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

Monday, July 20, 2015

Queen Ifrica claims ...Gay people loved her music

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Queen Ifrica says that her songs have been embraced by members of the homosexual community.

Speaking in a video that has gone viral on social media, the Lioness On The Rise hitmaker says her music has been comforting to gay men who have been victims of rape or incest.

"I have worked extensively with people from the gay community since I did Daddy Don't Touch Me There," said Ifrica.

The reggae artiste said she has spoken to 'confused homosexuals' who called her brave for choosing to sing about touchy topics such as incest in her work. Ifrica added that, "Some of them, their fathers were the ones responsible for breaking them into that lifestyle."

She expressed pride at her choice of topics for her music. "I feel proud of myself that I am able to stand in a time where it is taboo and cliché to speak the truth about anything that has to do with self-development and self- awareness," said Ifrica.

In the video, the Below The Waist singer also said that she is determined to continue to express her opinions freely.

"We don't live in a world where you can go about and just do what you want anymore. We are censored, we are under scrutiny, there are elements among us that want to be gods," said Ifrica.

The artiste said she will continue to speak the truth for the people who are now afraid to voice their opinions because of the 'censorship' of opinions by those who "think they are the ones who raise the sun."

Faced backlash

In 2013, Queen Ifrica caused controversy during a performance at the Independence Grand Gala when she declared,"All a di people wah inna di stadium, put you hand inna di air, all straight people, man an' woman me seh".

Since then, Ifrica has faced backlash from activists from the homosexual community, especially abroad which have caused her to be removed from shows in Canada and the United States.

Earlier this month, two sponsors of the Edmonton Reggae Festival in Canada where Ifrica is one of the headliners, withdrew their sponsorship from the show citing concern for Canadian promoters inviting anti-gay performers to the country.

But Ifrica responded to the sponsors' pulling out by stating that, "Don't try to shut me up and put me in a corner and then you're able to walk around freely, that's injustice."

The musician said she desires dialogue with those who oppose her views. "If we really want to have a world where there is coexistence in it where people live alongside of each other then we have to learn how to dialogue," said Ifrica.


A press release from the Edmonton Reggae Festival announced that performers including Queen Ifrica along with I-Wayne and Capleton will have a code of conduct to adhere to in their performance at the festival. The code of conduct bans "defamation of character or group", this includes defamation on the basis of sexual preference/lifestyle, economic status, gender, ethnicity and religion.


Flashback to this interview with her and Tony Rebel alongside JFLAG's Dane Lewis in 2013 after the first infractions at the National Stadium:

Thursday, July 2, 2015

J-FLAG can march with police approval – Justice Minister

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KINGSTON, Jamaica – As Jamaica Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) gets ready for its week of activities to mark growing tolerance for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community starting Emancipation Day, speculations abound on social media about a possible gay pride parade in Jamaica.

If this is the case, Minister of Justice Mark Golding told OBSERVER ONLINE that certain steps have to be followed.

“Any kind of public march would require the approval of the police.”

He said anyone can march for any cause in Jamaica.

“As long as they don’t breach the peace, commit any offences and they get commission from the police to have the march, they are able to march,” Golding said.


Minister Golding

“Jamaica is a free country and we have freedom of expression,” he added.

When quizzed about the legality of a same-sex marriage in Jamaica, the minister said: “No, they can’t have that.”

“A same-sex marriage is not recognised under our constitution,” he said.

Golding explained that the Jamaican Constitution is clear and explicitly states that marriage is between one man and one woman.

“So under our law, same-sex marriage is not recognised,” the minister reiterated.

Meanwhile the Gleaner the old lady on North Street reported in part:

J-FLAG Is Planning Gay Pride Activities, But No Parade For August - Exec

Local gay lobby, J-FLAG, is refuting reports that it will host a road parade in August when the group plans to have a series of gay pride activities.

Social media has been abuzz since yesterday following a report that the group would host a parade, similar to what is done in the United States and other countries.

However, executive director of J-FLAG, Dane Lewis, says the report is wrong, adding that Jamaica is not ready for such an event.

Meanwhile, he says the group is planning a week-long series of activities starting on Emancipation Day, August 1, to mark growing tolerance for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

Some years ago, an attempt to host a gay parade was thwarted after anti-gay supporters reportedly planned attacks against marchers.

Jamaica is accused of being one of the most homophobic places on earth but it seems the Gleaner has overlooked the new Time Magazine story: 
Is ‘The Most Homophobic Place on Earth’ Turning Around? published 2015.

Last week, the US government released a report noting that anti-gay laws and the dancehall culture are responsible for perpetuating homophobia in Jamaica.

Executive director of J-FLAG, Dane Lewis, says the report that his group will host a road parade in August. Lewis says Jamaica is not ready for such an event.

also see:
No Buggery Law Removal says Justice Minister, Gay Marriage parachuted in yet again

CARICOM warned of JCHS Morality Petition Backfiring & Stifle HIV Funding

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Leaders of a regional coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations sent a letter to CARICOM’s leadership, urging them not to fall prey to a regional panic in response to equal marriage. CariFLAGS likened calls in a 33,000+ signature evangelical petition to CARICOM that targets LGBT people to the Dominican Republic’s treatment of people of Haitian descent, urging the regional body to oppose both. Using a multilingual social media platform that also mobilized international support for Russia’s anti-homosexual propaganda law and the death-penalty anti-homosexuality law in Uganda, a Jamaican evangelical Christian group, the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS), has collected thousands of private signatures globally for a “civil society declaration” to CARICOM. 



They plan to deliver it to the regional organ at its Barbados Heads of Government meeting this week on sustainable development that the secretary general of the United Nations (which is targeted in the online petition) will attend. Evoking faith, family and Caribbean freedom struggles, the JCHS e-petition calls on CARICOM to adopt policies that deny rights recognition to people who engage in what they call unnatural and unhealthy sexual behaviours. 

Though the “declaration” also mentions euthanasia and abortion, it grounds its concerns and fears in six examples, all of them recent efforts in the region to promote sexual health and protect rights of LGBT Caribbean people. JCHS has in the past successfully targeted CARICOM’s HIV policy making and programmes, and weakened CARICOM leadership commitment to creating an enabling environment for reversing the Caribbean’s role as the second most affected in the world by the epidemic, which is a key threat to the region’s development. Last year, in the wake of JCHS’s mobilisation in support for Brendan Bain, the University of the West Indies lost significant international funding for HIV. Retired Prof. Bain was relieved of roles as a regional policymaker with CARICOM and UWI and censured because of conflicts of interest in court testimony solicited by religious groups opposed to CARICOM policy. 

CariFLAGS, the region’s 18-year-old coalition of leading LGBT organizations, says the impact of JCHS’s current petition, and any CARICOM embrace of it, may be similar. They believe it will likely result in the transfer of millions of dollars in funds from global HIV donors, which is earmarked for addressing policy, stigma and discrimination, from CARICOM to civil society groups like theirs. An initial CARICOM application for such funds was turned down on its first round. They believe CARICOM must stand up for principle if it wants to continue to lead the region’s response to HIV. They urged CARICOM leaders to ensure neither Dominicans of Haitian descent nor Caribbean LGBT people are cast out of justice, citizenship or the nation. CariFLAGS’s mission is to build Caribbean nations where LGBT people enjoy full fruits of citizenship, and to build cultural understanding, policy, litigation and domestic movements that enable that. CariFLAGS serves on the regional coordinating mechanism for the Caribbean HIV response. 

-###-  

The actual letter

Dear CARICOM Heads of Government, CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, and CARICOM Assistant Secretary General Douglas Slater Ensure Leadership & Funding to Preserve Healthy, Just Caribbean Societies Caribbean peoples dearly treasure freedoms that our fore-fathers and mothers valiantly fought and died for. Freedom for our bodies, and for our ability as individual Caribbean people to self determine, no matter our gender, race, faith or social station. 

We, their descendants, must routinely and soundly reject new forms of colonialism and injustice, and any attempts at re-interpretation of international human rights that in their very definition deny such rights to particular groups of people whom others define as undesirables or unholy because of their aspirations and desires. In the twenty-first century, we cannot be writing people out of justice, citizenship or the nation, whether they are of Haitian descent or lesbian and gay. 

We especially cannot engage in such social violence through a rhetoric of faith and family. Single people in our families, people in non-marital unions, and family forms that have disobeyed those seen as “decent” by our dominators are among the most Caribbean forms of kinship—ones that buttressed our collective resilience and dignity. Many in our region are in a panic over a court decision in the United States, which has joined 20 countries, with a combined population of over a billion people, where civil marriage to someone of the same sex is an option. 

This panic builds on earlier anxieties some have been stirring up in the region that Caribbean citizens using our post-Independence institutions of justice (including international conventions to which our nations have voluntarily committed) to achieve bodily autonomy and dignity they have been denied since colonialism will prevent the efforts of some faiths to ensure that a specific “moral” order holds dominion over the region. 

The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) has made CARICOM’s HIV response a special target of their dominionist advocacy and agenda of faith-based social injustice. They have appointed themselves as “cultural watchmen” in preserving an old order they see under threat. They promote collaboration between churches and public health officials to keep legal regimes of sexuality-based stigma and discrimination firmly in place. 

Their destruction of PANCAP’s hard effort and consensus-building around Justice for All, a bold initiative to address health justice issues that drive HIV, is well known. Their advocacy and the ambivalence of regional political leadership has cost us important gains in a critical area of Caribbean human development—as our regional institutions have failed to engage us in an expansion of sexual and reproductive rights that would lead to improved health and prosperity. 

Instead, we remain the second leader in the world in the harmful impact of HIV, and our region’s best collective intelligence about how to end that is under consistent assault by a forceful minority seeking to deny rights to other minorities more vulnerable than they. Soon these forces’ skillful advocacy will also cost us key resources that support HIV infrastructure, personnel and services. JCHS has placed a petition on an international internet platform that also campaigned for the Russian “anti-propaganda” law that forbids public promotion of the rights of LGBT people, and for Scott Lively, the American evangelist being sued in US court there over his role in promoting the Uganda death-sentence homosexuality law that punished people for not turning in homosexual family members. 

The petition, in English, French and Spanish, and open to anyone with internet access in the world, encourages “allies from around the world” to sign; but names are kept from public view. Some 35,000 such “signatures” will be presented to you when you meet in Barbados this week, at the very moment when the region’s HIV response is also under critical scrutiny, and close to $12 million in global funding for this threat to the region’s health, economy and sustainable development hangs in the balance. 

JCHS would love to see this funding and the human rights work and accountability it is intended to support go away. Their petition pointedly labels scientific knowledge on sexuality “false”, and appeals for you to protect them in spreading junk science and other misinformation . Do not give in to panic. Hold fast to the collective principles of our regional HIV response: an evidence-basis for our understanding and interventions; creation of an enabling environment and mitigation of stigma and discrimination; and an inclusion of affected communities in charting the response. Remember that human rights is grounded on equality for all and non-discrimination. Your steadfastness and leadership are needed now more than ever. 

Do not give in to the mob. Ensure CARICOM is in the best position to secure global AIDS funding for the region we are urgently at risk of seeing go to other grantees. As you meet in Barbados to plan for Vibrant Societies and Resilient Economies, please send a clear message that neither can be achieved through discrimination, and that a post-2015 sustainable development agenda must expand sexual and reproductive rights and health across the region and include a robust, human rights- and evidence-based HIV response. Discrimination and casting people out can no more be tools for addressing HIV, sexual diversity, development and building families in our 21st century Caribbean than they can for our brothers and sisters of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic who are victims of the same human rights niggling and narrow mindedness our JCHS colleagues encourage you to adopt. 

We welcome other civil society groups and regional leaders to join our call. 

Signatories:
Dane Lewis JFLAG
Colin Robinson CAISO
Tieneke Sumter 
Caribbean Forum for Liberation and Acceptance of Genders and Sexualities

When your sex gets loud....

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One has to be so careful out there even though the very slouchy change and tolerance of homosexuality in Jamaica as a discussion is still loaded with some abhorrence for anal sex and the belief that such act is too loaded with interaction with faecal matter is still real and can often lead to challenges in everyday life as persons feel justified with certain lines are crossed. Couples or persons cohabiting as same gender lovers or non romantic sex partners and who engage in loud sex overall has caused problems before and a few have made the mainstream news locally. Some strange things have been reported since May through to recently albeit we are in Pride month but sheesh the silly season is on us again.

A male couple learned the hard way in a St Catherine community after renting one of the Matalon houses which are joined together on both sides of neighbours; the original tenant has had a frequent male visitor among other friends over for some time as his friend and was present in the moving exercise some months ago but an incident earlier in April this year has had some residents in the community all of a sudden looking for or profiling persons due to their perceived sexual orientation, the slightest non conforming behaviour or too much male company as it were has become grounds for opposition. The confirmed report is that the men were heard making love in the late hours of the morning of Sunday April 12, 2015 after they arrived from an outing the night before. The men reportedly were most noisy with sounds of pleasure emanating from the living room section of the house which also joined to the neighbouring house’s bedrooms. I also have had neighbours (heterosexual) in high ecstasy complete with bed or furniture banging on the walls to emphasise the thrusting action; they have since moved and more sanguine persons now occupy the flat.

The love making men were knocked up by irate neighbours from both sides of the house with others who were alerted some time afterwards who complained bitterly about the “noise”, persons were expecting a woman to emerge from the house according to one person claiming to be an eyewitness but instead the main tenant came out apologizing profusely but it soon became apparently it was a gay couple who were emitting the lovely sounds. The decibel levels of the neighbours went up when they soon discovered the gender of the couple and as usual the homophobic rhetoric came flowing. Thankfully it never went on to a violent clash as what happened in another incident earlier this year with a lesbian who eventually was chopped by one of her neighbours on an apartment complex of all places where more middle class persons would exist thus such violence would have been unexpected.

The owner was contacted but she was way more level headed as she said sexual noises should not be reason for her to give notice to quit to the man as he is free to entertain whomever so long as it is not disturbing to others; although she took the high road on the matter the other residents even as far away as other avenues said she was inveigling homosexuals in the community and proceeded to ‘burn out’ the landlord as well. However for a peaceful existence the men were asked to leave privately by the landlord and as they moved the heckling were heard from some of the residents even as the truck with the men aboard left the block the laughing could be heard and persons had smart phones capturing the event.

Sadly there have been run-ins like this I can remember my days in Greater Portmore in the early 2000s where a friend of mine was also forced to move as he was accused of harbouring too many males including teens and that loud ‘f***’ noises emanating from the house, similar to the joined up housing units by Matalons in other housing schemes the giveaway as in similar matters is the ease at which persons can hear each other in their units. Apartment complexes and townhouses have not escaped this ‘noise’ overflow issue but the response seemed more subdued until a matter earlier this year on the Washington Boulevard property showed us otherwise.

A recent story of a young lady carried on sister blog GLBTQ Jamaica and in the Jamaica Observer earlier this year where a chopping episode involving a machete was the outcome showed us that disturbing others can be disastrous when one is perceived LGBT, unfortunately the young lady lied to the paper or withheld one of the real reasons why she was the subject of an attack; yes you guessed it loud, very loud sex with her female lover and also fights which annoyed the neighbours on the apartment complex who tried to talk to her but her temper got the better of her and hence the chop wounds we saw. While the attack from the diminutive woman is not so justified most sensible persons including the other tenants on the complex were wondering why a regularly calm introverted woman would resort to pulling a machete on a high tempered individual?

It turns out the young lady has had other visitors with noisy episodes including non sexual ones as her temperament has been a challenge for other tenants. The sympathy originally extended to the chopped victim has since died and the chopper has now garnered those voices on her side even though her demeanour had persons suggesting she was not so head righted. We sometimes make things or attract unneeded heat sometimes with our poor judgements and actions and avoidable situations but when will some of us learn it the fundamental questions. The court case has since fizzled and some fallout has been reported involving a police woman from a precinct outside of Kingston who is alleged to have owed the injured woman thousands of dollars and who was called in to handle the riled neighbour in exchange for the cancellation of the debt, that officer has since turned on the lesbian saying it was her fault for her own troubles. The matter is still alive in some sense as the aggrieved party has installed cameras in all access areas close to the chopped lesbian who has complained that she is not enjoying privacy albeit in all access areas.

The moral of the stories is just be mindful of the things we do and how even in terms of sounds is a factor just for peaceful existence; be conscious of one’s neighbours or where one lives. Jamaica maybe changing but it does not mean we have changed and sadly some things still exist no matter how we try to go around it. I am pleased that the landlord was fair about the situation obviously she is otherwise happy with her tenant suggesting an otherwise good relationship with the man that she was willing to split justice.

Peace and tolerance

H

Orgies, Intruders & Safety

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Orgy party goes sour

also see from 2014: Dubious Adam4Adam Profiles, Unscrupulous Sports, Gay Imposters, Robberies & Safety ...

I hope this post serves as yet another warning to persons who organize or attend all male orgy or group sex events especially those advertised openly on gay hookup sites or social media outlets.

A senior statesman from the community renowned for his sometime spontaneous and wild parties which have been mostly successful hence his reputation built over time found himself and his guests in a quandary in April of this year at a guest house in western Jamaica. The event was advertised on social media in one particular all male group and also on adam4adam but was removed from the latter after a few days given the mistrust of such sites when it comes to Jamaican events and previous challenges with what is sometimes described a “fake gays” who are more into using the event while pretending to be interested to either rob or blackmail the host in some way.

One case as reported had a person with a hidden camera who later after the session edited the clip and then threatened the organizer with exposure if he did not hand over a certain sum, the culprit in that matter hardly participated in the happenings as it was not a dark room event as most orgies tend to be but an oral one with high visibility of participants. It would seem in this case in western Jamaica two of the participants also had ulterior motives as they pulled knives on the other men as the event unfolded and moans of ecstasy could be heard. I manage to speak to one participant by phone who said he was suspicious from their arrival, they were late, they came by a white Toyota Corolla which also had another man aboard as a driver and he left afterwards.

The two miscreants also were not willing participants my phone source continued; while they had erections and were semi-nude they really offered no pleasurable activity to the collective despite the fact that the other participants were attractive, the session was also an orgy based theme so no penetration was permitted. The men hesitantly went along and then took their chance during the break of course conveniently when the rest of persons were spent from activity and pulled knives and choppers while demanding smart phones, jewellery etc. They got away with several phones, tablets and even clothing with brand names were taken and what appeared to be a threat to those relieved as they said they saw video and facebook, instagram profiles on the phones which they said they may use, looks familiar to the referenced case above?

The organizer has been distraught since the matter occurred but has been consoled by persons who have since heard the report and do not blame him fully but a deep background check should have been done prior to preparing the list and subsequent venue information sharing so as to avoid any eventuality. One won’t be always sure speaking from personal experience as I have had dupes as well in a one night session I had planned at a friend’s house the bad egg of the mix turned out to be more interested in what he could rob from us at the time, so I understand fully the conundrum the organizer must be feeling. It is refreshing the other guys are not angry per say and that their lives are spared, some have said to have vowed to not attend anymore orgies as no one can be trusted these days.

I so agree as austerity takes hold in Jamaica there are those who use same gender sex and perceptions of gay men having money and paying for “real men” for sexual liaisons and they get into same with deceptive motives, they make demands for regular money or smartphones or clothes and shoes sometimes under pain of exposure via threat of blackmail. One has to be so careful with these so called “thuggy thugs” “heaviots” or hyper masculine types they may look physically attractive or are well endowed but it is not worth it to be lured into a trap that may jeopardise your safety, reputation if exposed or your life. The demands can sometimes get more intense even after satisfying of yielding to the previous one as they use this form of extortion to gain money and what is worse they take this money to their so called babymothers or such or waste it on non-essential items.

A teacher formerly residing on the Washing Boulevard area learnt the hard way as well in 2013 when what he thought was a good catch at a party he attended turned out to be a dupe looking for an opportunity to rob someone, in that case he had an unloaded gun as surmised by the victim as he was bummy during his attack and just talked too much for a man with a gun. The victim took no chances however and arrived at the conclusion afterwards upon reflection of the matter. A similar incident also took place in Ensom City in 2014 where a man took home a reported catch only to be relieved of his laptop, cash, smartphones and tablets, in his case the items had passwords and fingerprint security features activated. Reporting such matters to the police can be tricky as one would have to leave out the motive for the man being there in the first place as some cops still treat such matters with scant regards and designate them as domestic matters to be resolved by the parties involved.

One also need to be oh so careful on hookup sites as hinted above for fake profiles sometimes complete with attractive nude photos to lure unsuspecting persons enamored by testicular beauty they make contain, especially the ones without head shots, apart someone who may want to protect their identity it may also be a miscreant with ill will hiding to entrap persons.

The cruising community have not escaped this fake intent infiltration intent as recent incidents though unconfirmed in western Kingston suggest men posing as interested in some sort of sexual play turn out to be robbers or homophobes who found out about a particular spot and decide to destroy the opportunity for men to hookup by busting it.

The moral of the story from me:

Background checks for orgy invitees must be done

Verify invitees’ sexual orientation or practices to determine how they will participate

Do not reveal venue location unless one is absolutely sure

Avoid dark room sessions; you must be able to see the faces of invitees/participants

Just be safe out there folks it is not easy anywhere in the world of male hook-ups, even the great countries of the world have this particular problem. A word to the wise is sufficient.

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