The Safe House Project 2009 for Displaced & Homeless MSM/Transgender reviewed & more


In response to numerous requests for more information on the defunct Safe House Pilot Project that was to address the growing numbers of displaced and homeless LGBTQ Youth in New Kingston in 2007/8/9, a review of the relevance of the project as a solution, the possible avoidance of present issues with some of its previous residents if it were kept open.
Recorded June 12, 2013; also see from the former Executive Director named in the podcast more background on the project: HERE also see the beginning of the issues from the closure of the project: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Gays seeking comfort in church?

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Is that really so though according to a recent discussion, when it is the same 'church' who condemns us whilst forgetting that Christ came to meet with the outcasts, downtrodden and poor; or it is shame as instilled by the church that persons cannot come to accept themselves as who they are and seek the church or God to address the guilt and shame. 

Here we are again this old familiar place even when in 2016 some fanatics and religious extremists suggested that JFLAG etc should go and deal with our homeless but as I said before the old adage rings true 'liberty comes through carelessness' this latest development comes through even as more tokenism still obtains as meaningful interventions. see: NPTAJ And Anti-Gay Groups Want J-FLAG Kept Out Of Schools & deal with homelessness


Yet these church groups forget or nicely overlook the clerical abuse matters so much so that they are so overbearing now it's now that they are speaking out, talk about hypocrisy.



For many years, Christians in Jamaica have condemned homosexuals and other members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

Their condemnations have left many members of this group feeling confused about their religious beliefs, but policy and advocacy manager of The Jamaica Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (JFLAG), Glenroy Murray, believes that the condemnation is based on a misinterpretation of the scriptures and the belief that a person cannot be gay and Christian is false.

"The idea that someone cannot be LGBT and be Christian is false because there is nothing in the Bible that speaks to that," Murray said.

He, however, admitted that the Bible does make reference to homosexuality. Leviticus 20 verse 13 states that "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them".

Murray said that "was Mosaic laws, which were created specifically for the Jews."

No longer apply

"It was about strengthening their armies and keeping their civilisation together and because we know that when Jesus came the Mosaic rules no longer applied - not to the Gentiles at least - and since most of us aren't Jews, we can't use Leviticus to say homosexuals can't be Christians."

According to Murray, most homosexuals in Jamaica are Christians, and like other Christians who are committing sins, they have found a way to reconcile what they do with their beliefs. It would be good for Murray to prove that especially in recent years when so many of his colleagues came out as atheists. If the church is so opposed to homosexuality then many would not go to church in the first place, sometimes I wonder if some of us think carefully before we speak to media.

The Reverend Herro Blair Jr, while still declaring that homosexuality is a sin, said that homosexuals should be welcomed in the church and their sins shouldn't be treated differently from other sins.

"I would not stop a gay person from being a part of my church, and I cannot view the lifestyle any differently from how I would view a person who is fornicating or committing adultery," Blair Jr said.

Theological conservatives who believe the Bible forbids same-sex relationships have been opposed to gays being active members or leaders in the church.

Sadly the issue of sexual orientation is still seen as a 'lifestyle' by some clergy and theologians despite the plethora of information out there.

Peace & tolerance

H

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

You are entitled to a lawyer .................

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Last week, we looked at freedom of movement as a right to each Jamaican under the Constitution. In this week's article, we look at how you can get legal representation if you are in conflict with the law. It does not matter how much money you have, legal aid is available to you.

From left Chief Justice Zaila McCalla, President of the Court of Appeal Dennis (CDM) Morrison, and Justice Hilary Phillips, leading other members of the judiciary into a church service.

Let's go through the following:

1. Every person, adult or child, taken into police custody is entitled to legal representation by an attorney. It's your right. Ask the police to call duty counsel for question-and-answer session, identification parade and application for station or court bail.

The duty counsel programme is free. The duty counsel list was recently upgraded and has more than 500 attorneys. The updated list outlines the names, contact numbers and parishes in which attorneys have been designated to assist with representation for accused persons.

2. If you have been taken into police custody and scheduled for a question-and-answer session, you are entitled to have a lawyer advise and represent you.

3. Where the police schedule identification parade for a suspect, the suspect is entitled to have an attorney present at the identification parade to ensure the process is fair and in accordance with the law.

4. An assigned counsel must take full instructions from the client, enquire into client's physical well-being, if in custody, ensure all client rights are observed and advise the client.

5. The Legal Aid Council assigns an attorney from a panel of private lawyers to represent you in a criminal matter from the first court date to the conclusion of the matter. A magistrate, judge, director of a Legal Aid Clinic or the Legal Aid Council may grant your request/application for a lawyer.

6. All attorneys to whom court cases are assigned are in private practice, and are committed to represent all clients vigorously and fearlessly.

Next week, we will continue to look at your right to legal representation.

You Can Get Help

The Legal Aid Council is located on the Ground Floo of the Air Jamaica Building at 72-76 Harbour Street, Kingston.
Telephone: 948-6999

Email: aid.legal@moj.gov.jm

Visit also:

- Kingston Legal Aid Clinic, 131 Tower Street, Kingston
Tel: 922-3792.

- Montego Bay Legal Aid Clinic, 42B Union Street, Montego Bay, St James, Tel: 952-2183.

- Norman Manley Law School Clinic, University of the West IndiesMona Campus 927-1007.

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Gay, straight gang war leads to murders, May Pen mayor wants to reduce crime

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According to the Star News:

Winston Maragh

A war between two rival gangs in Rocky Point, Clarendon, a division which recorded six murders last year, is said to have started over an ongoing conflict between homosexuals and straight men in the area.

Information reaching THE WEEKEND STAR is that members of the Compton and Cuban gangs have been at odds for more than three years, so much so that battle lines have been drawn in the informal settlement.

Councillor for Rocky Point and Mayor of May Pen, Winston Maragh, explained that the war started because of a murder.

"I represent the community, and over the past two years Rocky Point has had numerous murders. There are two gangs - one over on the western side and the other on the eastern side. They keep fighting and we don't know what they are fighting for," he said.

"My investigation is that it started with a gang of homosexuals against a gang of heterosexuals. You kill this one relative, then they come back and kill. Reprisal, until everybody gets involved. One of those killed was regarded a good boy, but he was the brother of a bad boy. They couldn't catch the brother, so they killed him," Maragh said.

Ghost town

The mayor also told THE WEEKEND STAR that the entire community was flooded with guns.


"The police have managed to come in and intervene, and it has now calmed down. The main players were caught and some of them killed," he said.

According to some residents and officials, the crime situation has been so bad that the area is like a ghost town after certain hours.

"The fear is still there. If I call a community meeting now, they tell me start 2 o'clock and finish by 6," Maragh said.

All hope is not lost as Maragh said he has embarked on initiatives aimed at rescuing the community.

"My community renewal programme will take care of that when fully implemented. It will be over a four-year period. It is intended to reduce crime and make life easier for everybody," he said.

Head of the Clarendon Police Division Superintendent, Gwendolyn Cameron Powell, also told THE WEEKEND STAR that she is aware of the gangs operating in Rocky Point.

"Policing Rocky Point has been an issue, however, the police have been managing the crime situation," she said.

THE WEEKEND STAR spoke with several community members who said they were aware of the two gangs. However, no one was willing to state which one of the gangs represented the gay or heterosexual side.

Parliament resumes review of sexual violence bills

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A parliamentary joint select committee (JSC) had a timely resumption Wednesday of its review of four current pieces of domestic violence legislation, including the Sexual Offences Act.

The new committee, which has replaced one which last sat in 2014, is chaired by Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck, replacing former minister Mark Golding.

The committee has been assigned to review the Sexual Offences Act, and consider and review three other pieces of legislation — the Offences Against the Person Act, which includes provisions relating to acts of buggery; the Domestic Violence Act; and the Childcare and Protection Act.

When the previous committee last sat, on November 26, 2014, under the chairmanship of Senator Golding, it was discussed a presentation from the Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA). At that meeting, the committee had extensive discussions on whether the age of consent should be adjusted from 16 years old to 18 years old.

The committee was contending with information, which Golding ascribed to a senior public health officer, that over 80 per cent of Jamaicans had sex by the time they were 18 years old.

Golding said then that with that kind of statistic in mind, the idea of increasing the age of consent to 18 pointed to an issue of whether the system would not be potentially criminalising “a vast majority of young persons”.

At Wednesday’s meeting of the new committee appointed on December 6, 2016, Chuck said they would focus on how they would proceed, especially in light of the fact that the 2017/18 budget would be tabled about February 9.

However, he noted that it was “absolutely clear” that the four acts to be reviewed by the committee are in “great need of revision”.

“Certainly events of the past indicate to us that we have to ensure that our women and children, in particular, are protected,” Chuck stated.

“To the extent that legislation can improve the care and protection of our women and children, then we must do what we can to improve or change the legislation, as the case may be,” he added.

Minister of Culture, Gender Affairs, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, whose Senate motion in 2013 on violence against women and children encouraged the Parliament to widen the scope of the JSC to include the three additional Acts, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green joined Senator Golding and other members of the committee in welcoming the resumption of the work of the committee.

Grange said that the committee had a great responsibility, especially in light of recent acts of violence against women and children in the society. She suggested that the committee seek to expeditiously address the issues.

The committee agreed to meet again on February 1 and 8 to continue its work, after spending the next two weeks sifting through submissions and/or resubmissions from the 29 individuals and institutions involved in the initial deliberations.

Other members of the committee attending Wednesday’s meeting were: Senators Saphire Longmore and Sophia Fraser-Binns, and MPs Marisa Dalrymple Philibert and Lynvale Bloomfield.

3 cops held for alleged shake down of three men ...............

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Three Constables Charged For Breaching the CPA Three Police Constables of the Hanover Division who were arrested last week by detectives from MOCA West, were subsequently charged for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act, according to MOCA.


They are Shemroy Hewitt, Andre Drummond and Conrod Clarke; all stationed at the Hanover Police Headquarters. Allegations are that on Tuesday January 3, 2017, the driver of a Toyota Corolla was travelling along a main road in Hanover when he was stopped by a team of policemen. The occupants were then ordered out of the vehicle and during a search, documents relating to lottery scamming activities were found. 

The three policemen then solicited and later accepted the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) from the driver, who subsequently reported the matter to detectives from MOCA West. Following interview sessions and an identification parade, charges were laid against the Constables. 

They were placed before the Hanover Parish Court on Monday, January 16, 2017 where they were each offered bail in the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) with sureties. 

A Stop Order was also placed on them and they are scheduled to return to court on Wednesday, February 28, 2017. MOCA wishes to remind members of the public who may have any information that could assist in any investigation to call MOCA at 754-3435 or 906-5099 or 851-0113 or 1-800-CORRUPT or by email at moca@jcf.gov.jm More information is on the MOCA.gov.jm website or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MOCAJamaica and follow MOCA on Twitter @MOCAJamaica.

The alleged scammers who said to have paraphernalia of contacts overseas and lead lists were not arrested even after the sting operation was set up and the cops nabbed. This suggests that the allegations by the cops was false it seems as their wrong is now being exposed.

They are to return to court on February 28 after being granted bail in the Hanover Parish Court. They were each offered bail in the sum of $500,000 with sureties when they appeared before the court.


The last time there was a similar case carried on this blog was: 
Cops freed of corruption charges shakedown of gay men in 2015. That case ended due to want of prosecution as the two men who made the report did not follow up for the preliminary hearing and court mention dates, even after reporting to MOCA and having them extend state resources pursuant to a successful sting operation.

More anon

Peace & tolerance

H

Friday, January 6, 2017

Justified underage sexual abuse in lieu of homosexual sex!

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Lasmay's take on the matter

Yet again we see these seeping sentiments not surprisingly out there of men who go to females of whatever age seen as acceptable more so than homosexual sex. The ongoing furore involving the Moravian pastor allegedly caught in a compromising position with a fifteen year old girl in a car in bushes in St Ann has shown up this misplaced principle problem. Many comments on social media and even on radio with not only men but women also pushing this line that the pastor is justified to a certain extent as it was not a boy but a girl who he was with. Some have gone as far as to compare the clerical abuse in the catholic faith of mostly boys and the appearing cover up of it so another denomination’s representative who does it but with a girl is not so bad. This moral equivalence problem is as old as time itself and recorded history when it comes to religiosity, selectivity of atrocities, nitpicking if you will and the more strident and targeted attention on homosexuality.

One of the reports said:


Hampton Principal Seeks To Explain Presence At Pastor's Sexual Offence Hearing

Pastor Rupert Clarke is led from the St Elizabeth Parish Court Wednesday after appearing on a charge of having sex with a minor. Pictured in foreground is Hampton School principal Heather Murray.
The principal of the Hampton School, Heather Murray, has issued a statement defending her presence at the bail hearing of a Moravian minister of religion who is charged with having sex with a minor.

While outside the St Elizabeth Parish Court, Murray reportedly tried to block The Gleaner's photographer from taking a photograph of the Moravian minister, Rupert Clarke.

Since then, Murray has faced huge public backlash, particularly from persons on social media who claim that Murray's presence at the hearing was appalling, especially in light of her position as principal of an all-girls institution. In the statement last night, Murray sought "to set the record straight", stating that she went to the hearing in support of the minister's wife, who, she says, is a high-school friend of hers.

"We are both long-time educators who have been serving together for many years on several boards, committees, and commissions. We are both justices of the peace. Such is the closeness of our relationship that when the news broke, I was, naturally, the first person to whom she turned for solace and support. I have not left her side since because I know that my friend needs me. She reached out to me as a wife, mother, and friend," Murray explained in the release.

She further explained, "My presence at the court was to be there for my friend who needed my moral support. As a wife, mother of two daughters, and principal with responsibility for 1,220 young ladies, I have sought always to protect and defend them and the young children of Jamaica. That has not and will never change."

The police report that at about 9 o'clock on the night of December 28, a team was on patrol in a community near Santa Cruz when they observed a parked car that aroused their suspicion.

They went to investigate and reportedly found the pastor in a compromising position with a 15-year-old child.

He was immediately taken into custody and was charged. Clarke has been granted bail in the sum of $800,000. He must have one or two sureties and is to return to court on February 13.

meanwhile

Betty Ann Blaine head of the children’s’ groups came out swinging on Nationwide radio some days after the incident came to hand. She and other antigay activists have been accused of silence and selectivity on other atrocities and loud on the preservation of the buggery law. Blaine warned that predators if it proven to be so are everywhere and one cannot trust anyone these days as they can also be pastors, a point I agree with in a rare moment; however the previous cases as carried on this blog for example and on tabloid publications have seen no response as this one, I guess because this one is so prominent and has taken on a life of its own. The recent telephone directory cover fiasco and sexualised images lead in part by partner in crime Dr Wayne West of the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, JCHS showed up just that and how even non LGBT persons criticised their hypocrisy. They have been shopping around to find other issues to speak on hence and now this one is the latest to try to adjust their image. They have shifted their HIV is a gay disease ploy to going after young persons and premarital sex especially in the throes of World AIDS Day 2016.

What is even appearing to be more disturbing is the public support the accused has been getting by some unexpected persons. Yes he is innocent until proven guilty and the case is in the preliminary hearing stage but when school principal of a prominent girls institution and other women allegedly from the Moravian church blocking the press from taking photos of the accused as he exited the court house is disturbing, what is she in particular and others doing there is the first question in her capacity as a public figure. I can understand support if it is prayer or visiting the trial to see proceedings but to be so militant and open about it to block the press’s access to the accused is disturbing and suggests something else. A subsequent poorly produced statement came to hand via the chairman of the particular school she is principal claiming she went to give support to the wife of the accused; yet she was not there at the time for starters and the strident defence of the accused by way of blocking the media access to the accused and claiming the media should take photos of herself and the women there, that was not addressed in the statement.

A previous case involving another pastor and his attempts buy out the female victims at a hotel comes to mind, JCHS, Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship (another older anti gay group) and other Christian fanatics who make the rest of the church body look bad were effectively silent. In fairness to Betty Ann Blaine she did speak out but in her usual style. But if the justification of heterosexual or hetero normative abuse clothed in misogyny being banded about even by so called religious minded folks where’s the condemnation by Blaine and other self righteous folks towards that side of it? In other words as long as it is opposite sex the age of the CHILD does not matter, then suppose the accused buggered the girl I wonder what would these same justifying misogynists say then; he is a gay man using a girl to get to booty!

This is not the first time this has come to light but it appears this incident has shown up the dormant feelings always there. The series of abusive incidents is only evidence of what has been obviously simmering for some time and to have them come in such close succession of each other is disturbing to say the least. Intimate partner violence is not limited to the hetero-relation cases that now obtain and same gender challenges also abound but not in such known numbers as the present visibility in mainstream media. It is simply sick to justify paedophilia in such a blatant form and to even go as far as agreeing to child marriages in the eastern parts and in Europe as the way to go as men must have women. The suggestion that women are property is just plain wrong but if our dancehall culture for example has helped to legitimise and reinforce these misogynistic postures then why are we complaining? For all intents and purposes we are the authors and finishers of our fate I imagine.

Sadly the dons have simply adopted the sentiments and the old ‘buss breast’ phenomenon is ongoing, this is where young girls are watched as they go into pre-pubescent growth and development and as their breasts become apparent these thugs would literally summon them or force parents to send them to use them as sexual abuse and it is seen as justified.

The dancehall artist Zebra for example who is serving time for raping and sodomising a female victim who was his then female companion’s daughter of a previous relationship; and who was found guilty for buggery and rape and got thirty years, I wonder what would the sycophantic and misguided folks justifying hetero-normative adult minor inappropriate relations would think? But memory usually fades and historical perspectives are usually left out as persons reside in ignorance in blind opposition.

The ideal situation would be the woman’s head should have been served on a platter via the board but the board seems impotent to act accordingly, had this been a boys school perhaps with a male victim there would have been loud calls for the heads of the accused and possibly the school board though so they hetero coupling comment seems justified in the minds of some. I wonder if there a legal implications in as far as touching the camera by an intervening party when the media is carrying out its proper duties. The man is already charged so they have a right to access of him and not to be obstructed. As for the business of cheating here albeit with a minor the poor wife in whose behest this misguided principal was supposed to support, she may even have to consider divorce given the aftermath of this and ability to hold her head high especially as someone so mature.

Going to the courthouse is not the issue it’s what she did there.

Let us see where the trial leads and we are waiting for the sensible justification by the female school principal as to her public involvement by appearing to support the accused with such a serious allegation hanging over his head. One would have expected either absence from the situation as a public person (as principal) or also give most public support of the fifteen year old ‘victim’ in this matter. When pastors are seeming to be tolerated in the face of weird accusations is disturbing and the ready use of ‘easy sins’ yet have a leave me and my sins or cover ups is just as dangerous but have strength for others such as homosexuals then the ‘church’ has a lot of work to do.

Let the chips fall where they may.

Peace & tolerance

H

Male Strippers perceived as 'fish' threatened at party

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So the nonsense of percieved homosexuals has reared its ugly head again, this time at a supposed heterosexual freaky party event on Boxing Day (#1) as the actual holiday was recognized afterwards.


The Promoter apologises for absence of crazy sex games.


Promoter Kevin 'Bad Xsample' Simpson said she wants to apologise to patrons at his recently held event, dubbed 'Adult Swim: The Ultimate Erotic Party', for an unfortunate ordeal which might have left some attendants disappointed.

He explained that on the night of the December 26 event, which promised crazy sex acts, a group of about 20 men that he described as thugs, entered the New Kingston venue and began hurling threats and insults at some male strippers, causing them to abandon their performance.

"I was over occupied, so I didn't get to stand up and watch fully wah a gwaan, but me see them [male strippers] performance cut short," Bad Xsample said, while explaining that the performance only lasted for about 30 minutes, as opposed to the scheduled hour.

get threats

"Me need fi make the fans know it wasn't my fault," Bad Xsample said. "After the man them come in, the male strippers a complain to me say when them did a perform, them did a get threats from the same man them."

He said he could not convince the male dancers to go on stage after the ordeal.

Klymaxxx, one of the male exotic dancers who attended the event, said he was too afraid to continue performing. Sad that this where the madness has come, did these misguided and ignorant men not expect that there would be male strippers as well and only female ones when the event is open to both sexes?

"The man dem at the party say that them nuh want no male strippers, so I couldn't get to perform that night. Them claim to say we are 'fish' [homosexuals] and all of that is based on how we try to look entertaining to the ladies with our costume and we style," Klymaxxx explained. Probably Klymaxxx needed to have worded his adverts better and clearly state the demographics that were to be entertained; many of this so called party promoters are not professionals to begin with and when they meet nonsense as this it just shows them up.

was shirtless

"I was wearing a purple costume. It was a tights material, from my things to my foot, and it has cords in it. I was shirtless, and I had on a cape. Some guys had a problem saying these men are freaky boys," the erotic dancer added. But one would image if you're already at an adult event the 'freak' element would have been there by default.

Though the event did not progress as planned, Bad Xsample said it eventually turned out well, as the male dancers continued to engage in offstage games with interested female patrons.

"At the end of the event, a lot of people were saying the show promised more than it give. But it was just a series of things that were out of my control. I want the word to spread that it wasn't really my fault" Bad Xsample said.

He added that at the next staging of Adult Swim, there will be tighter security to ensure that there are no disruptions. As suggested above proper advertising is crucial as well.

Le sigh

Peace & 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