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

Friday, August 28, 2015

So our displaced cannot settle eh? ....... police raid premises with cross dressers!

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So our homeless are in problems again with the police as an address where they were allegedly staying in Kingston was raided earlier this month by cops who suspect the persons gathered were from the Shoemaker Gully residents who were removed from the area.

There is never a dull moment for our brothers and sisters at that level but the tokenism shown to them and sheer silence from more privileged LGBT advocates still is disturbing while JFLAG still drag their feet in addressing homeless as it ought to be dealt with. The repeated headlines with the population in a powerless position is just way too much these days.

With aspirational PR on social media glossing over the realities such as the opening of the Larry Chang shelter Facebook page and the Colour Pink Group candlelight vigil activities it amounts to very little real improvement in the lives of the population which is still growing islandwide. Just a cursory glance on the road especially at nights and the groups are visible not to mention the repeated 'please call me' requests by phone asking for some sort of help.

I have always been skeptical about the repeated announcements and PR yet no real follow up, case in point in 2013:


The last post I had done on this was: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston in May and only months later this comes via the Star News:

After residents report suspicious activities

A raid conducted recently by members of a police team who swooped down on premises along Beechwood Avenue in Kingston unearthed a collection of female items from rooms populated by males and cross-dressers.

THE STAR understands that the men informed the police that they were rightful residents, as their rent was being paid for by JFLAG.

Information reaching our news team is that on Saturday, August 15, a property in the area was searched after the police were bombarded with reports of suspicious activities.

A source close to the operation told THE STAR, "We believe that the men and their associates, who once operated in the New Kingston gully, have relocated to this area and have been carrying out illegal activities, abusing residents, among other things."

THE STAR gathered that following the raid of premises, stolen phones, make-up, wigs, and a large quantity of female clothing and accessories were seized.

"It is clear that these are the same group that were operating in New Kingston", the source revealed.

Work as prostitutes

Our news team understands that each member of the group allegedly has a specific role to play in the organisation.

Investigators theorise that among the individuals are persons who work as prostitutes, those who rob and those who resell stolen items.

THE STAR was told that there are people who are victims of these crimes; however, they fail to report them.

The police are also of the belief that the crimes committed by these men have got more serious as they now destroy property and injure their victims.

Our news team was told that when the police sought to have the men removed from the location, they were told that a gay rights activist group, JFLAG, was responsible for their rent, which was being paid.

When THE STAR contacted Dane Lewis, executive director of JFLAG, he sought to shed some light on the issue.

He said, "Not so; if they were found there on a weekend. Last week when they were evicted from a previous premises, we had actually paid for a few nights there ... they just got evicted and there was impending rain..."

Lewis also noted, "JFLAG does not condone any illegal activity ... . Where any member of society falls ill with the law then the full measure of the law should be handed down..."

ENDS

Just days before on August 21 André Williams, STAR Writer also reported:
A man who allegedly went for a stroll in the New Kingston area recently was reportedly lured by a group of men posing as women, who held him against his will, tied him up, robbed, and raped him.
Information reaching THE WEEKEND STAR is that a team of officers attached to the St Andrew Central police division responded to a radio transmission of a robbery along Braemar Avenue on August 17, about 4 a.m.
Our news team gathered, however, that when the police arrived at the location, they discovered a man tied up with what appeared to be a rope at a gate.
Closer observation revealed that the man was nude with his hands and feet bound.
A source close to the investigation told THE WEEKEND STAR that the police assisted in setting the man loose before he was brought to the station to record his statement.
Reports are that the victim was on his way from work and saw a group of women soliciting sex.
It's alleged that he went to them and he was overpowered and tied up, but not before they robbed, stripped him of his clothes and took him to nearby bushes and began to sexually assault him.
The St Andrew Central police say they are investigating this incident, however, there may be other victims who may be embarrassed to come forward.

ENDS

Where will it end?

Peace & tolerance

H

Back from a break, the loss of an ally & suicides

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Hello readers

I have not gone anywhere in as far as response to the emails and social media messages but I needed a break to unwind and breathe and come again, besides I have been at this for a while. So much has gone on since then after my last post some of which makes me feel as if I may need to take a break again just to recoup as one of my oldest readers and supporter in many respects passed away earlier this month. I took some well deserved rest and resisted even reading the news or the grapevine suss, the ‘gurlz’ there are most upset lol but one has to be careful of burnout.

I also had to address a leg injury I have been tending to for a while and I think I mentioned before after a minor accident 




News came by Mark Holford’s Facebook page via a friend of his who posted the surprise death of Mark Holford on August 5. Mark has been with me since I operated the JFLAG blog in 2009 and stayed with me after the name/focus change in 2009 where he also joined the GLBTQ Jamaica NING page now defunct as the rates went through the roof for upkeep. 

snapshot of the original NING page back in the day when I was recruiting

Mark was instrumental in assisting via donations and support via calls to Jamaica as well to us and when I did more crisis intervention stuff he donated occasionally. Cause of death is suspected suicide which is quite a surprise as he did not show any sign of trouble; which is usually the case for such matters, in the same breath another gay man in my home parish also committed suicide, he was found hanging from his roof by his work tie according to reports.

Mark was also active on Facebook on the GLBTQ Jamaica page and other pages and persons are still reeling from the shock of the news, he was laid to rest on August 21, 2015 in New York. Gonna miss him real bad.

Meanwhile the scene has been busy with things such as:

A murder of a longtime cruiser in Kingston





Announcements of a Rainbow House for the homeless alongside a candle light vigil and the Larry Chang shelter Facebook page opened but one wonders if real meaningful help will finally come for the least amongst us. Colour Pink Group Regional Training on Treatment Cascade, Human Rights and Law and Regress System. The aim is to educate over 40 homeless/sofa surfing GMT from each region on the treatment cascade, minimum packages at the health care centers, human rights and law and learn the redress compliance systems. Supporting organisations National Family Planning Board, Ministry of Health and Health Policy Project.


With headlines like this however one wonders if the homeless are really being helped? outside of the sensationalism the fact that they can be accused of something like this says alot that they are still exposed when this also came to hand: POLICE RAID CROSS-DRESSERS' HOUSE

Backlash from some LGBT Jamaicans as to JFLAG’s claim of hosting the first PRIDE in Jamaica despite we have had several pride events over the years, 
Meanwhile a PRIDE event is slated for Montego Bay almost sounding in competition with the aforementioned event. Was it that JFLAG did not invite their western Jamaica counterparts? 

Here is the flyer:



here is a reminder of a pride banner from 2006:



and a previous post on pride events featuring a performance by Harmonica Sunbeam here: LGBT History Month: The Queen of Comedy Harmonica Sunbeam graced our stage

Bullying policy via the Ministry of Education though criticisms have not been so nice

A downlow matter ends in disastrous results for a young gay man after he was accused of outing a known gangster

The departure of several Jamaicans to other lands

Kingston’s mayor claims she supports LGBT but some have interpreted this as a fess up for the LGBT vote in the upcoming elections due by December of 2016

Gays demonstrated in Western Jamaica but the photos of the protest has some asking questions as to its impact as the environment looks as if human traffic is low hence the exposure would be limited with some going as far as to suggest it was deceptive.

LGBT and non LGBT NGOs carry out personal development workshops for youth

Miss Gay Caribbean USA slated to occur in September the entrants to be announced (watch out on this blog for more)

New invitation only LGBT spot opened in July in Central Jamaica as more promoters go back to the selective client methodology given recent fights at events and persons still either underpaying or asking for a complimentary pass if not demanding it rudely causing impacts on profits and income. Their first event was a decent success and I got a chance to work with one of the newer DJs on the circuit.

Continued fallout from the illegal lotto scamming war so to speak with young LGBT persons impacted from it as the leaders of the activity previously actively recruited MSM claiming they have a better speaking voice and personality over the phone but with the murders and spoils becoming scarce openings are also disappearing.


Finally another suicide case that of Gregg Gentles as carried on Facebook as tributes continue to pour in.

Feels good to be back but there is a lot to catch up on and share too, thanks for the articles sent via email and such and let's continue the conversation. Also see: Reverend not opposed to gay pride celebration

Peace & tolerance

H

Miss Gay Caribbean USA Pageant 2015 for September 26th

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Miss Gay Caribbean USA Pageant is on again and Heatwave Productions is at it again with some of the previous winners in a clash of sorts with our girl Mimi Mancini representing, if you recall she won the first pageant in 2009. She was also featured in two mini-documentaries on Jamaica's homophobia.


Miss Mimi

see more on that here: 
Jamaican wins Inaugural Gay Caribbean/USA Pageant





Female Impersonators and Trans-Sexuals of Caribbean decent battle for the coveted Gay Caribbean USA Pageant Crown. The segments are Talent, Swim Wear, Evening Wear and Interview.

The show is infused with interesting and exciting additional attractions.

Drinks, food and gift items are sold at the Pageant.

The Gay Caribbean USA Pageant is a most exciting Brooklyn Staple Event.


Pageant Hotline: 1-347-692-9428

see their event page HERE

Jamaica did not place in last year's competition where we were represented by a female face as seen here in her interview, she was the first lesbian to enter the competition:


see previous posts on the pageant HERE


I wish all the girls well but my bias as always is our girl to win seeing we set the trend from the beginning.

See more on that sad issue when a winner passed away on my sister blog GLBTQ Jamaica on wordpress where I dedicated an entry to her:


Peace and tolerance

H

Monday, August 10, 2015

Parents benefit from FHC/CDA islandwide workshops to include LGBT issues

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PARENTS and guardians have benefited from eight parenting seminars recently hosted by First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union (FHC) in association with the Child Development Agency (CDA) through the campaign series 'Positive parenting: for our nation's sake'.

The campaign, launched last month by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two entities, included eight parenting seminars islandwide in areas with a high incidence of child abuse cases.

The seminars were designed to equip parents with positive parenting techniques in developing better parent-child relationships, highlight their responsibilities under the law, the community's role in child protection, and budgeting for the family.

According to the organisers, the seminars have been very successful, with parents honestly sharing about the challenges they were facing, while seeking assistance. Almost all seminars were oversubscribed, with the FHC 'Managing your finances' session a hit at every location.

"We are really happy we took this route, partnering with the CDA to host these seminars. We have recognized that financial stress can sometimes affect the quality of familial relations and family members' ability to cope effectively with their everyday economic realities. Therefore, we were more than prepared to lend our expertise in the area of managing the family budget and giving financial advice to help these parents overcome money worries," said Maria Morrison, chief operating officer of FHC.

"Based on the evaluation forms, the feedback has been positive. The parents found the speakers to be excellent, very engaging and interactive with practical presentations. They've also said the topics were quite appropriate and relevant," said Nadine Anderson, team leader from the CDA southern region.

Similar reports have been echoed by her colleagues in the south east and north east regions where seminars were held in Kingston, St Catherine, St Mary, and St Ann, with each region focusing on issues of major concern within their locale.


"We've found that although it's different parishes, it's the same issues, but sometimes things vary. For example, having done our needs assessment in working with both the children and parents, we realize that in St Catherine the problems are more behavioural. 

The children are misbehaving at home or school. In Kingston, the issues tend to be sexual. Parents don't know how to talk about sex or have an appreciation for the body or how to handle a child who has homosexual tendencies. But generally, there are lots of issues particularly with the traditional style of parenting, where children are to be seen and not heard. Now the parents are committing to listening to the children more," said children's officer Sasha Tucker.

As a result, the resource personnel included clinical psychologists, trained counsellors, children's officers and police personnel who could effectively cover the issues being addressed.

"Traditionally, FHC would normally host our annual free parenting seminar in Kingston. Though it has been extremely successful, the prevailing situations in the country have steered us along this path to reach even a wider cross-section of audiences. As we participate in each session, listen to and talk to the parents who are grateful for the assistance and training, there is no doubt this was the right decision," said Morrison.

Hiding in marriages ................

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Downlow living makes news but sadly such is the reality when persons are forced into marriages especially when older relatives keep asking when is it gonna happen or requests for grandchildren or if it is a church situation where elders or clergy emphasize no sex prior to marriage; then the union runs into disaster but here is a Star News story on the matter.


J'can man makes shocking confession on YouTube

Shanice Watson, STAR Writer

A Jamaican man who is now married to another has earned the ire of many after revealing shocking details about his homosexual lifestyle in a candid interview.

The man, who gave his name as Vincent, admitted that while living in Jamaica, he married a woman solely to mask that fact that he was gay. He also boasted about the many luxurious assets his homosexual relationships have afforded him.

Vincent, who admitted he lost his virginity to another male at 14, said he knew he was gay from a young age, but had to marry a woman to hide his true sexual orientation.

"I recognised that I was gay from about 12 years old. I used to hide my life. I eventually got married to a female and had a kid. You know, in Jamaica, it's a homophobic country. They just don't believe in men and men, but that (homosexuality) is my whole being. I always like to see young nice guys and I always like to see cute guys and all of that," he said.

He also admitted that he frequently cheated on his wife with his boyfriends and often imagined he was having sex with men during sexual intercourse with her.

Vincent claims he is a "natural" gay and, therefore, does not pursue homosexuality for financial gains. However, he boasted about the many luxuries he attained through his sexuality.

"I never see a woman offer to buy me a car. I received two cars out of a man. Money, I get hundreds of thousands of dollars from men; hundred thousand, two hundred thousand, five hundred thousand, new brand car. For my birthday, I get anything I want," he said while snapping his fingers between phrases.

He said that the gifts came from both gay and straight men, including a jealous Jamaican policeman. "He is a very nice police guy. He is cute and muscular. He's just what I wanted, but he wanted to shoot me. He was jealous over me because I was with another guy."

Vincent said he migrated to the United States and is employed in the medical field. He lives with his boyfriend. Even though same sex marriages are legal in the US, some Jamaicans who saw the interview on YouTube were disgruntled.

Melisha May: Look pon him ugly r... to! A dat mi caa tek wid nuff a dem. Jump inna b... and a deh wid di woman at di same time!

Msaleciavaz: Let me shut my mouth since I ain't got anything nice to say.

also see:
The unofficial practice by churches in using marriage to cure homosexuality

How I found out my husband was gay 2012

On the down low: Men sleeping with men - another view

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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