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

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Shelter Coming For Homeless Gays reports the Gleaner

0 comments
This homeless MSM business has gotten so ugly over the past four and half years in particular that it stinks to high heaven as the lead LGBT organization literally turned its back on the men in many respects now to see this presumed turn around and interest in a section of our community is straight out hypocritical owing to the shiftings over the said four years to include suggesting that government deals with the problem when we know for political reasons that won't happen unless there is a change in the national mindset. Also see: JFLAG Urges More State Support For Homosexual Teens Living On Streets also take note of the international media's sudden interest in this and twisting of the facts as to how the populations actually got so large in New Kingston: Why Some LGBT Youths In Jamaica Are Forced To Call A Sewer Home (take note of the paraded photos of the men) as it is the repeated diversionary tactics over the years why we can't see the end in sight to this battle for rights and recognition this time it's from the recently concluded tolerance ad case that was thrown out by the Supreme Court with no proper explanation to the LGBT population as to why it happened.
Chief among the mishandling of this homeless MSM issue specific to Kingston is the egregious omission of the men from the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2013 on May 17th see: JFLAG excludes homeless MSM from IDAHO Symposium


Rihanna walking away from the Millsborough eviction scene earlier this year as taken by a Gleaner photographer


The house on Millsborough Avenue in St Andrew, from which a group of homosexual men was removed on Wednesday, was demolished yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

The house on Millsborough Avenue in St Andrew, from which a group of homosexual men was removed on Wednesday, was demolished July 4th 2013. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

Bear in mind that almost monthly one can expect a report of some kind of a youngster or adult MSM forcibly evicted or running away from home for safety reasons. 

additional reading: Interfaith Group Pledges continued support for St Catherine Homeless MSM

Other parishes across the island have their own share of problems and populations, St Ann, St James and St Catherine comes easily to mind. A small project in St Catherine though frothed with its own challenges and phobias with the religious actors involved is still on thankfully in a sense. It was last December that the same mixed religion group in association with myself and others hosted a treat for some of the men, See: Interfaith group treats homeless MSM in St Catherine


also see more posts on the matter of homelessness from my other blogs and here: 



And MSM continue to be ready material for data collection ..... what about the interventions

Parents issues ultimatum for suspected gay man to relocate

Displacements due to possession of women's clothes ............

The Gleaner published today:


Following months of complaints from residents in New Kingston about a group of homeless gay men terrorising their community, there are now plans to build a home for the young men.

The proposed shelter, Dwayne’s House, which is being named after 17-year-old cross-dresser, Dwayne Jones, who was reportedly killed by a mob in July, is said to be in its initial stages.

Human rights activist Yvonne McCalla Sobers said since October a group of activists and attorneys have been working at creating a space for the mostly teenage males who were chased out of their communities and now occupy the sewers and gullies in New Kingston.

At the beginning of this month, police raided one of the gullies that the men are said to be occupying in New Kingston and several stolen items were reportedly confiscated from the site.

McCalla Sobers said the group was working with various stakeholders to identify a secure location and funding for the construction of the home.

The shelter will reportedly cost close to $16 million to construct and will initially cater to 17 to 20 persons.

However, while the activist said the home might not be able to accommodate them all in the first stage of the project.

Representatives from the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays says more than 40 persons who were either kicked out of their homes by family members or had to flee attacks from their communities have sought assistance from the group.


ENDS

Check out the Homeless MSM tab immediately below for all the posts since 2009 on the matter to include the initial eviction of the previously homeless MSM in the Safe House Pilot Project.

also my podcast in response to the Dwayne House announcement:

Some good news on the homeless MSM front ..... guarded & waiting part 2: Dwayne's House Project to include a link to the website.





The still unoccupied old Dahlia Dental Centre (above) along Upper King Street nearing the York Park Fire station that was air-marked to be a shelter by the previous JLP administration in 2010 yet it is left to overgrowth and animal usage. This was to address the persons who use the St William Grant Park and adjacent areas, if successive governments are not dealing with mainstream homelessness why do some folks believe that said govts must or is going to provide shelters for LGBT people given the political sensitivities involved.

Peace and tolerance

H

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Gleaner claims new backlash towards the gay lobby due to MSM homelessness in Kingston

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Here we go again but the backlash unlike the impression being given by the Gleaner has always been there dear North Street but that is ever since the new wave of homeless MSM in New Kgn have become extroverted unlike their predecessors coupled with visibility of the faces in advocacy there is bound to be a spike in homo-negative responses has history has taught us. The late response to this issue is well documented on this blog just check the homeless MSM tab HERE, not a month passes that I am not just disheartened by the non interest in directly responding to this by JFLAG et al yet they speak with such eloquence on it when asked and try to pass the responsibility to government in terms of sheltering when we know given the present climate votes are more important for political parties. The Jamaica Observer also spoke to the matter and concluded the men were abandoned by the respective agencies including LGBT ones: Marauding homosexuals and J-FLAG (Observer Editorial) …………………… The LGBT tolerance quotient nationally has been affected not by the homeless MSM in New Kingston and their shenanigans or their visibility in and of themselves but the credibility of the lobby over the years in terms of proper crisis reporting and plain truthfulness of same in terms of abuses, murders and homophobia.

also see: Homeless MSM in New Kingston arrested in raid for stolen goods

So many suggestions have been given to this issue even more none LGBT state actors such as Families Against State Terrorism convenor Yvonne McCallah Sobers where she went into great detail in a paper she prepared and was seen by the relevant persons at JFLAG yet they barely paid it any attention in the final analysis, she suggested for example: 

"Homeless gay men in New Kingston therefore face complex problems because they are:

1. Visibly homeless in an upscale community.

2. Homeless in a society seemingly without compassion or political will to address the shelter needs of the homeless, and evidently unmoved by the shelter and security needs of the homeless.

3. Openly gay in a society that is anti-gay, and where influential gays feel compelled to conceal their sexual orientation.

4. Sufficiently aggressive and organised to draw attention to their existence by creating mayhem

QUESTION: Who can help to shift the Jamaican culture toward tolerance of differences, in particular sexual orientation?

Answer: Parties with responsibility for leading this cultural shift include –

· Politicians: Review of the buggery law and other laws (such as the vagrancy law) used to harass gays; public and private statements that support the right of every Jamaican to protection from the State; legislation that prohibits discrimination based on health or sexual orientation.

· Pastors: Emphasis on religious positions that promote love rather than hate; tolerance for rather than condemnation of human differences; unity rather than fragmentation of families; care and protection rather than rejection and abandonment of vulnerable youth.

· Musicians: Promotion of “peace and love” messages to replace “burn and destroy” messages, with willingness to self-monitor with respect to music that encourages hostility toward gays.

· Media: Provision of information on sexuality and sexual orientation in ways that increase understanding of and tolerance for differences, especially in youth coming to terms with their sexual identity .




We must NEVER for get the egregious mistakes by our advocates with regards to homelessness:

The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes

The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

JFLAG excludes homeless MSM from IDAHO Symposium on May 17th 2013


More MSM Homelessness Issues while agencies shift responsibilities



but I will wait to see if the new Dwayne's House initiative as announced recently will fly and not just another fly by night PR stunt to stave off scrutiny, lord knows we have had many of those before to no avail.


The Enemy Within - Aggressive New Kingston Homosexuals Causing Fresh Backlash Against Community


The police take into custody a number of young men believed to be homosexuals who are allegedly responsible for a series of robberies in New Kingston. -Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

There are growing fears that the rowdy and sometimes criminal behaviour of a group of homosexual men in New Kingston could erode the strides that have been made towards greater tolerance of homosexuals in Jamaica.

Nonetheless, Dane Lewis, executive director of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays says the rambunctious gathering - which in the past has been fingered in robberies, theft and other antisocial behaviour - highlights the issue of persons being evicted from their communities because of their sexual orientation.

"It is unfortunate. Some of what they have done may be eroding some of the trending towards greater tolerance, but I think it continues to highlight the reality that our young people are being kicked out of their homes," Lewis said at a Gleaner Editors' Forum last week.

While condemning the acts of violence reportedly carried out by the mainly cross-dressing men, Lewis argued that sometimes the group is blamed for acts carried out by heterosexuals.

He said he found no issue with how some in the homosexual group express themselves through dress which, on many occasions, involve wearing make-up, female clothing and heels.

"They have a right to their gender expression and identity, and to express themselves as long as they don't infringe on anyone else," argued Lewis.

"The gentlemen who wish to 'bleach', wear women's attire shouldn't offend anyone; they are expressing themselves. My only concern is the risk of violence that they expose themselves to. But everyone should be free to express themselves."

HIDING VS FLAUNTING

In the meantime, Susan Goffe, chairperson of the human-rights group Jamaicans for Justice, questioned claims that the New Kingston-based men are flaunting their sexuality publicly, which is offensive to many Jamaicans.

"People in their minds seem to feel that someone who is homosexual should do everything in their power to hide their sexual orientation," said Goffe.

"For example, somebody would look and say, 'I don't see him with a girlfriend'. What is he suppose to do? Should he have a pretend girlfriend, as people do, in order to hide?

"And in terms of how you walk, how you speak, your gestures … . Are you supposed to hide all of that?" she asked, agreeing with Lewis that these men should be free to go about their business safely.

Lewis agreed, while claiming that many of the gay men who are in New Kingston were either threatened or violently displaced from their communities.

ENDS

You decide readers but this where we have reached and to think this is not the time to have these distractions when albeit the lobby has gone mainstream and a pending court case to challenge the buggery law via Javed Jaghai when this particular matter hits home on the credibility tied to crisis reporting.

also check out my comments via podcast:

and



H

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Some good news on the homeless MSM front ..... guarded & waiting part 2: Dwayne's House Project site opened

0 comments
The last time I was optimistic when it came to this longstanding matter of displaced, forcibly evicted and abandoned MSM I was left dazed and disappointed as the then announced shelter by JFLAG which was to have opened in December 2012 did not materialise or we were lied to at a town hall meeting on November 7, 2012. Now comes this project that is supposed to handle the New Kingston homeless issue yet MSM homelessness is an all island matter and dealing with this alone is a drop in the bucket. Also it would be interesting to see if the older displaced will be included in this project and those who were rejected by JASL when they were turned out on the street after the close of the Safe House Project in 2009.

See: Some good news on the homeless front ..... guarded and waiting and my podcast from blogtalk radio at the time:




Here are the goals they the DH group say they want to achieve:



Establishing the Dwayne’s House (DH) programme is an attempt at a new beginning. The programme is named after Dwayne Jones, the youth who was killed because he attended a dance in female clothes.

There is much to learn from what worked or did not work in the past. At the same time, the new beginning will require commitment to beginning anew.

Seeing to the needs of the homeless will therefore need a determination to stay the course especially when the going is rough. Complex and perhaps thankless tasks will need to be approached with a philosophy that requires those of us who are moving this programme forward to:

a. Understand who the homeless are. Each person’s situation is unique, and each person will have a different reason for being homeless or for remaining with the group of homeless youth even if they have the option to go home.

b. Educate ourselves about the homeless. This means acquainting ourselves with the profiles of the DH youth, and finding out what they need. We can help by giving them our attention, noticing them, talking to them. Some may have mental challenges, given repeated experiences of abandonment, stigma, and discrimination.

c. Respect the homeless as individuals – DH youth need the same courtesy and respect we would accord to our friends, families, or work colleagues. We need to treat them as we would want to be treated if we needed help.

d. Respond with kindness. How we respond to the youth can make a huge difference in their lives. Our attitudes will show no matter what we may say or do. If we ignore, dismiss, patronise, or look down on them, we are likely to have an entirely different reaction than if we treat them with kindness.

e. Provide food. A sandwich can make a big difference to someone who is hungry (as in have not eaten for a few days and don’t know when next there may be a meal of any sort).

f. Give money. Donate to non-profit organisations that are serving the homeless (as distinct from going through the motion while showing disdain for the homeless).

g. Donate clothing. Clothing in good shape but no longer being worn can be a boon to homeless persons. We can direct the clothing to organisations addressing the needs of the homeless.

h. Donate a bag of groceries. Give a bag of nonperishable groceries to an organisation for the homeless, or organise a food drive for the homeless.

i. Volunteer our professional services. The youth can benefit from training in whatever skills we have. In particular, doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, and dentists can treat the homeless in clinics. Lawyers are always needed to help with legal matters.

j. Volunteer our hobbies. We can use our interests to help the homeless gain useful skills in areas such as cooking, repairing, gardening, and photography.

k. Volunteer for follow-up programs. Once the homeless are on their way to integration, they need advice, coaching, counselling and follow-up programmes. Particularly if they have been on the streets for a while, homeless youth will need help with re-socialisation.

l. Tutor homeless children. A Youth as long as 12 years old can be thrown out of their homes. They therefore lack basic schooling, and so a tutor can make the difference between integration and continued alienation. An investment of time here could make all the difference.

m. Advocate on behalf of homeless youth. We can talk about the plight of DH youth to our friends, write letters to the newspapers, share information about homeless youth on our FB page, and generally share our enthusiasm to enable these youth to become whole and socially productive.

n. Involve local business. Supermarkets and restaurants as well as clothing shops may be willing to donate to food and/or clothing drives. one of the easiest ways to involve local businesses is to organize food and/or clothing drives.

o. Employ the homeless. Those who become employable will need jobs. Even if we cannot provide the jobs, we can lobby for these youth to be employed, and support them when they are hired.

p. Help the homeless apply for State/NGO help. Agencies may not be able to reach these youth as they have no mailing address. So we can help to direct them to where help is available.

q. Stand up for the rights of the homeless. These youth have exactly the same fundamental rights and freedoms as any other Jamaican. We need to stand up with them to ensure their rights are respected.

r. Contact our Member of Parliament and relevant Ministers. Campaigns of letters, e-mail and phone calls to politicians, in addition to letters/articles to media and calls to talk shows may help to stimulate these persons to address issues related to homeless gay youth.

s. Push for homelessness prevention programs. Civil society and state agencies may need education on the social impact of homelessness, and on what steps families and communities need so that youth do not end up on the streets. Homophobia in Jamaica may need to be addressed frontally.


also see: JFLAG Urges More State Support For Homosexual Teens Living On Streets I hope that this is not another smooth over again to diffuse criticisms and scrutiny only to leave the men abandoned yet again as the closure of the 2009 Safe House Project has taught us.


also see:

The Quietus ......... The Safe House Project Closes

Homeless MSM to feel the pinch as JASL issues ultimatum (where it all began to go downhill) 




Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Concerned sources claim that ... Boys kissed, fondled by male teacher

0 comments
A three day old tabloid news headline has been gaining some momentum on mainstream media via the talkshow circuit as the matter of some male students alleged fondled at a school by a  male teacher who is said to be a repeat offender. I am concerned as are some others as the conflation with same gender sex and abuse comes up again for scrutiny, that perception has been a major obstacle in the struggle for rights and recognition nationally for LGBT rights. 

I am in no way supporting abuse of teens or early forced initiation by any adults but cases such as these cannot and must not be used to generalize predatory motives by adult consenting male homosexuals. Adults who are attracted to prepubescent persons or even teens and act out such such have been deemed as a disorder not homosexuality in and of itself; but the Star News profits from these kinds of stories as per usual. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual, DSM clearly deals with this kind of deviant behaviour but homosexuality was long removed as a disorder from 1973.

Here is the story from the Star News:


SHELDON WILLIAMS, Staff Reporter

Strong sexual allegations have been made against a male teacher at a high school in St Catherine, who has been accused of fondling male students.

It is also been alleged that the teacher is a repeat offender.

"He is unstable moving from school to school for similar offences," a concerned person told THE STAR.

It is being alleged that the teacher has taken a liking to some boys enrolled at the school and has acted on his desires.

"Him holding down male students to kiss them and him asking male students about their penises," an informant shared with our news team.

Further claims are that the educator arrives at the institution in the wee hours of the morning before school begins so he has time to enjoy himself with the students.

Inappropriate

"He is at school at inappropriate times like 5 a.m. with the boys," the source revealed.

A probe by our news team revealed that the school administration met Wednesday to address the complaints. It is unclear if the participation of the boys is voluntary or involuntary.

Head of The Centre For The Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), Deputy Superintendent Veronica Gilzeans, could not be reached as calls to her phone went unanswered.

However, Corporal Terry-Ann Warren of the unit, revealed that information on such cases cannot be disclosed.

"I am not aware of that report and even if I had I couldn't give it to you. CISOCA deals with sexual allegations and child abuse and that in itself will tell you how sensitive such matters are," she said.

We were unable to make contact with any representative of the school's administration.

ENDS


As the article says the participation of the boys is unclear whether they were willing or forced but some questions come to mind yet still:


The informant; do they realise that not reporting such matter to the police is a crime?

How did the informant know such details to tell the Star

Is the Star news serious and realise that male teachers are a rare species and to publish this kind of story may leave an impression that male teachers maybe freaks.

If the concerned persons knows of this why haven't they reported this (outside of the police) the ministry of education or the Jamaica Teachers' Association, JTA so someone can take action if the story is to be believed.

Callers to the various shows have been lumping this kind of behaviour as a reason not to repeal or decriminalize buggery hence persons are holding hard and fast to this thinking, how to break the matter of consent versus abuse is ticklish as the advocacy is much to be desired in that department, the tabloid press has been allowed to run roughshod for years with the lobby being silent outside of the missing sex and sexuality education for generations of persons in the school systems. The recent HFLE matter as well brings to bear the issue as well where our Minister of Education says he is not allowing students to be "conditioned" into seeing homosexuality as natural and normal.

We have a long way to go to change minds.

also see: Urgent need for sex & sexuality to be discussed nationallypodcasts from the Minister and anti gay group Lawyers' Christian fellowship driving the fear mongering imperative as per usual.



Peace and tolerance

H




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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