or surgical one.

God-given special body parts

Indeed, only those who have the real ones can describe the feel, the contours and the authenticity of their God-given special body parts.

It is this issue that jumped out at me because it calls into question the human reality of transgendered individuals, hermaphrodites and others who have no control over how the Creator designed them.

Perhaps members of the medical fraternity who understand the notion of sexual identities and who would have the data base to enlighten us about the demand for operation to change the genitalia in the Jamaica society should lend their voices on these issues.

These professionals should be able to join this debate in order to ensure that sane, sober and informed interventions will lay the base for the justice inherent in the Sexual Offences Bill if and when it sees the light of day.

Against such intervention by the medical specialists, the question of false genitalia could be discussed in a more gender-neutral framework.

For instance, the fact that it has been reported in popular media that entertainer Cher's daughter is now transitioning from female to male, the spectre of surgical penises committing sexual crimes is a real possibility. The society would, therefore, be challenged to examine all our body parts in order to establish their authenticity.

Engaging in hysteria

Obviously, we are not serious about the issue of the distortion of human sexuality that has forced the Jamaican society to enforce a Sexual Offences Bill at this time in our history.

Rather than engaging in hysteria we should stand back and remind ourselves what healthy human sexuality is all about.

To this end, we might find some enlightenment in the discussion on 'Sexuality and Development' carried in the April 2006 policy briefing issued by the Institute of Development Studies.

The following point was highlighted in this document.

"While it is a fact that sexuality and gender is a defining characteristic of every human being in every culture, we are predisposed to ignore important aspects of human sexuality or alternatively to discuss sexuality in relationship to population, family planning, disease and violence."

Limited view

It is this limited view of human sexuality that prompted the World Health Organisation to present the following working definition to guide its work in all regions of the globe.


Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction.

Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships.

Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.
This local struggle to define the parameters of the Sexual Offences Bill must be framed in the context of the criminal deviation from healthy sexual relationships between consenting adults of whatever sexual identity and within the established formats of human relationships.

We, the women of Jamaica, look forward to a Sexual Offenders Registry, the understanding of marital and other forms of rape as forced sex against our will, and appropriate punishment to deter the predators who think they own bodies besides their own.

Reject 'vagina registry'

We do not want to be lured into complacency or side-tracked by the possibility of registries of surgical penises, men on the down low, conniving wives and women liars.

Most definitely we reject any 'vagina registry' to identify real and false versions of the female genitalia.

The trouble with such a registry would not only be related to the costs of identifying real vaginas but the stress that would be placed on the prime minister in consultation with the leader of the Opposition to recommend to the governor general an appropriate, qualified citizen to become Jamaica's first Vagina Registrar.

Glenda P. Simms is a consultant on gender issues
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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?

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


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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.

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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.


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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.


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Tomlinson's post originally was:






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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.

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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

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

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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

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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