The Safe House Project 2009 for Displaced & Homeless MSM/Transgender reviewed & 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 New 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

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

ZEKES TRIAL SHOCKER - Court told of oral sex act with man

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Donald 'Zekes' Phipps - FILE

A PROSECUTION WITNESS has disclosed in a statement to the police that Matthews Lane area leader Donald 'Zekes' Phipps, 48, told him that he had been engaged in a sexual act with one of the two men that he is accused of murdering on April 15.

The revelation was made yesterday when the prosecution outlined the allegations in the double murder case against Phipps in the Home Circuit Court.

The burnt bodies of Rodney Leroy Farquharson and Dayton Williams, both of Bayshore Park, east Kingston were found on Rose Lane close to Matthews Lane in April. The bodies had gunshot wounds to the heads. Phipps was arrested in the Matthews Lane community a few weeks following the incident.

When Phipps appeared in court yesterday with his co-accused Garfield Williams, 33, of a Kingston address, Paula Llewellyn, Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, applied for an adjournment because the analysis of an alleged telephone conversation between Phipps and the witness was not ready.

Llewellyn told the court that the witness, who is described as a close associate of Farquharson, said that on April 15, Farquharson's cellular phone number was dialled shortly after 3 a.m and on the first occasion the call was placed on speaker phone so that several voices could be heard. The telephone was dialled a second time and the main witness who knew Phipps for more than ten years spoke on the telephone. The witness said in his statement that he was closely associated with Phipps and had spoken to him in person and on the telephone on a regular basis.

BIG MAN AND RODNEY

On the second occasion when Farquharson's phone number was dialled, the witness said he recognised the voice which answered to be that of the accused, Phipps, who he knew as Zekes. The witness said he spoke to Zeeks and said "big man I need to come and speak to you early in the morning."

It is alleged that Zekes answered and said, "Boy leave country come a town and get rich and start dissing and refuse to carry out orders." He said Zekes said further "big man you don't have a wife in your bed. Go and hug up your wife, you here enquiring about Rodney."

The witness said Zekes then said "my d... (penis) is in Rodney's mouth. Rodney is sucking my d....(penis)."

The statement further stated that in response the witness told Zekes that he was a mad man. After that, the witness said Zekes said to him, "listen to Rodney for the last time because it is the last time you will hear his voice." The witness said Rodney came on the phone and said in a low voice, "Boss, Boss, Boss" and the phone went dead.

Miss Llewellyn said that Rodney was the main witnesses' right hand man in an organisation in the Harbour View Area. Defence lawyer K. Churchill Neita, Q.C., who is representing Phipps, made a bail application after Phipps trial was set for November 28 in the Home Circuit Court. Mr. Neita said there was nothing to link Phipps with the double murder. He said by any stretch of the imagination, the allegations of vulgarity had nothing to do with the charge.

Phipps' lawyers applied for bail on the ground that Phipps' health had deteriorated while in custody and his children were also suffering because of his incarceration. Miss Llewellyn said the Crown was opposing bail before reading extensively from the statement of the main Crown witness.

I think this case shows how same gender sex for purposes of control as the motivator and not innate homosexual attraction can play in gangster culture and humiliation of those who run afoul of said culture. We wait to see how this plays out.

Peace & tolerance

H

Sunday, August 28, 2005

The Brian Williamson Memorial Fund

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The Brian Williamson Memorial Fund

Recently Human Rights Watch conducted a study in Jamaica about homophobia, violence and Jamaica’s HIV/AIDS epidemic entitled “Hated to Death”. It was found that violence against men who have sex with men, ranging from verbal harassment to beatings, armed attacks and murder, is pervasive in Jamaica. 

Physical attacks against gay men and men perceived to engage in homosexual conduct are often accompanied by expressions of intent to kill the victim, such a “battyman fi dead” (gay men must die). They are reluctant to appeal to the police for protection, as police routinely deny them assistance, fail to investigate complaints of homophobic violence, and arrest or detain men whom the suspect of being gay. In some cases, the police attack them and promote homophobic violence by others.

Lesbians are also targets of community violence and police harassment as much as gay men, their complaints of violence are often ignored by police.

Endemic violence by private actors and by Jamaican police and security forces, and inadequate state response to it, are problems faced by all Jamaicans. Gays and lesbians are often on the front lines of such violence, however. Jamaica’s sodomy laws, which criminalize consensual sex between adult men, are used to justify arbitrary arrest and detention and sometimes torture of men (and sometimes women) suspected of being homosexual. 

Political and cultural factors, including religious intolerance of homosexuality, Jamaican popular music and the use of antigay slogans and rhetoric by political leaders, also promote violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. While many of these actions are protected under the rights to freedom of speech and religion, the Jamaican government has failed to confront them as root causes of widespread violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In light of all this, the Jamaican Forum for Lesbians All-Sexuals and Gay (J-FLAG) have decided to established the Brian Williamson Memorial Fund in Memory of the late Brian Williamson, a leading gay rights activist, who on June 9, 2004 was murdered in his home and his body mutilated by multiple knife wounds. 

Though his murder was not directly homophobic it has raised some concerns on the matter as evidenced in many persons outside the address and murder scene who celebrated Williamson’s murder, laughing and calling out “let’s get them one at a time”, “that’s what you get for sin”, “let’s kill all of them”, while others sang “boom bye bye”, a line from a popular Jamaican song about killing and burning gay men. As other friends and activists came by to confirm the news they too were the subject of threats even in the presence of police and verbal abuse.

Since then a number of other gay men have suffered the same or similar fate, hence the Brian Williamson’s Fund will be used to assist persons of the Lesbian, Gay and Bi-sexual Community who have fallen prey to the violence as a result of homophobia in Jamaica.

We (JFLAG) are therefore soliciting your support by assisting in whatever way possible in order to bring about change within the gay community in Jamaica.

###

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

GAY RIGHTS ROAD STARTS IN JAMAICA’S SUPREME COURT

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April 15 saw a new dawning in the gay rights debate for Jamaican citizens. In New York, at least. Amnesty International local Group 133 organized a demonstration in New York in front of the Jamaican Embassy to send home a clear message to the Jamaican government concerning the island’s horrendous level of homophobia and violence toward gay people.

The demonstration is said to have drawn more than 1,000 activists, high school and college students, community leaders, and general members of the public. A petition was also circulated for people to sign during the demonstration. In the meantime, another group was demonstrating; Jamaicans residing in New York, led by Sons and Daughters of Jamaica, also took to the streets to protest in front of the Jamaican Embassy.

Their protest, however, was for the “white” people to stop pressuring Jamaicans to endorse homosexuality and is further encouraging the Jamaican government to say no to any form of international pressure on this issue. While all this hot air was blowing up north, business in Jamaica continued as usual. Not a soul seemed to care about what was going on in New York. I checked with some members of Jamaica’s GLBT community, and most of them did not even know about such a protest. But why should they even bother to care? If your guess is as good as mine, then you should know: these foreign demonstrations will not change anything in Jamaica.

Last June saw the start of Jamaica’s biggest gay debate ever. While the momentum is now hugely subdued locally, international advocates continue to support the debate through periodic activities. Still, Jamaican leaders continue in their usual jolly ways, and gay Jamaicans continue to forgo some basic rights and freedoms available to our counterparts in other territories. Most if not all of the efforts being initiated by non- Jamaican international organisations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and U.K.’s Out- Rage!, continue to meet bitter (in the Jamaican sense) opposition and nonchalance from policymakers and upholders of the Jamaican Constitution. Not surprising, none of the efforts since last June has garnered any success in Jamaica. This is hugely as a result of the approach. The Jamaican Constitution is very clear about addressing the right of citizens. In this case, the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender in the island are not protected.

How do Jamaicans who are being affected by this injustice seek redress? The first step is to contact your local member of Parliament (MP) who is also your representative in the House of Parliament. Voice your dissatisfaction to the person you voted for. And if you are not participating in local elections, you are adding to the non-existent voice of the gay community. Urge your MP to introduce or support the introduction of legislation to protect gay people in Jamaica.

This is your country, and no one could ever tell you that you are a “white foreigner” trying to push homosexuality down the throats of any Jamaican. Failing to hear from your MP in a favourable way, then the other option is to file a lawsuit against the government of Jamaica in the Supreme Court of Jamaica, citing failure on its part to protect you as a GLBT citizen of Jamaica. This is where an organisation like the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) would play a critical role, since the group has already created a niche of support organisations, willing to back their advocacy both financially and emotionally. If the Supreme Court of Jamaica is not able to provide adequate redress, then the Court of Appeal of Jamaica is available to challenge the judgment of the Supreme Court. If the Court of Appeal is unable to tell the Jamaican government to repeal buggery laws and write into the Jamaican Constitution that discrimination based on sexual orientation is unlawful, then the appellant can now take the matter to the British Judicial Committee Privy Council. Remember: The Court of Appeal is the highest court within Jamaica but is subjected to the appellant jurisdiction of the Privy Council.

This approach is something that should have long been explored by the great minds at J-FLAG. And now that the Caribbean

Court of Justice may sooner or later take the place of the Privy Council, there is no telling what regional mentality we will be subjected to for the next century. The GLBT communities in several islands throughout the Caribbean, especially the member states of the Caribbean Community, continue to suffer at the hands of this so-called cultural homophobia, which is simply another form of oppression. It is, therefore, my message to

the people who are genuinely seeking to help gays living in Jamaica to reflect on the legal procedures outlined by the Jamaican Constitution before deciding to challenge local laws. Additionally, I call on the responsible ones at JFLAG to reposition their approach from an overseas base to a local one.

Jamaicans are very proud, and when it comes to a matter concerning homosexuality and gay rights, no Jamaican government is going to surrender to any form of foreign influence. We must also remember that in recent months, more than a dozen U.S. states have stated non-categorically that they will not give gay people the right to be equal through a denial of the right to get married. The U.S. is Jamaica’s biggest market, whether it is tourism, dancehall music sales or otherwise. This should clearly indicate that Sandals, Elephant Man and all the others would not fail to eat their bread. The Jamaican government will not see gay rights as a priority unless Jamaicans get on the boat and paddle for their own rights, using their own laws that are available to challenge any form of prejudice and injustice.

Popular Jamaican proverb: Learn fi nyam a yaad before

yuh go abraad. (“Learn to eat at home before trying

to eat abroad.”

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Gay rights through referendum ...................

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The attorney general and Minister of Justice, the Honourable A.J. Nicholson, says that Jamaica’s gay community will get state protection only through a referendum. The statement was made during the staging of a two day seminar on human rights, held at the Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice. Even though the organizers of the seminar did not set aside any specific time allotment for discussing gay rights, the minister was asked to account for the injustice being inflicted on this local minority group during a question-and-answer session.

A brief comparison with the current South African constitution was also made during the questioning, specifically highlighting that country’s transformation from the days of apartheid to a now human-rights-conscious society that protects the rights of every citizen, including the GLBT community. 

Interestingly, Jamaica and Jamaicans were among the many who supported the economic sanctions against that country, showing unmitigated disapproval of the human rights violations under the apartheid regime. While an entire race was being subjugated in that case as a result of ethnicity and economic power, the underpinning injustice of discrimination mirrors the ongoing experience of Jamaica’s gay people, a minority group based on sexual orientation.


In fact, the former Archbishop of Cape Town and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Desmond Tutu, affirms that homophobia is a crime against humanity and is equally as destructive as apartheid. In a later comment, the minister declared, “Let the people of Jamaica tell the government what to do as far as gay rights are concerned,”


which was followed by a half-hearted round of applause from some members of the audience. In this regard, the overtly expressed mindset by the Minister of Justice as far as the rights of Jamaica’s gay community are concerned reflects the general unjust approach and principles of the current administration in relation to the protection of the rights of minorities in Jamaica, which upholds popular and/or cultural biases over universal human rights.


Sadly the easy way is being taken here as we all know where a referendum in this sensitive matter there may not be time even to properly launch a public education, hence it would be a resounding no to amending buggery or not oblige ‘gay rights’ political parties fear losing elections and given the previous election win of the PNP despite a leader who has been pigeon-holed as gay. Populism is more important than anything else as a weak parliamentary opposition only secures the ease for the PNP to glide effectively unchallenged.

I would not be too optimistic on this at all.

Let us see if some enlightenment will come one fine day.

More to come as the struggle continues

Peace & tolerance

H








Monday, February 28, 2005

Depression & the GLTBQ Community

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DEPRESSION AND THE GLBT COMMUNITY

Contributor



This may seem to be the most inopportune time to talk about depression. It is for me because it has been too late for a friend. Hence, this is for the many who are still alive amongst us. When I was a teenager and realized I was gay, it was the most traumatic thing I thought could have happened to me, ever. I was so afraid to talk to anyone about the feelings I was having. I went to one of the traditional high schools that had very good guidance Councillors but I was still afraid of ‘letting out’ the secret I had inside. Although people could have looked at me and wondered if I was gay, my public behaviour to refute such a ‘slant’ taught me to deny the true ‘me’ to myself. It made me very sad. I went to church. I prayed for my ‘sin’ to go away – even before I was sexually active with other men.

It was unrelenting. I became severely depressed. No one could reach through to me. I thought no one else understood what I was going through. I knew no other gay person to talk to. And the bottom line was this: I was afraid of social rejection and potential harm. I even started to entertain thoughts of putting an end to it all.


I turned to myself for help. I started finding ways to help myself from within. I would spend my free time just thinking about my life, what I wanted to become when I left high school. That became my own form of escapism. One thing is certain. I have survived it all. Through the thick and the thin, I made it through the pain and the lack of inner selfworth.

Brothers, sisters, your life is worth more than what you have been ‘cultured’ to believe. You, too, have a right to life. You, too, should feel free to live, to shine, to fly, to smile - and to love. I would like to share with you a few lines from one of my very favourite songs:


“When the shadows are closing in

And your spirit diminishing

Just remember you’re not alone

And love will be there

To guide you home”


I recommend you get a copy of

‘Anytime You Need A Friend’ by

Mariah Carey and listen to this

song carefully in the dark, alone.

I cannot tell you what you will

discover. That part is your fate

and you are the sole bearer of

the key to your destiny.

“Love will make it alright.”

– Mariah Carey

Ways to combat depression, of not prevent it:

1. Reach out and stay connected to supportive people

2. Do things that make you feel good—even when you don’t feel like it

3.Move vigorously during the day—don’t sit for more than an hour

4.Learn about the mood-boosting benefits of omega-3 fats

5. Get a daily dose of sunlight

6. Challenge negative thinking

Ways to reach out:

Look for support from people who make you feel safe and cared for. The person you talk to doesn’t have to be able to fix you; he or she just needs to be a good listener—someone who’ll listen attentively and compassionately without being distracted or judging you.

Make face-time a priority. Phone calls, social media, and texting are great ways to stay in touch, but they don’t replace good old-fashioned in-person quality time.  The simple act of talking to someone face to face about how you feel can play a big role in lifting the fog of depression and keeping it away.

Try to keep up with social activities even if you don’t feel like it. Often when you’re depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat into your shell, but being around other people will make you feel less depressed.

Find ways to support others. It’s nice to receive support, but research shows you get an even bigger mood boost from providing support yourself. So find ways—both big and small—to help others: volunteer, be a listening ear for a friend, do something nice for somebody.

Care for a pet. While nothing can replace the human connection, pets can bring joy and companionship into your life and help you feel less isolated. Caring for a pet can also get you outside of yourself and give you a sense of being needed—both powerful antidotes to depression.

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Related Posts with Thumbnails

Bad Man Nuh F*** Batty (Masculine Men Don't F*** Ass) (The Fear of The Feminine in JA ) 16.04.15


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.



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

hear recent pods as well:

Information & Disclaimer


Not all views expressed are those of GJW

This blog contains pictures and images that may be disturbing. As we seek to highlight the plight of victims of homophobic violence here in Jamaica, the purpose of the pics is to show physical evidence of claims of said violence over the years and to bring a voice of the same victims to the world.

Many recover over time, at pains, as relocation and hiding are options in that process. Please view with care or use the Happenings section to select other posts of a different nature.

Not all persons depicted in photos are gay or lesbian and it is not intended to portray them as such, save and except for the relevance of the particular post under which they appear.

Please use the snapshot feature (if available for your device(s) 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.

God Bless

Other Blogs I write to:

Recent Homophobic Incidents CLICK HERE for related posts/labels from glbtqjamaica's blog & HERE for those I am aware of.

contact:

APJ Website Launch & Link


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)

The Hypocrisy of Jamaican Anti Gay Groups & Selective Actions of Societal Ills


The selectivity of the anti gay religious voices on so called societal ills is examined in this podcast as other major issues that require the "church" to have spoken up including sexual abuse by pastors in recent times yet mere silence on those matters is highlighted.

Why are these groups and so called child rights activists creating mass hysteria and have so much strength for HOMOSEXUALITY but are quiet on corruption in government, missing children, crime in the country and so much more but want to stop same gender loving persons from enjoying peace of mind and PRIVACY?

Also is the disturbing tactic of deliberately conflating paedophilia with same gender sex as if to suggest reforming the buggery law will cause an influx of buggered children when we know that is NOT TRUE.

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard



When are lives interrupted be allowed a real honest chance to move from interruption to independence and stability? I just cannot tell you friends.

An article appeared in the gleaner today that just sent me into sadness mode again with this ugly business of LGBTQI homelessness. The author of the piece needs an intervention too as he (Ryon Jones) uses terms such as cross dressers and or homeless men which if transgender persons are present they cannot be described or seen as such, sigh another clear display of the lack of impact and reach of so called advocacies and advocates who are more interested in parading as working but really aint having much impact as they ought to or claim.

We are told of houses being put together from time in memorial; the Dwayne’s House project seems dead in the water, the Larry Chang (named after a JFLAG cofounder) seems stuck in the mud and Colour Pink’s so called Rainbow House seems insignificant in relation to the size and scope of the national problem. JFLAG as presented on this blog is obviously not interested in getting their hands dirty really on homelessness save and except for using the populations as cannon fodder and delegating same; as far as I am concerned presenting them as victims of homophobia which is true but where are the programs and the perceived millions donated or granted since President Obama’s visit to address LGBTQ matters?

More HERE

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?

The Deliberate Misuse of the “Sexual Grooming” Term by Antigay Fanatics to Promote Their Hysteria



Just as I researched on-line in NOT EVEN five minutes and found a plethora of information and FACTS on Sexual Grooming (and thanks to Dr Karen Carpenter for some valuable insight I found out what Sexual Grooming was) so too must these fanatics go and do the same and stop creating panic in the country.

The hysteria continues from the Professor Bain so called protests to protect freedom of speech and bites at the credibility of the LGBT lobby collectively continues via Duppies Dupe UWI articles when the bigger principle of the conflict of interest in regards to the greater imperative of removing/preserving archaic buggery laws in the Caribbean dependent on which side one sits is of greater import when the professor’s court testimony in Belize went against the imperative of CHART/PANCAP goals is the more germane matter of which he was former head now temporarily reinstated via a court ex-parte injunction. The unnecessary uproar and shouting from the same hysterical uninformed quarters claiming moral concerns ....... MORE CLICK HERE

also see if you can

JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness



Reminder

In a shocking move JFLAG decided not to invite or include homeless MSM in their IDAHO activity for 2013 thus leaving many in wonderment as to the reason for their existence or if the symposium was for "experts" only while offering mere tokenism to homeless persons in the reported feeding program. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ENTRY HERE sad that the activity was also named in honour of one of JFLAG's founders who joined the event via Skype only to realize the issue he held so dear in his time was treated with such disrespect and dishonor. Have LGBT NGOs lost their way and are so mainstream they have forgotten their true calling?

also see a flashback to some of the issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless LGBT 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

Steps to take when confronted by the police & your rights compromised:


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 tense

d) 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

i) 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

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, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston


New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker Gully LGBT Homeless Population




Superintendent Murdock

The same cop who has factored in so many run-ins with the youngsters in the Shoemaker Gully (often described as a sewer by some activists) has delivered on a promise of his powerpoint presentation on a solution to the issue in New Kingston, problem is it is the same folks who abandoned the men (their predecessors) from the powerful cogs of LGBT/HIV that are in earshot of his plan.

This ugly business of LGBTQ homelessness and displacements or self imposed exile by persons has had several solutions put forth, problem is the non state actors in particular do not want to get their hands dirty as the more combative and political issues to do with buggery's decriminalization or repeal have risen to the level of importance more so than this. Let us also remember this is like the umpteenth meeting with the cops, some of the LGBT homeless persons and the advocacy structure.

Remember JFLAG's exclusion of the group from that IDAHO symposium on LGBT homelessess? See HERE, how can we ask the same people who only want to academise and editorialise the issue to also try to address their own when they do not want to get their hands dirty but publish wonderful reports as was done earlier this month, see HERE: (re)Presenting and Redressing LGBT Homelessness in Jamaica: Towards a Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Anti-Gay Related Displacement also LGBT homelessness has always been with us from the records of Gay Freedom Movement(1974) to present but the current issues started from 2009, see: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009 as carried on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch. CLICK HERE for FULL post of this story.

Gender Identity/Transgederism Radio discussion Jamaica March 2014





Radio program Everywoman on Nationwide Radio 90FM March 20th 2014 with Dr Karen Carpenter as stand-in host with a transgender activist and co-founder of Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica and a gender non conforming/lesbian guest as well on the matters of identity, sex reassignment surgery and transexuality.

CLICK HERE for a recording of the show

BUSINESS DOWNTURN FOR THE WEED-WHACKING PROJECT FOR FORMER DISPLACED ST CATHERINE MSM



As promised here is another periodical update on an income generating/diligence building project now in effect for some now seven former homeless and displaced MSM in St Catherine, it originally had twelve persons but some have gotten jobs elsewhere, others have simply walked away and one has relocated to another parish, to date their weed whacking earning business capacity has been struggling as previous posts on the subject has brought to bear.

Although some LGBT persons residing in the parish have been approached by yours truly and others to increase client count for the men costs such as gas and maintenance of the four machines that are rotated between the enrolled men are rising weekly literally while the demand is instead decreasing due to various reasons.



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.


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.

Notes on Bail & Court Appearance issues


If in doubt speak to your attorney

Bail and its importance -

If one is locked up then the following may apply:
Locked up over a weekend - Arrested pursuant to being charged or detained There must be reasonable suspicion i.e. about to commit a crime, committing a crime or have committed a crime.

There are two standards that must be met:

1). Subjective standard: what the officer(s) believed to have happened

2). Objective standard: proper and diligent collection of evidence that implicates the accused To remove or restrain a citizen’s liberty it cannot be done on mere suspicion and must have the above two standards

 Police officers can offer bail with exceptions for murder, treason and alleged gun offences, under the Justice of the Peace Act a JP can also come to the police station and bail a person, this provision as incorporated into the bail act in the late nineties

 Once a citizen is arrested bail must be considered within twelve hours of entering the station – the agents of the state must give consideration as to whether or not the circumstances of the case requires that bail be given

 The accused can ask that a Justice of the Peace be brought to the station any time of the day. By virtue of taking the office excluding health and age they are obliged to assist in securing bail

"Bail is not a matter for daylight

Locked up and appearing in court

 Bail is offered at the courts office provided it was extended by the court; it is the court that has the jurisdiction over the police with persons in custody is concerned.

 Bail can still be offered if you were arrested and charged without being taken to court a JP can still intervene and assist with the bail process.

Other Points of Interest

 The accused has a right to know of the exact allegation

 The detainee could protect himself, he must be careful not to be exposed to any potential witness

 Avoid being viewed as police may deliberately expose detainees

 Bail is not offered to persons allegedly with gun charges

 Persons who allegedly interfere with minors do not get bail

 If over a long period without charge a writ of habeas corpus however be careful of the police doing last minute charges so as to avoid an error

 Every instance that a matter is brought before the court and bail was refused before the accused can apply for bail as it is set out in the bail act as every court appearance is a chance to ask for bail

 Each case is determined by its own merit – questions to be considered for bail:

a) Is the accused a flight risk?

b) Are there any other charges that the police may place against the accused?

c) Is the accused likely to interfere with any witnesses?

d) What is the strength of the crown’s/prosecution’s case?

 Poor performing judges can be dealt with at the Judicial Review Court level or a letter to the Chief Justice can start the process

Human Rights Advocacy for GLBT Community Report 2009

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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 Tel: 1-876-841-2923 (leave a message just in case)




Activities & Plans: ongoing and future

  • To continue this venture towards website development with an E-zine focus

  • 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

  • To formalise GLBTQ Jamaica's activities in the long term

  • Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere

  • Welcoming, examining and implemeting 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
Mr. H or Howie

Tel: 1-876-841-2923
lgbtevent@gmail.com








Peace

Battle Lines Javed Jaghai versus the state & the Jamaica Buggery Law



Originally aired on CVM TV December 8th 2013, apologies for some of the glitches as the source feed was not so hot and it kept dropping from source or via the ISP, NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED and is solely for educational and not for profit use and review. The issue of the pending legal challenge in the Constitutional Court in Jamaica as filed by Javed Jaghai an outspoken activist who happens also to be openly aetheist.

The opposing sides are covered as well such as
The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society
The Love March
Movement Jamaica

The feature seems destined for persons who are just catching up to the issues and repositioning JFLAG in particular in the public domain as their image has taken a beating in some respects especially on the matter of the homeless MSM front. They need to be careful that an elitist perception is not held after this after some comments above simplistic discourse, the use of public agitation as beneath some folks and the obvious overlooking of the ordinary citizen who are realy the ones who need convincing to effect the mindset change needed and the national psyche's responses to homosexuality in general.


John Maxwell's House