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, October 25, 2013

Legal battle brewing - Lawsuit over Trinidad & Tobago anti-gay laws

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Legal battle brewing
Lawsuit over TT anti-gay laws
Rachael Espinet, Newsday, October 25, 2013, Page 15

SIR GEORGE Alleyne, former UN Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS and editor of the book Legal and Policy Perspectives on HIV and Human Rights in the Caribbean, says the book is a serious commentary on HIV and human rights and the legal policy implications of HIV in the Caribbean.

Speaking with Newsday yesterday at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Sports and Physical Education Centre (SPEC) in St Augustine, after its annual graduation ceremony where he is the Chancellor of the university, he said: “What it does is it looks at policy issues; legal issues that have to be addressed and we address that certain approaches need to be taken to address these issues.”

When the book was launched on Tuesday, gay rights activists condemned the United Nations AIDS [sic] (UNAIDS), for having the event in Trinidad. UNAIDS and Pan Caribbean [sic]sponsored the book; however the objection comes from Trinidad having an immigration law that prohibits homosexuals from entering the country.

In Section 8 of the Immigration Act, “prostitutes, homosexuals persons living on the earnings of prostitutes or homosexuals, or persons reasonably suspected as coming to Trinidad and Tobago for these or any other immoral purposes are prohibited from entering the country.”

Thus legally, non-national homosexual persons who were invited to the book launch would not be able to attend or they would be breaking the law. Maurice Tomlinson, a Jamaica lawyer and legal adviser for AIDS Free World, was one such person who would have been legally barred from attending.

Though legally members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community are barred from entering the country, the law is not enforced. In 2007, Members of the public were rallying to stop openly gay performer Elton John from entering the country. However, the government gave a waiver for John to sing in the Tobago Jazz Festival.

Currently, through AIDS Free World, Tomlinson is suing Trinidad and Tobago to remove homosexuality from the prohibited list. On November 12 Tomlinson will challenge Section 8 of the Immigration Act at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Alleyne stated, “Much of what is written has been written by people who have not read the book, and really don’t appreciate what the substance of the discussion is all about.” He added that he and UWI have an “intolerance to all forms of intolerance” and in his graduation address on the Cave Hill campus, “I addressed this issue of intolerance and discrimination pointing out that there is intolerance of intolerance in all forms as part of our university’s policy.”

Colin Robinson, director of the Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO), said, “The controversy around the event has brought attention to the outrageousness to the immigration law.”

However, Robinson said while CAISO supports the legal actions against the country’s law suit [sic], “The question of wether [sic] there should be a boycott of Trinidad and Tobago for events that would advance the position of the LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex) community is a matter that AIDS Free World has not discussed with us.”

A release from AIDS Free World stated “It goes without saying that demonstrating indifference to hateful laws as though they were of no consequence is hugely damaging in the iight against HIV and AIDS.

“There is no question that the book will address the issue of high-risk groups, men who have sex with men (MSM) in particular. And with that in mind, many gay men from around the Caribbean would wish to attend, and indeed, some of them have undoubtedly received invitations (Tomlinson included). Neither Maurice nor any of his gay colleagues from outside Trinidad can attend. Why?

Because the immigration law of Trinidad and Tobago explicitly prohibits the entry of homosexuals.” The release continues to say, “Holding the book launch in a country that bars entry to homosexuals is a direct contradiction of the recommendations of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law (that UNAIDS co-sponsored), and an equally direct contradiction of the Executive Director of UNAIDS, who has said time and again that UNAIDS has zero tolerance for discriminatory laws.



judges_of_the_caribbean_court
Justices on the leave hearing panel were back row, left Jacob Wit (Netherlands Antilles) and Winston Anderson (Jamaica) and front row: Rolston Nelson (Trinidad & Tobago), CJ Sir Dennis Byron (St. Kitts & Nevis) and Winston Saunders (St. Vincent & the Grenadines)

UPDATE: the CCJ reserved judgement - 

Caribbean Court of Justice reserves judgement on Maurice Tomlinson case on barred entry due to sexual orientation

Asexual awareness week is October 20th – 26th

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Asexual awareness week is October 20th – 26th!

Let’s talk about asexuality, the lack of sexual attraction to other people. Have you heard of it before?

Chances are you haven’t, so let’s talk about it now.

“So is that like celibacy, or abstinence?” In short, no. Both of these are active choices, but asexuality is a sexual orientation; and being asexual doesn’t mean someone will never have sex.

“But if someone has sex, surely they’re not asexual?” If a gay man has sex with a woman, does that make him straight? No. Being attracted to someone, being able to feel sexual pleasure and wanting to have sex are three very different things.

“Can asexuals fall in love?” Yes, they can. Romantic attraction and sexual attraction are two different things. While some people may be aromantic as well as asexual, others still date and seek long-term partners.

“That’s silly. They just need to try it/find the right person.” Sounds just like “she’s not straight, she just hasn’t found the right girl yet.” Most people don’t need to have sex to know to whom they are attracted, so it doesn’t make sense to say that someone can’t know whether they are asexual, too.

“Ok, I’ll accept all that. But why should I care?” Sexuality is a very prominent part of our society, and asexuals make up a very small percentage of the population. This makes it easy for asexuals to believe they are alone in feeling this way, even that they are “broken”. Raising awareness helps asexuals to be comfortable with themselves, and to be open about their feelings without fear of alienation.

-

Additional Asexuality Awareness Resources

“Asexual Awareness Week began in 2010 as a campaign targeting the LGBT community and its leadership for greater awareness. California activist Sara Beth Brooks joined with AVEN founder David Jay to plan the first year which was primarily conducted online through blogs and web visibility.” – AsexualAwarenessWeek.com

Asexual Awareness Week Official Homepage

http://asexualawarenessweek.com

(A)sexual The Movie

Directors’ Description: “Facing a sex obsessed culture, a mountain of stereotypes and misconceptions, and a lack of social or scientific research, asexuals, people who experience no sexual attraction, struggle to claim their identity.”

Available at Netflix. Find other streaming locations at IMDB or visit the film’s official homepage for more information: www.asexualthemovie.com

Videos: Asexuality In the Media at Asexuality.org

The asexual community has grown with a great deal of welcome public exposure. Below are video clips from various television appearances, courtesy of YouTube.http://www.asexuality.org/home/video.html

Acebook

Acebook is a unique dating and social networking site for asexual people. http://www.ace-book.net

The Asexual Lesbians Community

A private community for asexual lesbians. Per the homepage, guests “are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can’t use. If you join our community, you’ll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.” http:// z4.invisionfree.com/Asexual_Lesbians/index.php

Resources from Everything’s A-Okay!

People in the YouTube outreach video include asexual bloggers and activists:
Amy (amygdala)
Robin L (http://iamvincentliu.tumblr.com/)
QueerAsCat (http://www.youtube.com/user/QueerAsCat)
Swankivy (http://youtube.com/user/swankivy)

For more information on Asexual Awareness Week, visit http://asexualawarenessweek.com/.

Everything’s A Okay will be continuing their asexuality series soon, with a video on ‘Forming Relationships’.

Everything’s A-Okay is an organization that works to spread visibility and education on LGBTQ+ issues, as well as to provide support to those in the queer community who need it. You can visit the website at http://a-okay.org/ for more information on asexuality.

Asexuality.org encourages you to start a conversation in your community, and if you need support or want to share resources with others, they recommend you call the Trevor Lifeline toll-free at 866-488-7386.

EU adopts historic intersex resolution

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Some good news just a day prior to the Intersex Awareness Day normally observed on October 26th annually since 1996.


article Courtesy of Heather Cassell

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe took a historic first step toward protecting intersex children with the adoption of Resolution 1952 (2013), Children's Right to Physical Integrity, October 3.

It is the first time the union has ever addressed the bodily integrity of intersex children.

It is also the first of its kind resolution to address intersex children from a human rights perspective, rather than a medical approach, to maintain the right to bodily integrity. It calls for the "end of cosmetic medical and surgical treatment," according to the joint news release by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association and the Organization Intersex International Europe.

The resolution was drafted in partnership by the ILGBTIA and OII-Europe.

ILGBTIA is a non-governmental organization working on behalf of LGBTI rights. OII-Europe is the European branch of the OII, an international organization working for the rights of intersex individuals.

The resolution not only protects intersex children from medically altering their bodies without consent, but also includes other cosmetic procedures, from circumcision to piercing to tattooing.

The resolution also calls upon council members to direct member states to "undertake further research to increase knowledge about the specific situation of intersex people," according to the release.

Garnering more specific details about intersex individuals' lives includes ensuring that no one is subjected to "unnecessary medical or surgical treatment that is cosmetic rather than vital for health during infancy or childhood" and to "guarantee bodily integrity, autonomy and self-determination." It also calls for adequate counseling and support for families with intersex children.

Representatives from OII or OII-Europe were unable to respond to a request for comment by press time.

The signing of the resolution is a part of a new ongoing effort of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union to protect LGBT including intersex individuals' human rights.

In June, the same council published comprehensive and legally binding guidelines to EU institutions and member states outlining progressive ways to advance human rights for LGBT and intersex individuals. The guidelines cover contacts with third countries and with international and civil society organizations.

Debating circumcision rights

Not everyone is happy with the resolution. Leaders of Israeli and European Jewish organizations spoke out harshly against the resolution, which included brit mila, the traditional religious ritual where male children are circumcised.

"This is a sign of anti-Semitism, in my opinion," Benjamin Albalas, president of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece, told the Jerusalem Post.

Religious ceremonies that require any type of alteration of a child's body for non-medical reasons were included in the resolution, along with female genital mutilation.

Any suggestion to ban circumcision "sends out a terrible message to European Jews that our practices, and therefore our very presence on this continent, is treated with disdain," said Moshe Kantor, president of the European Jewish Congress, reported thePost .

A large majority of the 642 delegates voted to remove a reference to the "religious rights of parents and families" from the measure, reported the Post.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin of the European Jewish Association based in Brussels pointed out that scientific information used in the report wasn't complete, not including opinions from experts from the World Health Organization about the positive health aspects of circumcision, she said.

To listen to sections of the report and presentation, visit http://www.lgbt-ep.eu/intergroup-documents/summary-trans-and-intersex-people-challenges-for-eu-law/.

New LGBT general rapporteur appointed to EU

Robert Biedron was appointed as the new general rapporteur on the rights of LGBT people of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The appointment was made unanimously by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination on September 17 in Madrid, but news of Biedron's new post wasn't publicly announced until October 2.

Biedron, a 37-year-old gay politician, replaces Hakon Haugli, who was the first holder of this mandate, according to the assembly's website.

Biedron was elected to the Polish Parliament in 2011 and has served in the EU and on the committee. He is also the vice-chairperson of the Committee of Justice and Human Rights and was the first openly gay member of the Committee of Foreign Affairs at the Sejm.

Biedron's responsibilities in his new role include intervening, protecting, and promoting LGBT rights, particularly related to discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, Biedron will report periodically to the committee on information collected and actions taken related to violations of LGBT rights, which remain a problem, he said in an interview on the committee's website.

Biedron believes that continuing to relay the message that LGBT rights are basic human rights is "crucial" throughout Europe, he said.

Other top issues on his mind are protecting transgender individuals and focusing more attention on the needs and rights of LBT women in the EU.

"Violations of the rights of LGBT people are indeed a major problem in Europe," said Biedron, pointing out that the EU has adopted several resolutions and recommendations on LGBT human rights. "I will follow up on their implementation. My roadmap will be the recent report by Mr. Hakon Haugli, former general rapporteur, on 'tackling discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.' I will do my best to continue his excellent work."

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Sexual diversity conference focuses on advocacy

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The first Caribbean Women and Sexual Diversity conference organised by the St Lucia human rights organisation United and Strong Inc (U&S) and Fundashon Orguyo Korsou/Curacao Pride Foundation (FOKO) brought together 35 women from 14 countries for a week-long conference in Curacao that dealt with advocacy around LBT women.


In a release, U&S Co-Executive Director Kenita Placide said the gathering sought to educate and empower women to stimulate and strengthen the movement.

“Human rights are challenged by authorities, institutions and establishments that seek to suppress our right to express ourselves and articulate our opinions. LBT people should not be left behind in the growth of Caribbean society. This conference is about our duty to self, our duty to fight against the injustices and prejudices subjected to this minority group. The road to social justice is not an easy one and requires revolutionary change. It is still not without passion and great sacrifices.”

Under the theme Strengthening the invisible woman and empowering her to leadership, activists identified critical issues affecting LBT women in the Caribbean and defined action to address them. Facilitators covered topics that include self-defence, activism and movement building, proposal writing, media, law and history.

Essential to the CWSDC was the contribution of funding partners. The Caribbean Forum for the Liberation and Acceptance of Genders and Sexualities (CariFLAGS), Arcus Foundation, ARC International, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), Global Equality, the Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice and Envisioning Global LGBT Human Rights, gave invaluable support and advice.


CariFLAGS Co-Chair Tieneke Sumter highlighted the network’s support. “CariFLAGS was happy to support the CWSDC. Giving support to LB&T initiatives is one of our priorities. As participant and facilitator at the CWSDC I took with me how important it is that L&B leaders and activist from the region have a space where they can share knowledge, learn from each other best practices but also empower each other. In many Caribbean countries the issues L&B women face are invisible and some leaders have to pioneer alone with no resources. The CWSDC created a space where we just could BE, make new friends and load up our energy to continue to strive for equal rights for all.”

The event was staged alongside Curacao Pride celebration and incorporated several pride activities. Among these was the award ceremony recognising individuals who have contributed to the LGBT movement. Placide was recognised along with Mario Kleinmodig and Dudley Ferdinandus of FOKO and Faye Ferdinandus of CariFLAGS.

In acknowledging the award Placide notes, “This is a tribute to everyone who has worked and supported the movement and me. Thank you to deceased Robert Carr, Egbert Felix, Joan Didier for identifying and giving the opportunity for my leadership to shine.”

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

On Being a "Good Gay"

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ON BEING A "GOOD GAY."

Maurice Tomlinson gay lawyer shared this recently:


 

Last night after a screening of "The Abominable Crime" at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, an older Jamaican gentleman declared that the recent attacks against Jamaican LGBT are a result of the new generation of gays "flaunting" their sexuality. Basically, he intimated that we should be more like (in his words) the 4 current gay Ministers of government in Portia's cabinet, as well as the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Rex Nettelford whom he claims to have known personally and whose homosexuality was universally known. If homosexual Jamaicans were "good gays" like these people, we would be fine! This naive statement ignores the anti-gay hostility being whipped up by the churches in response to the legal challenges to the anti-sodomy law. This year we have seen island-wide anti-gay religious marches, church petitions calling for the retention of the anti-buggery law, and a pastor used a public platform to trumpet that religious leaders are willing to die rather than "allow" human rights for gays being recognized in the country.

Perhaps the most troubling statement this man made was that because Jamaica is a hyper-masculine society which celebrates "cocksmen" or male heterosexual prowess, gays who transgress this cultural norm should not be surprised at the backlash.

I tried to explain that gay Jamaicans have the SAME CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS to freedom of expression as all citizens and therefore it is unreasonable to demand that we should be invisible, just to make heterosexuals comfortable. Certainly 16 -ear-old Dwayne Jones did not deserve the horrible mob-execution simply for wearing a dress to a street-dance. I also asked this gentleman if he would attack gays in Florida who "flaunted" (whatever that means) their homosexuality, to which he declared that he certainly would not, solely because he has been in the US for 46 years. I guess its ok to demand gay invisibility in Jamaica but not overseas.

This senior gentleman also fails to realize that many gays are attacked IN THE PRIVACY OF THEIR HOMES, where they are certainly NOT visible. And many gays who think they are not "flaunting" are attacked. This was my reality.

Finally, this individual declared that I was like our former Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Michael Manley, who tried to SHOCK Jamaicans into going leftist too quickly, hence his policies were rejected. I hardly think that advocating for a 1864 British colonially imposed law to be "read-down" to simply allow for private acts of intimacy between consenting adults is being particularly radical! At least, not when all over the world gays are getting the right to marry!

Although I doubt I made much of an impact on this gentleman, I was happy he came to the event.

An question from the audience was whether a boycott would be useful to force the Jamaican government to take gay rights seriously. There were some strong opinions on either side. One gentleman reminded the audience that Florida had the tragic Trayvon Martin situation which could also warrant a boycott of that state. While I hear his point, I disagree that Florida and Jamaica are similar. At least in Florida there is the possibility of justice (though sometimes delayed/denied) for marginalized groups. On the other hand, homeless Jamaican MSM are having a very difficult time getting justice as police refuse to investigate their attacks unless they can provide the NAMES and ADDRESSES of their attackers!

I am still wrestling with the idea of a boycott, but I did remind persons that if they find it unethical to spend their tourist dollars in Jamaica because of the recent upsurge in homophobic assaults, then they should LET THE GOVERNMENT KNOW. They should look online for the official email addresses of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Justice and send them a message! It is far more helpful to SPEAK UP and condemn the abuse rather than to reman silent and simply go elsewhere for a vacation.

Congratulations to the Faculty of Law at Nova Southeastern University, Sunshine Cathedral MCC, and all the other sponsors and supporters who facilitated this screening. It was yet another invaluable teaching opportunity.


ENDS

The class issues in Jamaica even affects the way advocacy is done and my criticisms of some spoke persons over the years including that of Tomlinson is quite open however it is refreshing to see some redemption taking place, it is left to be seen whether it is genuine or just for show. 

also see: The toss up between MSM homelessness & public order makes news again
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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.

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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