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, January 30, 2014

New Imperialists in Pink

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Source: Bloom Magazine 


A dangerous new imperialism is on the rise in Africa and the Caribbean. It comes wearing a rainbow flag and dressed in pink. The recent wave of anti-gay laws on the African Continent and a two month visit to Jamaica where LGBT activists and homosexuals are in a battle for self-definition have helped to crystalize this suspicion. To be clear I am a Black, gay Jamaican male who has loved and lived for over 30 years in America. I identify myself thusly so you can understand that this is not a conclusion I come to easily. It comes from observing keenly the struggle for Gay Rights in America, Africa and the Caribbean for the past 30 years.

In tandem with its rise is a response from well-meaning Africans and many of my countrymen whose memory have been splintered, who now say they are defending their “cultures” from the marauders. In this battle of cultures a generation of innovative thinking is in danger of being lost and with it increased economic viability of Africa and its diaspora.

If this is not to be the case, activists in the post-colonial world who are battling homophobia will have to learn to do so now without assuming the cultural assumptions demonstrated by these wonderful images of same sex families and rainbow flags propagated through Western media. The fight must now be re-framed in terms that connect sexuality to the re-generative health and viability of our communities. To do so they will have to more skillfully make the argument that sexuality frees up creative energy and allows the human mind to wonder; to be refreshed for new innovation – a natural resource that is in high demand as western machine culture enters its ascendency.

I say all this at the risk of alienating folks who are doing important work through the courts in challenging colonial sodomy and buggery laws and who are working courageously under often challenging circumstances with those of us affected and infected by HIV. But these are only pieces in an arsenal. We must now begin to critically address the paradigm and tools in which the struggle for these rights take place even if doing so will mean “biting the hand that feeds us.”

The new imperialist though well-intentioned carries the seed of a privileged thinking that wants to go everywhere and have the same privileges as is enjoyed in its own country. This privileged thinking threatens to create a squalid horizon of sameness – a bland reality in which differences are not honored — a monolithic gay heaven.

In a global media culture, in which Africa and its diaspora are just beginning to find its voice, there is little wonder that the people of Africa and the Caribbean are now defending their so-called cultures.

But according to Patrick Gathara a blogger and an award-winning political cartoonist based in Nairobi, “What [culture] is supposedly being defended [in Africa] is little more than a figment of the Victorian imagination…Thus the historical fact that homosexuality was practiced and tolerated in many traditional African societies is wished away… They [the activist] dare to challenge the right of a small but powerful elite to define what an African is and in doing so pose a direct threat to the systems of control and privilege that have been built around that right. ”

This is the crux of the battle for Africa’s soul – the right and the ability of post-colonial societies to have self-defining conversations between themselves on their own terms. It is a battle that is also being waged at the door of my ancestors in the Caribbean. This struggle for self-definition is a deeply internal struggle and is being conducted on the terms of which the Western world cannot engage, for it is delineated by elements of class mobility, privilege, economics, political power, indigenous strains of pedophilia, violence and blackmail that have local flavor and complexity.

To be clear, Africans and the Caribbean’s same-gender-loving humans aren’t in the same struggle as Americans. Our struggle is about cultural self-definition and a vision for our societies in language that is defined by geography, history and our humanity.

For example, to identify primarily by sexual orientation is new to the African mind. Yet this is the message and language that is sent to culturally different societies through images of rainbow flags and white men raising babies.

In doing battle we have to be careful not to throw-off one form of oppression for another — that of the LGBTQ variety. For it too comes with its own mandates and dictates. Both seek to stultify the black and brown diaspora with a numbing formula that has the smell of the western world’s obsession with commodification – one size fits all.

So the tools and language of our struggle will have to be re-examined. Happily, this re-framing has begun in earnest with the self-outing of Binyavanga Wainaina. Wainaina is one of Africa’s leading literary figures, who has responded to a wave of recent anti-gay laws on the continent by publicly outing himself in a short story. In a series of six videos “Bring Me Your Obedient Children” posted this week on YouTube, he has made the critical link between the fettering of creative imagination – the suppression of difference – and economic viability. Africa and the Caribbean would do well to listen closely to him. This is a connection and argument that is not being made in the current westernized LGBT framework that does not have those concerns. There are still those in Africa who want to have “obedient children” according to Wainaina. They fear imagination and difference and this is the threat that homosexuality poses.

What he proposes as the solution to all this is creativity – an un-fettered imagination of the African variety. This he says is the most political thing one can do.

But for that to happen there must be an excavation of cultural memory that shifts through recently acquired cultural veneers to the original imprint. And this imprint is full of diversity from the 3,000 tribes and languages of Africa. Famously Archbishop Desmond Tutu has said, “When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said ‘Let us pray.’ We closed our eyes. When we opened them, we had the Bible and they had the land.”

As part of this fight the evangelical right in North America, now flooding governments and churches in those countries with money and their dogma must be placed their rightful historical context. They have seldom encouraged a creative thought, and are relatively new arrivals on the African continent.

So then, where do we go from here?

Artist and thinkers – gay and straight – have to become more vocal about the essential creativity and vitality of the society that is at stake when differences are not included, nay, celebrated. In my own country I have watched as known homosexuals, who make huge academic and artistic contributions to society, are marginalized by dismissing them personally or if not, failing to celebrate them as sexual beings whose sexuality informed their creativity and grand vision.

Western funders can help by finding new ways of incubating dialog, by funding safe spaces in which whole communities can engage each other, learn from each other, and re-member themselves.


Olubode Shawn Brown is a Jamaican born lawyer who lives and works in New York City. He is the founder of BLOOM, a life-style brand that celebrates sexual-inclusivity, spirituality, creativity, fun and community engagement.

Email: olubode@me.com

Twitter: twitter.com/olubodeshawnbro

Facebook: facebook.com/olubode

Ph: 347-495-7092

Jamaican Artistes say Gay Marriage on 2014 Grammy Awards was too much

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As expected the backlash continues days after the Grammy Awards 2014 had included in its main televised session mixed couples getting married so as to show support for marriage equality. Some public commentators have said it was over reaching and is forcing those who do not support homosexuality to accept same but I was of the opinion that there is a remote or off button for television or other devices that one could use if one was not in support of the footage. The Star News carried this today:

Omari

Baby Chris

Singing Sweet

Some members of the Jamaican music industry are of the view that the recently concluded Grammy Awards show, went overboard by 'marrying' gay couples on live television, exposing the lifestyle which is still illegal in several countries to millions of viewers who simply wanted to see their favourite artistes acknowledged for their contribution to the music industry.

According to gospel artiste Omari, he still wants a Grammy Award and is not bashing others for their sexual practices. However, he says the decision by the show's organisers to broadcast the marriage had nothing to do with the celebration of music.

without warning

"I am not surprised by certain things no more and I am not shocked that these things are happening, but I don't think that was the time and place for that. A lot of families, including children, were watching and to just to allow that to come into everybody's home, I just don't think that should have happened; it just exploded on our screens without warning like a bomb," the Jehovah Guide Me singer said.

Omari also said the 'gay marriage' overshadowed the live performances and the persons who won awards.

"That is what people are talking about now instead of the performances and the winners. Not Jay-Z nor the awards, just the marriage," he added.

Omari is currently working on a new album to be called Royalty and hopes his comments on the show will not rule out a possible nomination for 2015.

Publicist Karl Durrant and his artiste, Baby Chris, also shared their view on the stunt. "I think it was out of place to try to use the media and music to try and sensitise people on homosexuality. I wish they wouldn't exploit music and the Grammy stage like that," Durrant said.

Baby Chris, like Omari, made sure to highlight that he was not bashing homosexuals, but felt the gay marriage was out of place. "A man free fi live him life, but don't put that in the public eye. But I still want a Grammy, I will just collect mine on the next stage," the singjay who recently collaborated with Beenie Man for an effort called Ghetto Rozay said.

more cautious

Veteran reggae/dancehall artiste Singing Sweet was even more cautious than his fellow artistes on the issue. He says Jamaican artistes are on the radar for their opinions on homosexuality; therefore it's better to keep personal views hidden from the public eye.

"I am travelling from 1991 and I see a lot of people in the world doing strange things, but to each his own. Mi nah glorify nothing. Mi just a be me and a nuh just because mi want a Grammy mek mi nah bash dem, but it's a sticky situation and the artiste dem nuh waah lose dem visa and dem thing deh. My purpose in music is to help my family and help some other youths. I nah bash nobody and I never do any music wey bash people," Singing Sweet declared.

The 'mass wedding' moment took place at the Grammys last Sunday during the performance of Caucasian rappers Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who performed the pro-gay song Same Love, which features Mary Lambert. A total of 33 couples, including gay ones, were joined in matrimony by Queen Latifah.

curtis.campbell@gleanerjm.com


ENDS

Sadly the awards' coverage has reignited a belief that was dormant in a way that Jamaica and other smaller states are being forced to accept homosexuality and that when the buggery law changes here then marriage rights are next hence a full refusal to entertain any discourse on homosexuality whatsoever, film producer Selena Blake only today met such hostility on radio HOT 102FM as she promoted her screening dates of the documentary, persons called in with vitriolic comments and referring to fecal matter, anal sex and disbelief about homophobic attacks or killings, there was some balance on the other hand where some persons expressed separation of support while opposing the way in which the main lobbyists are going about the agitation for rights.

We have a long way to go it seems with changing hearts and minds but as I always contend many of the layers or obstacles in the struggle were and are self made due to too many mistakes and deceptive tactics by some involved.

Peace and tolerance

H

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Allegations of St Catherine Teacher fondling boys makes tabloid headlines again

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While not condoning abuse of any kind on our children the thrust by the tabloid press over these many years and a late waking LGBT lobby the business of homo-paedophile cases sometimes leaves an impression that homosexuals are out to deliberately abuse boys. It also makes male teachers almost an endangered species given than most classrooms are female run; yes the atrocities should be exposed but it is a slippery slope when such matters are repeated when written as they are in the Star News in particular as today's headline blares.


Rasbert Turner, Star Writer wrote


A teacher from a high school in St Catherine has been taken into custody by the Spanish Town police on suspicion of sexual impropriety allegedly committed against a number of male students.

THE STAR was informed that police personnel attached to the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse picked up the educator at school yesterday morning.

It was revealed that a number of statements from the male students have been collected as the police further their probe against the male teacher.

While not disclosing his identity, investigators told THE STAR that the teacher will be facing a number of charges arising from incidents that took place from late 2013 into the current school year.

Allegations are that the teacher is said to have fondled and did other ungodly acts against the boys.

It was revealed that having received initial reports on the issue, investigators launched a probe into the matter, during which, parents, guardians, and some of those affected by the allegations came forward and made formal reports.
ENDS

yet some months ago a similar story appeared in the paper on December 1, 2013 as


then I posted on this blog: 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. I am still worried about the conflation between abuse and homosexuality or even early initiation between boys or boys confusing admiration of older men.

also see: Urgent need for sex & sexuality to be discussed nationally; Urgent need to discuss Sex & sexuality nationally part 2 and the accompanying podcast of my commentary ...... podcasts from the Minister and anti gay group Lawyers' Christian fellowship driving the fear-mongering imperative as per usual.



from 2012: Beenie Man Calls Gays Child Molesters In Advocate “Apology”


This deliberate twining of the paedophilia and same gender sex and rights agitation is also expressed by non religious persons as well, members of the psychiatric community have been going almost against the DSM guide for their profession, please see:

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STRATEGY OF THE HOMOSEXUAL LOBBY BY DR LEAHCIM SEMAJ when one leading antigay voice Shirley Richards for example was asked in a radio interview in November 2011
 "Would legalizing homosexuality prevent paedophiles, because I've heard the report on the news the victims support unit that many of the little boys age 12 years old they need therapy, would would legalizing this stop anything like that?"

Shirley Richards responded: "I can't see why, I can't say that there is any direct correlation between the repeal of that law and a lessening in the incidence of abuse of minors, I can't see why, I can't see that logically that would follow, I really can't see it, what is needed is for these people, these men to be brought to justice, you know as you mentioned there is still a problem in these countries, look um there is a football coach who was who was, who was fired from his job what was it? at University of Pennsylvania, you know in a country in which there is no sodomy law, there are no sodomy laws in the states of the US and um just recently just a couple days ago he was found guilty of having molested a number of children over the years so to say that if you repeal the buggery law that the incidence of child abuse in this particular area would go down I can't see that that would necessarily follow because it still happens in these countries in which there is no such law."

So in short headlines such as the Star's influences perceptions such as that immediately above, albeit the main lobbyists after so many years have finally refined the thrust for an amendment to the buggery law paying closer attention to consent via decriminalization while punishing non-consensual acts and under aged or carnal abuse. Pity it took just over thirteen years for them to finally come to some sense as a full repeal was the original call which made no sense given the resistance from the religious right corner. The lobby also needs to make it very clear that there is a major difference between paedophilia and same gender sex as the orientation of a paedophile is immaterial here, once an adult is finds minors sexually attractive that is a clear deviant diagnosable behaviour homosexuality on the other hand is not.

Nuff to think about folks.

Peace and tolerance

H


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Rural Missing Teen turns up displaced in Kingston

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Even as concerns continue to be shared these many months after shock, bewilderment, disappointment and feelings of helplessness comes through as the troubling public evictions of homeless MSM and transgender persons in Kingston some of whom were residents of the only residency that was to address the growing matter of persons being forcibly evicted from their homes another disturbing report was brought to my attention via another agency that is conducting HIV prevention work with MSM island wide. The disturbing episode has been playing out itself since January of last year after a teen eighteen years of age from St Catherine has been having trouble with his parents for some time especially his father while his mother’s position changed on the revelation of the young man’s perceived sexual orientation. There have been heated arguments between the three and even a distant family member as well and some refuge was offered by another relative so as to try to diffuse the situation. That distant relative however has come in for fury from the teen’s father not to intervene and thus the remote assistance has been curtailed for now according to the teen whom I had a short conversation. He has been hanging around friends for a while in another parish without any notice to the parents as the situation became untenable thus he was perceived to be missing.

Another twenty four year old was listed as missing in the Jamaica Observer as well also from St Catherine my home parish St John’s Meadows to be precise which makes it even more disturbing he was last seen on June 19 and is of brown complexion medium built about 188 centre metres tall (6ft 2 inches), his appearance in the missing persons list has been four thus far and he is feared dead by some now as it has been so long. No predetermined circumstances have said to be the cause of his disappearance as there are no historical family feuds or related issues.

In a recent set of workshops on men’s health of which our subjected missing now found man however was to attend but only sat in on one session raised alarms by the organisers and my and that of others intervention was sought to ferret out the teen to make sure of his safety; it was another attendee at the session however who made the reconnection with him and we managed to get him to reveal his dilemma in a tearful session with myself present while in ragged clothing and clearly not in good health. Heartbreaking as it was to watch I am all too familiar with situations like this and feel more so helpless after watching the more public Millsborough Avenue issue play out, the other cases outside of Kingston, the recent fallouts in western Jamaica to include murders linked to the lotto scamming crackdown with gang feuds and now this isolated case which reminds me that the long standing issue of homeless MSM/Transgender persons pre-dates all of us including aging agencies, how many more like this are out there? For us to see these issues play out with hypocrisies coming from agencies such as JFLAG, the Child Development Agency and the National Homeless Committee not to mention the national health systems in the HIV response who also have ignored to some extent the homeless MSM as previous attempts by some outreach officers have been met with resistance and calls from the higher ups not to engage them but instead focus on more stable MSM populations, a clear indication from all sides that nobody really cares about this group but to use them when it is convenient to do so as if evident with in recent days the hypocritical position taken by some more affluent gay powerful businessmen and JFLAG itself who seem to have developed convenient amnesia when in 2011 it publicly distanced itself along with its parent agency Jamaica AIDS Support for Life in banning the men from services due to supposed “rowdy behaviour” and up to earlier last year gave the police basically the go ahead to take any legal action to address the men yet as the cops carried out the relocation and subsequent controversial demolition of the house and a another eviction some three days later at Dewsbury Avenue JFALAG issues a statement that the police were brutish?

The video footage however from the two major television stations and the two major newspapers proves no such “brutish” behaviour by the cops worse yet the same cops were the ones who previously engaged the men when they were in New Kingston so there was an air of familiarity. The recently announced Dwayne’s House proposed shelter is not yet off the ground while the men continue to be made out as victims for pity by more privileged persons instead of any real interest, just mere second hand clothing donations are not enough, where is the pyshco-social engagement, where are the screening activities to see who in the group will qualify for a shelter typed response? Instead the men are used as photo ops whilst not taking into account their safety via more exposure. It was only a couple days ago a group of youngsters made their way to Oxford Road when they were approached by men in a car hurling insults and threats while outlining that New Kingston must be cleaned of “Battyman” what is even more ethically troubling is the situation is obviously being used to soften the national homo-negative stance but to what end; as involuntary martyrs?

Some reconnection attempts have been made by the facilitator of the workshops which ended recently but to no avail leaving us worried and the young man as well as welfare issues become apparent most of us close to this scenario feel it is a waste of time to file an incident report at JFLAG as they have clearly shown their two-facedness on this issue and deception regarding the real immediate issues that are and have been screaming for attention for decades. Temporary sheltering is not enough as resources and indeed patience will run out eventually without the necessary supportive structures and programs. He has also been hanging out at parties and seen with the present newer displacees in the New Kingston area but is not known to be connected to the Millsborough/Dewsbury avenues problematic group who have since dispersed. I am stunned and almost bewildered as to the rapidity of the problem’s growth in size and scope over such a short period and as always as night follows day when there is any public agitation on homosexuality at all then there is a spike in the numbers of homo-negative incidents that follow. The trouble is who is actually setting up the needed catchment to address if in some part those outcomes due to the spike and who really cares as a me myself and I ideology takes over in the thrust for rights. Let us also not forget the omission of the homeless men from the all import International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia where a symposium on homelessness was held named in honour of one of the pioneers in Jamaican LGBT struggle Larry Chang yet the event turned out to have upset many who came into knowledge of the omission. Such is the mounting evidence of the indifference towards the least amongst us and it grows with each attempt to explain away or use public relations stunts to deflect or absolve themselves of responsibility.

While the young man’s father has blocked all attempts to entertain any reason on the possible reconnection the distant relative who he raged against is being coerced to re-intervene in this matter but quietly and cautiously so, we are hoping and praying this occurs in short order so as to not have this young man slip into protracted displacement then homelessness; the fear in my mind is that there are early cracks and trouble in the latter displacees in New Kingston similar to the signs I saw in the now more troublesome groups that of Millsborough, Cargill and Dewsbury avenues and with each day on the streets they become hardened with growing disaffection towards anything representing authority. This parallel society grows and causes all kinds of problems as we now see within the last few days. I am worried friends I am worried and so are many others who are now lately realising the dire straits of this issue and what some of us older and more familiar to the concerns have been warning about all along but as always the powers that be always wait until the matter reaches boiling point then a knee jerk reaction comes into effect. It was only a few posts ago I highlighted three more persons on the fringes teetering on homelessness and still no serious programs in place to even address it while it is on the streets instead there is an excuse being banded about that JFLAG cannot find a space to start their shelter, a shelter idea by the way that their parent organization rejected in the form of the Safe House Pilot 2009 and that JFLAG itself kept quiet and did not protest its closure yet moved in the space where it was housed and set up office but having to move three years later via an eviction notice as the situation became untenable and the landlord would have none of it any longer.

I guess somebody is waiting for another murder to take place so that it can be waved to the world as a homophobic killing in the new alarmist crisis reporting methodology when some cases turned out not to be as the international LGBT groups and publication readily believe and republish every word from JFLAG et al without any proper verification hence the perception of the lobby attempts to gain rights as deceptive, the games they continue play with the populations and no real effort to address homelessness since the buggery law issues are far more important, who cares about some old rowdy dirty battyman?

Sad that we don’t seem to realise yet that the welfare of this group of individuals is inextricably tied to the thrust for tolerance and acceptance in general society, after all how can there be a call for such virtuous ideals when such ideals are not demonstrably present from the leadership and indeed the body politic of the LGBT lobby/community? A recent radio discussion on RJR for example is picture proof when the parties involved arrived at a conclusion that they are not really listening to the LGBT penny section any more as the strong arm tactics are disturbing with regards to the cancellation of reggae acts shows overseas; it stands to reason that engagements and discourse won’t happen with any meaningful outcomes.

Think on these things.

Peace and tolerance



H

Monday, January 20, 2014

Bisexual dancehall publicist opens up - Says Sizzla should not be nominated for a Grammy

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Despite the homophobic nature of the dancehall industry, a dancehall publicist has come out to say he is bisexual.

Rickardo 'Shuzzr' Smith recently came to the fore with his sexuality.

"I Rickardo Smith, more popularly known as Shuzzr, has been a victim, is still a victim of discrimination because of my sexual orientation. I refuse to let my life be subjected to the old colonial thought. I must embrace a new era where all men are equal irrespective of their beliefs, lifestyle and choices," said the publicist, who has worked with persons such as Gaza Kim, Blak Ryno, Patexx, Teflon, Morgan Heritage, RDX and Lisa Hyper.

He noted that at the close of 2013 he decided to "confront his inner demons."

"Years ago, I pledged to serve the ultimate master of all. Though it's been challenging, it found me straying away from his will as I understood it. I was compelled to reflect on the life I've lived and continue to live and the choices I've made. I was living a life that men deemed abominable, while others like me saw it as a blessing only few will ever be able to experience," he said.

He continued, "Whilst it was not an exemplary life at times, I felt closer to my Creator than I could ever be, and though some moments found me on my knees crying, struggling, I asked for help and it was given. God's mercy continued despite not fulfilling my end of the deal. "

'God's mercy, as Smith puts it, did not make it any easier to work within dancehall.

"Over the last three years, I've represented several dancehall heavyweights with distinct pleasure and humility, but, while doing so, I was subjected to the torture that the industry is historically known to carry," he said.

"Dancehall has always stood firm in its belief against homosexuality. As a practitioner within the industry, I have had to endure the blatant hypocritical stance over the years, but if I'm to ever be who I truly am, and be truly comfortable with myself, in my soul, I must take a stance and speak against injustice, hate lyrics, discrimination, and anything that may seek to reduce the life of one and their beliefs."

anti-homosexual stance

And, although there is still a general anti-homosexual stance in the dancehall industry, Smith says he still wants to work in the industry.

"I'm still a publicist and I hope dancehall artistes would still engage me, but, so far, I represent no one since the start of the year," he told THE STAR, noting that he is currently working as a freelance journalist.

"I've managed to build a brand and reputation, irrespective of my sexual orientation. There will always be backlash, but I'm embracing a dancehall culture where we all can have our stance and beliefs and still coexist. Judge me by my work not my sexuality."

And shortly after opening up about his sexuality, Smith also sent out a statement in which he said dancehall artiste Sizzla should have been dropped off the Grammy nomination list for the 'Best Reggae Album' category.

"In lieu of the Grammy reggae album nominations and Sizzla's performance at the recent staging of Sting, one would expect that the organisers of the most recognised entertainment award show worldwide would seek to distance themselves from the act and his pronouncements," he said in a press release.

"One cannot ignore Sizzla's contribution to the industry. However, we can't turn a blind eye to his prolonged negativity and the injustice his fellow gay Jamaicans face daily. The reggae industry over the years has produced a reservoir of talent from which such accolades would be more fitting of. Any artiste who continues in this day and age to promote homophobic lyrics and receives international recognition only helps to deter the fight for equality, justice, and freedom for all irrespective of their beliefs and sexual orientation."

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Why Can't We See Past Bolt's Dress?

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Star News caption

Over the past few weeks, a Virgin media ad featuring Usain Bolt has been creating quite a stir among Jamaicans. In the ad Bolt plays, his infant son, a teenager, his grandfather, himself and his wife. Personally, I find the ad funny and it delivers the message about the product he is selling – super fast broadband.

If there is any fault it could be that Bolt’s powerful brand to a great extent overwhelms the product he is selling but some Jamaicans would not have picked up the humor or that Bolt eclipses the broadband because they have been unable to get past the dress.

I shared the ad on my Facebook page and initially people responded by saying it was funny. To some it was funnier than it was to others who responded. Later on there were others who added a whole new dimension. To them the ad emasculates Bolt. How so? Because he wore a dress.

As the days passed, a video of an old interview done by Oprah with comedian Dave Chapelle surfaced. In it, the comic postulates that there is a plan afoot to emasculate black men who have become famous by putting them in dresses. He even told the queen of talk show hosts that they even tried it with him once and he refused. Good for him. That video was now being used to demonstrate why the Virgin ad was an attempt to emasculate Bolt. To others, it was a sign that Bolt was secretly gay. I had to laugh because it is a twisted view of how we define masculinity.

Back in September 1995 Amblin Entertainment released a film called To Wong Foo. In the film that was distributed by Universal Pictures and made US$47 million at the box office, Patrick Swayze, John Leguizamo and Wesley Snipes played three drag queens who embark on a road trip. In the almost 20 years since that film was released, I can’t recall a soul accusing the late Patrick Swayze, one of the most masculine white men in modern Hollywood of being gay, nor did they describe Wesley “Blade” Snipes, one of the most masculine men period, of being gay or being emasculated because he wore a dress and make up for the role. He also had to raise the pitch of his voice several octaves.

I must admit that didn’t like the film much but it was not because the men were dressed as women. I just thought the story was weak and to be truthful I am more of an action buff. There have been other instances in the history of entertainment when men have played women in film and not just black men. Dustin Hoffman, for example, a respected white male actor played a woman in the film Tootsie back in 1982. Did that role emasculate him? I don’t think so as not only did it raise over US$177 million at the box office, it also earned 10 Academy Award nominations including Hoffman’s nomination for Best Actor in a leading role.

What is different about Bolt’s role in the commercial and the roles played by Swayze, Snipes, Leguizamo, and Hoffman ? It’s all make believe. But for some of us, Bolt in a dress is a bit too much so there has to be some sinister motive behind his decision to do so. What I have found is that there is a lot of insecurity among us as a people. The ‘grandpa’ Bolt is portrayed as a dirty old man with many girlfriends, yet we hear nothing about that. Instead we focus on the dress as if to suggest that Bolt in a dress defines who he is.

To the contrary, Bolt’s masculinity is not so fragile so as to be shattered just by him putting on a dress, even if it was done electronically via CGI. A strong man does not or should not feel the need to prove his manhood every time he steps out of this house but in this country where men, shave their eyebrows, bleach their skin and wear super-tight pastel-coloured pants that hang below their buttocks, we surely have a strange way of defining masculinity. 


But as a letter writer recently pointed out, it may be time for us to put our house in order. In the letter titled’ ‘Bolt man enough to strut his stuff” published by the Daily Gleaner the writer in reference to the furore created over the ad, states ‘beating up our women, hiding from our children and dodging our responsibilities are what we are known for. And nowhere is masculinity to be found in all that.”

also see: Jamaica, where the sun sets in the east: Bitcoin, drag queens, voting rights

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Better Health Care For LGBTs?

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The age old problem of healthcare issues for the MSM particularly in the public healthcare system is back on the agenda for some although the MSM survey of 2011/2 suggests that said persons enjoyed far improved customer service delivery when 400+ persons were questioned in that survey but this article that appeared in the Gleaner today suggests something else in a sense, so is it that something has changed that is not listed here or is it a denial of what the national systems had found then?


Meanwhile the Gleaner carried:

Worried about the seeming discrimination perpetrated by health-care providers to members of the homosexual community, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) has embarked on a training programme for medical personnel.

Between September and November last year, J-FLAG in partnership with the National HIV STI Programme trained 60 public-health workers to deal with members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

This was in keeping with the National HIV Strategy (2012-2017) which recommends that all categories of health-care workers be trained in human rights and in providing services for men who have sex with men (MSM) to mitigate the likelihood of discrimination.

Of the health-care workers who were trained last year, 65 per cent of them had never been trained about MSM-related health issues and 93 per cent had never been trained to offer counselling about anal sex.

The public-health workers included doctors, nurses, contact investigators, laboratory technicians, peer educators, and ward assistants from all four health regions trained.

Six persons from the National Family Planning Board were also trained.

A 10-module training curriculum covering a wide range of issues relating to the provision of services and specific issues affecting the LGBT community was used.

These included topics on sexuality, values and attitudes, sexual health of MSM, and communication.

The participants were exposed to members of the LGBT community, and a panel of six young gay and bisexual men who shared their experiences and answered questions from participants openly.

Cleared up misconceptions

This allowed the participants to see the diversity of the LGBT community, as well as serving to clear up many of the misconceptions that were held.

Focus group discussions were conducted prior to the workshop to gauge the attitudes and feelings of the health-care workers around providing services to members of the LGBT community.

Half of the participants were relatively knowledgeable about these issues but only 24 per cent scored about 70 per cent.

Following the training, one-third of the participants said the workshop inspired them to change their thinking about the LGBT people, while 63 per cent felt that they were already tolerant, some at the stage of acceptance and others are working on celebrating and promoting LGBT individuals.

The vast majority of participants said the workshop was useful to enhance their work, and that they were more exposed to the unique issues faced by LGBT people.

ENDS

We have been told over the years that healthcare providers such as type five and lower strata clinics were abusive and there is evidence of same in terms of mobbings, discrimination in service delivery and literal scorn as well but alot has changed since then but let us see of this set of interventions produce results.

Peace and tolerance

H

20 Things Gay Guys Need To Stop Doing ...................

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Here's a good piece of advice for the community. This is so true and is true all across the board - young, middle aged or old. Get a like all. Read and hopefully change. 

Prepared and contributed by RYAN O'CONNELL

1. Going into a gay bar and deciding immediately that you hate everybody there. Then getting upset when no one hits on you. 

2. Shaming someone or deeming them unattractive for acting "femme." Not only is this some deep self-loathing shit, it also feeds into the idea that behaving in a feminine way is, in fact, bad. AKA misogyny! 

3. Feeling the pressure to act in a certain accordance of "gayness." Spoiler: you can never be "too gay" or not "gay enough." 

4. Snapping your fingers and saying something stereotypical like "OKAY, GIRLFRIEND?" to appease your "raised on Will & Grace" friends. Unless, of course, you actually like to snap your fingers and say things like that. In which case, that's fine! 

5. Killing themselves. (Seriously.) 

6. Treating their girl friends like shit. Just because you're gay doesn't mean you can call your buddies "sluts" and "whores." I have seen so many gay men make jabs at their girl friends and I JUST DON'T GET IT. What is going on with all the misogyny among gay men? 

7. Hooking up with "straight" guys. They're the forbidden fruit(cake) of the gay world but I would be wary of them if I were you. Chances are they aren't ready for this petroleum jelly and will break your heart! 

8. Slut-shaming other gay guys. There is no right or wrong way to be gay. If someone wants to have anal sex with a guy they just met, that's their prerogative. As long as they're safe, no one is getting hurt… I hope. Similarly, it's totally okay if having anal sex is a big deal to you and you only want to have it in a relationship. Gay guys spend too much time comparing themselves to other gays. Just do you, babe. 

9. Being #NotClearOn lesbians. They aren't going to bite, you fools! 

10. Complaining about wanting a boyfriend but the second you achieve an iota of intimacy with another guy, you bolt. 

11. Fetishizing your friendships with straight men. 

12. Assuming everyone you meet is gay. Although if you live in SF or NYC, this might be a little true. 

13. Ask a borderline stranger if they're a top or a bottom. Rude Girl by Rihanna! 

14. "Straight acting, masc." 

15. Hate other gay guys for no reason. It's so important to have a great big gay family. Don't alienate yourself! FIVE EXTRA THINGS GAYS NEED TO STOP DOING: 

16. Don't try and make single guys feel ashamed about how they choose to hook up/date. If I want to have a Grindr and Jack'd and A4A and any other hook up app,I am God damned well allowed to! YOU chose to be in a relationship and only have sex with one person. I am grown and SINGLE and I can have sex with however many guys I want and shouldn't have to deal with your judgement! 

17. Not dating outside your race. Pretty soon,everyone is going to be mixed and your "Whites Only" or "Blacks Only" dumb ass rule is going to be obsolete. Embrace the beauty and sexiness in every skin color. 

18. Living beyond your means. I guess its cool that you have $300 J Brand jeans and that you live in a cool loft downtown...but you have no furniture in your apartment! 

19. Botox,Fillers,ect...so many guys talk about how they want a "real man" but then get their faces done and look like Nicole Kidman. Its great to be pretty but at some point a man has to have a man's face. You stay up late,you drink too much,you smoke too much,you lay out in the sun,you laugh all the time...those lines are proof of a full life. That's sexy. Embrace them. 

20. Strictly Top/Strictly Bottom. That's so 1997. Welcome to The Age of Being Versatile. Its beautiful out here! Come check it out! Not saying that you ALWAYS have to but be a little flexible. Its more fun that way.

Thanks to Ryan for reminding us of this and the Juice Unit Team

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Homosexual Label causes a fight

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Happy New Year again folks and hope all is well with you my readers, thanks so much for your support over the year and best wishes for you and yours. The annual round up is coming soon as well just tidying up some activities that needed winding up.

In the meantime as issues continue to affect some of our brethren across the island here is a carry over case in the courts from 2013........


Laughter was the response from members of the public when a case in the closing session of the Half Way Tree court continued just before the holiday season. A young man named Jermaine Gray Chambers and an older man Binsford Chambers was mentioned where it was heard that the men got into an altercation with the younger Chambers after he was accused of being a homosexual in Kingston some time earlier in the year. 

The older of the two Chambers is in his late fifties is accused of chopping Gray by his knee with a machete while he gray is accused of breaking Chambers jaw. According to Binsford Chambers he was walking home from work with his gardening tools in his bag when he heard Gray saying to his apparent girlfriend “See de battyboi deh” he said he went over to ask who he was referring to but Gray responded by reigning several blows to Chambers breaking his jaw in the process.

“Him just come up to me and gi mi several lick in mi jawbone and said time mi jaw start hurt mi” said a dramatic Chambers, “X amount a thump to mi face is about a dozen,” he said sparking laughter in the courtroom, “Mi seh de boi coulda kill mi, if a stab him did stab mi him wouda gi mi a hundred.” 

Gray did not deny punching Chambers said that he was defending himself from the elder man as he threatened to chop off his head with a machete and he denied calling him a homosexual, “Discrimination is never my thing” he also said. Gray explained that his girlfriend knew Chambers and that she was telling him Gray about something else pertaining to Chambers and her landlord when she saw him she exclaimed “see him deh” to which he responded in an enraged fashion. “Him start one bag a ray ray and say him a go chop off me head with him machete and start to swing it, so me neva gi him any chance fi tek it out,” Gray said.

Shortly after he said the accused man’s sister came along and broke up the fight, sitting judge Pusey after listening to both persons involved said to Chambers “I think you’re guilty”

“Guilty of what your honour? A him bruk mi jawbone,” Chambers replied the next trial date is February 8, 2014 and their bail was extended.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

'Sting' Bans Sizzla, D'Angel - Stinging Criticisms Come From Organisers

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Sizzla

Davina Henry, Gleaner Staff Reporter

Dancehall artistes D'Angel and Sizzla Kalonji are facing the wrath of Supreme Promotions boss Isaiah Laing, after the two behaved in a less-than-complimentary manner at Sting 30 last week.

Sizzla will no longer be able to perform at Sting, while D'Angel won't even be able to enter the venue during the event.

"We had a meeting on Saturday and we, Heavy D and myself, came to the decision to ban Sizzla Kalonji and D'Angel from Sting. Sizzla was warned repeatedly before going onstage about not promoting hate music and he went up there and did it repeatedly. We are going international and we warned every artiste before they went on to the stage," said Laing.

"We are banning D'Angel as a patron also. We don't want your money D'Angel. Stay home. Watch the event on pay-per-view," Laing told The Gleaner.

"What kind of image is D'Angel portraying as a mother? She's saying she came to clash but that's not how the clash went. It was not about Ninja Man, she embarrassed herself. At least a five-year ban for D'Angel."

At the time of the interview, the artistes had not yet learnt of the ban.

D'Angel's phone went straight to voicemail, while efforts to contact Sizzla also proved futile.

REASON FOR BAN

The ban comes as a result of Sizzla's set where he reportedly went against agreed-upon protocol to lambaste homosexuality on several occasions.

D'Angel, who was not scheduled as a performer, took to the mic, climbing from the VIP section to tackle Ninja Man in a lyrical battle that became more than a little raunchy.

With renewed criticism surrounding the 30th staging of Sting, the promoters also released a statement distancing themselves from certain utterances and behaviour displayed onstage, calling them "inconsistent with their efforts to provide energetic and authentic Jamaican entertainment".

"Sharp lyrical exchanges and colourful performances are staples of our annual offering, however, in accordance with our efforts to internationalise the event, we strive to ensure that the performances conform to accepted standards of decency and decorum," the statement to the media read.

It continued, that of the 11 hours of superb performances, there was only 15 minutes (an approximation) which could be deemed problematic.

"We believe that our artistes will take note of the observations which will assist us in effecting the kinds of control that we have been working assiduously to maintain and introduce. We wish to commend the majority of artistes who appeared on the show and performed in accordance with the standards which are reflective of our objectives.

"We have written to the artistes about their behaviour at the event, and we are committed to further steps when and where necessary," Laing told The Gleaner, before disclosing the decision to ban the two artistes.

"We thank the public and our sponsors for their continuous support, without which we would not have been able to boast three decades of existence. We remain committed to advancing reggae, dancehall music, and the industry. We will continue to strive to improve our product and are confident that with your support we will achieve our aim," the release ended.


ENDS

Sting has always been defiant and deliberate in his approach to anti gay injurous lyrics but gets away with it more so in Africa than in Europe or the Americas for years, now we see the organizers taking some action on this. Let's see how this plays out onwards.

See previous posts:
Sizzla Rejects J-FLAG Olive Branch .......... oh really?

Sizzla's French show is off, Vybz Kartel may still perform (2010)

Sizzla Concert Cancelled from Chiemsee Reggae & Austrian Sunsplash Shows (2010)

Sizzla shows cancelled in Denmark in European tour (2009)


Gay hate dancehall star refused European entry visa (Flashback 2008)

Anti gay Dancehall acts Sizzla & Capleton's shows cancelled in the US

Sizzla's concert cancelled (France), Montpellier's mayor re-affirms firm stand in the face of homophobic calls ......

Sizzla Concert Cancelled in France ........... (2010)

SMM protests Sizzla in Denmark (2009)

Happy New Year

also

Sizzla no longer welcomed at Netherlands' Melkweg festival:

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (CMC) – Organisers have withdrawn a request for Jamaican dancehall singer, Sizzla to perform at the ‘Melkweg’ show later this year because of his anti-gay lyrics, the promoters have said.

They said Sizzla, whose real name is Miguel Collins, was due to perform at the March 16 show and that patrons who had already purchased tickets would be refunded.

Melkweg said it had been made aware of Sizzla’s performance at a recent show in Jamaica where he did a song against gay relationships.

Melkweg said it does not want to provide a stage to anyone who sings such “very hurtful and hateful lyrics”.

In 2007, Sizzla signed a document renouncing previous anti-gay statements. He had also promised not to sing anti-gay songs on European stages.

Peace and tolerance

H

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Related Posts with Thumbnails

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


A look at the fear of the feminine (Effemophobia) by Jamaican standards & how it drives the homo-negative perceptions/homophobia in Jamaican culture/national psyche.



After catching midway a radio discussion on the subject of Jamaica being labelled as homophobic I did a quick look at the long held belief in Jamaica by anti gay advocates, sections of media and homophobes that several murders of alleged gay victims are in fact 'crimes of passion' or have jealousy as their motives but it is not as simple or generalized as that.

Listen without prejudice to this and other podcasts on one of my Soundcloud channels

hear recent pods as well:

Information & Disclaimer


Not all views expressed are those of GJW

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

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

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

Please use the snapshot feature (if available for your device(s) to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.

God Bless

Other Blogs I write to:

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

contact:

APJ Website Launch & Link


Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website on December 1 2015 on World AIDS Day where they hosted a docu-film and after discussions on the film Human Vol 1




audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

See posts on APJ's work: HERE (newer entries will appear first so scroll to see older ones)

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


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

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

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

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard



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

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

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

More HERE

Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?


Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?


It seems like homosexuality is on everyone's tongue. From articles in the newspapers to countless news stories and commentaries, it seems like everyone is talking about the gays. Since Jamaica identifies as a Christian nation, the obvious thought about homosexuality is that it is wrong but only male homosexuality seems to influence the more passionate responses. It seems we are more open to accepting lesbianism but gay men are greeted with much disapproval.

Dancehall has certainly been very clear where it stands when it comes to this issue with various songs voicing clear condemnation of this lifestyle. Currently, quite a few artistes are facing continuous protests because of their anti-gay lyrics. Even the law makers are involved in the gayness as there have been several calls for the repeal of the buggery law. Recently Parliament announced plans to review the Sexual Offences Act which, I am sure, will no doubt address homosexuality.

Jamaica has been described as a homophobic nation. The question I want to ask is: What are we afraid of? There are usually many reasons why homosexuality is such a pain in the a@. Here are some of the more popular arguments MORE HERE

also see:
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation


Sexuality - What is yours?

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



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

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

also see if you can

JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness



Reminder

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

also see a flashback to some of the issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless LGBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

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


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist

c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tense

d) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports

f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)

g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible

h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violated

i) When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions

j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it

Vacant at Last! ShoemakerGully: Displaced MSM/Trans Persons were is cleared December 2014





CVM TV carried a raid and subsequent temporary blockade exercise of the Shoemaker Gully in the New Kingston district as the authorities respond to the bad eggs in the group of homeless/displaced or idling MSM/Trans persons who loiter there for years.

Question is what will happen to the population now as they struggle for a roof over their heads and food etc. The Superintendent who proposed a shelter idea (that seemingly has been ignored by JFLAG et al) was the one who led the raid/eviction.

Also see:

the CVM NEWS Story HERE on the eviction/raid taken by the police

also see a flashback to some of the troubling issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless GBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE


May 22, 2015, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston


New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker Gully LGBT Homeless Population




Superintendent Murdock

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

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

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

Gender Identity/Transgederism Radio discussion Jamaica March 2014





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

CLICK HERE for a recording of the show

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



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

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



Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14



debate by hosts and UWI students on the weekly program Issues on Fire on legalizing polygamy with Jamaica's multiple partner cultural norms this debate is timely.

Also with recent public discourse on polyamorous relationships, threesomes (FAME FM Uncensored) and on social.


What to Do .....




a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone

b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council

c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state

d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police

e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number

f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided

g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence

h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail

i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail

j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence

Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you

The following may apply:

1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries

2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial

3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.

4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.

5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence

6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts

7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.

Notes on Bail & Court Appearance issues


If in doubt speak to your attorney

Bail and its importance -

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

There are two standards that must be met:

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

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

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

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

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

"Bail is not a matter for daylight

Locked up and appearing in court

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

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

Other Points of Interest

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

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

 Avoid being viewed as police may deliberately expose detainees

 Bail is not offered to persons allegedly with gun charges

 Persons who allegedly interfere with minors do not get bail

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

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

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

a) Is the accused a flight risk?

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

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

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

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

Human Rights Advocacy for GLBT Community Report 2009

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Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.

Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this blog(immediately below, GLBTQJA (Blogspot), GLBTQJA (Wordpress) and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact: glbtqjamaica@live.com or Tel: 1-876-841-2923 (leave a message just in case)




Activities & Plans: ongoing and future

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

  • Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives

  • To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

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

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

  • Welcoming, examining and implemeting suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public

  • Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner

  • Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise

  • Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL

Thanks again
Mr. H or Howie

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








Peace

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



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

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

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


John Maxwell's House