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, June 14, 2013

Caribbean LGBT Citizens Call on Governments to support 2013 resolution on sexual orientation/gender identity .......

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At the eleventh hour, Jamaica, Guyana, Dominica and St. Kitts-Nevis withheld their support for a resolution on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGI) just before it was successfully passed by the Organization of American States (OAS) in Antigua Guatemala on June 6th. Two CARICOM states had done so earlier during negotiations; and another four qualified their support at the last minute.



Since the first one passed in 2008, a resolution on these issues had become an annual ritual in which every Caribbean state would join at the General Assembly of the 35-member intergovernmental body that helped pioneer the idea of international human rights. The InterAmerican human rights system also has some of the strongest protections of any regional human rights framework for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, including a special unit of the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights, overseen by Jamaican Commissioner and First Vice Chair Tracy Robinson. 

For the past two years, the SOGI resolution has urged states to do something about its lofty words domestically. Now this year, ten CARICOM states have flocked to attach reservations to it, some like Barbados, St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago without any clear substance.
“Caribbean governments are totally willing to talk about human rights, they want to give a good show on the issue, but they repeatedly prove unreliable in giving any teeth to those ‘commitments’”, said Colin Robinson, Secretary of the Caribbean Forum for Liberation and Acceptance of Genders and Sexualities (CariFLAGS), a 16-year-old indigenous LGBTI network which has recently set up offices in Castries, Kingston, Port of Spain and Santo Domingo. “The creation of Caribbean societies was founded on the persistent violation of human rights”, he said. “Postcolonially, Caribbean nations ought to be among the most visionary and eager champions of human rights. But when it comes to letting our people be free to enjoy their bodies with dignity, we’re clinging to pre-Emancipation practices, and proud to remain at the bottom of the class in the Americas.” FULL REPORT HERE


HELPING EACH OTHER STRENGTHEN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE CARIBBEAN
Caribbean LGBT Citizens Call on Our Governments to Seek and Offer Technical Support and
Cooperation in Domestic Implementation of Commitments Undertaken in OAS SOGI Resolutions

Colonial development of Caribbean societies was founded on the persistent violation of human rights. These histories have given way to aspirational nationalist visions of inclusion, equality, autonomy and human dignity, and modern Caribbean nations ought to be among the most visionary and eager champions of human rights.
But we are not. Formal recognition and protection of human rights and personal dignity remain weak in most nations across the region. In several, Constitutional provisions protect colonial laws from legal challenge. Only two states have independent national human rights institutions, neither compliant with Paris Principles; just four have fully ratified the First Optional Protocol of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights; only five are party to the American Convention on Human Rights, and just two accept the jurisdiction of the InterAmerican Court. Boasts of democracy and rule of law are vitiated by lack of access to justice for people who are poor and vulnerable. In restricting citizen access to supranational human rights adjudicating mechanisms, young postcolonial states – still developing national institutions, expanding social protection and building consensus on shared humanity after centuries of its denial to the majority of the population – deprive their peoples of the protection of frameworks designed expressly to backstop state weaknesses or negligence. For rightsbearers in such small-island developing societies, especially those who are minorities, violations and related impunity effect multiple ruptures to safety, dignity and livelihood.

Sexual citizenship is a bellwether of the Caribbean’s human rights inequality. We trail the rest of the hemisphere in recognition of the humanity and rights of LGBT persons as well. Eleven of our nations still criminalize private same-sex relations between consenting adults, and several have expanded this beyond the colonial laws we inherited. Sexual orientation has been deliberately excluded from post-Independence protection measures.

Homophobia affects us allfrom growing anomie and homelessness among LGBT youth on the streets of our capitals, to heterosexual males’ persistent underachievement in our educational systems, to how we rob our national productivity of the contributions of whole groups of people. Our sister states in Latin America share rank with the Global North in political leadership and domestic institutionalization of LGBT equality and human rights. Meeting in Brasilia in April with Cuba to forge a regional perspective on how to advance sexual orientation and gender identity in multilateral human rights systems, they emphasized strengthened dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, including South-South and triangular ones, according to countries’ needs, to allow for sharing of good practices and incremental political changes.

On the occasion of our joint participation in the XLIII General Assembly of the Organization of American States, in Antigua Guatemala in June 2013, we appeal for a new partnership:
1.    to fully support the 2013 resolution on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity/expression
2.    to approve, ratify and bring into force in domestic law the Inter-American Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance jointly with the Inter-American Convention against Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Related Forms of Intolerance
3.    to request, receive and, where appropriate, provide technical cooperation from hemispheric and other partners in implementing domestic measures that fulfil the commitments of the suite of resolutions on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity enacted at the General Assembly
4.    to strengthen domestic human rights education programmes and institutions, and build national cultures of human rights and plural citizenship
5.    to take significant steps to more fully join and to strengthen the InterAmerican human rights system
6.    to convene a CARICOM forum to engage with dialogue and cooperation on these issues.

We are the Caribbean Forum for Liberation and Acceptance of Genders and Sexualities. Our 16-year old non-governmental body, owned and operated by the region’s leading LGBT NGOs, is a regional network with offices in Castries, Kingston, Port of Spain and Santo Domingo and leadership in Suriname. In advancing an indigenous LGBT agenda for the Caribbean, we engage with regional governments and civil society, donors and international partners — to expand protective environments at the community-level where Caribbean LGBT people can enjoy safety and support and be linked to services, community, health, spirituality and empowerment; to build local LGBT infrastructure and leadership; to forge alliances, participate politically and electorally, influence policy and legislation; to utilize judicial and human rights institutions to ensure justice and access to the fruits of citizenship; and to build nations that reclaim the values of our Independence generation.

DECLARATION OF THE COALITION OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRAVESTI, TRANSEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND INTERSEX PERSONS FROM THE AMERICAS
BEFORE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE OAS.
LA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA, GUATEMALA, JUNE 4th, 2013

Mister Secretary General, Honourable Ministers, Representatives of Official Delegations, Civil Society Colleagues:

We, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Travesti, Transsexual, Transgender and Intersex (hereinafter LGBTTTI) organizations, convened in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, from May 31st to June 2nd, 2013,
in accordance with the directives established by the OAS General Assembly in Resolutions AG/RES.2092(XXXV-O/05); CP/RES.759(1217/99); AG/RES.840(1361/03) through the resolutions AG/RES.1707(XXX-O/00) and AG/RES.1915(XXXIII-O/03), which set forth a regulatory framework to enhance and strengthen civil society participation in the OAS and in the Summit of the Americas process,
would like to express that:

The policies of repression and criminalization of drug possession for personal consumptionhave led to human rights violations of vulnerable groups. Decriminalization and a fresh perspectiveon this reality will reduce discrimination, resulting in processes of social inclusion and democratic guarantees.

In the countries of Central America, organized crime groups are controlled by neither the police nor any other arm of the state, which promotes citizen insecurity.

In this context, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity has increased, with acts of verbal and physical violence, torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, forced disappearances, and killings as the extreme expression of such violence.

Trans persons are among those most affected by these attacksThey are also deniedtheir right to health, to education and to work, in short, to dignity. Lack of documents recognizingthe gender identity that trans persons have adopted and constructed, or conditioning their issuance on humiliating medical procedures, constitutes an insurmountable limit on their access to rights.

Low self-esteem among lesbian women, caused by a patriarchal system that ignores andstigmatizes them, makes them vulnerable to problems related to mental health, addictions, domestic violence, and also limits their access to comprehensive health care. In the “English-speaking” (Commonwealth) Caribbean, this same system pushes LGBTI youth into homelessnessand young heterosexual men to underperformance in school.

Eleven Caribbean countries – one third of the states in the Americas – continue to retain laws that criminalize and prohibit consensual same-sex intimacy, crossdressing “for an improper purpose”, as well as entry of foreigners based on their homosexuality. Some of these governments have very recently enacted or enforced such laws; others deliberately exclude LGBT persons from protections against discrimination.

In these contexts, access to justice and the mechanisms of human rights protection are weak, Constitutional protection excludes sexuality, access to supranational human rights defence mechanisms is limited, and Caribbean governments have declared that human rights protection ofsexual minorities requires a "political mandate" of the majority.

Nonetheless, in this context we welcome the conclusion of the negotiations on the draftInter-American Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intoleranceand appreciate theleadership role of the delegation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Therefore we demand that the Member States:

  1. Sign, ratify and implement the Convention Against All Forms of Discrimination andIntolerance, as well as the Inter-American Convention against Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Related Forms of Intolerance.
  2. Adopt legislation and policies in line with the commitments made in the resolutions "HumanRights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identityadopted by previous General Assemblies.
  3. Create or strengthen Human Rights Institutions and implement educational programs thatdevelop a culture of human rights and pluralistic society.
  4. Take measures to ensure access to justice and guarantee due process of the persons without discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
  5. Adopt comprehensive and specific health strategies for LGBTI persons, with a particularemphasis on the different needs of trans persons.
  6. Review their legislative frameworks by repealing laws that criminalize sex between people of the same sex.
  7. Adopt laws that recognize the gender identity of trans persons.
  8. Promote direct participation of LGBTI persons and civil society groups in dialogues, consultations, policy design and planning at national and local levels.
  9. Adopt the Inter-American human rights instruments.

As well, we demand that the General Assembly:

-          Adopt the draft resolution "Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expressionpresented by the delegation of Brazilwhose initiative is appreciated;
-          Adopt the draft resolution "Inter-American Convention against All Forms of Discriminationand Intolerance"
-          Adopt the draft resolution "Inter-American Convention against Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Related Forms of Intolerance."


Links
OAS General Assembly Resolution AG/RES. 2807 (XLIII-O/13): Human Rights, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity and Expression (Adopted at the fourth plenary session, June 6, 2013):http://scm.oas.org/ag/documentos/Documentos/AG06190E05.doc
InterAmerican Convention Against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance:http://scm.oas.org/ag/documentos/Documentos/AG06187E04.doc


Video
CariFLAGS engages Sec. Gen. Insulza (Zenita Nicholson 01;54:04 to 01:36:04; Colin Robinson 02:42:36 to 02:44:05): HERE
Antigua & Barbuda Alternative Representative Ann-Marie Layne Campbell introduces the InterAmerican Conventions Against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance and Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Related Forms of Intolerance: HERE (00:20:00 to 00:26:08)

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Older men and Andropause or senior slump

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In light of a just concluded series of workshops on gay men's health for older men forty and upwards it was interesting to see and hear some of the materials presented and that many of us have lived to see the marker despite an HIV /AIDS pandemic that wiped out and is still though slowly doing its damage to friends near and far. Despite the new technologies in pharmaceuticals and lifestyle choices that can extend our quality of life and lifespan we still as gay and bisexual men have to be cognizant of maintaining as we age gracefully and be ever more vigilant. I had done this post some years ago on my sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch how timely that it has come to be relevant some four years later, have fun:

Older men and Andropause or senior slump


As we age and live longer as gay and bisexual men I thought it prudent on the strength of a Facebook discussion thread in one of many Gay men over forty group/pages to share this information. I was shocked to learn that so many men have erectile dysfunction issues or diabetes leading to similar problems coupled with lowering testosterone levels. Several men want to of course continue living in healthy relationships especially worldwide with gay marriage becoming a reality co-habitation is made even more a social norm. However sexual health is crucial for men if such co-habitation is to be any meaningful separate and apart from friendships.

Andropause is the equivalent to or mimics the menopause condition that older women have in their years of life. It is basically a steady drop in the male hormone testosterone below the normal levels over time which affects nearly every other thing in the males’ body which can lead to erectile dysfunction, mood swings similar to menopause in women and fat deposits around the mid section of the body which may eventually lead to other lifestyle diseases and problems such as diabetes.

It is also called ADAM – Androgen decline in the aging male,

SHAM – shifting hormones in the aging male and another colloquial name is macho pause.

Symptoms and suggestions

Symptoms include loss of desire for sex as interest in sex falls otherwise known as the senior slump, erectile dysfunction and paranoia due to lack of sexual desire with frustration setting in. Irritability and depression with loss of sleep are spin offs as well due to the problems in their respective relationships. Hot flashes and severe mood swings with more frequency as the problem ages. On an average andropause may set in as the testis shrinks slowly and the adrenal gland that produces testosterone begins a slow decline of production of the hormone thus decreasing the availability in the male body usually in the early to mid fifties in most men, it can be earlier but it progresses as one gets older. It unfortunately a natural process for the testosterone levels in a man to fall but there may be some things one can do to maybe delay or significantly slow this occurrence.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle is one broad way then exercise and nutrition come into play as well. Avoid smoking, proper stress management skills, resting well, lowering or eliminating alcohol intake and eating well are recommended though simplistic as they may sound. Avoid or seek to decrease the physical condition of central obesity or fat around the tummy although our Jamaican culture prides “Big Belly Men” as sugar daddies or a sign of prosperity in life it can be dangerous especially as it relates to andropause. As the belly gets bigger the testosterone levels get lower and the testis get smaller as well. The actual belly fat is a sign that a man is actually producing less testosterone among other ailments and conditions as well.

Back pain is not necessarily a sign of andropause as Jamaicans like to attribute sexual prowess by the conditions of the back there may be other reasons why an older man may have back pain such as heavy object lifting or improper posture while seated and took much weight by the pot belly pulling on the rest of the body. There is no specific diet that promotes testosterone production one has to manage every day diet reducing fat intake, carbohydrates and sugars. A test is available known as a Testosterone Level which can determine the levels of the hormone in the body and possible limited testosterone treatment but not all men qualify for this kind of intervention. If a man has a very large prostate or signs of prostate cancer, heart disease, liver disease then they do not qualify for testosterone treatment. However if one doesn’t have those predisposing factors then there are dosages of testosterone that can be administered by a qualified professional.

Cardiovascular effects

The fall in testosterone levels has a number of negative effects on cardiovascular health it modifies the system, it can accelerate hardening of the blood vessels, the belly fat around the tummy area often time seeps into the bloodstream which speed up the levels of cholesterol which causes impaired circulation to the heart or long term heart disease.

Andropause can speed up the aging process tremendously. 

The emotional and behavioural changes can lead to violent reactions which paranoia men are usually very unhappy due to erectile dysfunction and with both partners in a heterosexual sense having meno and andropause it can be very confrontational. Services are available through sex therapists and Urologists (specialist who looks at problems of the urinary system) who can determine and recommend ways to resolve the issues, the urologist can test for testosterone levels and prescribe treatment where appropriate.

Bone density issues

Bone density may be affected as well as testosterone is a substance produced in the testis and the adrenals that an effect on several other parts of the body’s function. The hormone with the adrenals helps to build protein and influence the production blood cells in the bone marrow and bone formation so if one testosterone levels begin to fall one can loose bone mass thus affecting cell production which may lead to osteoporosis where the bones themselves become porous making the individual prone to fractures easier than normal.

So fellas begin to adjust your lifestyle as you get older we too have our challenges as we age not only the ladies.

Peace and tolerance

H



Wednesday, June 12, 2013

New EU asylum rules will better protect LGBT people

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The European Parliament on June 12, 2013 adopted a new version of the European Union law on asylum procedures. The text contains notable improvements for LGBT asylum-seekers.

 

The new Directive now foresees that some asylum-seekers “may be in need of special procedural guarantees due [...] to their age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity [...]“.

When receiving an asylum application, Member States must now assess “whether the applicant is an applicant in need of special procedural guarantees” listed above.

Member States must now make sure LGBT applicants’ special needs are met, including if they are identified as such later during the asylum procedure.

Dennis de Jong MEP, Vice-President of the LGBT Intergroup, commented: “It isn’t easy to explain their story for many people who fled their country because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“Sometimes they only explain the real reason for fleeing much later in the procedure, and that can lead to contradictory statements. With the new rules, this can no longer lead to a decline of the asylum application.”

The text was agreed after a four-year debate between the European Parliament and Member States.

Sylvie Guillaume MEP, Rapporteur for the Directive, explained: ”Thanks to the revised Directive adopted today, EU asylum law now includes a mechanism to identify vulnerable asylum seekers, including on the ground of their sexual orientation and gender identity.”

“This was strongly opposed by most Member States, and it’s one of our very clear achievements.”

“States will now have to identify asylum-seekers who need special procedural guarantees, determine the nature of these needs, and respond to them adequately. We will be very vigilant to the implementation of this Directive by Member States, and particularly to the effectiveness of the identification mechanism.”

These new rules will apply after they are transposed into Member States’ national laws, except for the United Kingdom and Ireland who opted out of the process. Denmark may align its law with the new rules, but is not legally obliged to.


Read the new EU Directive on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (recast)

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

JFLAG Position Statement on Upcoming Conscience Vote on Jamaica’s Buggery Law

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(photo scanned from an article in print in 2012)

J-FLAG welcomes the government’s announcement that a conscience vote will be scheduled for the promised review of the buggery law. This commitment was one of the major contributions of the current Prime Minister in the lead up to the 2011 General Elections and was a bold and decisive political move that we laud the Prime Minister for making.

Sections 76, 77 & 79 of the Offences Against the Persons Act of 1864, collectively referred to as ‘the buggery law’, criminalize “the abominable crime of buggery” (defined as anal sex with any person or animal) and “gross indecency” (intimacy) between men. We submit that these catch-all definitions are inappropriate since they criminalize the sexual relationships of consenting adults in private and possibly violate the constitutional right to privacy of the home.

J-FLAG’s position on the buggery law has evolved over the years. Our appeals for the definition of rape in the Sexual Offences Act to be gender, orifice, and object neutral have been met with resistance, and therefore in the interest of protecting the most vulnerable Jamaicans we are not agitating for a repeal of the buggery law. Instead, we are requesting an amendment to the law to differentiate between consensual and non-consensual anal penetration.

As our parliamentarians engage in this review process, we urge them to consider the following:

1. We suggest that Section 76 of the Offences Against the Person Act read: “Whosoever shall be convicted of the abominable crime of buggery, committed with any person without consent, shall be liable to be imprisoned and kept to hard labor for a term not exceeding ten years.” – This amendment will serve to decriminalize the intimate acts of consenting adults in private and to affirm the Prime Minister’s position that she is not interested in “prying into the private business of anyone”.

2. We believe that bestiality should be a separate offence as is the case in Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago which have similar buggery prohibitions. The conflation of buggery and bestiality is problematic and inappropriate because it isan affront to the human dignity of consenting adults who should be free to engage in acts of private sexual intimacy.

3. We ask that Parliamentarians clarify the definition of an “act of gross indecency” pursuant to Section 79 of theOffences Against the Person Act and kindly request that this section be brought into alignment with the proposed ethos of no longer criminalizing consensual same-sex intimacy in private.

To reiterate, J-FLAG wishes for legislators to understand that we are calling for a reading-down of the buggery law to de-criminalize the acts of consenting adults in private, NOT the repeal of the law itself.

We are open and available to assist our parliamentarians with information to act in good faith in their review of the relevant sections of the statue and anticipate a rational debate that recognizes the rights and honours the inherent dignity of every Jamaican citizen.


also see: Buggery law conscience vote for parliament soon ...

Read this document on Strengthening the Charter of Rights


also

On June 25, the Supreme Court will decide whether to proceed with a constitutional challenge by a gay man to the colonial-era buggery law. Here are the key facts in the case of Javed Jaghai v The Attorney General of Jamaica.



UPDATE JUNE 20 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2013 | Kingston, Jamaica

J-FLAG URGES MEDIA PRACTITIONERS TO FOLLOW ETHICAL STANDARDS
In recent weeks there has been a spate of negative coverage in the press concerning the Jamaican Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. This type of coverage has in several instances reinforced negative stereotypes about gay identity, and used pejorative and incendiary language to sensationalize otherwise innocuous stories.

With reference to a report published in the Jamaica Observer of June 20 under the headline “Gays promise ’hell and powder house’ Sunday”, the author revealed that the source of his/her information was an email sent to the newspaper by “an apparent homosexual group”. For the editorial team to feel it was reasonable to treat this email from an unknown source with the level of significance it has given it is irresponsible. For them to go further and to publish these details in an already tense social environment under a sensationalist headline is reckless and unethical. As in previous interventions with the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ), J-FLAG urges all media practitioners to follow ethical standards in the pursuit of their noble profession.

J-FLAG supports the democratic right of church groups to peaceful assembly and the exercise of their freedom of speech, and religion. Indeed, we celebrate this freedom; however we urge that the rights and freedoms of LGBT Jamaicans be similarly recognized by all citizens.
We reserve the right to disagree, both publicly and privately, with what we perceive as concerted efforts to limit the quality of citizenship of sexual and gender minorities in Jamaica.

J-FLAG, in its capacity as representative for a vibrant community of Jamaican citizens of diverse sexual and gender identities, is willing to work with all stakeholders in the media to ensure balanced and fair reporting of issues affecting the LGBT community and the interest of the broader public.


An interview on Nationwide Radio 

J-FLAGging A Dead Horse? (Gleaner article)

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Sociologist Dr Orville Taylor wrote this piece on Sunday as per requests see my response below in audio and also a response to Ian Boyne latest article as well.


Jamaica is not as anti-gay as some of the gay-rights anti-nationalists would like to portray. Gay persons who get credible threats in this country can get the police to act.




Orville Taylor

I defend the right of people to fight for what they believe in. That is what democracy is about. Similarly, being the sociologist that I am, my uncompromising view is that the fundamental task of society is to preserve and to perpetuate itself over time.

True, rights of the individual are sacrosanct. However, according to Article 29 of the United Nations' (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights, they are "... subject ... to such limitations as are determined by law ... and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society".

Despite activism, the UN has not yet accepted that gay rights are fundamental human rights. Jamaica's Charter of Rights does the same. So, you can't defend what is not yet yours.

Moreover, Article 21 (3) declares that the "... will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government ...", and Article 16 (3) states, "... Family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State." This is what the majority of Jamaicans feel. This does not equate to homophobia, whatever the word means.

But, tell me, in real terms, what do the gays in Jamaica want? It can't be freedom from prejudice, because this is a country where people still think that I am pigmentally unsuitable to date vanilla-skinned women. Some persons think Indians have certain associations with callaloo; white people are 'raw'; Chinese would quickly swallow up Doran Dixon's intemperate references; while Maragh says, "'Karpar' head look like black pepper grain", and good 'air is not simply a tyre brand. The point is: People are going to hold on to their beliefs and preferences about persons who are different.

It is free speech. So what, if someone calls me the pejorative 'nayga bwoy'? As long as 'him no touch a button', or stops me from working, I am OK.

Jamaica is not as anti-gay as some of the gay-rights anti-nationalists would like to portray. Gay persons who get credible threats in this country can get the police to act. Ask the overly rambunctious guys in New Kingston if the boys and girls in blue do not respond. In fact, some citizens feel that those progressive cops have, in a manner of speaking, bent over backwards to accommodate them, despite their being nuisances.

Indeed, the recent impotence of the police to stop the continued occupancy of the upscale property in Millsborough has many ordinary Jamaicans wondering what the police would have done if the culprits were straight.

gross idea

Nevertheless, I am willing to bet that the majority of persons who think that they are gay-tolerant are so only because it is out of their sight and they do not visualize the mechanics of it. It is not too dissimilar to the avowed meat-eaters, who can't stand the slaughter of chickens, or their pet goat. A fact that too many gay advocates, including many lesbians, don't readily admit is that the idea of two men copulating is gross and disgusting to the average person.

Epitomised in the words of my dear friend, and unapologetic 'peniphobe' lesbian, "If I don't like one, how can I stomach seeing two?" The point is, the majority of Jamaicans find gay sex unpalatable and don't need to be reminded of it up in their faces. And by the way, if you think you are gay-tolerant, rent and watch a male-male gay Blu-Ray DVD.

Now, that is a far cry from legitimising any kind of harassment against the community. For the record, unless you can prove that someone is a practising homosexual or he comes out of the woodwork swinging, you can be sued for defamation. Furthermore, if the police catch a pair of men having relations, they have no authority to do anything except arrest them. Only if they resist and behave 'bwoystirus' is the arresting cop empowered to use force. Making any denunciatory statement about them is against the policy of the High Command.

And, yes, the UN Declaration and our Charter both dictate that any inhumane treatment of accused persons is a human-rights violation. Nothing, in law or practice, gives anyone the right to use or promote violence, except where a person is a credible and present threat and danger to others.

Thus, 'B—-ybwoy fi dead!' is not free speech; it could be an incitement to violence, because, despite the majority of well-thinking Jamaicans having no proclivity to harm gays, there are some idiots who will take it as a call to action. Furthermore, there are laws against threatening persons, and the pointing of fingers is common assault.

Maybe lawyer Maurice Tomlinson can advise me, but I believe that someone who wilfully promotes violence against others is committing a crime in Jamaica. If not, this must be a direction for the legislators to look.

unfair label

Nevertheless, it is about time that people stop telling lies on their country in order to fulfil personal agendas. In 2006, Time Magazine maligned this country by describing us as the most homophobic country on earth. At the time, I rebelled against the label and implored the J-FLAG representative, on air, to reject this lie, because they live here. On my radio programme and on TVJ's 'All Angles', I said that there were 80 nations that were more anti-gay. My position is still the same. According to the UN, 75 other countries apart from Jamaica have anti-gay sex laws. Moreover, at least five nations have the death penalty.

The fact that J-FLAG's representative can travel unmasked in Jamaica and speak out on national television, and the lawyer, who ran away because of mortal fear and, surprisingly, is brave enough to be here to sue the media, proves the label is pathological mendacity.

Nonetheless, I acknowledge that some gay persons have been harassed and killed, but that is not the norm, and many other categories of Jamaicans suffer violence.

Jamaica has had public figures and ordinary 'effemophiles' who have lived in relative peace. It is simply not true that the average gay man or woman has to run for his/her life in this country. Never mind that people call them, the sound of a motor car horn; most women on this island can hardly walk in peace, without some idler saying nasty things to them, some of which the yokels think are compliments.

My position is simple: As with the many times mentioned in the 2003 case of Lawrence v Texas, my position is that Government needs to keep its agents out of people's bedrooms. Thus, police should not go into persons' homes if the only crime they are investigating is adult consensual buggery. However, sex on the beach (other than the drink) is arrestable for hetero and homo. And if a guy wants to display behaviour that is contrary to the norms, he must allow for the freedom of others to call him what they want, because this is a free country. However, they must not touch or threaten him.

Thus, let's keep it simple, truthful, fair.

Dr Orville Taylor is senior lecturer in sociology at the UWI and a radio talk-show host. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and tayloronblackline@hotmail.com.


ENDS

my response:


also see

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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.

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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