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

Sunday, June 29, 2008

But the Lord is faithful

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But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Today I noticed something. A lady that told me she was a christian, so I took it that she would be Christ like in her actions.
As I have moved up in my job and given awards for my service she has been in the back ground changing for the worst before my eyes. As it is today she has tried many times to harm my name and work ethic with lies.
When I notice her bad behavior I also see her weapons never come close to me. There may be someone on your job or even in your own house that is carrying an evil spirit but those whom are Trusting in the Lord to fight their battles He will Protect us. This is Great News! Worry not of those whom do evil things still pray for them!
Love you all

Something About Trust

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Psalm 118:8

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. O many times we fear and lay our lives in mans hands and have confidence in them to take care of us. I will not lie and set here and say I have not done this dangerous act. I Have learned to Not put my trust in man. This was a lesson that took a long road down hill to hell, to learn. I know now in order to learn some lessons you have to make some mistakes but we must learn from them and avoid doing them in the present and furture! Today in the Spirit I see men and women transfering their trust from earthly men and unworthy things to Almighty God! Love you all!

Verse of the day

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Verse of the day
JUNE 29 2008.

“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands.”-

Psalm 138:8 Good day to all whom read this word from God! Trusting in God knowing that He will fulfill his purpose for my Life is a reality today. The Man Jesus that I live for showed up in my life this morning! It was so clear and simple! God will use a chosen vessel! I tell all be kind to others when every you can. I was going to walmart to get flowers to make my corsage for my suit jacket ( a total dream of mine) and there was a Angel pointed out by an Angel on my cell phone. When I went to go pay for my flowers and pins and ribbon, the lady walked over and payed for my items, not knowing me nor what I was doing! Glory be to God! Love

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Within The Circle

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Today I use my imagination to draw a large bright white circle of power and peace and love.
There are friends and loved ones who concern me, who are working and hoping. I release my concern and see them healed and prospered.
They are standing within the circle.
I may sometimes be frightened by an appearance. I will release fear and apprehension as I see myself surrounded by the light of God, which brings peace of mind. I am standing within the circle.
Let go of unhappiness, I see you surrounded by the light of God's love which will draw to you whatever you need to help you through. You are now standing within the circle.
The world seems to be at odds with itself as conflicts of all kinds reflect man's discontent with what seems to be. We release every thought and feeling of separation as we see our planet encircled by the light of God's peace.
We are all standing in the circle.

"Now The God of peace .....make you perfect in every good work to do his will." - Hebrews 13:20

contributed by Howard

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Homophobia a vote winner in Jamaica

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A new survey conducted in Jamaica has found that the Prime Minister's stridently anti-gay statements have boosted his popularity.

45 percent of people in a poll commissioned by the Jamaica Gleaner said that they are more likely to vote for incumbent Prime Minister Bruce Golding and his Jamaica Labour Party after he told the BBC that he would never allow gays in his Cabinet.

26 percent of people who identified as supporters of the rival People's National Party said they were more likely to vote for Golding after his outburst.
Just 5 percent said they were less likely to vote for him after his widely-reported comments.

70% of Jamaicans do not believe that gay men and lesbians should be granted equal rights, the island-wide poll found.
The dancehall music scene on the island is notorious for its homophobia, with many artists taking pleasure in calling for gays and lesbians to be murdered.
That widespread hatred is evident in the wider culture, with reports of gay men and lesbians being attacked by gangs and murdered.

On Valentine's Day last year he was one of three gay men stoned by a huge mob in a homophobic attack.
Police eventually escorted the men from a pharmacy where an angry crowd had gathered, hurling insults and threatening to kill the men. Officers dispersed the crowd with tear gas. As many as 2,000 people were involved in the attack.

In February this year an attack on a group of men alleged to be homosexual left one man seriously injured and another missing feared dead.
International human rights organisations have described Jamaica as one of the most homophobic places in the world.

In December 2003, a World Policy Institute survey on sexual orientation and human rights in the Americas said:
"In the Caribbean, Jamaica is by far the most dangerous place for sexual minorities, with frequent and often fatal attacks against gay men fostered by a popular culture that idolises reggae and dancehall singers whose lyrics call for burning and killing gay men."
The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) said in a letter to the Prime Minister after his BBC comments:

"You have confirmed, in a very public way and in a global arena, the view that Jamaica is a repressively homophobic society.

You … presented the country as one where open discrimination against gays and lesbians is not only commonplace but sanctioned by a long-standing cultural history, ostensibly enshrined in law, and now condoned by the country's political leadership."

Former J-Flag member Gareth Henry, in an interview with Canadian paper Globe and Mail, claimed that 13 of his friends in Jamaica had been murdered.
Islanders have been sending their colourful opinions to the Gleaner in the debate following the Prime Minister's comments.

"One solution to this problem with the homosexuals is to give them an uninhabited island so that they can run their own affairs, make their own laws and grow that society," wrote Louis Barton.
"Until this is done, there will be no peace with them in this society that cherish our moral values.
"I will never accept the idea of men having intercourse with each other or women doing the same.I do not wish any harm to come to them, but these people must understand that their public behaviour is a direct attack on the morals of the rest of the society. The last two world wars were started because of attacks on moral values."

Another anonymous letter read:
"The next time a gay man is discriminated against, beaten and killed in Jamaica, Golding should hang his head with guilt and shame because his faux pas has given licence to such behaviour.
"Then again, how does he know that there are no gays in his Cabinet? And, if there are, their sexuality is not his damn business.

"Leaving people and their sexuality alone, getting on with the business of governance, stopping the bloodletting in the country, and ridding himself of his deep-seated malice for the betterment of all are what he should do."
Since 1997 the UK has given £80.5 million in bilateral aid and debt relief to Jamaica, according to the Department for International Development.

In addition to the debt relief, in 2007/08 DFID gave £2.5 million in aid to Jamaica and a further £2.5 million is expected to be disbursed in 2008/09.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Unforgiveness is the ball and the chain

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Unforgiveness is the ball and the chain that will bind me to the person or situation not forgiven. Today I forgive so that I may be free.
Forgiveness means to give for, I give love instead of hate, I give understanding instead of criticisms. I give peace instead of confusion, I give joy instead of sadness, I give only good because I want to receive good.

I forgive myself for believing that anyone has the power to impede my good. My good flows to me in proportion to my ability to accept it. The unforgiving thoughts I have harboured are thieves and robbers of my good. I must cleanse my consciousness so that my good can flow to me without obstruction. I do this through the use of a denial: "No one has hurt me and no one can hurt me. I forgive myself for believing otherwise.

I follow this denial with a firm statement of truth and affirmation: :Greater is God within me than anyone in the world. I am free. You are free. All is well within me.

"......forgive and ye shall be forgiven."
Luke 6:37

Patois Bible... waste of time and money

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Sunday, June 22, 2008 originally published in the Observer, without the photos though:





Dear Editor,

I am dismayed at the number of people who believe that it is a good idea to translate the Bible into patois. Could someone please tell me what would the purpose of this be? If this is to legitimise patois as a language, then this move would be redundant as patois is generally accepted as a bonafide language by many linguistic scholars.

Is this then just an exercise to do the translation and file the books away on library shelves for scholastic and research endeavours? This seems to be the best use of such a translation.
What the proponents seem to be overlooking is that if one can't read English then definitely one will not be able to read patois! Patois is largely a spoken language. There is no Jamaican alive that can read patois and yet cannot read English!

If you happen to be literate in patois, it only follows that you would also be literate in English. It would therefore be a total waste of time and money to translate the Bible into patois on the belief that illiterate individuals will benefit from written patois.

Lorenzo Forbes
lorforbes@comcast.net


ENDS


Also see: UPDATES
World’s first 'gay bible': Special Queen James edition changes translation of key same-sex passages 

The use of Jamaican dialect to further stigmatize homosexuals in the new patois Bible


Here is my podcast on that issue:

The use of Jamaican dialect to further stigmatize homosexuals in the new patois Bible

Update December 19, 2012:

JAMAICAN RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY & THEOLOGIANS SCOFF AT THE “GAY BIBLE”

and


Sad that the word is used to condemn instead of embrace.

Peace & tolerance

H

Don't legitimise or decriminalise prostitution

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Dear Editor,
I refer to your front-page news item of June 19, "Tax sex workers". I am not inclined to consider prostitutes as commercial sex workers. Such a name has the effect of bringing some legitimacy or recognition to what they do as work, never mind prostitution being long deemed the world's oldest profession.
This effect would essentially be in keeping with the argument first put forward a few years ago by Professor Peter Figueroa to decriminalise prostitution. A similar claim is now being made by Dr Kevin Harvey, who is now proposing that we impose a tax on these "workers", contending that we could thereby generate some funding to deal with the HIV/AIDS crisis.
A recommendation was put forward by the Human Resource and Social Development Committee of Parliament under the former administration to debate the issue of prostitution. No concrete proposal has yet been made public, so far as I am aware. In our continued efforts to deal with the HIV/AIDS situation, I sincerely hope we do not embrace a move to legitimise or decriminalise prostitution.
I do not believe legitimising or decriminalising prostitution will necessarily have that seemingly panacean effect of seriously containing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Many prostitutes now ply their trade as if the practice is indeed legally sanctioned. Moreover, prostitution is not the only contributor to HIV/AIDS in Jamaica.
Many other countries have designed programmes to deal effectively with, or control the HIV/AIDS crisis without resorting to decriminalisation. We should endeavour to do the same, never mind the challenges we continue to face with this public health issue.

Kevin KO Sangster
New Jersey, USA
sangstek@msn.com

“Same knife stick sheep, stick goat” (Look out for things that happen to others can happen to you too)

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Recently, I was entrusted with the responsibility to write from a spiritual space, encouragement for the gay, lesbian community. I unconsciously took that mandate and misused the medium to vent personal/emotional baggage I was subconsciously dragging around. I only became aware of my derailment from purpose after receiving a critique on the commentary that I had drafted.

For a long while I had stood in judgement of people who are mandated to provide spiritual guidance to the masses but somehow tainted such guidance with personal and emotional convictions which instead of fulfilling its purpose creates dogma. “How could they?” I would ask myself. 

“They have been entrusted with the responsibility to uplift and unite people irrespective of colour, class, sexuality or creed. Yet they divide with dogma based on their personal perspectives”, I would reason. When given a similar mandate, however, and without realising it, I too became one of those people I so eagerly judged. Before I knew it the same ‘knife of judgement’ which I pointed at my offenders became the same knife that stuck me.

The lesson for me in all this is, and I hope will be for you as well, be careful of the judgements we make of others, as they are merely our own subconscious baggage that we projected onto them. Before we become judgemental of anyone or experience lets choose to take an objective position. 

Let’s resist the need to be right and instead empathise with the experiences of others and process before being quick to judge. The Hebrew text, The Holy Bible, reminds us, “Judge not, less ye be judged”. Sounds familiar? “Same knife stick sheep, stick goat”.

Prayer Treatment

Father/Mother God/Christ within I now surrender all. I surrender all thoughts, all beliefs, all feelings and emotions, all experiences and judgements and perceptions formed by them. I surrender any seeming control of the circumstances, conditions including the lives of others; knowing that God is in control. I surrender all to the perfecting presence and power of the abundant now and all is well in all our lives, world and body of affairs.
It is so and so it is.


Amen


but those who hope in the LORD

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"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."- Isaiah 40:31 Have you found your self worrying about gas prices, Hope in the Lord! Have you found yourself weak in spirit and not sure where this has came from, Hope in the Lord.
Have you found that your job is not taking off as you dreamed it would, hope in the Lord. Today have a stronger Hope in the Lord! Love you all keep seeking Gods face and learn daily to be more Christ Like. You that person you cant stand to see their face but have to view them daily or even weekly?
This time around SMILE, speak with a voice of cheer, shake there hand and speak Life to them. Alot can be changed by your attitude toward others! "

Thursday, June 19, 2008

If you see some one in need help them

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If you see some one in need help them the best you can! We all are here on earth today going through something, and if your not going through nothing then you really need to pray hard that God watches over every step in your life!
The devil is after folk that have a higher calling on their life. So today my bruhs and sistas when you see that person placed in your path in need, what ever it may be just Help them, do the right thing and be like Christ. It may be giving a smile a word from God, a hand shake, opening up a door, or even just saying I love you. I pray all of you do the right thing today! Love you all and its not about us its all about Jesus!

Human rights group says no to proposal to extend detention period

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'Don't go there' - Human rights group says no to proposal to extend detention period -
Golding wants to meet and discuss new law-enforcement efforts
published: Thursday June 19, 2008

The Government is facing stinging backlash over its
proposal to increase the time the police can hold persons in detention before charging them.
FULL STORY

Patois Bible a good idea

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Patois Bible a good idea
Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Dear Editor,
I read in the Observer of June 17 that The Bible Society of The West Indies is interested in translating the Bible into patois. This, to me, is a splendid idea.

As a translator and more so an interpreter living in Canada, I work with the Canadian Government as a Jamaican patois interpreter and can assure you that lots of our Jamaican offenders who are incarcerated would do well with some of the copies in the form of books, CDs or cassettes. While I am unable to produce these alone, the idea is welcome, bearing in mind that it would be sold or distributed in many other countries where one finds Jamaicans around the world in need of them.

I support the idea of translating the Bible into patois 100 per cent, regardless of how long it will take and how costly it will be. Nothing is too expensive when it comes to God's work. For those who may consider this move a sacrilegious one, they must bear in mind Jesus did not speak just the language of the upper class of his day, but also the dialect of the ordinary man in the street very much attracted to Him.

This is a good move, Bible Society of The West Indies! May God help you to get hold of the necessary funding. Also, make an appeal to Jamaicans overseas who are willing to support this venture.

Lilla Oakley-Gordon
Toronto, Canada
lillahope@yahoo.com

Get closer to God

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Get closer to God
Thursday, June 19, 2008

Dear Editor,
I am not as religious as I would like to be, but in light of recent events I started to really think. With events like the Myanmar cyclone and China's earthquake leaving around 23,000 and 70,000 people dead respectively, I wonder, is the end really drawing near?

In addition, with the high increases in world prices and the possible effects of global warming and the breaking away of parts of the ice caps, are we truly expressing the signs of the times? I guess I am not the only one who shares this view as a witness, a man with a placard walking around the streets of Montego Bay declaring that God is coming soon. This of which I am not quite sure, but I am imploring all Jamaicans to put aside gun violence and draw closer to God.

Shelley McIntyre
Montego Bay
mssbrighteyes@aim.com

Is there a greater sin?

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Is there a greater sin?
Thursday, June 19, 2008

Dear Editor,
I would like to ask Pastor Ira Thompson of the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ, who commended the PM's "enlightened" responses on the BBC's HARDtalk programme, what the Bible says about fornication and adultery, based on the fact that he is upholding biblical Christian values.

Aren't these sinful acts that should be denounced just as fervently as homosexual acts? In the Bible, weren't people stoned because of the acts of adultery? So, if these are all sins, when and who decided that one was a greater sin than the other and that God, who made us all in His image, is going to preferentially castigate homosexuals?

J Boreland
jirmz@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

I know God Answers Prayer

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I know God Answers Prayer! So today I am stepping out of my box and asking some of you whom Know God to be in charge of our lives and the Living God of all power to pray for me. I am going through a storm a trial on my job.

I just need to hear a word from God, I know He will supply all my needs and I do Trust Him. I am just asking for prayer from those whom Love God and want to see a miracle! Thanks In advance and I give all the Glory To God in Jesus Christ name is the only way to pray Amen Amen Amen!


contributed by Jay M

When God leads you

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When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.

If you believe, send it. If you don't believe, delete it. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close. If you need God to open some doors for you...send this to your friends - I did.... Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...

Psalm 63:3 Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee



contributed by "Changed Man"

Rev rebukes PM's stance on gays

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Rev rebukes PM's stance on gays
published: Wednesday June 18, 2008

Prime Minister Bruce Golding's dismissal of having homosexuals as members of his Cabinet has earned the ire of the Rev Dr Marjorie Lewis, theologian and former general secretary of the Jamaica Council of Churches.

In a May 20 interview on the BBC interview programme 'HARDtalk', Golding was asked, 'Do you in the future want to live in a Jamaica where a gay man or a gay woman could be in the Cabinet?' His response was, "sure they can be in the Cabinet - but not mine".

Response unsatisfactory
Lewis, who was speaking yesterday at a workshop on the second day of the Third Biennial Jamaican Diaspora Conference, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, suggested the prime minister's response was unsatisfactory and disappointing."I don't agree with the prime minister. I don't agree with it. 'No gays in the Cabinet?' First of all how you even know who gay? Plenty married people in this country are gay. It is what the Americans call the down-low. Friends, we are not talking about people outside of church, you know," Lewis said. "Let us just be real. We are talking about what is happening in our churches and we have to name the truth and face the truth in the name of Jesus."

Lewis, in her presentation, spoke of her interaction with homosexuals in the United Kingdom and Jamaica where she spent much time listening to their concerns, notwithstanding her own disagreement with their lifestyle. She urged those present to listen to the concerns of homosexuals, despite the extent to which one might be in opposition to their sexual practices.

Addressing 'The Church as a National Cohesive Force', Lewis said, in April last year she and two other theologians/church leaders met with representatives of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians,All-sexuals and Gays and the local branch of the Florida gay congregation, the Metropolitan Community Church. The meeting discussed pastoral care for the Jamaican homosexual community.

I have been listening
"I have been listening to some of these gay people," she said. "I can't tell you I have the answer. But I know every human being is made in God's image. And I know people are saying to me, 'I am praying and fasting about this and I am still gay and I don't want to be gay and I have felt I want to commit suicide'. Or somebody saying, 'This is who I am, why should I marry a woman and fool her?'"She stressed the first Christian response to homosexuals should be to listen to them. She warned, however, that this process "is messy". Nevertheless, she stressed, Christians "have to be involved with these issues because we are called to (minister to) all human beings".

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Trouble don't set like rain

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Trouble don't set like rain

COMMON SENSE
JOHN MAXWELL


An interesting read by Mr. Maxwell


A Few Gay Men Needed

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A few gay men for Bruce's Cabinet
published: Tuesday June 17, 2008

The Editor, Sir:
After only nine months in office, the Jamaica Labour Party government, led by the self-righteous paragon of virtue Bruce Golding, is trailing the People's National Party in the latest polls. This, after a narrow victory in the 2007 elections. There are many reasons put forward for this short-lived popularity, including the failure to show the Jamaican people that it has got things under control.


And his Cabinet of 'straight' men can't seem to find solutions for the myriad of problems that are racking this country of 'Christians'. Not that a PNP administration would do better, and I don't think they can. So, Sister P, I am not in your corner, either.

Gay men needed

What Bruce Golding needs in his Cabinet to make it effective are a few gay men. We are brilliant, industrious, creative in our thoughts, dedicated to our craft, result-oriented, and very important, sensitive to people's needs. And we don't go around being proud for being a bigot. Look around, Bruce, and see the organisations and institutions that are run by gays in this country and you will see what I am talking about.

But you prefer to let hatred blind your eyes to people who have the potential to take this country out of the doldrums in which we are. You are the driver, but you don't seem to know where you are going in your vortex of discrimination, failure and confusion. But while the country suffers, gays are prospering, so exclude us at your own peril.

Mr Prime Minister, your Cabinet is full of old and impotent 'straight' men. You need a few good men, gay men, to spruce it up, and put the country on a path of prosperity, and not depravity. And what about GAP? The Gay Action Party? I think it's a brilliant idea!

I am, etc.,

MY OPINYON

myopinyon@gmail.com

We are all one

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We are all one
Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Dear Editor,

After reading the letters to the editor on June 14, I was struck with the idea to connect three particular ones. They were: Mr Munroe's who was wondering where all of the gun factories are hidden; Mr Anderson's about education; and then Bishop Thompson's pro-homophobia contribution!

Humour aside, I noted that two were on target: too many guns and failing education. They were both from overseas. The one praising the PM for making the rest of the modern world shake its collective head in horror was local!
I hope the media can continue taking on the task of informing the nation that being gay is simply a part of the spectrum of humanity... all animals, of which we are but one! This enlightenment will do its part in reversing the violence between people. We are all one!

John Gordon
California, USA

Anglicans and transparency

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Anglicans and transparency
Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Dear Editor,
"The church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands in the Province of the West Indies" (Anglican) is described as "one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church". It is the essence of accountability and transparency, because at the annual synod every institution of the diocese comes under scrutiny and the synod delegates do a critique of the financial report and pass the budget. The auditor reads a report with regard to the financial health of the diocese.

Locally, all cures must obey Canon 8, especially Article 8, which says that "all sums of money received by a Clergyman or a member of a Church Committee or any other member of the Church for any purpose, whatsoever connected with the Church or any outreach programme of the Church shall be deposited into and be credited to the Diocesan Church Fund". The treasurer must prepare a quarterly financial report which is sent to the rural dean and the regional bishop. The rector or priest-in-charge should prepare a quarterly Ecclesiastical Report, which reflects his or her pastoral functions; this is sent to the rural dean and the regional bishop. There is an annual report(financial-ecclesiastical) which is done in triplicate.

Every Sunday, the amount collected must be written in the Duty Book along with the various pastoral duties (funerals, weddings, Sunday School AYF, Communicants, sick visits, baptisms, etc). A lay person is the chairman of the Diocesan Financial Board and at the cure level a lay person is appointed treasurer.

Revd Canon Ernle Gordon
St. Mary's Rectory Kingston
20 gordfm@yahoo.com

Monday, June 16, 2008

"Sorry fi maga dog, maga dog tun roun bite you".

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"Sorry fi maga dog, maga dog tun roun bite you".


This metaphor extends very well to all manner and sort of good doings, and should be considered before any hasty acts of charity! The word “sorry” here may seem somewhat patronizing, but in its true sense the ability to feel sorry for someone is the act of empathy. Our ability to show empathy is most times inculcated by our parents, family, friends or some affiliated organizations, who cultured us always to be kind. Being kind signifies giving or sometimes making selfless sacrifices.

That type of kindness is the same brand that Jesus showed as he walked the earth healing and changing the lives of many, through is life and ministry. As we reflect on the proverb, many of us in GLAB community may be forced to remember certain painful events in which some became victims of violence, loosing their lives and jobs; for others disrupting families & friends or in some cases being displaced form their community and homes. We will also remember the accompanying empathetic acts that other members of the community rendered to make better the situation for those unfortunate GLAB brothers and sisters. Many have gone beyond the call of duty to help in each of these cases.

However, we are many times bewildered by the gratitude returned to some of theses selfless acts of kindness, the main one being a distasteful behavior “the carry down” in which people’s characters are torn down, maligned and trampled on. As Christian yearning to establish a relationship with Christ, we are admonished to demonstrate the Christ-like characteristic of love, joy, peace, kindness, long suffering, gentleness, meekness to name a few. Let the community begin to appreciate the things done by our brothers and sisters to help to make life better for some of us. Never turn around and bite the hands that feed us. Prayer Treatment God of kindness and love, we are thankful for your son Jesus who you sent to teach us your character, help us always to be mindful of the kindness of others.

Written by: P.P.F.
Send Comments to ppf.anonymous@yahoo.com

Every hoe ha dem stick a bush.

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Every hoe ha dem stick a bush.
(for everything there is a season) - this purpose


Rent was past-due, electric and gas were to be disconnected. I also remember knives slicing my back, blood flowing from my shoulders, fire raging at my windows, because I am gay. How could I forget those lonely moments when I wished for a relative, friend, stranger to tell me they love me, to comfort me – just didn’t want to feel rejected anymore! I remembered these things at a time when I perceived my problems as being many and incomparable to other persons’.

What I’d forgotten is every hoe ha dem stick a bush. There is a Jonny and a Jenny whose utilities are already disconnected and now they are homeless. There are some Michelles and Micheals who are already crippled or dead. Jonny, Jenny, Michelle, Micheal needed comforting and I had refused them compassion. My excuse was, “I have my own problems.” Sometimes, I had said it aloud, other times, my thoughts quietly repeated it.

I was right to be aware of my problems but I was wrong in allowing that to stop me from acknowledging that others face equally pressuring life circumstances and need attention.

Prayer

I pray for the Spirit to maintain my awareness of my circumstances. I pray to be equally aware of the obstacles others face. For me and for others, I pray.

Dadland Maye
contactdadland@gmail.com

“Tek kin teet’ kibbah hart-bun” (Make light your distress by finding humour in the situation)

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“Tek kin teet’ kibbah hart-bun”
(Make light your distress by finding humour in the situation)


Same –gender lovers in an oppressive society like Jamaica will go to one of two emotional extremes of survival-techniques:

· Conform to societal norms and live in emotional turmoil, busily covering up their sexual orientation
· Live openly as gay or lesbian amidst societal resistance and make light of the situation by poking fun at self as a defence mechanism.

While I would prefer to write in general terms to the entire gay and lesbian community, my commentary will be biased towards the latter of the two, as I can only speak from a place of experience as an openly gay man or woman:- depending on who is asking and what time of day it is...(giggles).

Generally, life has numerous challenges. Being openly gay/lesbian in a fundamentalist and closed society only adds a new dimension to those challenges. Unlike ‘the closeted’, the openly gay and lesbian in Jamaica are not afforded obscurity of ‘closets’ and become fair game for the intolerant of our society, facing constant scrutiny, verbal and physical abuse.

Some of us have been able to soothe our distress (‘kibbah the ‘hart-bun’) with a healthy sense of humour, not taking ourselves or our perpetrators too seriously. Many of us, however, die numerous and cyclical emotional deaths resulting in deep wounds of self-loathing and unworthiness. The escape from these wounds tends to result in a false sense of confidence by flaunting our sexuality flamboyantly or with ‘sass’ or resigned to reclusiveness. Underneath, however, is a constant cry if not obsession for acceptance and approval, for someone, if not everyone, to say “you are ok, just as you are”.

My admonition is:

· Learn to accept and approve of self and let the world follow suit.

· Choose to not take on the issues of others by giving them the responsibility to validate you. That responsibility is yours and yours alone. Besides, if you are worth the time and energy to be invalidated you are ‘by default’ already validated. Know that when people go out their way to be rude, intolerant or belligerent towards you they are really only projecting their own self-loathing and unworthiness on you.

· Don’t take yourself too seriously. Afford yourself the humour of the uniquely fascinating, beautiful and loving being you are, by being able to laugh at yourself and know that you are still OK just as you are.
· “Tek kin teet’ kibbah hart-bun”:- make light your distress by finding humour in the situation.

Prayer

Father/Mother God/Christ within, I now release and let go off any belief of unworthiness within my consciousness; knowing I am the beloved, loving loveable child of God made in the image and likeness of the Divine; worthy of my own love, acceptance and approval. I now release, let go and let the purifying, cleansing, healing power of love now transform, adjust and perfect my mind, body and soul; and I am perfect, whole and complete. This I accept, this I believe, this I receive. Amen


Ebri die bokit go a wel wan die di batam mos jrapout. (Every day the bucket goes to well one day the bottom must drop out)

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Ebri die bokit go a wel wan die di batam mos jrapout.
(Every day the bucket goes to well one day the bottom must drop out.)


This is one of the most profound Jamaican proverbs offering as sublime philosophy as one could expect from Eastern teachings. It addresses the undeniable and unavoidable truth of impermanence, a teaching more associated with Buddhism than with Jamaican folk culture. Nothing lasts forever; every created thing is eventually destroyed, the good, the bad, and the in-between. As the Bible often reminds us, it came to pass – it didn’t come to stay.

If we are blessed with youth, health, loving relationships and material comforts, we are right to appreciate, celebrate, and share what we have with others not so fortunate. A time may come when that will be no more. If we are beset with problems, stress and pressure, a victim of violence, homophobia, or just plain bad mind, all that too will pass. We dread the day when we lose what is dear to us, and we despair at our seemingly never-ending suffering – one minute up, the next down. What to do?

Keep a cool head, being not too elated in good fortune, and not defeated in adversity.

Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.

Treatment

I bless and accept everyone and everything that comes into my life, knowing that each bears a gift or a lesson, and goes on its way. I am stronger, more whole and complete for the experience.


"WAT DOAN KILL YUH, WILL FATTEN YUH"

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"WAT DOAN KILL YUH, WILL FATTEN YUH"

Waste no time worrying about something that does you no real harm. Turn it around into something positive!


Let us celebrate the wonderful gift of life. Even though there are countless challenges and obstacles in our daily life; the nosey neighbour, the belligerent boss and grudgeful Emma ! Let us remember that life is a divine gift that should be cherished. 

When life presents us with challenges that seem insurmountable, it's not because we're sinful or wicked. It's because we have the God-given power to hurdle those obstacles. See every challenge as an opportunity to self-improve, to learn, to grow and to become the best that we can be- "Wat doan kill yuh, will fatten yuh". Lost your job? Don't view it as a negative- you still have the wonderful gift of life! See it and use it as an opportunity for introspection and self-reflection. 

Objectively identify your strengths and your weaknesses and work at improving yourself on a daily basis. Be creative and create new opportunities for yourself by honing your God-given talents that you are meant to use. When you're given lemons, make a large jug of thirst-quenching lemon-ade ! Challenges in life are not meant to kill our spirit but rather to strengthen and empower us. From today and onward, use every challenge and obstacle as an opportunity to "fatten" your spirit. Turn it into something positive. Learn a new skill, say something uplifting and inspiring to someone everyday, help the less fortunate and turn what may seem like a negative into a positive and enriching experience.

PRAYER

God of Love, help us to see and fulfill our purpose in life. We affirm the good in all things and reaffirm that true happiness and joy come from within and not from without. No matter what the external situations are, we will not let them determine our mood and feelings. We reclaim success, prosperity, good health, peace and joy in our lives.

Amen

TURING: Of homosexuality and the church

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Love or hate it, it's hard to ignore organised religion.
While your columnist is of the opinion that religion should strictly (and I do mean strictly) restricted to consenting adults in private, and while some leading intellectuals want religion completely wiped off the map of the earth, it is hard to reconcile these opinions with the fact that more than 90% of the world's population subscribe to some form of organised religion.
Of particular interest are the three main monotheistic religions, which, throughout history, have been opposed to the idea of same-sex relationships (even discounting the sexual element) in more ways than one.

Arguably, the most vocal, and hence the most visible, opposition comes from Christianity.
Sure, Islam is probably more vehemently opposed to 'homosexuality' than Christianity - Iran's spiteful execution of homosexuals is a case in question - but, until recently, it is doubtful if they articulated their opposition with an equal vehemence.

Returning to Christianity, it is prudent to ask where this opposition stems from.
The Bible, shouts the uninformed mind. No, no; it's the people themselves and their ill-conceived notions of social and sexual mores, reasons the dogmatic.
The truth, as always, lies somewhere in between, and a collection of essays by a group of Cambridge lecturers, doctors and clergy, published recently, highlights this rather elegantly*.
The aim of the book, it seems, is to suggest that there is no discernible reason why homosexuality should apparently divide the Anglican community.

Read between the lines though, and you get several interesting ideas that have a universal application in the wider debate about homosexuality and Christianity.
The central claim of the collection, An Acceptable Sacrifice? Homosexuality and the Church, edited by Duncan Dormor and Jeremy Morris, is that there is no such thing as a 'literal' interpretation of the Bible, as some insist.

Those familiar with the terrains of literary criticism might even tell you that 'literal' interpretation is an oxymoron (if there ever was one).
So, when the so-called Global South (a sub-group within the Anglican church) insists that the Bible is unequivocal in its condemnation of homosexuality, it is seriously mistaken.
The luxury of interpretation, therefore, is that it is largely permissive.
However, it is unfortunate (let's call a spade a spade, shall we?) that throughout history, and especially in modern times, this luxury has been subverted to serve individual needs, all other things being equal.

That is irresponsible.

Rather, despite taking the Bible as the word of God (as serious Christians would), it is to be conceded that the testaments are also a matter of historical record.
Interpretation, in effect, must be within the contemporary socio-political and scientific contexts, without subscribing to anachronistic ideologies.

For example, the most common reason cited for the hostile attitude towards homosexuality is that the Bible calls it an abomination.
Does it? Oh, yes, it's time for Leviticus 18:22 again: "You must not lie with a man as with a woman: that is an abomination."

Viewed literally, this has immediate homosexual connotations.

But, see it in the context of the period during which it was written, and the reference is not to sexual orientation (a concept established as recently as a century ago), but to gender relationships, at a time when men were held superior to women, and violation of male superiority was considered blasphemous.

Similarly, the purpose and meaning of marriage has undergone a significant change, if not a metamorphosis, from biblical times.
Then, it was all about property and inheritance, and nothing to do with companionship and gender equality.

There is convincing evidence to even suggest that the other important 'reason' often cited for marriage - procreation and avoidance of fornication - does not have direct roots in the Bible, and that such an interpretation from Genesis and Song of Songs is also due to gender inequality prevalent in the erstwhile patriarchal society.

Indeed, the world had to wait till the Reformation when marriage was thought to be for "mutual society, help and comfort that one might have of the other."
Another interesting dimension comes from the Church's tumultuous relationship with scientific truth, and the effect it has on biblical interpretation and Church's view of sexual minorities.
(Your columnist thinks that religion and science are fundamentally, and unequivocally, incompatible; but appreciates that he is in a minority.)

The concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity were established only within the last two centuries, and science has yet to uncover their underlying mechanisms completely.
But, enough evidence has been gathered to suggest that neither of the 'traits' - faute de mieux - is completely environmental, and that genetics has an extremely strong, if not decisive (and there's enough evidence in this direction as well) role in determining them.
That this could have never been understood by Christians for 800 years has a strong bearing on how we view homosexuality and Christianity.

The most illuminating of the essays in the collection, by John Hare, clearly shows that the teachings of the Church on sexuality assume a strong dividing line between notions of 'male' and 'female' genders, when science produces evidence to the contrary - teachings which are seriously misguided in light of the Church's recent stance on issues such as transsexualism and intersexuality.
As the book proceeds from ancient to modern socio-political contexts, we see that the authors very much understand their territories of discussion.

We learn about the tortuous, and unnecessary struggle, of the Church with popular culture, where sex, drugs and rock n' roll coalesce with uninterrupted ease with materialism in a market economy.
Like it or not, Christians ought to learn to live with that, and it is certainly not impossible.
The book, despite the understandable and dubiously soft position on dogmatic preachers and followers, is worth the read, and should be seriously considered by every Anglican who will attend the Lambeth Conference in 2008.

That said, this columnist, like many fellow reviewers, feels that the authors could have been much bolder. For, if the 'direction of travel' is clear, why not go all the way and conclude that homosexuality is not incompatible with the Church?

Why sacrifice the truth in the name of an open-ended approach?
And why question whether the current requirement imposed by the Anglican Church on its gay and lesbian clergy is an acceptable sacrifice?
Thankfully, there is a welcome reprieve in the foreword, which would have actually served well as an afterword.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote:

"An acceptable sacrifice? The answer is simple: No. It is not acceptable for us to discriminate against our brothers and sisters on the basis of sexual orientation, just as it was not acceptable for discrimination to exist on the basis of skin colour under Apartheid.
We cannot pick and choose where justice is concerned."
As John Habgood concedes in his review of the book for the Times Literary Supplement, this ought to be the final word.
____________
* An Acceptable Sacrifice? Homosexuality and the Church, edited by Duncan Dormor and Jeremy Morris is published by SPCK Publishing in the UK.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

If Your Ways Please Me

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If your ways please me I will Give you the Desire of your heart! How many Folk is out there seeking Gods Face? I must warn you when you seek His face Keep an inventory Of whats in you Heart that you desire! not riches of Gold and Silver Not a new flat screen TV Not that new car Not that new shirt made by Dolce and Gabanna But desire His Grace Hos Mercy His Favor his love his knowledge

His HEALING His Gifts of the Holy Spirit His Fresh Holy Spirit wheeeeeww What do you Desire the lord says? Love you all I speak Long Healthy Life! To that one that has sat up crying allow God to wipe away those tears of sorrow He is with you ask Him to come in your life He can do WONDERS if you ask Him to! Jesus is a gentleman He will not just break in your life and change things you have to invite Jesus In!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Do You Include These in Your Prayers??

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The Church

Christians Around the world

People who need Christ

People who are sick

World Peace

Victory Over Temptation

Guidance

Health for you and others

Praise Praise Praise

Some Obstacles to Effective Praying

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Selfishness:
temptation to ask for personal benefits, confusing evil and unpleasant in our lives
Lack of faith:
losing confidence when we don't get our wishes, thinking our prayers are too small and unimportant
Impatience:
being lazy in prayer or in our christian life, asking for God's time without giving back
Dishonesty:
pretending to be what we are not, covering up instead of revealing, God sees all
Ignorance:
forgetting that God may have a different plan for things, forgetting we don't always have the right answer
Unforgiving Spirit:
condemning instead of loving, think ourselves holier than others

Conditions for Effective Prayer

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Be Prepared -
in heart and mind out other tasks away, read bible before praying

Realize -
you are in the presence of the master, "I am with you always" Matthew 28:20

Be Confident -
Pray with faith, expect an answer, "Whatever you ask in faith ... Matthew 21:22

Devote -
yourself to God with all love and desire, be in his control, surrender to him

Be Modest -
in the way you pray, don't show off to others in your prayer, it's a dialogue with God

Discipline -
yourself with your daily prayer be consistent and persistent

Be Receptive -
to God's message to you accept God's wisdom, don't preach to God

Be Unselfish -
as you pray for whom you are praying for don't ignore others for your interest

HELEN BAYLOR LYRICS by Request

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HELEN BAYLOR LYRICS
"Can You Reach My Friend"
[VERSE 1:]
I got a call from an old friend
We laughed about how things had changed
But I could tell things weren't going as well as he claim
He tried to hide his feelings
But they only gave him away
The longer I listened,
The more I kept wishing that I knew the right words to say
Can You reach my friend ?
Bring his searching to an end
Lord, I know you love him
Help him understand
Can You reach my friend?
You're the only One who can
Help him give his heart to You
[VERSE 2:]
We talked for more than an hour
I smiled when he mentioned Your name
I said that I knew You
I told him the difference You made
But he never thought he would need You
But maybe he's changing his mind
As we said goodbye Lord
He told me that I ad found
Something that e'd like to find
Maybe he's ready tonight
Lord, he said that he might Need to call You
Help him give his heart to You

Christians launch legal challenge to gay equality (Flashback) UK

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By Marc Shoffman • December 18, 2006 -

A coalition of Christian groups has been granted permission to seek a judicial review regarding new gay equality laws in Northern Ireland.
The Christian Institute has led calls to delay the Sexual Orientation Regulations, due in Northern Ireland next month, claiming they were rushed through and constitute an attack on freedom of conscience.
The High Court has now granted permission for the groups to apply for a judicial review, it will be looked at by Mr Justice Deeny later this week.
The Christian Institute, along with other religious groups, has challenged Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain to withdraw the new gay equality laws.
The Institute is launching a judicial review because it believes the law interferes with religious freedom.
Colin Hart, Director of the Christian Institute, said: "The Regulations bear all the hallmarks of a rushed time-scale. They almost appear to establish a right for homosexuals not to be disagreed with. They would cover a conversation in a Christian bookshop or a pastoral conversation with a church minister.
"The homosexual harassment provision is so broadly drafted that it nullifies what partial exemptions churches are given. A minister can say to a practising homosexual (as he would an adulterer), 'I'm sorry, you can't be a member of my church until you repent and turn to Christ,' but his explanation could be the subject of a harassment claim if the individual is offended. A teacher who says that sex is only for marriage could be accused of harassment by a pupil sympathetic to gay rights - and this would also apply to denominational schools."
It follows opposition from within the Democratic Unionist Party to the law, although a Northern Ireland Assembly vote on the issue was tied earlier this week.
The law is also reported to have caused a rift in the UK Cabinet. As the Northern Ireland Assembly is suspended, decisions about the province are taken by the Secretary of State, Mr Hain. He has imposed tough rules, with no exemptions for religious groups.

Meanwhile, the introduction of regulations has been delayed in England and Wales until April by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly, some believe she intends to grant exemptions.
Last week, gay charity Stonewall's Alan Wardle called on the gay community to get behind the new laws to stop any religious exemptions.
The churches and Christian charities taking the legal action are, The Christian Institute; The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland; The Congregational Union of Ireland; The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ireland; The Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland; The Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches; and Christian Camping International (a Christian charity specialising in camping and conferences).
The new Regulations outlaw discrimination in the provision of goods, services and education on the grounds of sexual orientation. Fines range between £500 and £15,000 but up to £25,000 for repeated breaches

Thoughts on Prayer

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Prayer is a dialogue between God and God's people
We express our love for God by:
1). In our response to God and they way God works in our lives
2). In a fellowship of our minds with God's purpose
3). In a spiritual exercise that draws us close to God
We tell God about our needs, we ask God answers
Spiritually: John 1:9, communion with God fills a need in the soul
Emotionally: Psalms 37:4, he calms our hearts when our strength fails us
Mentally: Psalms 34:4, Sharing our thoughts with him brings divine guidance to problem solving
Physically: Matthew 6:33, faith has always been the strongest of all paths to good health
People pray to
1). Glorify God
2). To feel God's presence
3). For comfort in time of need
4). To experience God's forgiveness
Christ said ".......pray that you may not come into the time trial......." Matthew 26:41

Christian Institute weighs into "gay cure" row

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Christian Institute weighs into "gay cure" row
By Tony Grew • June 12, 2008 - 12:09

A Christian group notorious for its opposition to gay rights has backed an MP who said homosexuality is disgusting, loathsome, nauseating, wicked and vile and claimed gay people can be "cured."
The Christian Institute claimed that reports to police that Iris Robinson’s comments may have broken laws on incitement to hatred are an attempt to intimidate her.
There have been calls for Mrs Robinson, who is the wife of the First Minister of Northern Ireland, to resign as chair of the Northern Ireland Assembly health committee after her comments on BBC Radio Ulster last Friday.Mrs Robinson is also MP for Strangford.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson told PinkNews.co.uk that an investigation is underway but would not comment on the number of complaints.
There are also complaints being lodged with the Westminster authorities and the standards board overseeing the Assembly.
"Vexatious complaints have caught on in some circles as an attempt to intimidate people from expressing orthodox Christian views on sexual ethics," Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute told the Belfast Newsletter.

"If the PSNI take these complaints seriously and go to the trouble of investigating Iris or pass a file on the matter to the Public Prosecution Service it could be perceived as taking action which aims to have a chilling effect on the freedom of speech."
Last year the Institute claimed that the new offence of incitement to hatred based on sexual orientation restricts free speech, targets Christians and will stifle debate about homosexuality.
The fundamentalist group previously failed to stop the introduction of the Sexual Orientation Regulations which protect LGB people from discrimination in goods and services.

It objected to the extension of incitement to racial hatred laws to sexual orientation as "homosexuality is a chosen lifestyle. Many 'gay rights' activists would say that their sexual orientation is a choice, not a genetic characteristic."
Christians are protected by law from incitement to religious hatred.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Bishops oppose proposal on homosexuality (Flashback)

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ROMAN CATHOLIC Bishops from the Caribbean yesterday came out strongly against the proposal made by the joint select committee on the Charter of Rights Bill, for government to consider decriminalising homosexual sex in private between two consenting adults.
In a statement issued by Roman Catholic Priest Monsignor Richard Albert on behalf of priests, including Archbishop of Kingston Edgerton Clarke and others from the region, the Catholics pledged to "proclaim the truth no matter how strongly political pressure, public opinion or public moral oppose it".

"There is an obvious consistency in the Old and New Testament salvation history about the moral unacceptability of homosexual relations," the Bishops said. "Since homosexual relations cannot reflect the complementarity of the sexes intended by God and openness to the transmission of life, they are contrary to the creative designs of God".
In last week's report, the committee, which was chaired by Attorney-General A. J. Nicholson, recommended decriminalising private homosexual acts but denied requests from lobbyists to include a guarantee in the Constitution that would protect homosexuals from discrimination.
"It (the committee) would, however, bring to the attention of the Government as a matter for consideration, the issue of the repeal of the Offences Against the Persons Act in so far as it relates to the offence of buggery between consenting adults in private," said the report which was tabled in Parliament last Tuesday.

Earlier this year the lobby group, Jamaican Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (JFLAG) made a presentation to the committee arguing that the Constitution should have provisions to protect persons against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. According to the group, a person's sexual orientation was out of his or her control and therefore should not form the basis for discrimination.
"A person who engages in homosexual behaviour acts immorally," the Bishops said, however "under no circumstance can they be approved".
It added that while the church is obligated to preach the truth, it is also obligated to provide quality pastoral care to persons who have a homosexual orientation or person who may be struggling with homosexual behaviour. They say that they encourage prayer, a full sacramental life, offer spiritual direction, counselling and support to homosexual persons and condemns discrimination against such.

'Leave 'gays' alone!' - Church, human rights groups, politicians call for end to beatings (Flashback)

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Political Ombudsman and clergyman, Bishop Herro Blair (foreground) makes a point to journalists during a press conference at the Stella Marris pastoral centre in St. Andrew yesterday. Beside him is executive director of Jamaicans for Justice, Dr Carolyn Gomes

A joint forum of church, human rights lobbyists and politicians from both sides of the political divide, made a desperate plea yesterday for Jamaicans to end violence against homosexuals.
The forum, headed by Political Ombudsman and clergyman, Bishop Herro Blair, said while the act is illegal and immoral, Jamaicans must abstain from mob violence and should instead seek to build a culture of tolerance for such individuals.
In recent months, there has been a drastic increase in the number of mob attacks on homosexuals, the group claimed with as many as 16 since January according to the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians and All-Sexuals (JFLAG). This is coming from a figure of 40 beatings in 2006, JFLAG claimed.

In the latest incident, a Manchester church was stoned as it conducted a funeral service for a businessman who was believed to be homosexual which led the officiating pastor to quickly move the body to the burial ground. Mobsters attempted to follow the body to the burial site, but the police were called in.
The group is also calling on the police to be more sensitive to cases involving alleged homosexuals and to treat them equally under the law.
He said if the security forces make the first move, then the rest of society might follow suit.

Play by the rules
"Our people must be told that the law must have its course and until, if and when (and I pray that it will never be that the law is changed), then we have to abide and play by the rules," said Bishop Blair. "I heard of a case last week where a member of a family went to visit someone and, in visiting the person, was labelled to be homosexual and was thoroughly thrashed. It (did not come out) that the person was not a homosexual until he sought help of members of the security forces, who said they literally had nothing to do with homosexuals," said the Bishop.

His comments were echoed by Dr. Carolyn Gomes, executive director of Jamaicans For Justice, who added that a request had been made to meet with the police to discuss the issue.

"(We must) ensure that the police force knows for itself and sends the message down that they are to protect, serve and reassure all Jamaicans and uphold equal treatment for all Jamaicans," she said.

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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