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, April 1, 2011

Tanya Stephens gives confident lecture at UWI

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A confident looking Tanya Stephens stood behind the podium at the University of the West Indies' Assembly Hall yesterday speaking in a lecture on the topic 'Music, the Power to Shape Societies'.

Her delivery was just as confident as she clearly brought across her points to the audience.

She touched on several fitting issues, among them, the social responsibility of entertainers, lyrics which objectify women, and the issue at hand, the power which music holds to shape societies. Where the latter was concerned, Stephens gave some excellent examples of how this was easily done, but did not accept responsibility for the negative impact that music has been said to have on society.

Stephens, however, did not place all the blame on music, saying, "... while music didn't create the problems, it is helping to propagate them."

She spoke of marketing strategies used by some artistes and how it helps them and at the same time influence how members of society and avid music lovers accept 'brand names'. The endorsement of liquors such as Cristal, Moet and Hennessy by entertainers is one such example she noted before going on to point out the clothing fad of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more recently Clarks.

She also spoke of the lyrical content of female artistes which objectify women saying that they were sending the wrong messages to a 14-year-old girl who is trying to find her identity.


Dancehall vs homophobia

She did not bar herself from her missiles, however, as she admitted to having content which did the same, but none recently.

'Dancehall vs homophobia' was another of her topic which was welcomed with applause as Stephens pointed out that oftentimes artistes who wear the 'humanitarian' and 'cultural' cap were the ones who blatantly hit out against homophobia and in doing so influenced the masses.

She said that the first time she performed Do You Still Care?, a song which addresses racism and anti-homosexuality, was before a group of journalists in New York, many of who were from Jamaica.

"I was warned that when I released the track I would have to move from Jamaica," she laughed.

She later turned the lecture into a conversation as she answered questions from members of the audience before performing Do You Still Care?, These Streets, It's A Pity and Cherry Brandy at the request of the audience.

Here is her song questioning prejudice towards persons recorded live some years ago



Dr. Carolyn Cooper, the main facilitator/organizer of this event, has indicated that Stephens’ lecture marks the revival of the public forums on ‘Women in Reggae’ that were previously hosted by the Reggae Studies Unit at UWI (to mark International Women’s Month). The first forum was held almost a decade ago, in March 2002. Artistes Judy Mowatt, Cherry Natural, Lady G, Lady Saw, Angie Angel, Queen Ifrica, Pam Hall, Sabrina Williams, Jana Bent, Shirley McLean, Italee, Crissy D, Ce’Cile and Nadine Sutherland have all spoken at/participated in previous UWI Women in Reggae forums.


In The Life: Backlash or Evolution?

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Another instalment from In The Life media as we continue to watch happenings up north.

2011 is poised to be a pivotal year in the movement toward marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples, with both sides of the debate encouraged the pendulum will swing their way. IN THE LIFE travels to Iowa where social conservatives use unprecedented tactics to repeal equal marriage rights in a campaign with national implications. Then, as progress and conservative backlash enflame the marriage controversy at the State and Federal levels, we take a step back to look at a country divided.

The Importance of Being Iowa (00:14:57)

Iowa poses an important question to the rest of the country: Should voters be allowed to decide whether gay and lesbian couples have the right to marry?

"We felt the case was going to be successful because people here realize that those are my neighbors or those are my friends, and they're good people."
-Jen BarbouRoske

Backlash or Evolution? (00:09:46)

As victories and defeats ebb and flow state by state, public support for marriage equality is edging upward.

"The gay community has a good opportunity, better than ever, to pass gay marriage in New York this year. I would vote against it, but realistically, it's a good possibility."
- State Senator Rubin Diaz (D-New York)





Creating a Safer World
February 2011 (00:06:00)

"I was literally a punching bag at school and at home. I decided that I couldn't take it anymore." -- Evan Bornacelli

The YES Institute works to prevent suicide and ensure the healthy development of all youth through powerful communication and education on gender and orientation.

CLICK HERE to see "You are Not Alone" our February broadcast featuring a segment on Bullycides, the national health crisis of young people taking their own lives as the result of bullying.











"You should never be ashamed to be in love with somebody."

In The Life Media staff share their personal stories of hope for young queer viewers.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

International Transgender Day of Visibility ......

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Today is the third annual International Transgender Day of Visibility. The event started the year before in 2009 when one Rachel Crandall, head of Transgender Michigan, was inspired to create a day that celebrated transgendered people, to balance the more somber Transgender Day of Remembrance that focuses on those in the transgendered community who have died.


Visibility can be a double-edged sword for the transgendered. Certainly, the more transgendered men and women are public and open about their situation, the more exposed others will become to the issue and hopefully the more understanding and accepting they will become. However, this visibility, while great for the cause at large, can come at a great personal risk.


Transgendered people who are out (voluntarily or not) can face bigotry, violence, and harassment. They are often discriminated against in the workplace, abandoned by friends and family, and even barred from public places. Further, they have to deal with people who never accept their gender identity, believing instead that the gender a person was assigned at birth is the only real truth. Some even goes as far as to equate being transgendered with being dishonest.


Transphobia leading to invisibility and transphobia by default similar to the biphobia by default from our own limp wristed JFLAG advocates is another matter all in itself with a small number of them self identifying as trans in fear if ridicule and being misunderstood.


We have our share of violence towards trans persons where a preoperative Male To Female (MTF) individual's throat was slashed and she was beaten when men approached her thinking she was female only to discover her male genitalia still in tact and inflicted their version of punishment describing her as a battyman. JFLAG's acronymn although covering trans and allsexuals only give lip service to the name to sound good and this has been only happening in recent times following the attention paid to trans issues from bloggers like myself.


There are Transgendered persons who wish to conduct their treatment and surgeries but very little help is known to have been extended to these persons worse yet no financial assistance at all in some cases one major trans figure was homeless at one point for several months and her counseling sessions were discontinued by the powers that be sighting her uncooperativeness in effect.

Then there are the more visible issues of possible transgendered persons living homo-normative lives probably really unaware of their own identity and caught up in the burlesque world of drag, forced or rigid feminization with no psycho social help to bring them over into their rightful place, but not to bore you with a litany of woes let us as Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people from the other parts of the umbrella group also respect the right to life for our transgendered friends and be tolerant of them too as they have their own issues that they need to sift through as we have ours.

Be yourselves my Trans peeps.

Peace and tolerance

H

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

85 Nations Endorse UN Joint Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

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Eighty-five nations endorsed the UN Joint Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identitypresented by Colombia to the UN Human Rights Council, an inter-governmental body within the United Nations made up of 47 states. The statement was signed by the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Seychelles. Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council, made the following statement:
“We are proud to have taken a leading role on the statement issued today at the Human Rights Council, signed by 85 countries, entitled “Ending Acts of Violence and Related Human Rights Violations Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.” Human rights are the inalienable right of every person, no matter who they are or who they love. The U.S. government is firmly committed to supporting the right of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals to lead productive and dignified lives, free from fear and violence. We look forward to working with other Governments from all regions and with civil society to continue dialogue at the Council on these issues.“
The Washington Post interviewed Suzanne Nossel about the lead role the United States took on the resolution:
“We are very concerned that individuals continue to be killed, arrested and harassed around the world because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Suzanne Nossel, deputy assistant secretary of state for international organizations. “This statement sends a strong message from across the globe that such abuses should not be tolerated.”

The U.S. document calls for nations to end any criminal punishments against lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and asks the global body to review how governments treat them in the U.N.’s human rights assessments. It acknowledges that “these are sensitive issues for many,” but the document insists that people must be freed from discrimination because of their sexual orientation.
Ms. Nossel said the United States was proud to be taking a leading role in promoting the idea that gay rights are human rights — among the sharper foreign policy redirections that occurred after President Obama took office.
The following nations endorsed the resolution:

Delivered by Colombia on behalf of: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, the Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,

the former-Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malta, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, the United States of America, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanautu and Venezuela

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review on Jamaica and the Charter of Rights .....

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The Human Rights Council on March 17, 2011 adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review on the Marshal Islands, Croatia and Jamaica.

Phillip Muller, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations, said the Government accepted the recommendations on ratification or accession to the main international human rights treaties and underlined the serious need of technical and financial assistance in properly implementing them. Lack of resources was the reason why the establishment of a national human rights institution was not being considered at the moment. The Marshall Islands also accepted the recommendations on the promotion of human rights, addressing domestic violence and other issues affecting women, children’s rights, socio-economic development and climate change. The Government was disappointed that only one nation in the Universal Periodic Review had responded to issues raised regarding climate change impacts.

Wayne McCook, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that in the implementation of the recommendations Jamaica was guided by the interests of all Jamaicans which in some cases meant that it would be best to reinforce existing mechanisms rather than to establish new ones or to undertake new international obligations. Jamaica had worked to adopt an overall strategy to eliminate practices constituting discrimination against women. While there was no single institution in Jamaica dealing with the issue of human rights, the mandates of several entities were established with portfolio responsibilities to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights and were strong and effective. The Government recognized the urgent need to address conditions in prisons and lockups and had pursued efforts for the construction of new prison facilities and privatization of prisons.

In the discussion on Jamaica, speakers looked forward to continued progress on reforming the justice sector with an emphasis on increasing respect for the rule of law and human rights among the police forces. Also, speakers welcomed the efforts to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and urged Jamaica to repeal sections of the law that criminalised same-sex activities. Speakers noted the progress made in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, poverty reduction, education, access to public and reproductive health, malnutrition and hunger and their progress in the protection of children against ill treatment and exploitation. A speaker was disappointed that Jamaica had rejected the moratorium on executions, the commutation of all death sentences to prison sentences and the abolishment of the death penalty.

Speaking in the general debate on the Universal Periodic Review of Jamaica were Algeria, Morocco, Cuba and the United States. The non-governmental organizations that spoke during the discussion were COC Nederland and Amnesty International.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Jamaica.

In his concluding observations Mr. McCook thanked the delegations and stakeholders groups that had spoken and those delegations that had recommended the adoption of this report and those who mentioned other advances and progress in the Millennium Development Goals. Jamaica reiterated its position as stated in its national report: there was no legal discrimination against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation, and the Government of Jamaica condemned such discrimination.

They underscored the provisions of their constitution which addressed the guarantees of any citizen and the possibility for them to appeal violations in court. Concerning the justice and law enforcement reform, they were improving prison conditions and the training of officers in these institutions. They had also increased the training in law enforcement. Moreover the Government had established an independent commission on investigations that investigated abuses. Jamaica thanked the members of the Council for the attention paid to the review of Jamaica and wished to remind them that the list of recommendations in the numerical count may be misleading as some recommendations were repeated. Jamaica recommended that recommendations be clustered in a thematic way. Jamaica had clearly indicated those recommendations that they rejected and those accepted.


WAYNE McCOOK,
Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations Office at Geneva,

said Jamaica attached great importance to the Universal Periodic Review process and it took note of the positions and views of many stakeholders summarized by the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner in documentation presented at the Working Group stage of Jamaica’s review.

Jamaica had implemented or was in the process of implementing many of the goals reflected in the recommendations and was guided by the interests of all Jamaicans which in some cases meant that it would be best to reinforce existing mechanisms rather than to establish new ones or to undertake new international obligations. Jamaica was reviewing the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment with a view to taking a decision on its ratification.

Consideration was also being given to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, the United Nations Convention related to the Status of Stateless Persons and to the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Jamaica took its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women seriously and had worked to adopt an overall strategy to eliminate practices constituting discrimination against women.

The Government was not in a position to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Jamaica accepted the recommendation on timely submission of reporting obligations to United Nations treaty bodies but it was important to note that human and resource constraints impeded the timely submission of reports by developing countries.

Extensive work had been done with regard to the amendment of the Constitution to provide for “A Charter of Rights and Freedoms” and the Government remained committed to the implementation of this important instrument which would be submitted to the Jamaican Parliament on 29 March 2011. While there was no single institution in Jamaica dealing with the issue of human rights, the mandates of several entities were established with portfolio responsibilities to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights and were strong and effective.

These bodies included the Office of the Public Defender and the Independent Commission of Investigation. Institutional mechanisms, such as the Bureau of Women’s Affairs and the Child Development Agency, already existed for advancing the special concerns of women and children.

The Government recognized the urgent need to address conditions in prisons and lockups and had pursued efforts for the construction of new prison facilities, including the issue of privatization of prisons, but noted that these initiatives might be constrained by the severe economic and financial conditions facing the country. The Government had also developed a new regime for the management of juveniles in the care of the state and an existing facility was being renovated."
ENDS

Notes:
One wonders if the rush by the Jamaica Labour Party government to pass the almost twenty year document that is to replace section three of the constitution and which was passed with so much ease in our parliament history wasn't a diversion to meet this review and to impress the UN while by passing the sexual orientation discrimination issue both at the UN level where voted no to remove sexual orientation as a reason for judicial killings and at the local level the exclusion of any hints to the same Charter of Rights banded about above by the Permanent representative which not only excludes recognition and rights to same gender loving persons but the disabled as well.

You be the judge.

Peace and tolerance

H

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Internalized Trans-Phobia

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As we continue to put together the references to Transgender health and related issues here is a piece by Psychotherapist and Gender expert A. B. Kaplan officially a Licensed Psychotherapist practicing at

113 University Place #1008,
New York, NY 10003
(212) 358-1884
info@amikaplan.net
Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis

Some areas of specialty Include:

● issues of assertion
● overcome fears about speaking up
● change entrenched roles in relationships
● be able to put your agenda out there
● gay, lesbian issues and transgender issues
● relationship help, couples problems

Training

New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW
MSW from New York University
Post Graduate Psychoanalytic Training: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center Graduate.

Affiliations
Clinical Director of New York Psychotherapy Collective .
World Professional Association for Transgender Health



A.B. Kaplan

What is it and how do you get it?

Internalized trans-phobia refers to feelings some people have inside about their being trans that they might not even be aware of. It refers to how some people hate that part of themselves and are ashamed of it. The phrase comes from the similar experiences of gay folk who sometimes have “internalized homo-phobia”.

How does this happen? This happens because of discrimination, ignorance and stigma in society against people who display gender non-conforming behavior. In other words against men and boys who appear feminine or girls and woman who appear masculine or “butch” or people who are more gender-queer and don’t appear to be completely male or female.

Historically, trans-folk have been the butt of jokes, been made fun of, laughed at, been misunderstood and have been the object of derision and violence. Transgendered people have been seen as “less than”.

This attitude has been widespread and so to finally arrive at the idea that this could be you; that you could be a member of this hated group can be very scary. Not only that, but by growing up in a culture and society where this attitude is common, you take it in and part of you believes it whether you want to or not. This can happen because we often learn the attitudes and beliefs of those around us before we become self-aware enough or wise enough to start questioning them. We often learn these things from trusted people around us – parents, teachers, church leaders, etc. so that we tend not to question them. We learn that a certain group of people can be mocked before we know that we are in that group – and then we are stuck in the position of hating something about ourselves.

Sometimes the messages or feedback we get from parents and teachers when we are very young contribute to feeling bad about being gender variant. Like a parent disapproving of acting too “boyish” or “girlish”. These messages can be very quick and subtle, like a Mother telling her young son not to “stand like a ballerina”.

This is what causes internalized trans-phobia.

What are the effects of Internalized Trans-Phobia?

Feelings of hate and shame for yourself which you might not even be aware of can result in low self-esteem and depression. They can cause you to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed and inferior, even unlovable. They can make you feel like hiding a big part of yourself or pretend to be someone else. They can make you to not want to be around people, to withdraw or be a loner. These feelings can certainly make you feel very unhappy and angry. Some people take a long time to come out as trans because they have so much internalized trans-phobia. It can hold you back in life, not only in terms of finding a way to be the gender you are, but in many areas of your life such as forming deep and satisfying connections to others.

Sometimes internalized trans-phobia can keep you from connecting with other trans-folk. When one has a deep hatred of the gender-queer inside it can get confusing to be around other trans-folk. You may see them in the way you learned early on – as freaky, or not good-enough in some way. The negative feelings can get pushed outward in this way.

What can you do about it?


The first thing to do is to try be aware of it. Try and acknowledge it if you have it. This is hard to do because we usually automatically try to avoid things about ourselves that we are embarrassed about. One can feel ashamed of being ashamed! It gets complicated so it really helps to have a therapist who is knowledgeable about gender issues to do this work with, but a supportive friend or a support group can work too. It helps to have lots of people in your life who are supportive and positive about your being trans. It takes time to “undo” deep down beliefs about gender-variant people, just like it took time to get them.

More

Internalized transphobia is quite common in the transgender community. That is why even transgender people are more comfortable with “passable” than “non-passable” individuals. Until we can accept our own transgender feelings, we will not be able to accept others with transgender attributes.

The Pink Report on JFLAG's handling of the Charter of Rights issue

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The Pink Report on March 27th published it's opinion on the handling of the Charter of Rights issues since recent days as it was passed by the Parliament with an overwhelming vote of 51/60 with one abstention and 9 members of Parliament absent during vote as the Bill moved across the floor. I don't normally republish stuff from the Pink Report but I found it refreshing to see their seeming stepped up agitation on advocacy issues which makes me hopeful of things to come, here is the piece in full or follow the link to their blog on Wordpress.

J-FLAG Response Disappoints


In response to questions posed by the Pink Report concerning J-FLAG’s Advocacy Programme, The Executive Director of the entity has responded by saying “with respect, it’s the PINK REPORT” on JFLAG’s own Facebook Group page. We here at Pink are not sure of the meaning behind the statement, however, do note that it came after questions were raised about the credibility and thus veracity and accuracy of the Report’s Saturday publication entitled Under Attack Part II: Parliamentary Committee Briefs raise questions about JFLAG’s Advocacy by one of its (JFLAG’s) own volunteers/employees.

We here at the Pink Report would like to point out to our readers that the information provided in the above publication was taken from the official report of the Parliamentary Committee on the Charter of Rights and from JFLAG’s own website (which incidentally was emailed to us by the Executive Director). As a consequence if JFLAG is raising questions about the truthfulness and credibility of its own information and that of the Parliament of Jamaica, Pink in no way can be held responsible for that. Indeed the very accusation by JFLAG and its agents may take us down the dangerous path of second guessing every piece of information and literature coming out of JFLAG, a path that we are not remotely interested in contemplating. Rather we will take the statement as an unfortunate emotional reaction that even without the request of forgiveness, we shall like good Christians turn the other cheek forgive, forget and move on! Notwithstanding we would like to submit to JFLAG that a Warmingtonian response to questions is not in the best interest of the organization or any Human Rights lobby group for that matter.

The specific instance of which we speak pertains to a Facebook conversation regarding a JFLAG poll question “Do you agree with the question/statement: why discussions in its Group Page on Facebook have focused mainly on requesting information regarding Human Rights abuses but no articulation of what those Rights are or what JFLAG intends to do with the information if and when given!” Please note the text of the following conversation:

RY: DB (JFLAG representative), I actually thought that to myself… I just never expressed it. All I ever see is request for information.

DB: Scroll down on the wall

RY…take a look at the discourse about the constitution and charter of rights…I myself made suggestion on how particular persons may apply for redress based on their violation/abuses. There are contacts for agencies who can assist. When you have that, then tell me that all you have seen is request for information.

The response from the JFLAG representative has the same material effect as Shut UP, and might we add GO TO HELL. Pink views this is as remarkably abusive and raises questions as to whether the entity genuinely cares for feedback from its own constituents. We publicly implore JFLAG to reign in and train its volunteers/employees on appropriate etiquettes as it regards treatment of clients. We also kindly request adressing the issues raised in the Saturday article in a forensic and professional manner. We still do hope for a response to the questions raised! We had hoped that by raising these questions, JFLAG would have responded by highlighting the work they have been doing behind the scenes. Indeed the opportunity was theirs to point out that they have been coordinating responses with other Human Rights organizations due to the very present dangers of being the public face of homosexuality.

They could have even indicated that that there has been an attempt to get a newsletter off the ground, the efforts of which the PINK Report was to be a part of but has failed to live up to its commitment in this regard and that activities are being planned to ensure that content is added to their website to ensure that community members are better informed about activities they undertake. It is to be noted that Pink regards the 2001 written submission as conforming to the highest standards of advocacy on the matter of Rights. What confuses us is, what could have possibly occurred such that the Committee could have been left with the impression that JFLAG was willing to barter inclusion of rights protections for minorities with repeal of buggery and related laws and what has been done since 2001 to educate members about inter alia the Charter and Rights in general. We ask not for mendacity or barbed attacks but a proper distillation of the entity’s work programme, JFLAG will note that it is not the questions that will embarrass us but the answers.

Looking to the Future At the core of the debate is the Charter of Rights! The Bill is now at the floor of the Upper House, the Senate. Whilst the Leader of Opposition business in the Senate, Senator A.J. Nicholson has already indicated the total support of the PNP benchers he has called for a complete discussion on the Bill’s provisions among the Senators. This delay represents the last real opportunity that JFLAG and the wider Gay community has for initiating amendment to the Bill, which we are aware of. We humbly submit that the time has come for all members of the community to unite behind whatever initiative that JFLAG chooses to engage the Members of the Senate. We propose that a Great Email Campaign be done where persons directly email senators with content to be provided by JFLAG.

In another matter, we here at Pink do sympathize with the young lady from the UWI who was the victim of a cartoon attack. We, however, congratulate her on her fine electoral victory nonetheless. We hope that she will view this challenge not as a set back but as an opportunity to use her time in office to sensitize persons about respect and tolerance for persons of minority orientations including that of gender classifications. We note that the report indicated that the young lady in question was open and out prior to her election and as such her victory possibly marks the first time in Anglophone Caribbean History that an openly homosexual person has been elected to office. This is yet to be substantiated, however, it should be celebrated.
Related Posts with Thumbnails

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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