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

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

And 20 years hence ...........



the very spot where the above American Airlines crashed site some years ago where my ordeal and road to change and activism began

November 9 1996 would never be the same for myself and subsequently three other co-accused gay men who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, time flies indeed and I cannot believe that a full 20 years have passed when on Palisadoes Road to be precise when were surprised by bright lights and as it turned out it was a search-light atop a police car who happened on us complete with expletives, raised decibels and a string other anti homosexual comments when they realised we were all male. Despite that fact that no anal sex was happening at the time of the encounter we were none the less charged for it or at least two of us, myself and my then dating boyfriend who now lives abroad since the episode.

You may have heard my reference my buggery case from time to time in previous posts, well it all stemmed from the bizarre sequence of events that morning.

Picture it, a young man in my twenty third year of life with not a care in the world than normal, in a decent job, a roof over my head, mom and dad were still around and relatively healthy and mortgage payments; on vacation leave only to have my life turned completely out of whack just before returning to work due the following Monday, after running some errands in Spanish Town the night before, November 8 I made my way to the barbers to get my grooming on and keep my face tight; I ran into my cousin who was having drinks at a bar and he offered and we chatted about all kinds of nonsense, I was not out yet to him so I suspect he did not out rightly know I was gay although there was talk in the family already as I had no girlfriend since my late teens full time and apart from her miscarriage I never attempted for children.

We drove off to head for home as he lives just across the same housing scheme but he said he wanted to chill some more so we ended up at a street dance off Brunswick Avenue and had a few more drinks and by midnight we finally called it quits. Arrived home and decided to take a shower when the phone rang, it was my then date who said he was bored and his best friend one of the now infamous four were out and about on the town when they offered to come get me; I hesitated as I usual do not venture out after coming in from the road; they pressed me none the less and I capitulated. In less than twenty minutes there was the toot at my gate, relatively fast since it was late, I showered and left in the car. We were having a ball, four young men with not a care in the world, we look good, we had money so what is to stop us apart from the nonsense homophobia we were about to walk into. We stopped by a popular hookup joint then known as ‘Sandringham’ but it was full so we headed to Burger King had a bite and left aimlessly out and about, the road was busy as the early air of the Christmas holidays were visible with the trademark pepper lights, tinsel and such were in full swing. So we somehow decided to drive and anywhere the destination landed us then so be it.

We ended up at Palisadoes, upon our arrival we parked just opposite the airport runway but realised we had company as other persons were there; mostly heterosexual couples doing their thing in the vehicles as it is a popular spot for that sort of thing; a refridegerated truck drove off but we did not pay it any attention and we moved closer to the sea shore where we dipped our feet in the water, then we moved to the ill-fated spot and paired off in a romantic setting then came the floodlights aimed at the car and plain clothes as well as uniformed cops came charging out; upon discovering we were all males then homophobia started; my shirt was off by then so I put it on and the other two guys who were leaning on the rear of the car a grey Toyota Corolla were ordered to allow the cops to search them.

We were hustled into the patrol vehicle while one of the officers drove behind it to the Airport police precinct and that’s when things got interesting:

Parading of us as ‘battyman’

Numerous phonecalls to alert other officers of us

A barrage of questions dotted with condemnation as to our abomination and nastiness to include ‘shitpit’ references, I guess they never actually gay men in the flesh directly before in full knowledge of their sexuality so curiosity was high

Attempts to get us to tell when and where we started being gay and that if we do not know we can change; the usual restorative mantra

A full out prayer meeting at one point as we ignored it for the most part to change us into heterosexuals again by a fire brand female officer who sounded Pentecostal like

Attempts to try to get us to give a statement despite that fact that the charge was not yet entered in the station diary; some cops dismissed the whole affair and urged the others to let us go and move on as one put it at the time words to the effect that ‘dem a decent yute dem man’ (these are decent men) maybe implying the effort should be more on hardened criminal suspects, myself and my date were ones who seemed to be targeted for getting the full buggery charge seeing we were on the backseat of the car not naked but shirts off and in a hugging position, the other two guys ended up with a gross indecency charge; we were asked to strip away from the other cops and our underwear taken to supposedly be used as exhibits. A corporal Bailey was more civil in how she dealt with us and seemed sympathetic but I had my doubts as it could have been a softening exercise to have us implicate ourselves, a tactic used by police when they know that they have a weak case with nothing to stand on.

The ordeal lasted for a 5 hours so much so I started fall asleep in the backroom of the station, by the time sunrise came we could hear the mob outside the station demanding the cops hand us over to them as word spread of the ‘four battyman dem’ so arrangements were made to take us into town itself as the jail cells there had suspects. The departure from the station was another matter as the cops had to make a passage way with their bodies as the mob waited eagerly; we were told to dash towards the jeep which we did and the mob went bezerk in their failure to get us and the police’s protection of battyman. We subsequently were taken on tour it seems to multiple police posts and precincts, namely Half Way Tree where interestingly despite no cell phone technology then prisoners/suspects were shouting from the windows of cells which one they wanted ‘the brown one’ referring to Nigel in the group. I thought they meant to exact violence but I subsequently learned later that it was for sex (despite Jamaica’s homophobia) substitutional sex in prisons or the prison wife phenomenon is very much here.

We then ended up at Elleston Road where another display session took place much to the raucous laughter of some, we were all frightened as we did not know where this was going given the awful history of police abuse of gay men years prior often gone unabated and corrected. Then someone called my name even as I hid my face between my legs worried about what my family would think when they get wind of this; the voice was that of a police officer who I knew so Lord I melted as he would be the one to take news onwards, I never responded when he repeatedly called me and then cursed an expletive and walked muffling under his breath ‘battyman’ we made our statements after the charges were read to us and the taunts and curiosity seekers were at it as at Pailsadoes. Were then were taken to Central precinct in a bid it seems to find a place to put us on remand and again as at the previous locales the humiliation, curiosity, verbal abuse persisted.

We ended up at the Elleston Road Medical centre with now 8 cops (two of which I subsequently learned were bisexual as they came out to me years later) to be examined by the doctor on behalf of the state to prepare the doctor’s report for the prosecution/arresting officer. To think the doctor effectively had to commit buggery by fingering in a glove with lube to check the tightness or looseness of our sphincter muscles. The report later suggested spermatozoa cells were present normally at the fibres of the clothing where they should be but also at my anus (first sign of a falsified report in hindsight) as remembering no anal sex occurred and a condom that was in my pocket ended up also as an exhibit. But let us not rush it yet, we were then taken to Remand Centre in Rema and the cops their all but one all agreed to use the story of a charge of illegal drugs seeing it was at the airport stretch which is also known as a float away point for cocaine. This was done to diffuse any challenges that may come while we were in custody but one police woman decided to circulate by way of a note that were bugga man.

That’s when all hell broke loose and the beatings started; we were then separated into different cells so as to reduce the familiarity component but it was clear by our second day on lock down a cell block shanking was in order. I was able to defend myself in a way but my other pals I could hear my date pleading for no more hits. The ordeal went on for some hours before things cooled. We had court the morning in questions and the bruises were evident but despite the cops asking us to point out the culprits we kept it in as we were not sure of the aftermath. We subsequently placed in one cell which was not on lock down like the others with more hardened accused. Everything from hits with bottles, to the trademark melted plastic on skin was used as tortures to us but thankfully we made it through. The court hearings started and even there in the hallowed halls of justice we were subjected to ridicule even by one of the four judges overall who heard the case, inescapable homophobia I suppose. The judge in question asked who was doing whom? Much to the laughter of the courtroom. Some two years plus passed with the repeated mention dates as the arresting officers simply stopped attending court despite numerous subpoenas. We were advised not to give up and attend every mention date; we did and then the faithful day came when we asked the bench to throw out the matter sighting our punctuality in court and our employers (three of us were still employed) expressing concerns of loss of man hours ti which she complied and adjourned it sine die (set aside for seven years and could be recalled if the arresting officer found new evidence). By this time there was no JFLAG or groups like that so apart from words of encouragement from some, and then a more proactive Jamaica AIDS Support, JAS we had to start all over again.

Malice, verbal abuse, homophobia in various forms and gossip punctuated my life for years so much so I relocated to Kingston; I then started by disc jock stint at the Club Entourage on Christmas Eve 1996 out on bail of course thanks to JFLAG co-founder Brian Williamson. Some family members have not spoken to me since while others have (re)connected over the years. My experience has taught me lots and gave me the resolve to being the person I am today despite losing some friends to murders, HIV related diseases and a slow progress to change in Jamaica. I’ll admit at times I feel near burnout but I use the rubber band technique and bounce back. You live and you learn I guess.

Thanks for your support over the years but the journey continue.

Peace & tolerance

H

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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.

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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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What I am reading at times ......

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