Do you think the Buggery Law should be?

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


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

Friday, July 15, 2011

Elephant Man's "Wi nuh like gays" lyrics (flashback)

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Artist: Elephant Man
Song: We Nuh Like Gay (aka Nuk Like)
Album: Face Off Volume 2 (Various Artists)
Audio CD (4 January, 2000)
Number of Discs: 1
Label: VP
ASIN: B00003OPAA
Catalogue Number: VPCD2108

Excerpt

Intro:

Ayo, Badman nah par wid informer nor gay, Yuh no like dem, Cha,
Whatever, A, We nuh like gay, We nuh like gay, No way, We no like gay,
Mans start Scare Dem give me the AK, General B. of course,

Chorus:

We no like gay, we no like gay,
Well ah just how Jamaican stay,
From you no like battyman well me waan see yuh gun right-away, gunright-away,
Cau we bun dem and we run dem, Battyman and badman caan be friend,
You nuh like battyman Tivali man juss wave yuh Mack 10, wave yuh Mack, A!
Wave yuh guuuuun, wave yuh guuuuun, Wave yuh uuuuun, wave yuh guuuuun, Den!
No battybwoy caan come march in ah Kingston City, City,
Wave yuh guuuuun, wave yuh guuuuun, Wave yuh uuuuun, wave yuh guuuuun, Den!
No battybwoy caan come march pon Christmas Day, juss som-me me, A!

Verse 1:

Everyday yuh get up and meddle with bauxide, Woman so sweet and ah man go ride,
Yuh fi 'member yuh can run but you caan hide, Everyone ah who owna battyship ah go capsize,
Battyman fi dead! Tek dem by surprise, Ghetta in shot head, cau me big gun collide,
Monster Shack, buss the Glock in thine eyes, Captain Barkey gimme me Tech-9,
General B. wid de chrome an waa shine, Harry Toddler shot out ah bugger-man,
A! Den!

Chorus:

We no like gay, we no like gay, Well ah just how Jamaican stay,
From you no like battyman well me waan see yuh gun right-away, gun right-away,
Cau we bun dem and we run dem, Scare Dem and battyman nah go friend,
You nuh like battyman Monster Shack juss wave the Mack 10, wave the Mack, A!

Verse 2:

Battyman ah fassyhole me know say dem ah midgit inna man, ????????
Man ah fiyah dem rim-it, Battyman waan march, deh wrong crime they woulda commit,
Gimme the ????, Bounty Killa ah guh dun it, Gimme the Tech-9, down ah Seaview we bun it,
If they come ah fate-man me know dem are gonna run it, Battyman fi dead!
Jungle man dem seh spread it,

Battyman fi dead! ????man seh see spread it, ???man fi dead! Monster Shack seh see spread it,
Why? Cau Scare Dem Crew dun said it, A!

Chorus:

We no like gay, we no like gay, Well ah just how Jamaican stay,
From you no like battyman well me waan see yuh gun right-away, gun right-away,
Cau we bun dem and we run dem, Battyman and badman caan be friend,
You nuh like battyman Spanish Town juss rise yuh Mack 10, rise yuh Mack, A!
Wave yuh guuuuun, wave yuh guuuuun, Wave yuh uuuuun, wave yuh guuuuun, Den!
No battybwoy caan come march in ah Kingston City, A!,
Wave yuh guuuuun, wave yuh guuuuun, Wave yuh uuuuun, wave yuh guuuuun, Den!
No battybwoy caan come march pon Christmas Day, A, Badman nah

Verse 3:

Me hear something go so zoom, Battybwoy house juss get backa zoomer, bere batty yuh waan,
Yuh no waan nuh pom-pom, See gal deh, yuh ah run from pom-pom, Gimme deh gun, lemme shot him boom boom,

Don't waan no gal, not even fatty pom-pom, Gimme any gal out deh, Hail peh pom-pom
Tracks which do not explicitly incite violence against lesbians and gay men, but which are likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to lesbian and gay people

Dancehall's princess "Spice" lesbophobic rant "No Gyal To Mi Ting "

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So another female dancehall artist has come out against same gender loving women activities in a track called "No Gyal To Mi Ting" (No Girls To My Thing)
[meaning vagina in this case as we sexualize nearly everything in Jamaica]

..... of course others to have done so were Lady Saw and Macka Diamond. One hardly hears songs like this from the female side of the dancehall music business but at least from listening to the track it has no recommendations of death or harm to come to the possible same gender loving woman if identified.

That designation could speak to the far greater tolerance level in Jamaican society and by extension the world of lesbianism as opposed to male homosexuality. Lesbian sex is even accepted in the adult entertainment night club arena where several spots across the island do offer servings of such to eager men and women too who seem to enjoy the shows with very little dissent in most cases.

Hear the song:


Other male acts that have hit out at lesbian life are Elephant Man, Mr. Lexx aka Lexxuss, Mr. G aka Goofie, Bounty Killa, Beenieman among others but the usual hit out is far softer when compared to the male same gender loving counterparts as the prescription is uisually some violence or death as the punishment.


Elephant Man (O'Neil Bryant) declares in one song, "When you hear a lesbian getting raped/ It's not our fault ... Two women in bed/ That's two Sodomites who should be dead." Reactions have been mixed from all quarters including some lesbians who proudly rebut the song even on the youtube channel where the song appears. The Spice track has been getting heavy rotation as a radio version has softened it somewhat, HITZ 92, IRIE FM and ZIP 103 FM sister station to IRIE have all been spinning it proudly maybe as a softer way to imply the anti homosexual message as the strict monitoring of the Broadcasting Commission prohibits openly suggestive songs of violence of any sort.

The lyrics suggest:
A wah do some gal? a gal a dem gal (what's up with some girls? its girls as their girl [lover])

No gyal to mi ting (No girls to my thing)

No gyal caan fingle mi tingalingaling (No girl can't touch my tinga ling [vagina]

Caan gimme ring or but mi bling bling (Can't give me a ring or buy me blings [jewelry])

No gyal caan ask fi mi BB pin (No girl cannot ask for my BB pin)

No gyal caan tell me fi wine (No girl can't tell me to whine [suggest Jamaican dance])

Str8 man alone wi always be mine (Strictly men alone will always be mine)

No gyal caan stand up inna mi line (No girl can't stand in my line [be in my life sexually])

No gyal caan show me the love me sign

No gyal caan see mi and pree mi u get mi? (no girl can't see me & view me you understand?)

When mi a wine a man alone can set mi (When I am dancing men alone can set me)

No female only male can get me

No gyal caan touch me up inna salon (No girl can't touch me in a salon) - suggesting hairdressers maybe involved in lesbian activity, a perception that is real out there.

So there you have a summary of the song placed here, strange enough Spice has a large LGBT following and when her songs are played at parties they are responded to quite well. Save and except for her duet with Vybz Kartel in "Ramping Shop" the opening lyric where she responds to Kartel's line "....man to man gal to gal dat wrong (men to men girls to girls that's wrong) she replies "scorn dem" (scorn them) so she may have a consistency building.

Peace and tolerance

H


Thursday, July 14, 2011

Apology Accepted JCF but some questions on several fronts still linger ...

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So now that the dust is settling with this matter of an accusation or assertion that gays are involved in 80 - 90% or organised crimes though not specified in the television newcast where it was beamed to the world and most of us were enraged at first at the comment as it seemed to have labelled us as all fraudsters. There are some in the community who are questioning also was all the noise from JFLAG towards SSP Bailey needed here when it should have been sent to TVJ instead as they seemed to have edited certain parts of that interview which may have excluded the context in which he was speaking.

TVJ Logo

That reaction is understandable but in hindsight now some questions came to mind from those who have expressed them and myself:


Is Superintendent Bailey really to be blamed here?

Did television Jamaica leave out whether purposely or not the context in which he was speaking?

Was TVJ malicious to begin with as when Doraine Samuels led us into the story she did say "A senior Superintendent of Police is asserting this evening that gays are responsible for many of the organised crimes his division is investigating..." The reported Nadine McCleod also said he didn't specify which crimes homosexuals were responsible for.

Did we go off on a matter that could have been settled easily?

Do you think we will see any fallout from this?

Was JFLAG operating ethically by appearing everywhere on radio and crying fowl where it may not have been so?

Click image to view full size editorial cartoon

Is Clovis (Observer cartoon drawer above) creating unneeded stereotyping of gays with this cartoon and thus blowing up the issue further?

Was all this noise needed?

Are there some things we should let pass and settle by themselves?

Was the J trying to flex its muscles with this issue when there are other things it needs to be so vocal and active about?

Did the reporter do a good job covering the story? she seemed not to have asked him to elaborate further, if he had refused then there would have been grounds to blame him.


What about Mr. Bailey's reputation after all this now that an apology has come from the high command superseding his own words and worth?

Here is the apology as published in the Jamaica Observer today:


COMMISSIONER of Police, Owen Ellington, says that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) withdraws the statement by Senior Superintendent of Police Fitz Bailey, head of the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID), which identified homosexuals as being prominently involved in the ‘Lottery Scam’ and highly lucrative criminal enterprise.

In a statement this morning, Ellington said that he had spoken to Bailey and that the JCF regretted any prejudice that might have arisen from the remarks.

"He shared information with me supporting his assertion and cited discussions he has had with representatives of J-FLAG (the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays) about the problem. He fully understands the basis of concern for the safety and well-being of members of the gay community who may be targeted by misguided individuals simply because of the statement's under reference," said the commissioner.
He assured the public that the JCF has no policy of singling out individual social groups for special attention.
"Our focus is on enforcing the laws without fear, favour, prejudice or ill-will. The JCF stands willing to receive and deal dispassionately with feedback from our publics. Our mission remains to serve, protect and re-assure all," said Ellington.
He reasoned that the matter demonstrated that the JCF was willing to listen and review its positions accordingly.


In the video he did say the following: (go to 2:59 for that story)
"I am not going to be prejudicial in my statement ....What I observed is that maybe 80 - 90% of these persons are homosexuals, it is something .... I don't know the gay community ... not being prejudicial but that's what we have identified."

It seems to me the reporter got what she wanted as the juicy piece for the story and the rest of the clip was a mere formality, so she didn't bother to get the clarification from the SSP as to what specific crimes did the gays commit as any ethical journalist and by extension newsroom manager would have demanded or followed up on when she came in with the reel. Instead a sensationalist piece is put forward with the possible damage it can cause, who cares?

Maybe this one is worth a quick resolve as yes as gays we are incensed about homophobia but in our zeal to crush it sometimes we may be too hasty to take action without listening, as George Michael would say listen without prejudice. Check properly before responding but it seems some folks didn't.

Something to think about.

tried an audio post as well, I hope to restart them soon:

also see:


Did Superintendent Bailey get his cue to lambaste the gay community as scammers from this NBC Miami report in which a Jamaican man was labelled as gay elsewhere?


Peace and tolerance

H

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

"Tell Me Pastor" on bisexuality .......

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It's been a minute since we have seen any LGBT related letters to the Star News feature "Tell Me Pastor" I still believe some of those letters are made up or edited down to liquid it leaves nothing to the imagination.


Here is the newest letter which we may see a string of them coming now with all the LGBT issues around plus they come seasonally. He tries to be neutral at first in his answer to a bisexual female who according to the letter says she wants to come out. It's rare we see bisexual typed letters in this column as they are usually gay or lesbian tinged with strong admonishments coming from Pastor Dumas who is also a Psychologist. His hint at possible paedophilia towards the letter writer is clear as day suggesting that she must avoid her lover's daughter, it is sad that even a psychologist should sink so low in his pronouncements when he ought to know better or to suggest that she should not force her lifestyle on the teen as if she intended to is also disingenuous, the teen's mother in my estimation would have to handle that part, that would have been a more appropriate response in my view.

Here is the letter and Pastor's response:



I want to come out of the closet

Dear Pastor,

Congratulations on your good work. I am having a lot of issues. I don't really know where to start. I feel like I am going crazy. I am a 28-year-old female. I have migrated to the United Kingdom and I have been living here for 10 years now.

When I was in Jamaica, I used to live a bi-sexual lifestyle from the age of 16. After migrating to the UK, I tried my best not to live that way after convincing myself and struggled with my sexuality. I started dating only men, and tried to convince myself that it is wrong to be with a female. Moreover, I felt that if my family were to find out about me dating women, they would disown me.

After years of dating only men, I realised that it is not what I wanted. I was never happy and I felt trapped. For the past four years, I have been dating only females and I must say that I am very happy. I have been dating a lovely girl whom I love and adore very much for almost two years now. I came out to my mother who is living here, who to my surprise, said she knew a long time ago but she was waiting for me to tell her when I was comfortable.

My mother is my rock and she is very supportive in whatever I do, but my dad, who is still living in Jamaica, is still in the dark and is very ignorant to a lesbian or gay lifestyle. I am so scared to come out to him because he once said that if any of his children is gay, they can't call him dad. I really love my father and I wish he could understand that I tried not to live this life, but I don't feel happy with a man, and I feel like I was tortured when I was dating guys.

my world fell apart

My girlfriend has a daughter whom she visited last November. She is 15 and she didn't take it well. She has been acting up lately. Recently, I went by and she went out and didn't come home. She went by her boyfriend and my girlfriend's world fell apart. My stepdaughter is saying it is because of the situation between me and her mother, and she is finding it hard to cope. I, personally, think she is using it as an excuse as she has a very big family that would welcome her anytime, but she chooses to go by this guy's house.

Pastor, I love my girlfriend and I don't want to come between her and her daughter. We have come to a solution that I won't go by her house, but this won't solve the problem as we are planning a future together. I sacrificed a lot for this relationship. I was with another girl before who was living abroad and I ended that relationship for this one. I didn't regret it because I found out later that she was cheating on me.

Pastor, I also want a child with my girlfriend and she agreed to have one after she finishes her studies. I feel like in my relationship that I am the one who is always sacrificing everything. I know she loves me a lot, but sometimes I just feel drained and confused. I feel I am going mad. In my job, there is a lot of racism. It seems that in all aspect of my life something is wrong.

My mother, whom I adore, has been struggling with her immigration paperwork for the past 11 years. She is a very good person and she works very hard, yet people who don't work and scrounge off the government get their papers easily.

How do you think I should approach my dad? What should I do with my girlfriend and my step-daughter's situation? I can't concentrate. I feel like I am living a lie, even at my job. No one knows about my sexuality. I want to come out, because I am happy and I accept who I am, but I am scared of criticism and disapproval.

Please give me your advice. Keep up the good work.

C.T., London, U.K.

Pastor answers:

Dear C.T.,

It is well known that I do not sanction homosexuality. However, I do not condemn those who have chosen such a lifestyle. You claim that you have tried to date men, but you have not been happy with them. But when you started dating women, you became happy.

Something seems to be wrong, because you continue to say in your letter that, "It seems that in all aspects of my life something is wrong". I can tell you that you will never have peace in your heart and life until you have experienced a spiritual transformation in your life that would cause you to abandon your present lifestyle.

You are afraid to tell your father that you are a lesbian. Why not ask your mother to tell him? You want to make it known that you are a lesbian, so you should not be fearful of telling your dad. And, concerning the attitude of your lover's daughter towards you, please understand that this girl should not be forced to accept the type of life that her mother and yourself are living. So please do not try to bring any pressure on her.

Pastor

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

JFLAG says homophobic violence is on the increase across Jamaica. More than 50 cases reported. ...but a cynical public disbelieves part 2

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Yesterday on a Jamaica Urban Transit public bus a news item was carried by Mello FM in Montego Bay on JFLAG's Press release as carried here too (see link) as the item was read I watched and listened expecting exactly what was carried elsewhere in terms of the comments of disbelief that gays are being attacked, one woman clearly stereotyped as a "higgler" based on her aesthetics said words to the effect that nuff battyman sell downtown and they weren't harassed so it's a lie that JFLAG is telling. (alot of gays ply their wares downtown and they are not harassed, it is untrue what JFLAG is reporting) many other passengers agreed and lamented that other rights based issued are more important than gays.

With the recent killings of a student by an unknown X6 driver and a brutal rape and murder of a 6 year old girl in Mountain View still fresh on the minds of many, persons are in no mood to entertain LGBT discourse now.



Again let me reiterate that simply putting out nice press releases and figures is not enough we need photos of injuries as I used to do when I was at the desk and have victims sign release forms to use said photos as strong evidence of such abuses.

Here are some of the incidents JFLAG said to have recorded over the period:

Total Number of Cases 51 [Males (47) Females (4)]

Assaults/Attacks (48) Displacement (11) Police related (12)

Case # Location Month Gender Age Perpetrator
Discrimination(Services)
Assaults/
Attacks Displacement Police Related Other

1 Clarendon March M 23 Mob * Verbal
2 Kingston March M 45 Co-tenants * HIV * Physical
3 Kingston May M 25 Group of Men * Verbal
4 Kingston January M 29 Group of Men * Verbal
5 Kingston January M 25 Family * Physical
6 Kingston April M 20 Family * Physical * Home
7 Kingston March M Landlord * Home
8 Kingston January M 24 Police * Physical *
9 Kingston April M 22 Individual * Verbal
10 Kingston February M 19 Family/Friends * Verbal
11 Kingston May M 36 Community * Verbal
12 Kingston February F 37 Individual * Verbal
13 Kingston February M 16 Family * Verbal * Home
14 Kingston June M 29 Group of Men * Verbal
15 Kingston January M 19 Community/Mob * Physical
16 Kingston March M 23 Landlord * Home
17 Kingston May M 22 Family * Verbal * Home
18 Ocho Rios March M 35 Neighbours * Verbal * Home
19 St. Andrew February M 27 Police * Verbal * Extortion/Blackmail
20 St. Ann January M 39 Community * Verbal
21 St. Ann January M 28 Group of Men * Physical
22 St. Ann May M 30 Police * Verbal * Harassment
23 St. Catherine M 21 Individual * Physical
24 St. Catherine February M 30 Individual * Verbal
25 St. Catherine April F 19 Family * Verbal * Home
26 St. Catherine May M 20 Family * Verbal
27 St. Catherine March M 21 Family * Verbal * Home
28 St. Catherine January M 28 Family * Verbal * Home
29 St. Catherine January M 26 Community * Verbal
30 St. Catherine May M Community/Mob * Verbal
31 St. Catherine June F 37 Community * Verbal * Home
32 St. James June M 19 Community/Mob * Physical
33 St. James June M 19 Father/Brother * Physical
34 St. James January M 25 Landlord * Home
35 St. James March M 19 Community * Verbal
36 St. James April M 19 Family * Verbal/Physical
37 St. James February M 20 Police * Verbal/Physical * Harassment
38 St. James February M 23 Police * Verbal/Physical * Harassment
39 St. James February F 21 Police * Verbal * Harassment
40 St. James February M 19 Police * Verbal/Physical * Harassment
41 St. James February M 20 Police * Verbal/Physical * Harassment
42 St. James February M 22 Police * Verbal/Physical * Harassment
43 St. James February M 18 Police * Verbal/Physical * Harassment
44 St. James February M 24 Police * Verbal/Physical * Harassment
45 St. James February M 22 Police * Verbal/Physical * Harassment
46 St. James April M 21 Group of Men * Verbal
47 St. James June M 20 Community * Verbal
48 St. Mary May M 27 Group of Men * Physical
49 St. Thomas May M 29 Mob * Physical
50 St. Thomas May M 32 Jailers * Verbal
51 St. Thomas May M 32 Jailers * Verbal

Sadly the limpwristedness continues still that we had to find information about ourselves from foreign sources luckily some of those foreign sources are also questioning why there is this insulation from the very local LGBT body politic that is to be served and represented?

The attacks for July have not been included so far which also had a possible corrective rape case in South Central Jamaica and other beatings in Kingston of members of the homeless MSMs and active cruising communities. Interestingly words such as displacement were never formally embraced when persons like myself were there insisting on a more active approach to crisis interventions strange now we see a very slow turn in how the organization ought to have been behaving long time ago. The blogging and criticisms are working but we must keep up the pressure and demand better representation.


The police attacks in St. James were not direct homophobia but were arranged by members of the very LGBT community in the bitter rivalry that exists between some party promoters thus leading to the closure of a club in Montego Bay, the injuring of patrons there and a MSM shelter/feeding facility now defunct. It would do well for JFLAG to be truthful when putting out these figures and the real reasons behind some of what has occurred.


This is precisely why sometimes the public is so cynical of LGBT issues when they hit the mainstream, I am deeply disturbed by these reports plus the ones that have not made it to this list and the over looked homeless and cruising communities as well. With a Superintendent of police saying that gays are responsible for 80 - 90% or white collar crimes and murders in Jamaica just y virtue of how they seemingly have more materialistic wealth on a local television station today there goes another dangerous stereotype planted in the public domain, I am expecting to see more incidents happening soon. Most unfortunate.


Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey asserts that 80 - 90% of white collar crimes and murders are committed by gays with a deep stigma attached that being identified as "how they dress" supposedly in expensive clothing and having materialistic wealth more than normal in enjoying the perks from the illicit trades.


Peace and tolerance.

H

Monday, July 11, 2011

All urged to aid in ridding commercial sexual exploitation of children

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Minister of Health, Rudyard Spencer, has appealed for a collaborative effort from a wider cross section of stakeholders to rid the society of the commercial sexual exploitation of its children.


The minister made the appeal in a brief speech delivered by the director of the National STI/HIV Programme, Dr Kevin Harvey, at the opening of the Inter-American Programme for the Prevention and Eradication of Commercial Sexual Exploitation, Illegal Trafficking and Trade Children and Adolescents second regional meeting at the Jamaica Conference Centre last Wednesday.
Spencer said that the sexual exploitation of Jamaica's children, particularly for commercial purposes, was a challenge requiring immediate attention and an "united effort" to solve.

"Any sexual abuse or exploitation of that nature is abhorrent, and should never be condoned in any way, whether it is by turning a blind eye to the situation, or by protecting the perpetrator in any way," the minister said.

He observed that the situation worsens when children are involved, as they are generally abused by the very adults who are responsible for their care.

The health minister said while the Government must take the lead in promoting and protecting children's rights and well-being, the administration could not do it alone. He said that the help and cooperation of families, communities, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations and the private sector were needed.

"It is essential that we all assume a part of the responsibility if we hope to be successful in tackling this problem," he said, adding that the Government will continue to improve the protection offered to children through multi-agency collaboration and increased dialogue.

Spencer also cited the need to strengthen countries' policies, programmes and the legislative framework to improve the welfare of children, and ensure that their rights are observed and their needs met.

Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange greets 16-year-old Kadeem Simpson, Jamaica’s child representative for the Inter American Children’s Institute, during the regional meeting on protecting children of the Caribbean from commercial sexual exploitations at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston

The two-day meeting, being held under the theme 'Protecting Children of the Caribbean from Commercial Sexual Exploitation', is jointly staged by the Child Development Agency and the Planning Institute of Jamaica, in association with the Inter-American Children's Institute which coordinates the Inter-American Programme.
ENDS

I decided to post this as I am concerned on many fronts:

The belief that male homosexuals are paedophiles and by extension we are about to homosexualize everyone else is disturbing to me

There is not enough care nationally about missing children and orphans

There is not enough concern from the LGBT community on these and related issues

To show that we too also care in genuine terms about the welfare of children

The anger that is directed at supposed stereotypes about us as predators should also be directed at child molestors, real paedophiles and ephebophiles who are in open view of our eyes yet we do nothing (coaster bus sex and no panty days for teen girls)

Those are some of my concerns, see the tab directly below this post on paedophilia and more or go HERE and scroll to see the thirty plus related entries.


Interesting there is no outrage for this kind of news but swift condemnation for perceived and made up sensationalist views about male homosexuality.

Peace and tolerance

H

Artistes Afraid To Tackle Issues says the Gleaner .... including murder music

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Jamaica Gleaner Company

WHILE THERE was no direct connection, the proximity of Buju Banton being sentenced to 10 years in prison on cocaine charges and New York becoming the sixth United States state to legalise same-sex marriages, a day apart, could not be overlooked.

The conspiracy theorists would maintain that the Gargamel had been 'set up' because of his song, Boom Bye Bye, of more than 20 years ago. And there are those who would argue that lyrical advocacy of death to homosexuals apart, homosexuality is one of the huge issues facing the world.

The prospect of losing work was enough to prompt deejay Lutan Fyah to contact The STAR when he felt that his onstage comments were being misinterpreted. In a story published on May 5, 2011, he said:

"Yuh always have some people inna the media weh seh me a bun out homosexuality, but a nuh suh it guh. Mi a bun out the Catholic priests dem weh a moles' the yout dem when dem guh a church," Lutan Fyah said.

He explained, "Mi sing it di other day at Western Consciousness, and mi see where the paper tek it an seh mi a bun out gays. Is not even something weh mi go studio an' record. Is just a lyric weh mi jus guh di stage show dem an sing."

He went on to say that hedoes not have an issue with homosexuals because he does not care what one does.

"Really an truly, mi nuh business if a man wah have 'im boyfriend, but mi do lyrics off a the situation weh mi see wid the Catholic priests dem. But di way how dem write it a like seh mi guh pon stage an' bun out the people for no reason," he said.

Due to the misunderstanding, Lutan Fyah said he has missed out on a show and he doesn't want the matter to get out of hand.

"Mi even lost a show because of the mix-up. The promoter read what dem write and was worrying that corporate sponsors would pull out and cancel di ting. A nuh like seh yuh si nuh bag a gay a run mi dung fi ban mi or nothing, but mi want it fi stop before it even reach dem stage deh," he said.

Clyde McKenzie, entertainment analyst. - FILE

The Gleaner asked Clyde McKenzie if homosexuality is the really huge issue of our time and he said "maybe it is the real issue of our time. Gay liberation - that is the thing that is on the agenda of a lot of countries".

McKenzie points out the irony of reggae's internationalisation through the same elements abroad which now reject anti-homosexual lyrics.

"One of the things you find was the progressive movements across the world that embraced our music. In recent times, it is the progressive movement - another generation - which is espousing gay rights and all these rights that run counter to things espoused in our music," McKenzie said.

"Some of the things they espouse, we don't. And that is causing a major problem. It is these people pushing against our music and calling it murder music. That is where the challenge is for our music."

Very cautious

Generally, too, he reiterates that "people can't speak with the certainty of days gone by. There is so much uncertainty in the air. It is like now people can justify almost any behaviour or any thing".

Plus, he points out, "It is easier to bring someone down, with all the social media. They take you down in a flash. I think a lot of people are very, very, very cautious, very wary about what they say".

So in Thursday's STAR deejay Vybz Kartel's denial of a rumour that he has AIDS was the main entertainment story. It read in part:

"The rumours began circulating late last week via a broadcast message sent out on BlackBerry Messenger. According to a broadcast message making the rounds last week, a female who allegedly has HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is said to have had unprotected sex with the deejay. The message implies that the deejay may now too have contracted the life-threatening disease. This week, the rumours also surfaced on the Internet."

Sponsorship, as Lutan Fyah spoke to in his specific incident, is also an issue. In 2005, the Coalition of Corporate Sponsors - including Red Stripe, Digicel, Cable and Wireless, Courts Ja Ltd, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Supreme Ventures and J. Wray and Nephew - banned deejays Bounty Killer and Beenie Man from events which they supported. This was after the two were deemed to have used foul language in a free-to-air televised performance at Jamaica Carnival, Last Hurrah, held at the National Stadium.

The bans were eventually dropped with apology or compromise from the deejays and many of the entities are now heavily involved in dancehall.

Withholding sponsorship

The Gleaner asked McKenzie if he believes that sponsorship plays a role in the lack of overtly rebellious content. He said "Yes, because the thing has become so commercialised ... . If you see certain issues, you might not want to offend certain brands".

Plus, with artistes heavily reliant on live performances for revenue in an era where music is freely available on the Internet, getting concert dates is critical. "With that, sponsors have a big talk about who comes on the show and who doesn't come on the show, and why they come on the show," McKenzie said.

An April 2009 STAR story showed local gay-rights group J-FlAG's perception of sponsors' stance:

"Despite the occasionally homophobic rant by rogue deejays, we have seen a general decline in the level of homophobia coming from new Jamaican artistes and in new music from Jamaica. We have also seen corporate sponsors withdrawing their support from music that promotes violence or discrimination against any group."
Related Posts with Thumbnails

AddThis

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