LGBT History Month: The Loft's First Anniversary ............

As the month draws to a close for 2011 here is a brief look at the first anniversary celebrations recently at the centrally located LGBT club in the heart of Kingston's business and lifestyle metro-pole. The Loft which was founded by a two man team who are also life partners finally came into being on October 30, 2010 officially with its kick off party in the halloween period creating a seismic shift for gay entertainment in Kingston and Jamaica, they have been blamed unfortunately for the fast decline of interest in the long running life of Club Heavens which lasted for some 7 years whilst changing management and was located in North Central Jamaica whose only other competition apart the occasional party block buster in Kingston was the now defunct Calabash Club in Montego Bay which folded after an awful police invasion occurred due to rivalry from other party promoters at the time. Despite the challenges of patron behavioural problems, settling with the neighbouring business owners, the police situations at the commencement of its life, a seemingly opposing vibrant spirit filled church congregation located on the ground floor, the battyman entitlement phenomenon and the concern in the minds of many though not expressed too loudly in its location in the centre of that side of town they, the Loft's team have survived whilst making the name a household brand in the community offering varying products. They have some competition however from up and coming astute party promoters with growing fan bases but as the LGBT community itself expands there is room for more than one major player. Let us also not forget the launch of the Couture Elements bar open five days a week but with much smaller space. Other more serious challenges presented themselves earlier this year when a rival party promoter said to be linked to aforementioned police raid who resorted to unethical and deviant tactics to include informing the tabloid enemy of the gay community, The Star News of the where abouts of the spot and supposed activities which almost put the club out of business. The management team however quickly sprung in action with damage control to the community via a press release while maintaining its offerings after a brief closure. Also of note was or is some of the outreach work done to the homeless community to include some feeding programs and the recent interventions as influentials at the homeless msm civil disobedience action at a particular non governmental organization. several former and presently displaced and homeless were in attendance at the recent party but noticeably missing were Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays, JFLAG representatives and other advocacy personalities which was not surprising

flyer for the first event

They at the time issued a resolute press statement which was published on this blog in April of this year:

Sankofa Management: The Loft Remains Open despite Star News trope ......

In part they said:

We, the management of Jamaica’s premier LGBT entertainment space wish to thank our loyal patrons for their continued support of our brave business venture. Despite the many challenges we have faced in bringing this dream to fruition we remain determined never to allow the light of this community to go dim.
The movement that inspired the creation of The Loft is bigger than any one of us. It is bigger than any selfish motivation, envy, or iniquity. This is a powerful movement that cannot be hampered by evil deeds, careless tongues, or thoughtless actions. It is time that we as a community embrace the idea of togetherness and stop the petty in-fighting that is tearing us apart. We are not enemies, we are compatriots.

We share the same struggles with the wider society and we all have the same desire for happiness, love, and enjoyment in a safe environment. Since we cannot live this reality in the society we inhabit we must therefore do all we can to protect the few safe spaces that exist.
The Loft was created for all of us in the community and it is therefore our collective responsibility to protect it. We wish God’s richest blessings on the authors of the article that appeared in The Star of Monday April 4, 2011 under the headline “Cross-dressers clash at club”, and we hope that they will put their God-given talents as fictional writers to good use and not continue to let their imaginations run wild.

We are the ones that will decide if the Loft will close its doors, not anyone else.
We enjoy a positive relationship with the leadership of the St. Andrew Central Police Division as well as our neighbours in the business district in which we operate and will not allow the mischief of a few idle minds to sully our reputation, negatively affect our business, or most importantly disrupt the enjoyment of our valued supporters.

The Loft is part of a movement that cannot be stopped. Let us continue marching on until victory is won!

Sincerely,
BP & D
Management
The Loft

ENDS

Interview with Management of the Loft by shane-mccarthy of the Pink Report

My response then was:

The Star News story was inaccurate in a sense as I was present at the club named in the piece the police were called by the club owner/manager in question at around 4am to avert any negative violent action from rival queens who had previous altercations elsewhere NOT AT THE CLUB ON THE NIGHT OF April 2nd as hinted to. The event overall at the Loft went pretty well for the most part until the abrupt cut off to avoid the possible disturbance. The Loft and ALL OTHER PARTY PROMOTERS AND CLUB OWNERS have my full support but as the Loft remains resolute in serving their patrons/supporters this release is a professional way to deal with it, the police I have since gathered are also mindful of the issues involved however underhanded tactics to prove a point are TOTALLY UNNECESSARY LET US WORK TOGETHER FOLKS including Promoter X. Mek we talk dis out proper. 

this year's flyer

The celebrations briefly

October 28th 2011 was the date set for the last in the month long series of celebrations with respective themed events and rotating DJs to meet ever changing musical tastes, the admission free event which had a bumper crowd support. A team from the Red Cross were present carrying out some light HIV intervention work. DJ Dr. Buck had the crowd whipped in frenzy quite early as his trademark chants and hardcore selections usually do while wearing my DJ hat my first set of dance beats was welcomed as the kids served  after a smooth transition with the goodly doctor. It was clear that the evening was going to be a major success, hardly any space was left foe shaking a leg in the newly redecorated white walled dancefloor complete with strobe and lazer lights stoking the high energy. Denis(e) could be seen darting about the floor and frolicking with the children albeit on his golf club which has become his trademark item as he monitors his sometimes hurting right foot while BP manned the busy bar as it was shelled down to no inventory left for consumption. The queens served and gyrated with resorted to some head-top antics while others profiled with drinks in hand but clearly were enjoying the festivities with the occasional head bopping in approval to a tune selected. Not to be outdone were members of the thug community who seemed ofe in mixing with more effeminate patrons. Apart from beating the odds and becoming the sixth major gay club in recent known history they also stepped outside of their brand marketing and single handedly revived the Pride Event celebration during the Gaycipation period (Emancipation and Independence in August 1st and 6th) they successful launched an outdoor beach front event once carried by a previous advocate, promoter and brainchild Gareth Henry who had said events at a small beach front property in St. Ann. The event dubbed Sea Queens took off in fine fashion despite a mainstream event that also attracts LGBT persons was in session in another parish, persons took the trek to St. Mary on July 31, 2011 and had a "whale" of a time . Let us also not forget the infamous Santa's List event for the Christmas season which they have also developed under the brand. Sea Queens will certainly go up against Naughty Glam High Seas Couture as the best events for 2011 when that time comes for selection, I'll let you know which one is in my book then in the year in review. 

Please see:  The Loft/Sankofa's Sea Queens: Di Fish(es) DID swim .........

Happy first anniversary to the Loft's team and we hope they remain for a while longer although unconfirmed reports suggest there maybe a hiatus by the team as they collect their thoughts on new offerings. 

Peace and tolerance

UPDATE October 2013
The club has closed but the memories live in our hearts

H

Reverend Clinton Chisholm on Clarifying Sexual Orientation, Homosexuality and Homophobia

Reverend Clinton Chisholm host of that new new current affairs program on the religious station Love 101FM, controversial Pastor, Theologian and blogger has been writing on homosexuality and commenting on gay marriage issues among other things.

Here he published the excerpted piece below from his blog/site named the Chisholm Source

Clarifying Sexual Orientation, Homosexuality and Homophobia

There is a general belief that conceptual clarity exists re the terms ‘sexual orientation, homosexuality and homophobia’. This belief is dead wrong as I hope to show now. According to the therapeutic manual of the American Psychiatric Association there are upwards of at least twenty distinctive sexual variations of ‘sexual orientation’. This goes way beyond the traditional orientations of heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality and bestiality and includes the ‘paraphilias’ like incest, necrophilia, etc. Would all of these more than twenty sexual orientations qualify for protection in our charter of rights? And after all what really is sexual orientation, predominant inclination, predominant sexual desire, practice or what? More importantly because of the seeming fluidity of sexual orientation (people’s sexual appetites can and do change over time) how defensible is it as a protected right within a nation’s charter of rights?

The criterion of immutability usually associated with protected rights is not applicable to sexual orientation at all. There is a growing concern among clinicians and behavioural scientists about what qualifies as homosexuality. Law and Bioethics Professor Lynn Wardle has raised some interesting questions towards a definition of homosexuality. For instance he asks whether thoughts about engaging in same-sex intercourse qualifies as homosexuality or is sexual behavior required as well. Whether the definition is based on feeling/inclination or behavior, questions of level, intensity, frequency and historical timeline are relevant in Professor Wardle’s view. Then Wardle raises the thorny issue of a man who was a practicing heterosexual for 15 years but two months ago abandoned that practice for same-sex intercourse (cited in Mathew Staver, Same-Sex Marriage: Putting Every Household at Risk, 2004, 76).

 What really is homophobia?

As a student of languages I find this coinage very weird, etymologically and conceptually. As the word is popularly used it seems to mean at least dislike or disgust for homosexuals. If this is the dominant ethos of the word it is a poor coinage etymologically. Phobia is Greek for fear and the homo part of the word (similarly for homosexual) is not Latin-derived but is drawn from the Greek word homoios, meaning same. Nobody really fears homosexuals but a goodly number of us are repulsed at some of the practices associated with homosexuality. I know homosexuals for whom I have the profoundest respect as persons and as talented professionals be they lecturers, journalists, musicians, politicians or parsons but I maintain that the act of eating a person’s faeces or showering in a person’s urine, even once, is downright sick, pathological and disgusting. Indeed such practices pose public health challenges. As we foster public dialogue on our charter of rights let us seek clarity on the key terms and concepts that are central to the charter or deemed to be missing from the charter.

ENDS

My two cents 

To limit his view of homosexuals to just the professional class is precisely the major issue I have in how we have discourse on the subject it's as if we are teetering on the perception that it is an import from the foreign mostly Caucasion middle to upper middle socio economic classes. And  what the hell does he mean by? - but I maintain that the act of eating a person’s faeces or showering in a person’s urine, even once, is downright sick, pathological and disgusting. Indeed such practices pose public health challenges. 

As if to loop all male homosexuals (while conveniently leaving out lesbians when the word as he tries to sway us means persons attracted to the same sex) want is anal sex and we are so urgently desperate for a battyhole to enter therein with our dicks. Oh please Reverend Chisolm if you do not know how we fuck then just ask for clarification this just goes to show that even as a reverend gentleman you too are covered under the highly sexualized mental psyche of the nation to think all we do is wade in shit. 

And what health challenges does that pose in today's modern world of safer sex gadgetry and cleansing items on the market? Same gender loving men are no longer exposed to excretory matter in or around the body and contrary to popular belief sexual practices of bare-backing and penetrative sex were not as popular for gay men as now, Greek and Roman men mostly practiced intercrural sex or our version of missionary where the penis was placed between the legs to reenact or fake the feeling of penetration similar to when a woman who is seeing her menstrual cycle may do the same with her legs. Enemas such as the ones in the photo are readily available locally at popular pharmacies and reasonably priced as well for up to $300 a bottle for a single use bottle. As more and more men demand cleaner sex these items are now the rage so I do not know what health risk the goodly reverend speak of plus many of these products contain sodium based mixes that help to clean and protect the linning of the rectum.

Why does everyone feel that they have to find something in that realm from their figment of their imagination to condemn homosexual acts between men? Just leave it alone if it does not please you, simple!

Besides the word homosexual was only formally introduced into the English language by a Dutch Hungarian gentleman named Mari Kert Benney on May 6 1868 when at that time in the very ultra progressive Prussian version of parliament this forward thinking man led a bill now known as Paragraph 145 across the floor arguing the same points we are arguing today which are consent, privacy and tolerance. His mix of the Greek and Latin to form this new word did not sit well with the intelligencia of that as it was considered an anathema to mix the more superior legal Latin with the second tiered Greek in any lexicon.

Please Reverend Chisholm judge not and ye shall not be judged all this pontificating and intelligent masturbation will get us nowhere just love and let God do the rest.

What are we scared of in this matter, do we feel homosexuals are here to make everyone else gay?  Utter rubbish.

Peace and tolerance

H

LGBT History Month: Allies – Posthumous Recognition ’11 Part II

See part one on GLBTQJA Wordpress HERE

An ally, friend to the community, consummate party animal, brother in law of sorts and fierce friend, Steve was taken from us and from the pain after undergoing a series of illnesses. One of those persons who assisted many homeless persons in his private capacity, shut outs, ostracized and displaced males and females, he himself went through his own period of torment and displacement, it seems only persons like us who go through the issues or displacement teetering on homeless really develop a heart and extend a hand in the informal type of crisis intervention. A volunteer for a short while with AIDS organizations and was a regular fixture at the once bi-weekly GLABCOM, Gay Lesbian Bisexual community meetings formally held on second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with the fifth month being a games night. His two sisters still are in some sort or remorse even after I mentioned my intention to highlight him in this year's LGBT history post-humous category.

He passed away in 2010. We hope his soul is resting in peace 

Diva Diva Diva the one and only Mi'Que transgender representative in this years remembrance was taken from us tragically this year after an altercation with her spouse went haywire. I only got to know her well over the past two years with her regular appearances at formerly club heavens in St. Ann. She too in some way assisted financially with the now defunct Safe House project and travelled extensively, judging by the two photos I chose out of literally hundreds her sense of style was impeccable and unique.

RIP Mi'Que   

Garfield aka Biggy first came to my attention one faithful Saturday night in 1999 when he wanted a place to stay as he was roaming the streets in Kingston NOT HOMELESS but an avid cruiser and a damned good one too, he too like many others now who are stable went through horrible family and community rejection, he frequented a certain HIV/AIDS organization as well and also attended the GLABCOM Gay Lesbian Bisexual meetings too. We never lost touch since and was referred to at one point as my "daughter" Jovial, conservative at times, overly self concious, loved dancemusic and was a voguer in the days of the popular gay club Entourage in Kingston. He too helped some of the less fortunate until a nasty incident where he was robbed hardened him but in turn as he ailed by complications from diabetes melitus and kidney disease as he was about to commence dialysis the very week after being discharged from hospital he never made it. Some say it was stubbornness that did it as he was told to rest and not to party but he couldn't tame the wild beast within him. He was laid to rest at a popular burial site with all the funeral rights accorded and well attended. 

RIP Garfield aka Biggy

Unsung heroes and names often forgotten when they leave us, let us reflect.

Peace and tolerance

H

A story carried in the Observer today October 25th was headlined as the post title and as the comments below surprisingly so far did not suggest that adult male homosexuals are responsible as usually happens with articles of this nature notwithstanding that consenting adults males who are same gender attracted are not lovers or prepubescent or pubescent children. Due to a lack of proper public education campaigns and rebuttals from mainly, you guessed it JFLAG, Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays over these many years especially on the tabloid press front as they have massaged successfully into the nation's psyche that all homosexual males want is ass and if it's a child then look out or juxtaposed to the open adult male younger schoolgirl illicit sex trade both in and out of schools and on coaster buses where open sex occurs sometimes then the same promiscuity is compared to same sex youngsters teens and adults in these inappropriate relations. We hardly as the LGBT community properly confront this long standing challenge to differentiate consenting male homosexuals from paedophiles from ephebophiles (older men with teens sexually speaking)


We must condemn paedophilia and by extension any inappropriate relation that does not involve two consenting adults but we must avoid the labeling of gay men as predators or boy hunters as in the case of school girls hunted and primed by bus men or dons in inner city communities who demand sex from young girls as soon as the look "ripe" in their eyes.


Here is the article from the Observer with some comments:

Buggery problems stump Victim Support Unit

ALTHOUGH no statistics were given to support arguments about a rise in the practice, buggery continues to be a major concern of the Victim Support Unit of the Ministry of Justice. "We do have very serious buggery problems in this country," Rev Osbourne Bailey, senior coordinator of the Victim Support Unit told Observer editors and reporters yesterday at the weekly Monday Exchange held at the newspaper's Beechwood Avenue offices. "Serious for me is not just a question of numbers.


If you are buggered there is hardly anywhere to turn. There is a stigma associated with it that is just traumatic, so the unit provides therapy for boys who have been buggered," said Rev Bailey, while underscoring the need for parents to pay closer attention to their children. "I want to believe that it is not so much that it is on the increase, it is more now that such matters are now being addressed. "We have been seeing more cases, not because I think that more has been happening, it is because people find out that a place is there to help them, so more people are coming forward. It's just like rape, we believe that the numbers for rape is about six times more than that reported,"


Rev Osbourne said. Buggery, or forced anal intercourse, has seen incidents spread all over Jamaica, Rev Bailey said, and based upon cases that have turned up before the Victim Support Unit, mainly boys in the age range of eight to 12 years are affected. "The cases that we deal with are spread across the island, but we do see more in the urban centres than in the rural areas. "Because of the stigma that is related to buggery, not a lot of people who have been buggered would admit openly that they have been buggered. They come in for other kinds of issues, like behavioural problems until we find out that they have been buggered.


 "It happens everywhere. There is no particular unique area that it occurs," he said. Rev Bailey gave an example of a boy who went to the unit recently who had suffered trauma after he saw a man who molested him years before. "We had a child who was between eight and 10 and he came in because he saw a person (attacker), he became terrified, ran and regressed to an earlier stage of development, including wetting his bed and so on. "His mother not knowing where to turn, took him to Victim Support, because we provide counselling, and when he came in we realized that what had happened was that he had seen somebody who had buggered him four years ago. "He thought he had got over it, but then he saw the person and then [the incident] just flashed back and he became traumatized to the point where he needed therapy," Rev Bailey said.

ENDS

Some comments from the page:


wanda woeman 10/25/2011 
The article does not say who is doing the buggering --- members of staff or the wards themselves. In the meantime infrared cameras would go a far way in providing the necessary protection. I cannot understand the aversion we have in this country for CCTV. I guess it is just a case where we think we can talk or wish our problems away. I am sure though that the homosexual community will say that nothing like this is going on. Probably the sleeping arrangements could be changed. Less talk more 


 LAUREL FITZMAURICE 10/25/2011 
The incidents of buggery within Jamaica will forever foster what is called homophobia in the US and UK. Buggery and ALL sexual offences should face some of the harshest punishments in Jamaica and the victims treated as victims. Jakan 2011 10/25/2011 So Rev, did you report the bugger or saw to it that he got help or did you just pray for him and let him roam so he can bugger others? The police should be more vigilant now that this has become public acknowledgement.


My Two cents continued:
As I have expressed some concerns before the question of situational homosexuality can also be applied here  and even as far as substitutional sex for older teens of adolescents who are in a rehabilitation facility. Studies have proven the phenomenon to be present in same sexed institutions when persons are exposed for a particular amount of time. Legally children and teens cannot give consent until they are eighteen but with early initiation in younger generations a cause for concern were they actually forced into performing same sex acts, where or are their in the experimental stages as well? Maybe the sexual offences registry also need to be looked at in depth and implemented but being mindful of not placing on there the wrong persons who are male homosexuals simply because a teen in particular decided to "give them a piece" sometimes it is pressure from the very so called teen themselves on the now accused that lands them into trouble, then there is a spin on the story when they get to court for trial as a  recent case suggested strongly. The teen willingly found the man's home and forced himself on the adult as he was drunk, he overnighted at the man's home as it rained heavily albeit he was placed in a different room but the man woke up the following morning with the teen nude with him in the bed, the teen the returned to the man's home with his mother and a police patrol claiming buggery whilst intermittently suggesting some sort of compensation as the trial went on, the judge and all in the court soon realized the teens stories did not add up and we are awaiting the outcome as this post was prepared.


There also seems to be missing any serious psychiatric interventions based on the video above for the victims mainly boys as suggested in the article, also of concern are the Reverend gentlemen who are in touch with this boys, how can we verify their status as not being paedophiles while under the cloth and as for volunteers how do they vet them before accepting them? 


Also see the following older posts and audio:


Paedophilia, the predominant sexual aberration says Psychiatrist and the church’s response.

Continued misconceptions of adult homosexuals being paedophiles


Ephebophilia vs Paedophilia & Male Homosexuality part 2 .... the need to continue the discourse

Unacceptable no matter who does it (Paedophilia)

Cardinal rejects link between celibacy and sexual abuse

Newstalk Interview on Paedophilia and Issues 01.04.10 by glbtqja

No Reported cases of Paedophilia say local Catholic Diocese Representative

Peace and tolerance

H

The Line in The Sand for The JLP part 13 - the ascention but the question:Will Holness be a pro-rights prime minister?

With yesterday's October 23rd historic moment for Jamaica's youngest and ninth Prime Minister as his predecessor Bruce Golding demitted office the Honourable Andrew Michael Holness was sworn in, many are asking what will he be bringing to the table? The People's National Party PNP who say they are government in waiting has poured cold water on his ascension saying he will not be changing any of Golding policies and die hard PNP supporters still hurt from the shock of Golding's sudden departure a full year before due albeit they were calling for his head are cynical to say the least and venomous in some places. It seems the shock is too much for them as the JEEP plan for unemployed persons that was touted by sister P as in its leader Portia Simpson Miller has stalled for too long and they can't seem to regroup with the JLP receives well needed traction and positive press for the most part.


A Gleaner poll today so far as at this post shows favourable ratings for Prime Minister Holness 

Meanwhile Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays JFLAG's Programs Manager Jae Nelson had written a piece on October 7, 2011 that has mysteriously disappeared from the Gleaner's site that asked will Holness be a pro rights minister?

Prime Minister, the Hon Andrew Holness, and his predecessor, Hon Bruce Golding, share a laugh during the swearing in exercise at King’s House on Sunday (October 23).

PM Holness' Swearing Speech: Better Politics, Better Policies, Better People

.

The new Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon Andrew Holness, and his family wave to the audience at King’s House, after being sworn in on Sunday (October 23). At right is his wife, Juliette, and in front his sons, Adam (left) and Matthew.

Mr Nelson wrote:

It is widely accepted that development is about the respect accorded to human dignity and freedoms. Rights facilitate democracy and participation, as well as accommodate diversity of languages, identities, cultures and different models of development.Unfortunately, Jamaica and familieshere has been a deficit in the Jamaican Parliament over the years where human rights are concerned. As a consequence, we have suffered a horrendous branding internationally, especially in relation to extrajudicial and summary killings, treatment of prisoners,Netherlands. homosexuals and children. Martin Henry once said, despite the soundness of our Constitution, there is a rampant breach of rights by fellow citizens while the state and its government stand aside and look. Many of us rubbish such commentary despite the ct that our prisons are overcrowded, schools built to accommodate 600 students have double and triple occupancy, more than 200 persons are killed by the police annually, negligence at one state-run facility resulted in a fire which killed seven juveniles in 2009, and more than 120 persons have been abused because of their sexual orientation between 2009 and 2011. However, the most egregious violation of our rights is that we are denied the opportunity to challenge the constitutionality of any law that predates political Independence. To make it worse Czech Republic, the Parliament resaved this law (Section 26 of the Constitution) when the Charter of Rights was enacted this year. There is deafening silence when many of these abuses are perpetrated or when the vulnerability of some of these groups to discrimination must be taken into consideration. For example, health status, sexual orientation, and disability were not included as grounds for non-discrimination in the Charter of Rights. 


The Sexual Offences Act Kenya, passed in 2009, is biased towards women and girls, thereby ignoring the vulnerability of males to ual violence. This is partly because our well-intentioned political leaders perhaps lack the knowledge and appreciation for human rights and fear that any support for the unconventional will ruin their popularity at the polls. Bold Steps None of us should continue to accommodate human rights abuses. Our 50th anniversary of Independence is an important time in our history, and we must take more bold steps to become fully compliant with the myriad human rights conventions we have ratified. We often say the right things internationally,Ghana. but they are rarely translated into laws locally. Protecting and promoting the human rights is imperative, because if Jamaica is ever to become the place of choice to live,Sudan. work, raise milies and do business Bahrain, development policies and laws must encourage and promote equity and social justice among all people and within groups, regardless of our ideological persuasions. Understandably, we will not be able to subjugate our personal, cultural, religious and other beliefs overnight. However, given that the breach of human rights has negative implications on reducing poverty and conflict, and promoting peace and justice, we must lend our support to efforts that seek to guarantee the rights of all Jamaicans. Jamaicas goals are to: 


(1) ensure that we are empowered to achieve our fullest potential; 


(2) the society is cohesive and just; 


(3) the economy is prosperous; 


and (4) we live in a healthy environment. Fifteen national outcomes support the goals to become a developed country,Search. which is our vision for 2030. As citizens, we must begin to assess the extent to which human rights are applied towards achieving the goals of the national development plan. Enriching the lives and freedoms of ordinary people is fundamental to the process of human development because it empowers oppressed and marginalised groups within our society. Crucial Legislation Many strides have been made over the years. A number of important pieces of legislation, such as the Child Care & Protection Act, Charter of Rights, and Sexual Offences Act, have been enacted. 


There are also policies in place governing the management of HIV in schools and ensuring non-discrimination in workplaces, to name a few. There is also an Independent Commission of Investigation, childrens advocate and public defender. In some respects, our quandary is enforcement of these policies and legislations. Nevertheless, we are routinely serenaded with these unflattering reports from human rights organisations such as Jamaicans for Justice and J-FLAG. International players such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the US Department of State have also chimed in with their reports. We are most desperately in need of a prime minister who will be pro-rights. Andrew Holness, the endorsed successor of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, must take bold steps in ensuring that the human rights of all Jamaicans, including the most vulnerable and marginalised persons, Peru. will be protected and widely promoted. 


 Email feedback to lgbtevent@gmail.com or jaevion@gmail.com 

ENDS

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen, looks on as Prime Minister, the Most Hon Andrew Holness, raises his hand and takes the Oath of Office at his swearing in at King’s House on Sunday (October 23)

Political commentators had mixed reactions about the speech and one influential said he sounded more like he was in parliament than at a formal swearing in ceremony, he may need to work on his charisma and projection as he comes across to the public, a younger more hip generation may zone out I fear if he doesn't manage his communications which in my mind all the more reason he needs a proper communicator in information as suggested in Part 12 of this series early days yet but let us see.

Line in The Sand? may not just yet, when all this feel good atmosphere cools down and he decides on the election and the way forward with a new cabinet (which may include closet cases as before) will be the ultimate test of his mettle. 


Peace and tolerance


H 

Homophobic Killings or what?

It seems every time we walk away for a little peace and seemingly a lull comes over the community in as afar as incidents are concerned there comes something and very gruesome at that. RIP my brothers/sisters as the case maybe.

Late on the weekend of October 18, 2011 reports were published on various media regarding three incidents in a short space of time and of course whenever one hears of these incidents the natural inclination is to get angry and cry homophobia but as it turns out new information that has been corroborated has come forth. First let us look at the outlets and what was said.

CVM TV October 18 news item (srcoll to 10:00 or so to see the Oshane story)

New bloggers at the Pink Report reported that:

Home Eviction Turns Deadly! Gay Man Kills attacker forces another to Flee!

Montego Bay, St. James - Reports reaching the Pink Report are that a community member is nursing severe chop wounds at a St. James Hospital after successfully fending off two attackers who had visited his rented premises to enforce an illegal eviction order. The attackers were lead by the female landlord who wanted the man off the premises because of his alleged homosexuality. Up to the time of publication there is no indication that any monies are outstanding in respect of rent, maintenance or public utilities.

The report notes that on the afternoon of Wednesday the 19th October, 2 men lead by a female landlord attempted to evict the man who was living at a premises in the parish of St. James with another man. A struggle ensued in which knives/machetes were brought into play. The man being attacked was, however, successfully able to defend himself killing one attacker in the process and forcing the other to flee.

The St. James Police are currently investigating the circumstances but have preliminarily ruled it a case of self-defense.

ENDS

The Ricardo Morgan murder story 

Then gay lawyer and AIDSFREEWORLD Consultant Maurice Tomlinson wrote a letter to the Gleaner regarding a news item carried on CVM TV on October 21, 2011 about the murder of a 16 year old youth in Western Jamaica. It read:

Are Jamaican Gays Dispensable?

THE EDITOR, Sir:
 During its evening newscast on Tuesday, October 18, CVM TV reported on the gruesome early-morning home invasion and murder of 16-year-old Oshane Gordon in the district of New England in Lilliput, St Elizabeth. According to the news report, the youngster, who had previously been threatened, was killed because of 'questionable relations with another man'.

As he tried to escape through a window, Oshane was first chopped on his foot to prevent him from going far. When Oshane's attackers caught up with their prey, they finished him off with several more chops.

His mother, who was at home with him, also received several chops and is now nursing serious injuries.
This is the second homophobic murder that CVM has reported in three months. The other occurred in Torrington Park, Kingston, on August 2.

Despite these vicious attacks and many more like them, there are still those who argue that Jamaica's deadly homophobia is a figment of the global North's gay hysteria and an agenda to smear our country's good name.

Thanks, CVM, for daring to report the truth. In the face of this carnage, the silence of our politicians on the need for tolerance towards homosexuals is both cowardly and deadly. Where is the leadership?

Or are gay Jamaicans simply dispensable? 

MAURICE TOMLINSON
 maurice_tomlinson@yahoo.com

ENDS

Sad that this is what befell both gentlemen and it is interesting how politically correct CVM TV was in saying young Oshane Gordon was in an inappropriate relationship. I am really sorry for this loss for his mother and especially his father who expressed grief at the scene on camera given the suspicious circumstances. 

The Torrington Park matter is puzzling to me as you may have noticed I held my comments from August on this matter as it puzzles me that even though the deceased Ricardo Morgan resided in an inner city community he survived for so long with little interference if the truth be told, the community knew that he was a hair stylist, a profession not practiced openly by many males from the lower socio economic quarters, also what was more puzzling was why didn't the traditional "born and grow" culture or protection chips in and protected him, this however is a fragile shield and can shatter if any proof presents itself as confirmation for them to act on the accused with sometimes harsher violence, MSM and WSW have been shielded in a sense by this community phenomenon where if one was born in a depressed area, or has family residing there for extended periods or generations then even if one was suspected or being gay or lesbian that knowledge of your roots would act as a reason not to attack and in some areas outsiders cannot enter communities and point out suspected individuals. 

Clearly even with his sister supposedly in the altercation as an intermediary it didn't stopped his attackers from killing him. New information which has been corroborated suggests the killing was made to look homophobic because of a fear by a particular gangster in the area who Mr. Morgan had a secret relationship with had gone sour and he reacted publicly to the presence of a "new babymother" whom the man moved into his house.

Ricardo in happier times

The man learned of the upset or Mr. Morgan and warned him to keep it quiet however like in most small communities the news travelled and in a bid to protect his identity and secret the thug arranged the attack so as to avoid any future issues and finger pointing. The community to this day is still tense according to my source and his sister who spoke on camera is said to know more than she revealed on camera. What is also curious is that she resides in the community with no threat to her person. 

This matter or downlow relations in inner city communities going haywire is not new, we lost several other persons in years gone by due to this phenomenon. Kitty in early 2000 from Fletcher's Land, Kelly formerly of Rollington Town is another who was shot in broad daylight in downtown Kingston as he prepared his vendor's stall to do business. Another gruesome killing was a popular figure named "Carry on" or Opal who hailed from Tivoli Gardens and who was the worse case as his body was stabbed all over, multiple gunshot wounds and was dumped on the infamous Matches Lane wrapped in barbed wire, then there was the killing of a young man in upper St. Andrew under the guise that he made the moves on one of his attackers. 

Gay Panic Defense? When these types of killings are done the ones who often commit them or accused of such are empowered in the community and praised as well so they have nothing to loose in killing a suspected person when things go wrong. Many deceased may have felt aggrieved due to possible competition as in this case a woman who is the main partner while they have to settle for second fiddle. So Mr. Morgan's murder cannot be deemed homophobic if we are to go by the new information that has come to light, this downlow issue has to be properly ventilated and brought to public as previous experience has brought to bear. The public's cynicism has always been there and the proverbial crime of passion description, here is an old star news piece from 2006 that spoke to the predictability of cases where a male is found naked with multiple stab wounds: 'Brotherhood of Knives'

Let us also not forget the supposed area leader who was to take Dudus' place in Tivoli Gardens despite his womanizing public persona rumours festered of his alleged hebephelic nature with male teens. Read More here: 

WANNABE TIVOLI DON KILLED - Was warned to reconsider his desires

Sad that in history this time of years seems to be a most violent one for LGBT people especially MSMs it was in November 30, 2005 that we lost Steve Harvey to a brutal murder after a home invasion. 

RIP my brothers/sisters as the case maybe, I hope this matter goes to the courts where it belongs and the accused are duly sentenced if the evidence can be found and the witnesses including Ricardo's sister comes forward.

Peace and tolerance

H

additional thoughts from teens on gays in Jamaica and homosexuality as a gay for pay thing and the violence is more gay on gay.

Nigeria: Stop the anti-same sex marriage bill, decriminalize same sex love!

Why this is Important

The Nigerian lawmakers are attempting to pass a bill titled “An Act to Prohibit Marriage between Persons of Same Gender, Solemnization Of Same And For Other Matters Related Therewith” The bill aims to further criminalized same sex relationship and marriage.

Under Nigeria’s criminal code and penal code, consensual same sex conduct between adults is a criminal offense. Chapter 42, section 214 of Nigeria’s criminal code provides a sentence of fourteen years imprisonment for "carnal knowledge against the order of nature". The Sharia law, widely practiced in Northern Nigeria prescribed death penalty for homosexual conducts.

The proposed bill violates fundamental human rights that are guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution and various human rights international agreements that Nigeria is a signatory to. This bill could lead to political and social harassment of people for their actual or imputed sexual orientation. It could also stifle freedom of expression and association through the proposed ban on organizations that support Lesbians and gay rights.

The bill could further affect Nigeria Human rights records, many including the police would use it as a license to intimidate and harass citizens based on their actual or suspected sexual orientation. The passing of the bill would give official validation to the harassment of sexual minorities and many homophobic persons would use it as a license to discriminate against lesbians and gays. Hate crime are not uncommon in Nigeria.

Please sign the letter below to urge Nigerian lawmakers to decriminalize Same sex relationship, stop the proposed anti same sex marriage bill and uphold fundamental human rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals transsexuals in Nigeria. Thank you.

SIGN the petition HERE on Change.org

here is a letter you can copy to send to them as well:

NIGERIA: STOP THE ANTI SAME SEX MARRIAGE BILL, DECRIMINALIZE SAME SEX LOVE!

Dear Nigerian Lawmakers,

I just signed the following petition addressed to: NIGERIA LAWMAKERS, SENATE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE MEMBERS, NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.

----------------
LGBT RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS! STOP THE ANTI SAME SEX MARRIAGE BILL, DECRIMINALIZE SAME SEX LOVE!!

It is with deep concern that I signed this petition to register my dismay at the proposed Bill titled “An Act to Prohibit Marriage Between Persons of Same Gender, Solemnization of Same and for Other Matters Related Therewith” sponsored by senator Domingo Obende. This bill contradicts fundamental human rights under Nigeria constitution, international and regional human rights law and standards e.g.
• Nigeria Constitution- Section 42 prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of sex or membership of a group. Also, Section 34 guarantees the right to the dignity of the human person; it states “Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly no person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment;”

•The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights – This regional law affirms the equality of all people. Article 2 of the law states: "Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, color, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status." Article 26 of the law prescribes that "Every individual shall have the duty to respect and consider his fellow beings without discrimination, and to maintain relations aimed at promoting, safeguarding and reinforcing mutual respect and tolerance."

•International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) - Article 2 and 26 affirm the equality of all people before the law and the right to freedom from discrimination. Articles 18 and 19 protect the rights to freedom of expression and Conscience. Also Articles 21 and 22 protect Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Association.

•United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders - Article 5 of this declaration affirms that "everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, at the national and international levels: a) to meet or assemble peacefully; b) to form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations, associations or groups." Article 7 also states that “Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to develop and discuss new human rights ideas and principles and to advocate their acceptance."

Sodomy law is a relic from British colonization. The British parliament and many of its former colonies e.g. Canada, Australia, South Africa and India have repealed the law. Why is Nigeria clinging and seeking to strengthen this antiquated law through the proposed Anti-same sex relationship bill?

The argument that any sexual act or relationship that deviates from the standard heterosexual norm is against African culture is using “culture” to sanction the erasure of dialogue about alternative sexualities and to condone homophobia, therefore constituting a form of cultural violence. A society that stifles sexual and gender identities discourages the recognition of human dignity. LGBT rights are human rights-
• Say NO to the passage of this bill.
• Repeal Sodomy laws and other criminal provisions against consensual same-sex relationships
• Protect and uphold the human rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transsexuals and human rights defenders in Nigeria.

I hope you agree with me that States should be responsible for respecting, protecting and enabling human rights and not the limitation and violation of human rights of its citizens. Thank you for listening.


----------------

Sincerely,

[Your name]

SIGN the petition HERE on Change.org


Following failed attempts in 2006 and 2008, Nigerian lawmakers are resurrecting a version of a widely condemned anti-homosexuality bill, now entitled: "An Act to Prohibit Marriage between Persons of Same Gender, Solemnization Of Same And For Other Matters Related Therewith".

Read the bill here:
http://www.nass.gov.ng/nass/legislation2.php?search=marriage+&Submit=Search 

Sign the petition against the ban on same-sex marriage
http://www.change.org/petitions/nigeria-stop-the-anti-same-sex-marriage-bill-decriminalize-same-sex-love  

"The new Nigerian bill aims to further criminalise same sex relationships and marriage," said Nigerian Yemisi Ilesanmi, coordinator of the campaign: Nigerian LGBT in the Diaspora Against Anti Same Sex Laws.

"Lawmakers are fast tracking the bill. The bill has already passed its second reading. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday 31st October, 2011. However, there are concerns within the Nigerian LGBT community that the recent bomb blasts in the country could be used as a pretext to deny public access to the hearing.

"Under Nigeria's criminal code and penal code, consensual same sex conduct between adults is already a criminal offence carrying up to 14 years imprisonment and in some parts of the country, the death penalty under Sharia law.

"The proposed bill violates fundamental human rights that are guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution and various human rights international agreements that Nigeria is a signatory to.

"This bill would lead to harassment of people for their actual or imputed sexual orientation. It would also stifle freedom of expression and association through the proposed ban on organizations that support lesbian and gay rights.

"The passing of the bill would give official validation to the harassment of sexual minorities and many homophobic persons would use it as a license to discriminate against lesbians and gays," said Ms Ilesanmi.

The bill states -

1.-(1) Marriage Contract entered between persons of same Gender is hereby prohibited in Nigeria.

(3) Marriage Contract entered between persons of same gender by virtue a certificate issued by a foreign country shall be void in Nigeria, and any benefits accruing there from by virtue of the certificate shall not be enforced by any court of law in Nigeria."

It further states: "Same Gender Marriage" means the coming together of persons of the same sex with the purpose of leaving together as husband and wife or for other purposes of same sexual relationship."

Read the Bill in full here:
http://www.nass.gov.ng/nass/legislation2.php?search=marriage+&Submit=Search 

More information:

YEMISI ILESANMI
Coordinator - Nigerian LGBT in the Diaspora Against Anti Same Sex Laws
Tel- +44 (0) 7577749875
Email- nanfs2001@yahoo.com 

Nigerians and Allies Speak Out Against the Bill

Some human rights organizations in Nigeria have condemned the bill, The Coalition for the Defense of Sexual Rights in its press statement said: "We wish to remind the parliament that, Nigeria is a secular state. Therefore, implicating that laws of our land cannot and should not be drafted and/or enact on the basis of religious and cultural value. This value already differ as Nigeria is a heterogeneous society, hence our federal system of government."

Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center argues that: "the bill violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigerian law and other regional and international human rights norms signed and adopted by Nigeria, people must have a right to be who they want to be ! There are other pressing issues that the government should focus on than a discriminatory law of this nature!"

International Center on Advocacy on Rights to Health (ICARH) stated: "LGBTI Rights are Human Rights. Let us stand up for Equal Rights."

A petition was created by Yemisi Ilesanmi, coordinator of the campaign Nigerian LGBT in the Diaspora Against Anti Same Sex Laws. Read and sign the petition here:  http://www.change.org/petitions/nigeria-stop-the-anti-same-sex-marriage-bill-decriminalize-same-sex-love 

Justice for Gay Africans, a UK-based collaborative of activists, artists, and academics wrote on the petition: "Please sign this all... it is essential to make sure we use the democratic access we have to affect how our communities are governed"

John Adewoye, a Nigerian in USA wrote: "I am gay, not a criminal"

Davis Mac-Iyalla a Nigeria born Gay/Human Rights Defender based in London said, "Homosexuality is currently illegal in Nigeria, this bill if passed will lead to increased arrests and abuse of anyone suspected to be gay. It's my nature to be Gay so stop using the law to oppress me and my nature."

Rowland Jide Macaulay, a Christian Theologian and Founder of House of Rainbow Fellowship an inclusive Christian organisation, wrote: "I am Gay, Proud Nigerian, my family love me and we love our nation. This bill will not only criminalise gays and lesbian, it will dehumanise and break up families."

The Nigerian LGBT community, with international support, has been successful in quashing this bill twice, but now needs international support to throw out this bill once and for all.

In its latest international newsletter, the UK trade union, UNISON, wrote:
"The proposed bill violates fundamental human rights that are guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution and numerous human rights international agreements that Nigeria has ratified. The passing of the bill would legitimize the rampant incidences of homosexual-targeted hate crimes that occur in Nigeria. It would also give official validation to the social and political harassment of sexual minorities. UNISON denounces this attempt to curtail basic human rights within the LGBT community and their allies. We are asking members to please sign this petition urging the Nigerian government to decriminalize same sex relationships, stop the proposed bill and uphold the fundamental human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Nigeria.

Peter Tatchell, Director of the human rights lobby, the Peter Tatchell Foundation, wrote: "This proposed new law violates the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and other international human rights laws that Nigeria has signed and pledged to uphold."