A Neighbour's take on the Homeless MSM New Kgn matters ...............

The following is a contributed article by a neighbour close to the controversial homelessness issue in New Kingston who has some serious concerns, as per usual not only my points of view are posted here but contributed pieces are accepted provided they meet my approval and deal directly with the issue(s) as subjected.

Posting contributed articles is in no way an endorsement of the points of view expressed there in but act as an outlet for airing issues.

The neighbour wrote:

Five months ago, I wrote to this blog and on GLBTQ Jamaica contributing a piece on the real state of the homeless issue and Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) and J-FLAG as I saw it. Though I have never been approached by anyone regarding the article, I’m fully aware how widely read and circulated it was. I’m not naïve nor a stranger to the circles touched upon so word, as is habit, got back to me as to who felt offended or thanked me for having the courage to speak out.

That article dealt mostly with a very lop-sided view of advocacy by a former Executive Director of JASL, essentially painting herself as a lone voice in a wilderness of an uncaring advocacy structure. While I still hold to the view that this is vanity on her part, I went on to state—and still believe—that her dedication to helping LGBT and the neediest cannot be questioned. I like to think of myself as a fair individual so it takes little from me to state that much. Now, as the time has passed, one can assess what has followed since she left.

Mark you, I have stopped volunteering at JASL for years now but as a neighbor I can say things have not really improved since her resignation. Let me clarify: the human interaction is no longer there and the staff keeps mostly to itself, almost in perpetual defense mode. One can hardly blame them at times though given the ridiculous state in which they work.

J-FLAG has remained by and large unchanged, which is of greater concern. Five months ago, my main concern was the constant ignored state of the homeless guys’ behavior by advocates and it remains that way. J-FLAG has dug into its heels that the state of gay-rights remains squarely a “us vs. them’ showdown…effectively saying to all, “we’ll back these guys no matter what” instead of examining what is helping to isolate the community. If the former ED foolishly felt “scum” behavior could be just substitute for advocacy, then J-FLAG which scorned her for such a stance, has done nothing but adopt that same principle. It’s advocates put down any divisive argument, anything that paints a realistically unruly sector of the community, in swift tweets, letters et al. It’s as if there is a desperate need to quiet anyone who doesn’t share the hardline “us vs them” view. You’re marked as ‘homophobic’ or ‘fight ‘gainst’…

A stance for which they are now paying a huge price: the landlady of the premises, fed up with the constant complaints, has sold the property. The eviction notes state that by March month-end, the property will cease being hers. What does this mean? J-FLAG and JASL now find themselves with just a little under three (3) weeks to find alternative lodgings.

I was told about the impending state from last year December and felt torn by it. I too am being dislodged and not for any of my own doing. In fact, I can well imagine irresponsible tongues even waging that I had some influence in the matter. It is sad because New Kingston was a great convenience to me but not anymore, both for work and personal reasons. I was moving anyway but I had grown fond of the area. But, in principle I’m glad the landlady finally took action that anyone else would have taken years ago. Things have been said to me in confidence and I shall not repeat but just as how both organizations have not been good neighbours for a long time, they’ve been bad tenants too.

Now, it will force them both to change idealism and how they treat others around them. Unless they find accommodations by themselves, they can no longer have their visitors dominating everything. They will be forced to be more cautious, more considerate of other people’s rights. J-FLAG especially seems to have lost this common decency factor.

J-FLAG is not a practical organization either. Imagine my shock being told by their representatives that the organization cannot afford security. A gay-rights organization is a group I’d imagine needs security more than any other –not just from outside harm but from the very community it defends so stoutly. Lord knows, I don’t need to fabricate occasions of violence that certain pockets of the homeless guys have subjected upon J-FLAG staff. The head of the organization I hope will rectify this inane state when they move to another place because they’ll never have a great spot like this one and no matter where they go, the homeless guys will follow. He is not firm in his leadership either and this façade of unity within the organization over his rule is just that, a façade. The next three weeks will be crucial to their survival, so I hope they are prepared.

As things stand here now, both groups have allowed the homeless guys to live on the property since last Saturday. This entails them occupying virtually the entire outside grounds. So, as I type, even my clothes line is filled with their clothes, my other neighbours’ water tap used regularly, endless visitors streaming in, countless and vulgar and loud arguments 24/7. I have been watching and waiting for some explanation from either group as to the reason for this but they remain silent. Even now, as we all wind down living here, the gross disrespect JASL and J-FLAG mete out to us remains astonishing. These are groups after all that fight against discrimination for their clients respectively yet can turn around comfortably see beneath their noses me and my neighbor and feel satisfied. They do not put a check on the guys here after all, in fact, one person even had the audacity to ask me not to tell the guys they’re moving! Imagine, the cowardice. Yet again, these rowdy street boys are being used and duped without even realizing why.

Naturally, I have taken it upon myself to let the guys know that everyone will be leaving the compound. I don’t work for them so I’m under no clause to keep my mouth shut, worse when I’m being directly affected. They have a right to know and not to have J-FLAG sneak out leave them like that. I have not approached J-FLAG either because my own moving process is nearly here, far away from this current mess, never to interact with these individuals again in person. I’m past even looking at these issues now but a huge part of me is very much satisfied that they’re being uprooted for a matter that—with better management than what is in place now—could have been avoided. It’s time someone made their sloppy ways count in a way that hurts. Good luck o their hunt for accommodations…which I’m sure they’ll find before they find accommodations for these homeless guys. A type of hypocrisy I bet the advocates won’t write letters to the newspapers about.

Neighbour

JFLAG's Programmes Mgr on Do Homosexuals Have A Place In Jamaica ?

By Jaevion Nelson published in the Gleaner 14.03.12

He wrote:

FOR SOME strange reason we have concluded that retaining the buggery law can prevent people from being born homosexual. On top of that, we want nothing to do with homosexuality but talk about it, usually expressing disparage, at every waking moment in songs, political speeches, and sermons. In Jamaica, your (gay or lesbian) sexual orientation is an axis on which grave discrimination and even violence occurs but the commonplace homophobia is often denied.

In a contribution in the Winter 2010 edition of Americas Quarterly Magazine, entitled 'The Advocate', I highlighted that "the dominant heterosexual culture [in Jamaica] continues to breed intolerance, revealed in inadequate public policies" and laws to all sectors of society including educational and religious institutions.

Notwithstanding the antipathy which exists, more and more Jamaicans are becoming open about their sexual orientation. Many people see persons they think are homosexual - usually effeminate males and 'masculine' females - and conclude that we are not homophobic. People who are opposed to constitutional provisions for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seemingly think their brothers and sisters who are non-heterosexual are not deserving of being called Jamaican.

Nothing could be more ludicrous. How can this be so when so many LGBT people are active participants in the development of Jamaica. As my friend Javed Jaghai, an openly gay Jamaican, said, "if every gay person working in mass media, law, government, banking and insurance, tourism and the performing arts were to take a year-long leave of absence tomorrow, their sudden departure would send tremors through the various sectors."

Regrettably, LGBT people's contribution to our national vision to make Jamaica a developed country by 2030 will never truly materialise with the distinctions which currently exist in our society about the respect for one set of people over another. The majority of a subsample of businesspeople in the 2012 National Survey on Homophobiarevealed they would not readily hire a gay or lesbian person. It is my hope that all Jamaicans will recognise and appreciate that a country is enriched when it reaches out to all its citizens, enshrines the dignity of all and celebrates diversity. A contrary approach, which criminalises those who do no harm to others, makes outcasts of some and narrows the definition of who is truly Jamaican.

It is my firm belief that more must be done and can be done to achieve our national vision to ensure that the "Jamaican society is secure, cohesive and just" by promoting tolerance and respect for human rights and freedoms, regardless of sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, disability or health status.

Contribution to development

Importantly, despite what appears to be widespread fear of and dislike for homosexuals in Jamaica, many respondents in the National Survey of Attitudes and Perceptions to Same-sex Relationships, conducted in 2010 by Professor Ian Boxill, readily point out that persons who are homosexual make an important contribution to the society. Most Jamaicans believe that homosexuals are and can be productive members of society. They conceded, on some level, that many homosexuals are 'normal' and that they may be interacting with us every day and not know our sexual orientation.

As Jamaicans, we should all lend our support to human rights advocacy so our Government can demonstrate leadership and protect members of the LGBT community. Already, a third of Jamaicans believe they aren't doing enough in this regard. We must take important steps to make Jamaica the country for people to live, work, raise families and do business. We should ensure that the Jamaican law is based on the concepts of inclusivity and dignity, and on an appreciation of contemporary science on human sexuality, not on prejudice, fear and misinformation.

This is achievable given that the Government has on more than one occasion committed itself to protect persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity from human-rights abuses at the regional and international levels. These commitments encourage us to condemn, and take steps to address, all areas of human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. We have already articulated the need to address human rights violations throughout Vision 2030, the national development plan.

As J-FLAG, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, has said, "We must commit to rebuild this great nation on the principle of understanding ourselves and fellow men and women. Each of us should invest in promoting equality ... Gay or straight, Christian or non-Christian, JLP or PNP, let us use our talents and resources for the betterment of our country."

Jaevion Nelson is a youth development, HIV and human rights advocate. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and jaevion@gmail.com.

ENDS

Nice articles are good, flowery and stuff but my question to Mr Nelson as Programs Manager for JFLAG where oh where are the programs for the homeless MSM in particular and the needed interventions to foster real tolerance in our community FIRST before we go mainstream demanding it? The men are still struggling and as the Education Officer of the J says in the video below the J needs to take its own advice @ 3:08 on the issue of class etc

The public agitation sometimes smacks of a kind of institutional hypocrisy that rubs some of us the wrong way. Why is there continued limited interest in addressing some of the challenges with displaced and homeless persons?

Think on these things

Peace and tolerance

H

The Loss of a community stalwart .....................

As per numerous request for a post on the passing of Mr. Leonard Officer on March 4th here is a small entry in remembrance of him, one of a few of my best friends in recent times. He was very instrumental with his then partner after my run in with the law in 1996 in my recovery via group support and just pure kindness of both gentlemen's part. His warm smile is what most would remember him for and calm demeanor however it was the vogue nights and the semi cross dressed session roaring with laughter when we shared a flat together in the Mountain View area then again in the Kingston 10 area. The other issues we share privately as several issues were close to his heart including homelessness having come through the state care system he understood fully the attendant challenges on the road to independence.

He often would order his dancemusic CDs to practice the latest hand moves for parties at the time and the occasional impromptu alternative cross dress with a sheet or rag in heels while darting across the floor much to the gasps of onlookers.

photo from the memorial service March 9, 2013

His memorial service on Saturday March 9, 2013 at the Romans Chapel was well attended with standing room only was testament to the impact he had on not only the LGBT community by his associations with the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, JASL but also other philanthropic groups as well one of which he was the general secretary. Noticeably absent were JFLAG representatives at the Executive level and some other community influentials but the over two hour service was good for the most part.

There was a period however where battle lines were drawn in a sense as the various speakers from the representative groups seemed to claim him for themselves albeit during his final weeks prior to his passing in the hospital there was very little assistance from one noted group and a flimsy excuse for a mistake he made while engaged there by driving a motor vehicle from the property without the requisite permissions seemed to have been used to justify their separation from his contract. 

This revelation in the service did not sit well with some in attendance as it smacks of a kind of contempt and arrogance that rears its ugly head every now and again from persons who ought to know better. It was suggested that due to the insistence of one social group to carry the costs of the ceremony and certain behind the scenes comments the rift played out during the respective elements of the program.

Persons were visible repulsed and shocked in some sense by the action by the speaker who gave his perspective which we found most inappropriate given the solemness the occasion demanded then came the other links to homosexuality and a suggested reparative session by a religious member of the other social group.

However the old faces who turned up to show their respects was heart warming:

Rest in Peace

Leonard aka Slutskier

Walk Good

Peace and tolerance

H

Star News: Man & Male student caught in bathroom ....

So another one has made it to the headlines and we aren't showing any signs of getting tired of the steady diet of sensational stories often embellished to sell papers of course, I am almost sure there was a second edition on the same day of the publication which usually happens when the first one sells out .... they print a new hard copy headlined edition to continue selling.

Let us see what the tabloid had to say this time around in this one.

Andre and Sheldon Williams wrote:

Police personnel attached to the St Andrew Central police yesterday morning accosted two students and an adult after they were allegedly caught in a compromising position at a popular food establishment, THE STAR understands.

Information reaching THE STAR is that police officers who were on patrol in Half-Way Tree encountered the group inside the restaurant. They became suspicious after the students and the adult began panicking on the approach of the police party.

Our news team understands that at the time they were seen, school would have already been in session.

An eyewitness told THE STAR that they saw when the police spoke briefly to the students and another male before they were searched and carried away.

"I hear two male adults and one male child get caught having sex in ... this morning, then they say it is a student from ... , then I hear they were held and handed over to the Half-Way Tree police," a bystander said.

Our news team gathered that the group was thereafter escorted to the nearby Half-Way Tree Transport Centre to a police post where they were examined and questioned.

When our news team visited the location, we were told by a security guard on duty at the mall where the fast food restaurant is located that "dem ketch dem a have threesome."

He was unable to provide additional details but admitted that his account was mere hearsay.

When THE STAR contacted the Transport Centre police, an officer disclosed, "I have been hearing that they were allegedly caught in a compromising position, however, I cannot confirm that because when they were turned over to us by the police, that was not disclosed."

THE STAR was also told that the detained students along with the adult had in their possession a tablet and a high-end cell phone for which they could not properly account for and told the police they were at the restaurant making a trade.

The police told THE STAR, "They told us they were making a trade of the devices, however, they could not readily show ownership and the police are trying to establish ownership. No one could say how they came by the devices or produce any documents."

Meanwhile, head of The St Andrew Central Police Division, SSP Fitz Bailey, told our news team that he was unaware of the incident at the time of our enquiry.

ENDS

Obviously a ephebophile or hebephile construct is what is at work here to suggest the man may have offered the tablet pc etc in exchange for sex in a public bathroom!!!? and knowing how Jamaicans feel about that, either some one is lying here or the men are stupid to be in a public space doing this kind of act knowing the University of Technology incident is still fresh in the minds of many locals and the subsequent positive stance taken by the faculty members there to launch a sensitization program for tolerance the only drawback is that persons have to pay in some part to participate in the activities event though it is funded by the European Union to the tune of one million Jamaican dollars.

Peace and tolerance

H