Crime of passion linked to August Town shooting, transvestite said to be involved

Subject to updates

A woman is in police custody this afternoon in connection with the murder of a 52-year-old man in August Town, St. Andrew.

The man has been identified as Trevor Grey.

Grey is from the Queen Road area of Maxfied Avenue in lower St. Andrew. He was shot and killed last night in an area in August Town known as Griz Close.

It’s understood that he was attacked by a group of women to include a couple transvestites who pass very well and other women who got involved in the melee in a fit of jealous rage as the deceased was set to be involved in a liaison with one of the women involved.

Head of the Corporate Communications Unit CCU, Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, this afternoon confirmed the arrest.

The woman is to be questioned by the police.

Member of Parliament for East Rural St Andrew Fayval Williams (left) presents a 'zero murder' shirt to recording artiste and long-time August Town resident Miguel 'Sizzla' Collins.

Mr. Grey’s killing is the third in August Town since the beginning of this year. The peace efforts were pushed by artists such as the antigay Sizzla Kolanji who was sited in a public function marking the achievement earlier this year.

There were no murders in August Town during 2016. Earlier this year this happened as well:

 August Town has recorded its first murder of the year.

The murder comes on the heels of last week’s celebrations, when community members and stakeholders rejoiced about a one-year streak without recording a murder in the community.

Police say that a man identified as Damion Lewis, 25, of Love Lane in the community, was shot dead by an unknown assailant at the intersection of Bedward Crescent and July Road, yesterday.

The August Town police say that about 6:25 pm, Lewis was walking along the roadway with a friend when upon reaching the intersection, they were pounced upon by a lone man armed with a gun. The man shot Lewis.

When the police got to the location, Lewis was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Peace & tolerance

H

Gay standoff in Spanish Town’s LOJ Shopping Plaza car park

So our friend ‘Ninja’ the son of the veteran dancehall DJ Ninjaman has made the trending numbers again after several video clips taken by smartphone users earlier in the afternoon. The thing got so out of control that the security guard as the video shows had to intervene while in my estimation got too physical with Ninja as he vented. Other smartphone videographers were busy taking shots and a crowd had gathered at the exit/entrance of the plaza’s car park. The sequence of events that led to the melee is unclear but the word is that Ninja while barefooted was effectively profiled as gay given his aesthetic from his bleached skin and hairstyle. His androgynous appearance has landed him in problems before elsewhere.

His temper is entirely another matter altogether.

Here is one of the videos making the rounds:

Sad though that his notoriety is once again enhanced by this ugly episode, one would expect that after one gets to a certain age that one simply just aim a little lower in terms of ignoring terse or harmful words and let things slide, Ninja is not known however to be one with restraint or patience when he feels that someone has stepped on his toes. He is going to explode whether one likes it or not, this is not limited to just non-LGBT people; even in the community he is known for such outbursts aka ‘judgements’ complete with the dramatics.

He was also supposedly labelled I had gathered inside the plaza as a scammer by members of the public, a stereotype that has come to be stuck on some persons by just how they look in terms of tattoos, and dresscode. Ninja is not going take that kind of bashing that kindly but the thing eventually cooled after some time but things like this tend to have an indirect effect in the credibility or image department pursuant to LGBT rights as those who effect the wall of dismissals on ‘gay rights’ when things as this one occur feel justified in their hardened positions.

Fortunately the mob or crowd at the entrance did not attack him as one would expected in times passed, one can remember another mobbing case outside of this ninja matter where cops had to rescue a gay man on Mountain View Avenue as a crowd descended on a house at the time to exact their version of how gays should be dealt with, here is that clip:

It was only in 2016 Ninja found himself in some challenges as well during a People’s National Party, PNP election campaign motorcade which drew some negative reactions from the public and even his own father for want of a better term ‘disassociated’ himself from his son while claiming he (father) did not have any issue with gays. Ninja senior said at the time that he did not curse his son but he (the son) cursed himself. He claimed that his son cannot call him and then he claimed his son he doesn’t know. Sad that for popularity Ninjaman decided to openly pretend he was not interested in his own and it is not an unusual response by many lesser celebrated persons who disown their own LGBT siblings so as to please onlookers and whisperers who expect gays are to be treated as others.

Family rejection often lead to forced evictions or estrangement if not displacement, one can also feel almost a stranger inside ones own home as other siblings simply do not engaged or are very distant. Others such as a 2004 incident at a prominent high school occurred, where a father incited violence on his own soon by other students; if it were not for the janitorial staff that intervened while sustaining some blows from persons and a chair that was thrown at the boy. The thing did not end up with a worse consequence thankfully and it left the country at the time baffled in some sense. Others agreed with the man’s actions while other persons condemned the action while the sexual orientation of his son was gone. Family bond was scene to be more stronger a reason for tolerance than just who he may be sexually interested in or sound like as it was said at the time the young man was well spoken; a trait that can land males in the target of gay allegations devoid of the gangsta or ‘badman’ traits buffered with bravado.

Here is that video from the prior Ninja episode then.

More anon no doubt 

also see a previous post: Ninja Man's Gay Son fled Jamaica after Numerous Death Threats almost one year ago.

Le Sigh!

Peace & tolerance

H

When power differentials (of a car) attracts homophobia

When power differentials (of a car) attracts homophobia

2016 model of the car in question 

We often hear of relationships gay or straight enter into challenges due to the improvement or importation of material wealth on one party’s part and how it can lead to breakups, fights and even worse. One side can get a promotion at work and it leads to jealousy, competition, territorialism in terms of the finances, role playing, dominance in the union and retention or refusal for sex as punishment. These power differentials are not divorced from same gender unions and can get even more egregious, the same gender nature of it suggest a lesser dependency on each other especially in a more middle class setting as one can easily relocate to another apartment and move on. Class differentials on the other hand can force the lesser empowered or social strata partnered individual is sometime forced to remain in the union as they have little option to shift to single life again. Similarly the financial powered beating stick can come into play and any upset or infractions can find someone with their back on the sidewalk seeking temporary stay with someone.

A St Catherine couple in Eltham Park who have been living there for just under 7 months found themselves in a challenge recently as the issue of material wealth differentials coming to play and spilling over into the immediate neighbour’s purview; unfortunately the neighbours showed up their homophobic feelings. The talk in parts of the community continues as word spread regarding the episode. One party recently acquired a new car after a dry spell of selling the old salad and taking the bus as his other partner has been doing. But it seems with the introduction of the car things started to change as one the car-less party suggested the car owner has changed, he is very touchy, when requested to go out on the road for errands he denies such and gets cocky, he is very touchy as to the cleanliness and presentation of his new prize. The car-less partner does have a driver’s license and drove the previously sold ‘salad’ alongside his partner; there were no issues in terms of clash of use, and over protectionism.

Arguments ensued over time often getting loud which also seem to suggest issues were festering otherwise and the imposition of the car had just opened the wounds of differences; thus the differentials become more pronounced and lead to fallout. Both men woke up last Saturday to another argument this time over who would go to the market for the traditional ground produce shopping. A comment reportedly made by the car-less party that of suggesting his partner is getting too touchy in typical Jamaican parlance was what set off the quarrelling match. Decibels raised as both men projected strength in the exchange attracted unsuspecting indeed inquisitive eyes and ears.

It got to a stage where a neighbour two houses away turned on their stereo loudly, turned the speakers out to the direction of the house where the men are and deliberately playing anti gay songs such as Buju Banton’s ‘Boom Bye Bye’ and so on while singing loudly and laughing with snide remarks being made. The men ignored the nosy Parker folks at first but it was when the said nosiers came out of their houses and gathered by the back fence line as the house rears face each other and the intermittent laughter they came outside to see the audience transfixed on the matter, other comments flowed such as battyman a live like husband and wife, one get new car and gwaan pon di other one, a wat kinda mixup dis, others using the typical antigay language of the ‘burn out’ narrative, some persons suggested the men need to move out of the area as they are not prepared battyman who are too bright (too open and in your face). Given the occurrence happened in the morning hours on a weekend more than usual individuals would be at home hence larger unneeded heat and attraction.

The men occasionally reminded the nosy audience they were too fass (inquisitive) but I think the lesser terse response from said audience maybe due to the non-stereotypical look of the parties involved as they do not look or act effeminately on the fly. The conflation of effeminacy with male homosexuality on route to the wanting to be a woman imperative in the minds of homophobes is what tends to drive violent or verbal responses predicated on hate. Both men are handsome, well groomed and do not match the aesthetic look others have of us as gay men, I can speak to that with numerous examples; my own experience where after my buggery arrest and short imprisonment and my return to my address, over time I was told by others and immediate neighbours that I do not fit the bill as a gay man. So they feel I would not be attacked or face too much pressure than normal. That turned out to be not necessarily true; I did face some pressure but ignored some of it and lived it down letting time be the healer of all things.

The men have not expressed any interest in relocating right now but they have been encouraged to start looking a new place, if not a trial separation as clearly there are some other influences at work and not just the car(lessness). Sometimes we gotta be mindful of our surroundings too in how we live and operate, like everywhere else around the world not all spaces support expected enlightenment and difference.

Peace & tolerance

H

also see:

Tops, bottoms, power differentials & restrictions in gay relations

Living & dating gay & bi Peter Pan types

The entitlement problem from hypermasculine MSM & negative outcomes

On white men as bottoms in interracial gay porn

Male West Indian Entertainers Donning Female Attire As Part Of Their Acts

The use of effeminate aesthetics or attire on stage is not knew and by extension online as well as an article on the Gleaner's website sought to present. While it was a fair attempt to be a little bit more inclusive it left out some historical traces to this, by stopping or starting at Oliver Samuels as an icon and rightfully so but it plays into the feeling that effeminacy is inherently linked to male homosexuality.

Maybe the headline should have been 'Caribbean Comedy’s Cross-Dressing Craze - Male West Indian Entertainers Donning Female Attire As Part Of Their Acts Online' but one wonders if some of these persons are really honest in their craft or just wagonists to make a buck?

also see: Wig-wearing comedians fear gay label .... oh boi 2015

Shebada in one of his plays

With the rising popularity of multimedia platforms, we are sharing information and being entertained via the worldwide web, now more than ever.

Creatives from various fields need only upload their content via social media to access an international and virtually boundless audience. This has proved to be a springboard to success for many names that we've come to know and love, including a plethora of entertainers from the Caribbean.

Although Caribbean comedy has yet to become integrated into the mainstream sphere, evidence shows that it has its place on video sharing sites like Vine and YouTube, as well as social media. Among the pioneers behind this movement are predominantly first or second-generation Caribbean men, who impersonate women, adorned in female attire as part of their act. It's all the rage.

REAL-LIFE PERSPECTIVES

Typically consisting of portrayals of mothers or girlfriends in Caribbean society, these skits are charged with real-life perspectives, like most good comedy.

Over the last five years, more and more homemade videos have come to the fore, prompting widespread comments and shares on social media.

The comedians spearheading this new trend include the likes of Owen Bryan, Chaddy Bwoy, Fatskull and Miss Bomba Claudie, as well as Andrew Trabass, PrinceMarni, Rohan Perry and Majah Hype, who is recognised for his hilarious portrayals of Caribbean characters, including the straight-talking Jamaican elder, Sister Sandrine.

Another entertainer embracing this trend is Jamaican comic PrinceMarni, who is well-known for his comedic character, Suzan.

Reflecting on the impact of social media, PrinceMarni reasons: "The advancement of technology and social media becoming more popular means that people are seeing more things, experiencing more and they're going to become more accustomed to it. In third world countries especially, social media is everything. Across the board though, the media, social media ... it runs everything."

Even in 2016, society at large is patriarchal. Caribbean society in particular is saturated with hyper-masculine ideals, which have long dictated the norms, values and cultural acceptability of certain behaviours. Still, times are changing.

In times gone by, when greats such as Oliver Samuels and Titus were enjoying widespread prominence, male comedians exhibited macho conduct. Fastforward to the present day and clearly times, styles and audiences have evolved.

NOT JUST CARIBBEAN

This cultural reform isn't just restricted to the Caribbean. Since the 1990s up until present day, African-American actors such as Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy and Tyler Perry have all donned women's clothing for comedic effect.

Still, Caribbean society has only recently become more accepting of this form of amusement, partly because of its rather radical, homosexual connotations, which has long been frowned upon.

It is fair to say that Jamaican actor/comedian Keith 'Shebada' Ramsay helped to legitimise effeminate characteristics within the realm of Caribbean comedy and theatre, when he burst on to the scene with the play Bashment Granny in 2006.

Since then, the Jamaican performer has appeared in a number of successful productions, toured various countries and shrugged off naysayers who have hit out at his ladylike disposition.

What's more, he has remained tight-lipped about his highly speculated-upon sexuality, telling The Voice in 2013: "If you think that I'm gay, then fine. I like to keep people puzzled. There's no challenge if I put everything on the table so you can know everything about me."

There have been other male Caribbean thespians/comedians who have dressed up as women, such as actor Paul Campbell in the action thriller Third World Cop and Charles Tomlin's performance as Mrs Basson in Blue Mountain Theatre's 2007 production Blazee.

Meanwhile, on UK shores, British comic Wayne Rollins has long entertained audiences with his female, Bajan alter-ego, Dibbi. Donning an array of wigs, high heels and mini-skirts, Rollins has, for years, evoked laughter among countless audiences with his rowdy Caribbean character.

This indicates that the palates of our audiences were changing before this millennial generation of comedians rose to prominence.

"I definitely think that Caribbean people have become more open-minded," PrinceMarni says. "They are looking more at the other side of things, not just looking one way."

He adds: "Back in the day, if you saw a man wearing a wig, people would automatically think that he's gay and judge him based on that."

BLACK MEN'S IDENTITY

Some would argue that this current trend is a veiled contri-bution to the socio-economic emasculation of the black man.

Critic/writer Steven Malik Shelton asserts: "The demeaning spectacle of black male actors parading around in women's attire and mocking feminine attributes is yet another calculated assault on the masculine strength of the black man. It is, in effect, no laughing matter."

However, the act can also be interpreted as a nod to the matriarchal structure within the Caribbean household. Jamaican novelist Olive Senior outlines in her book,Working Miracles: Women's Lives in The English-speaking Caribbean: "In practice, women do exercise power in the domestic sphere, are major decision makers in some areas and share decision-making in others."

She added: "Women also fail to recognise their own power in the home and continue to defer to men in many areas, despite the changing economic climate, which forces more women to become breadwinners."

There are a lot of sole female parent households across the Caribbean diaspora and the matriarchal figure has an indelible impact upon the sons they raise.

PrinceMarni says: "I have a lot of female friends and family. My inspiration for creating Suzan came from being around Jamaican females. I found it hilarious and decided to mimick that behavior."

Equally, Rohan Perry - whose principal act is known as Patricia - has been quoted as saying, "I was inspired by the strong women in my life."

It must be noted that not all of the notable male, Caribbean comedians are limited to female enactments as part of their appeal.

Still, the acts who have embraced female portrayals as part of their act - and earned success in doing so - indicate that this trend may well be around for years to come.

ENDS

Lawd mi luv

Peace & tolerance

H

LASCO Foods' principled action on unauthorised bigoted tweet& (mis)construed views of masculinity

Lascelles Chin LASCO's Chairman

It was only Sunday last in one of the major dailies an article came forth about tweets, social media and online profiles and how past posts, comments and such can come back to bite persons, a case in the St Andrew Parish court today involving a police man who arrested two men for marijuana possession claimed he never met the men, yet a photo turned up as evidence of the said policeman at the home of one of the men thus the matter was dismissed by the judge and a probe launched by the police systems as to his dishonesty.

one of the awful pics being circulated

Omar McCleod the gold medal winner for the first time in the 110m hurdles for men was the subject of a bigoted tweet by a one week old employee of LASCO foods who used the word “Goldfish” with reference to #lasco in response to a request by a Gleaner journalist who was soliciting a possible headline for the achievement for the paper, while others were offering suggestions that offensive bigoted tweet was the one that led to the firestorm around 10pm on the 16th and which lasted ‘til the following morning. The ‘fish’ component of the term is what is offensive as it is the word over decades used in place of other terms such as ‘battyman’ ‘number 2’ ‘chi chi man’ and ‘faggot’ used to stigmatize gay men. The conjoining of both ‘gold’ and ‘fish’ therefore was a direct jab a McCleod’s winning the gold and he is gay; an unfortunate assumption to make in the height of feel good moment we are going through. Even crime has been reduced due to the distraction of sorts by the positive results from the Olympics and our athletes.

LASCO who is known for their exceptional corporate social responsibility quickly acted as their brand was about to be mired in a surprise bolt from the blue based on an effemophobic view of the athlete based on his emotional reaction to the win complete with memes, edited photos and homophobic darts thrown at his public persona; this just goes to show how far we have left to go in tackling sheer ignorance even in the face of mainstreaming so called metro-sexuality in the form of tight pants and or body clinging clothing, bleached faces and skin, arched eyebrows all thought as anathema for men but now entrenched; apparently the effeminate posture is the supposedly line men must not cross. Why was a one week old employee allowed to have such proxy and power to tweet on behalf of LASCO is one of the big questions being asked and where was the supervision or vetting systems to catch that tweet before it went out?

I like many sensible persons saw a Jamaican winning the race, his sexual orientation should not be of any consequence let alone whether he was too emotional or not, the moment is surreal and to achieve such as win at the highest level at his age is a major achievement. Speaking on POWER 106FM chairman of LASCAO Lascelles Chin and deputy executive Peter Chin said the acted as soon as they got wind of the infraction, Mr Chin the former is and has been a no nonsense man since his days at Henkel Chemicals to now. The previous statement issued by LASCO on claims of the account being hacked may have been an attempt by the perpetrator to cover their tracks.

Lascelles Chin went on to say among other things:

“I have zero tolerance against any discrimination but what happened, a fellow we employed about a week or two weeks ago opened a twitter account without our knowledge ...... and go ahead and do this tweet and believe you me I was so shocked because I was so happy and elated to know that Mr McCloud won as a Jamaican; and we are trying to get in touch with him to apologise because this is crazy, I mean this is not me this is not LASCO ....... for somebody to have a mind like that, unbelievable!

It’s unfortunate that some of these things do happen but I mean all Jamaicans the best and you know that even now we are fighting to reduce our costs to pass it on straight to our consumers.

We are personally trying to communicate with Omar, probably this tweet might come some good, because we are going to try and see how we can really ... we really apologise to him; the tweet was unnecessary and we are going to communicate and make amends in whatever way we can.

How can a Jamaican say that at this time when we should be all thanking Omar for really giving us this fantastic moment and a gold, unbelievable, we must all learn to appreciate good and don’t come with ‘badmind’

We don’t need a fool to try and create problems.”

This is a big lesson for all social media managers including LGBT ones as some of the crap I am seeing coming across from some outlets is disturbing to say the least where persons seem to forget the account is not for their personal hurrah. Years of work almost destroyed by one idiotic tweet. Then there is the business of sensitivity training or the lack thereof and that when individuals behind the platforms are to operate they are doing so on behalf of the entity, some supervision should have been there to vet the tweet before the send button was hit. The former employee who did this is not alone his/her immediate supervisor(s) must be accountable as well, a one week old employee cannot be free to act on their own.

LASCO’s statement also read in part:

Dear All:

Earlier this evening an unauthorized and offensive tweet was posted via our company account.

We wish to sincerely apologize to our fans, friends, customers, consumers, partners, Jamaicans and everyone for this terrible act. Most importantly, we issue our sincerest apologies to Mr. Omar McLeod.

The LASCO Affiliated Companies are also offended by such utterances which are a clear breach of our own values. Consequently, we have removed the tweet and deactivated the account. Further, we have terminated the employee who posted the tweet as this action was a violation of our code of conduct.

We, at LASCO, have the utmost respect for the remarkable achievement of Omar McLeod. We congratulate him on his gold medal victory in the Men’s 110 M Hurdles Olympic Event. We deeply regret any embarrassment or displeasure caused by the post and again offer our sincerest apologies.

Humbly,

LASCO Distributors Limited

ENDS

Meanwhile some political opportunists have jumped on this one to try to gain mileage, word has come that a tweet by the Portia Simpson Miller account claiming no hate and such while others have been eagerly creating videos claiming it was hate yet these are the same political representatives who cannot find the gumption to do the right thing in starting the process to reduce the very hate they are latching on to.

Anyway congratulations to the athletes who have been representing us and hope that McCloud and his camp can get passed this one.

Peace & tolerance

H

Homeless trans & MSM clash with public on waterfront

downtown Kingston waterfront scene

August 9 2016, the day before the possible game changing decision on the sodomy legislation in Belize as brought by UNIBAM and its face Caleb Orozco homeless and displaced MSM and transgender persons came into some confrontation with members of the public yet again on the waterfront.

The matter was made public via the radio talk show circuit and on social media for a short time as the Belizean court ruling made the rounds and distracted the interest. As per usual the least amongst us get very little attention when compared to more ‘pressing matters’ as seen by some as a priority. Around 11am some near fifteen transgender and MSM individuals who were gathered by the waterfront downtown nearing the old Pirate’s Cove building and the Edna Manley public statue found themselves the brunt of anger for simply gathering but displaying gender non conforming behaviour and or effeminacy, the persons were accused of ‘bursting bumps’ on each other’s faces in full view of others, while others who were clearly identified as men but wearing makeup and dresses according to a male caller on Power 106FM’s Cliff Hughes Online and describing himself as a fisherman was furious among other callers on other shows expressed the same outrage.

The melee lasted for some twenty minutes before the upset trans/msm persons who were defiant did not back away as they felt they had a right to be there and repeated reportedly that they were not interfering with anyone. Bad reputations over time though has not helped their image as residual and present accusations of inappropriate public advances to total strangers asking or soliciting ‘business’ in exchange for some sort of payment is still an issue. Downtown on the waterfront is an old haunt for not only homeless, displaced or their friends of LGBTQ persons but with the sharp increase in numbers and visibility accompanied by elements in the group(s) showing rowdy behaviour, a recent video that made viral status of some persons described as gays (some formerly homeless in Jamaica) as successful asylum seekers in Amsterdam with similar rowdy behaviour with a security guard, despite this is a country seen as far more open and free has made their image the target of disdain.

The rainbow flag and ‘rainbowing’ actions by the United States Embassy in Kingston in support of JFLAG’s pride activities a week ago has not gone down well with some members of the public and as per usual the ripple effects accompany the raised visibility. The comments by some on this latest incident reflects such sentiments and is being combined with the slippery slope paranoia of gay marriage and such in the aftermath of the aforementioned Belizean court ruling. The actions of the US embassy have also irked some LGBTQ members as they have expressed some concern regarding the same ripple effects of the most exposed being the homeless; they have no or very little defence when it comes to backlash typed incidents.

With still no residency response some seven plus years after the dubious closure of the only shelter pilot, with the truthful reasons are yet to be told the various populations island wide have been struggling with very limited interventions by some who harp on registration status more so than any strong momentum to address one of the oldest outcomes of stigma and discrimination specific to MSM/trans. Bear in mind we have never had a residency in all the near forty plus years of combined organised LGBTQ activity. If it were not for the conscientious interventions of private individuals and party promoters or the unfortunate involvement of some in illegal activity such as lotto scamming then homelessness would have been much larger than it is; and it is already bursting at the seams. So called feeding programs which only last at the time when they are held and are then held up as satisfactory is simply not enough. Those of us who want to move in a different direction are seen as shaking the status quo or upsetting the apple cart. It is clear that some only want to keep the displaced at a certain level for use as data collection materials; as I commented some years ago how convenient that when studies are to be done the homeless are readily found but when said studies are completed and published professional profiles get boosted while the same homeless is left as they were.

The few who break through and move on to betterment is a drop in the bucket when compared to those left behind but who cares really?

Other such clashes have occurred in New Kingston as before and have become so numerous I have simply lost count. Then there are the encounters with the police even at the now infamous Shoemaker Gully despite their removal in December 2014, some of the guys still use the space at nights or near it to gather and in some instances allegedly sell sex. A recent shooting incident of a legendary queen in New Kingston shows us that not much has changed in terms of challenges. A fight almost leading to a brawl on Grenada crescent in the adjacent car park to Victoria Mutual is another such example that occurred in July. Sister Blog Gay Jamaica Watch is replete with reports prior that have been confirmed, unconfirmed issues near equal said confirmed reports.

The usual carnival challenges were also a feature this year as well, persons were blocked from entering some venues while skirmishes with homophobic individuals continued as they do year in year out.

Help where you can, I and others are doing what we can given limited resources and lack of funding as the usual constraints despite some fund raising efforts; some persons simply have stopped as well, claiming they are burnt out which is understandable as well.

Peace & tolerance

H

also see:

And MSM continue to be ready material for data collection ..... what about the interventions 2013

Displacements due to possession of women's clothes .....

Homeless impatient with agencies over slow progress of promised shelter from December 2012

Pirates' Cove named as base for "homosexual prostitutes" KSAC asked to address homelessness .....

Oh lord, the ‘area man’ problem again

You may have seen references in previous posts to a phenomenon known as ‘area man’ which effectively means men who are either gay, bisexual, pass-throughs or homo-curious and who reside in the same geographical zone or very close to another gay/bi man. The closeness is further complex by a class division if one is in an middle class neighbourhood in the same zone and the ‘area man’ is from a nearby so called ghetto or unplanned aka squatter settlement and usually carry a hyper-masculine disposition or the proverbial ‘heaviots’ ‘homo-thug’ or ‘trade’ wherein some of us have a hankering for. Problem with such diverse polarities in same gender liaisons are that the proximity quotient can become problematic and an entitlement attitude comes to dominate the relationship; persons may feel that sex should be spontaneous seeing whilst keeping the secret or on the downlow access ought to be easier; demands for money or kind are or should be expected as the freeloader mentality comes into play as well.

Lord knows I had my share of those while I was living in Campbell Town then Franklyn Town and Portmore respectively with men who liked my ability to run the effeminacy and masculine spectrum made their positions known while requesting sex, money, companionship otherwise not possibly available in their own homes or living communities. Effeminacy or the lack thereof is a key prerequisite for the attraction by hyper-masculine types, they fear any form of suspicion being involved in gay activities or associated with a ‘battyman’ so keeping it ‘all man’ is key and often reiterated verbally every now and again.

A young man in his twenties learnt a lesson recently and shared his story by the blog hotline of an ordeal he had with an ‘area man’ and also on the strength of a previous post on the issue. He met a thug who he liked and vice versa but the dude lived in a nearby area and was unemployed, masculine acting, nicely endowed but bisexual as well. While the thug liked him he also was clear as to his ‘babymother’ who is supposedly obligated to service (the first sign of trouble for me). infrequent but short visits soon became more repetitious with more intimacy being added to the mix, with that comes growing demands for financial assistance to buy either food items, weed and it got to a point of clothes and a phone request over time. But the visits started to get sporadic and unannounced with sometimes late hour surprises. With each visit some sexual activity is expected to follow even if the man is not interested at that present time and he had been dating or seeing another man who he tried to curtail his visits so as not to clash with the ‘area man’ party to avoid any challenges. But the third party’s presence or lack thereof was not the straw that broke the camel’s back instead more territorialism and entitlement by the ‘area man’ which became increasingly problematic, so much so that it became nearly violent between the two as the area man felt he was being short changed or would be left out in the cold as the man’s attitude had changed in relation tithe warmth he would encounter with visits. The man reported that he tried to stop the visits for a while so as to let tensions cool but the guy kept turning up on his bicycle sometimes unannounced, usually smoking and his decibels in calling very loudly.

It is situations like this that indeed sometimes lead to problems over time including homophobic appearing incidents and murders which h is why it is so important to get to the heart of the issues before pronouncing on a matter despite the ghastly nature of it, what are the causations or triggers?

So long as the 'two Jamaicas' conditions exist I guess we are going to have to contend with the entitlement issues, downlow phenomenon and such will abound but how do we contend or unlearn some of this. Hidden in some of this is this notion that gay men or MSM who are relatively stable somehow have money to throw away that he (the thug type) is entitled to it somehow as he is a real man than others and in a homo-negative environment so good ‘gansgtas’ are hard to find; so when you do you have to pay for it and like all scarce commodities the price is high. These ‘area man’ know the ropes and use it to their advantage. The liaison has slowed since the report was made and the ‘area man’ upon realising his prospects may not produce the results but I suggested he the impacted man consider relocating in the long run; one cannot be sure if the lull period as it were will end and the repeated visits will recommence, and a smoothing over that some of these guys are good at will come into play.

More anon

Peace & tolerance

H

Angry gay man strips in store ........ lawd God

There is never a dull day inna batty life inna Jamaica, when one drama ends another is there to take its place I tell you. I now hear it was one of the emboldened 'children' who was implicated in the Star News report in today's paper. That is unconfirmed but lawkes fi go strip inna de the people dem store, lawd man, we can do better, cho.

Mi caan badda lol, this is some comic relief given the litany of woes in recent weeks.

It read in part:

It was high drama at a retail establishment in the Corporate Area when a man, who is alleged to be a homosexual, stripped naked recently after being denied a service which he believed he was entitled to.

The man, who is said to be in his mid-20s, reportedly made his way into the Constant Spring Road-based shopping establishment in hopes of conducting business as usual.

A mortified member of staff told THE STAR that the particularly flamboyant male was accompanied by his more masculine companion, both of whom arrived to make a return on a previous purchase. Upon being met with the naked truth that his request would not be granted, the man subsequently made a spectacle, greeting shoppers, young and old, with quite an eyeful as he dropped his trousers and 'mooned' at them.

"Him look on the lady and tell her say him not taking her man, him just want back him money," an alleged eyewitness said.

officers arrived

It is reported that, so boisterous was the angered male, that the entity quickly made contact with a security company to quell the matter. When the security officers arrived, they were being accompanied by police personnel.

"Police and some Guardsman people come. Then mi just see him draw down him pants and underwear, and one school boy take out him phone and start video," the alleged eyewitness continued.

After making checks, commanding officer of the St Andrew Central Division, Superintendent Millicent Sproul-Thomas, told THE STAR that no formal charges appeared to have been made against the male involved in the fracas.

When THE STAR contacted personnel from the Guardsman Group Limited, a senior member of staff would neither confirm nor deny whether security personnel had been dispatched to the location. However, the representative did confirm that the retail establishment was a client of the security entity.

ENDS

Sadly on a day as today being transgender visibility day and a more positive imaging would be expected but another 'gwaan bad' something just come to spoil the day. But we must also remember that such behaviour although isolated in a small space when publicized especially stigmatisingly also affects the all important credibility for advocacy.

A word to the wise is sufficient.

Peace & tolerance

H

Oh those ‘str8’ bi-curious boys & their emotional baggage

I have to agree with my friend who said words to the effect as in the post’s title it is on rare occasions one run into men who are supposedly on the fringes on the continuum of homosexuality and experimentation or exploration. They are ever so cautious yet defensive especially when it comes to role play in sex; oh no no bottoming, ‘man a man, man a nuh oman’ (I am a man not a woman and therefore won’t bow) or play a passive role, it is just too much to play the sexual role of a woman hence all other kinds of responses and masking comes forth. I have spoken to such experimentation and insecurity before in previous posts such as a recent run in by an old cruiser brethren of mine who sustained a broken arm after a tussle with another man after a brief sexual encounter; yet the man literally freaked out that he erred in doing the act and then sought to blame the very brethren he just enjoyed a partnered masturbation session with.

I met a fella on adam4adam recently, yes I use it like some of us do and then pretend they don’t acting all decent and stuff; we know very well that that site is still the main hookup centre apart from social media; in meeting the dude in stealth online we finally exposed our true identities after some extended communication although he wanted a more instant approach based on my profile pictures of my dick and ass; no face pictures are up as is customary for many Jamaican members. Such anonymity has other implications of trust, deception an such that I won’t get into now but suffice it to say this lead up to the actual hookup was relatively smooth. We met face to face finally after several whatsapp and A4A messaging and I liked what I saw physically; frankly I was not interested in his mind for say as his dick photo was what pulled me into him. The 36 year old was coy pretentiously at first but soon opened up and expressed that he liked me as I was not girly (the first sign of insecurity and policing of attitudes or even aesthetics) I am very comfortable in my own skin and it took years to get there so I get very careful in navigating hook-ups or socializing with men who express such scrutiny.

We met eventually and finally decided to do the deed by the usual you show me yours I show you mine lead in then the exploration; bearing in mind I have not used A4A for a while but met my hook-ups at parties I DJ at or repeat sessions with trusted buddies and cruising catches. As this is not my Xrated blog I won’t get into too much sexual detail but use your imagination as if you were with a man in a sexual encounter. The shocker however to me was he did not want to go all the way but wanted me to play a full passive or receptive role (as a woman) bearing in mind I am fully versatile; although he described himself as gay (not sure he understand sexuality) he refused to reciprocate in certain respects as he saw it effectively a feminizing is too much for him and he was not willing to budge any in terms of exploring the options and feelings. His defence afterwards was he was only ‘passing through’ a term I have had said to me repeatedly with previous hook-ups. In supposedly ‘passing through’ he may be implying he is not ‘gay’ in the true sense of the word as homosexual as that has too much attached to it in terms of effeminacy; remembering he said I was not ‘girly’ a frightening issue for many men who have sex with men but are on the proverbial downlow or ‘passing through’ types.

So in ‘passing through’ he is not obligated to go all the way by engaging in flip flop suggestion or request. Sexual contact must therefore be limited and left to the hetero-normative sex with strict roles carefully observed in bed and everyone must stay in their place; no touching beyond the norm or exploring certain parts of the body in the fondling process. I have met men who even literally define or dictate the boundaries of where I can go or touch including the feared wandering of fingers and hands by the anus or butt cheeks; one guy told me some years ago that my hands must not pass his waist but I can do anything with the front end.

Back to this present guy, in the after conversation surprisingly he was patient to conduct as other men similar to him I have met just hit it and quit it afterwards with no extended talk as the ‘man a man’ (I am a man) mantra takes precedence and real men do not talk too much like women. He said he always had feelings for men but kept it real quiet and had a girlfriend up until some time ago while stoutly declaring that she was not aware but I have no way of proving that. Cautious approaches to sex with defined or prescribed activities/demands and navigating socialization is a clear sign to me of the bi-curious types; but I have mastered the art of working my way around them. He declared that we cannot meet too often (the ‘pass through’ business again!) and that he doesn’t really see himself as ‘gay’ in other words by virtue of having limited sexual contact with the same sex in his eyes he is not gay; by virtue of having a woman or being attracted to women he is not gay as well (there is something called bisexuality); by virtue of playing a traditional hetero-masculine sexual role albeit with another man he is a man’s man and so being ‘gay’ is some journey to feminization and a weakening of his manhood. These are real fears that have had an impact on how men who have sex men interact and even fall out with disastrous consequences at times often seen as crimes of passion when they go public. Luckily I got one of the docile ones (whew!) but who knows? A friend of mine had an experience some years back where he had to literally run away from a hotel he had just had a not session with as the guy literally changed guilt blaming my bro that he made him do something he was not into really but he had a hard-on none the less and was clearly interested in what was going on but did nothing to stop it in the heat of the moment.

I would love a study or an expert to help me grapple with how men who have sex with men just can change their stance or personas literally especially after sex. Masking or self denial even in the face of just having sex with another man is baffling to me. I had jokingly come up with a name some years ago in an old blog post referencing a similar change of persona matter; I had named it P.E.A.D post erotic arousal disorder; 

see: P.E.A.D a man's attitude changes after sex 2008 from sister blog GLBTQ Jamaica

I am not a psychologist so to have ‘disorder’ in the name is just for emphasis as I and others via reports have had run ins with men who just literally change right before your eyes after sexual activity. After sex guilt often seems to be the evidential outcome of such change and is usually more visible in hyper-masculine types as opposed to semi or fully effeminate men; as if they are helpless to pursue their true urges but when they do the feeling of shame and committing a sin of some sort sets in.

I expressed that we should keep in touch and he agreed after a short ponder; he sounds willing to engage outside of the hook-up imperative but definitely not a relationship. Others would just meet skeet and leet lol after the wipe up in the comings and goings of the hook-up.

Nuff love.

Peace & tolerance

H

also see from sister blog GLBTQ Jamaica: Dubious Adam4Adam Profiles, Unscrupulous Sports, Gay Imposters, Robberies & Safety ..

Modern gay love, dating apps & deception wrapped in homophobia

Orgies, Intruders & Safety

Tops, bottoms, power differentials & restrictions in gay relations

Been a minute since I have done one of these rants, recent events have forced me to take a look at this issue of role playing again both at the sexual and relational level with gay and bisexual men. Some unlearning if not new thinking is needed out there in terms of definitive sexual role playing and old hardened subscriptions.

Can we just get over roles and what they have come to signify and enjoy gay sex for what it’s worth? ........... a good fuckin’ time!

thug Dream rides thick ass Nubius, Dream is known for also given some good head as well for a 'thug'

I have been evolving on this issue for some time as my tastes in men changed over the years and also in my sexual practices including role play in both relationships and in bed for that matter. Gone are the days for me when I only went for a power top or bottom although I still run into men who are hardened one way or another in terms of what they like in bed; the obsessions with power bottom of agile tops or versatile tops and all the other labels we have had added to our selves and in relations.

We have tended to burrow from the often termed ‘hetero-normative’ constructs to our romantic and non romantic liaisons so one person has to be a ‘woman’ or a man’ in the relationship as it were and we have so allowed such expectations to be so cemented that it impacts on our sub culture that we have names over the years for everything from ‘heaviots’ (more masculine type guys), ‘shottas or thuggy thugs’ (same as prior) to ‘femmeboi’ (effeminate men) ‘trade’ (US version of versatile tops) and so on. So reliant some men have become on these labels that it has come to even impact relationships as evidenced in intimate partner problems and violence; boredom in the bedroom and subsequent cheating and even disastrous ends to couples after a while or at least co-dependency challenges in unions.

Hence challenges in long term unions of sorts when one wants some ass and is refused due to stringent role adherence for example and is not in an open relationship or polyandrous arrangement then one goes outside and gets some leading to all kinds of shit when discovered; added to that are health risks and the still dreaded HIV, remember that? Yeah it still exists in case some folks did not remember.

I have met men for example in my cruising rounds who literally express to me either prior to sex or partnered masturbation or during action that I cannot even touch his ass or explore any crevices lol; such overture in his eyes is interpreted as a move to advancement towards penetration and he feels himself not a woman or playing the role of a woman and such positioning can literally lead to violence as well. The ‘Bad man nuh tek fuck’ mantra or the real man in the game does not take a dick and it makes me wonder sometimes if such hardened positioning has a lot to do with self esteem or acceptance or the lack thereof with most men who think this way. Effeminate men equally are no expected to play any other role in the minds of some MSM as a passive or submissive partner so to speak, so he cannot, dare not or should not even think or develop any requests for a ‘top’ role; in other words do not ask for no ass as the masculine partner must be the one to push the stick and so it must remain.

Some of us may need to unlearn these strict roles or beliefs we have so allowed to be entrenched in us, I for one cannot deal with a man for long who is stuck in a rut on this issue on role play and is devoid of sexual exploration, apart from the excitement that is needed to keep me interested as I get bored easily adjustments are needed to keep the relationship or multiple hook-ups, why should I just be laying there or bent over doggy style to just satisfy him and his narrow sexual desire when I want some ass too? I am not expecting him to always bend over or open up every time I ask or want some. We really need to start unlearning some of these attitudes we have either adopted or reinforced in us from our hetero-family structure rearing where roles are clearly defined for men and women and that family structure.

More and more I am finding and hearing persons discussing such matters openly on social media as relational matters are more open if ever so slowly and persons settle down in unions or marriage and the boredom sets in as partners feel restricted in their arrangements with one refusing to budge. Even same gender loving women are having this issue being raised alot, it recently came up for air in one of my Facebook groups where such openness is allowed. The business of spicing up long term relationships brings the role play issue to light. I remember suggesting to a so called thug who was younger than I sometime ago to have more dick for dick sex and he refused whole heartedly. He said once in a moment is OK but he wont but when I raised it in the context of pleasure between us and not a matter of role playing defining power differentials in our union he has been more receptive to me as of late.

The fear or near effemophobia in terms of feeling the weaker one akin to receptive anal sex role playing is real and is a block to just good clean uninhibited fun between men. My thug friend and I now spend so much more time in bed exploring he likes it and is not just how we started out as my bottoming as it were and he dicking me down (although it felt good none the less lol) but now that he allows me more to mount him so to speak added with other anal playing action such as fingering, ice cubes inserting and stimulating and so one while incorporating anal hygiene routines as part of our sexual pleasure has worked. For example when I want to fleet or I want or request him to fleet we actually do it together occasionally and he was not aware of the fleet process in detail so it has helped in raising awareness on his part whilst enhancing our sexual activities. He also is not so hung up on topping me and insistence on same. He also has come down from the refusal to perform oral/penile sex on me although he rims me every now and again and I in return.

I have no doubt that privately for some men who refuse to switch roles in bed with a casual partner may bottom for a main partner or so which also goes back to my questioning self esteem issues for some MSM or truthfulness in terms of sexual health and enjoyment. Of course different men stimulate different feelings and responses as well obviously one would not play the same role or have fantasies similar to the man before or in the case of multiple partnering such as cruisers, one hook-up would not have the same interest or reciprocate with the same outcomes sexually. The man I top in one sense I would not do so with another as it depends what attracts me to him or how we started out sexually and grow henceforth.

My other more thuggy typed hook-ups are not so patient or willing to adjust their stance; I don’t know if it is the fear of loss of reputation on the network as we all know how the grapevine system works with cruisers and if it gets out there a perceived top bottomed then he may be ridiculed or blacklisted by some who may reduce him to being a ‘woman’ or words to the effect may come ‘yow him a gal, him mek man fuck him or him tek buddy’ (hey he allowed himself to be screwed) and by virtue of that he is no longer seen as a ‘man’ on the block and somehow he is seen as diminished and even perceived as a non or lesser performer sexually; so he is unworthy of sexual contact or weaker than the other fellas.

The power differentials attach themselves in a sense with role play as similar to heterosexual relations; a woman who has to do household chores and is expected to provide pampering and other services or activities and of course sex in exchange for financial security and a roof over her head and she must not fail whilst in most instances provide children as evidence of the union being productive. Match that with MSM unions where the ‘bottom’ is expected to do the chores, keep house, not have any other masculine men as friends as it may be seen as a threat to the main man (jealousy can and has led to intimate partner violence) in exchange for housing, security especially in our homo-negative environment housing security can have sexual considerations as attachments and some accede to same in order just to have a roof and some comfort. Such considerations can come with strict demands so the more powered man can make demands and if they are not met it comes under pain of relocation or loss of income or a comfortable lifestyle in a good space.

Nuff said fi now yah man, in the meantime check out some previous rantings and podcasts I had done on related matters.

Free up di ting; live and let live

Peace & tolerance

H

also see and listen:

Public Homophobia (Verbal) vs a Coded Come On Examined - Tips on Reading the Signs 17.12.15

Heteronormative Role Play, Power Differentials & Intimate Partner Violence in LGBT Groups 07.11.15

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

Ugh! That gay thug hustlers entitlement problem again!


Man beaten for unfulfilled promises in DL liaison

Out a Road: DJs who "hit out" hiding something? 2010

The drip dry boyfriend vs. the ever increasing Jamaican Metro sexual 2010

The curious case of these "Curious Heaviots" Part 2 2009

After Church Drama - Pastor chastises effeminate man

"A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger." At least, that's what the Bible says, and something you think, at least, Christians would abide by. However, that wasn't the case last week Sunday after church.

I had never seen such arrogant behaviour on any church grounds before. I was sitting in church when an uproar outside caught my attention. Of course, like the sun, this Gossip Chica rose into action.

"Shut up yuh mouth, mi nah talk to yuh! Because nobody nah say nutten yuh feel say yuh cya come yah wid yuh behaviour. People a take up fi him. Gwan through di gate, and yuh cya come back inyah nyda," came from a big man that had taken part in the service earlier.

He was addressing what was described as a 'gay-like' boy that was in service also, his effeminate actions had reactions with raised eyebrows. Mark was one of those inner-city boys whose behaviour depicted a real 'ghetto sketel gal' according to one witness. He didn't act like the normal teenage boy. His body language spoke as loud as the words that came from his mouth. His little brother, who apparently thinks he is a role model, acts the same way, too. Mark's excuse for his behaviour is just that he loves drama and he grew up with girls, so he acts like that, but he isn't gay. Sad this is a strong belief by many that effeminacy in males is a rub off from from socialization with girls for extended periods which also explains interest sexually in men.

Upset man with anti gay attitudes

Anyway, back to the drama..."This a God house. Yuh come a God chuch, and God say to repent. The alter deh here fi everybody fi repent and start over fresh. Look pon him. Look pon him likkle bredda. Look how dem act. And people still accept them, that's why them can come een and do anything them want," the upset man continued.

A woman minister chimed in: "A true. Some order need to set!"

The man continued, "Di nastiness fi cut out, so mi a talk today, and anybody nuh wah say nutten, that a fi dem business. Anybody weh wah say mi and dem involve in a anyway, step forward. Nuhbody can't call my name. Mi love people. Mi nuh deal with b...man!" (He does not deal with battyman or gay men)

"It nuh sound good, uncle. If a did me a talk and a gwan so, yuh would tell me to stop it," another woman pleaded.

"So wah yuh a tek mi aan fah? Yah tek up fi dem?" he questioned.

"Mi nah tek yuh on, uncle, but mi a tell yuh say you at church, and it doh sound good," she said.

Mark, in his defence, claimed the man called him after church to speak with him. Apparently, the man couldn't wait, and pulled him by his shirt and put him in a corner. He said the man asked him why he was speaking about him and pushed him. He said he retaliated with the same action.

Cut miself

"My madda dead when mi a likkle bwoy, so she nah lick mi. My fada cya lick mi cause mi wi go police station. Him lick mi one time, and mi just cut miself (he showed a scar on his arm) and go tell police say him cut mi. Him bright. Him cya lick him pickney dem," he said.

"Bout him waah come lick. Him push mi and mi push him back. The church big and empty and him a go tell me nuh come back a him church, with him big shine head?! Try nuh ina no argument with mi," he continued, hissing his teeth and and rolling his eyes. The speech being delivered while swaying his body left to right and standing on the inside of his feet. Lmao.

My two cents bout all of it ... In my best preacher voice: "And the Bible said ... Come just as you are ... Ye that is without sin let him cast the first stone ... Judge not that ye might not be judged!"

Walk good. Live well! Bless up unuh self!

Wig-wearing comedians fear gay label .... oh boi

I found this one hard to believe when I read it the first time around and then again; my memory chipped in and then I realize some of these younger comedians as it were are either unaware of the journey of their predecessors or just plain dumb and out of touch with their audiences and culture. Mi did think seh some folks bigger than that but boi am I wrong.

Jamaican roots plays in particular and indeed stand-up comedy has built their reputations and attraction from intermittent effeminacy or effeminate male characterization for decades despite our homophobic attitudes but such characterizations are digestible from the stage. Remember the old names.

Firstly

The Star carried this on October 27th:

from his recent video 

Dutty Berry (pics from the internet)

Several male Jamaican comedians have found fame on social media by sometimes playing the role of females in dresses and wigs, but some persons are disgruntled with the idea and are labelling the males as homosexuals. A Facebook post captured the general sentiments of those opposed to males playing female roles in their comedic skits.

"What's up with all these Jamaican comedians dressing and acting like women complete with wigs and all? My comment is unreserved. If you dress and act like women to be funny then we have no choice, but to see you as being 'funny'. We get the message, now stop acting," the post said.

my fan base

But Dutty Berry explained that he plays female roles in his videos because a female is not always readily available to participate, and may not be able to depict the role as humorously as he could. The comedian conceded that he was initially hesitant to act as a female, however, after experimenting with the role once, he has found that people gravitate to it more than his other content.

"I find that females form a large part of my fan base and they love my content. Your job as a comedian is to entertain so you have to give the people what they want," said Dutty Berry said, who has a recent video in which he is seen wearing a red wig playing a 'matey', who is "putting wifey in her place".

Another male comedian who often plays female roles is Dale Elliott, popularly known as Elli the Viner. He usually wears a green towel wrapped around his head to depict a female character. He noted that he is cognisant of the notion that males who play female characters are often referred to as being gay which is why he treads carefully when he attempts to take on a female role.

"I know how Jamaicans are, so I don't go all out and wear wigs. I only wear the towel on my head, but my tone and masculine demeanour doesn't change because I don't want people to label me as gay," Ellie the Viner said.

"Don't judge a book by it's cover. People are sometimes harsh with their criticism, but they should remember that at the end of the day, it's just acting."

unconventional props

pic added by me

Meanwhile, Kvonne Legore, popularly known as Prince Pine, sometimes plays the role females but uses unconventional props to depict the characters

"I try wig one time and me neva like it. I try to use anything except wig on my head. I use shoes box, shirt, towel and even me brief. I don't want people to wonder about my sexuality so I stay far from the wig controversy," Prince Pine said. However, he added, "It's all for entertainment. It's been around for a long time and not just in Jamaica, so I don't see why Jamaicans have to bash it."

ENDS

from one of his latest videos

So what if people suspect one is gay? once you put yourself out there there is bound to be criticisms and perceptions formed of you. The photos above says alot so if I were him just expect the perceptions. Dutty Berry has built his name on a semi effeminate presentation in voice especially yet expect us to accept this stance on not wearing props or playing roles of effeminate men or women roles! Sadly we are not a nation overall that respects and recall or repeat our histories it is seen or treated as discarded knowledge so I am not surprised at this latest foolishness, as the English or others do they pride their histories, as in the introduction it is the very effeminacy that has come to define roots plays with a number of characters over the years coming to prominence.

such as:

Ranny Willams aka Mas Ran

Bobby Ghisays who lived down years of his perceived homosexuality while he was in theatre, also see: Remembering Bobby Ghisays 2011Gleaner

Volier Johnson has dawned a wig or two in his long career yet hardly any barbs are thrown at him in terms of him seen as gay

The King of Jamaican Comedy Oliver Samuels is the leader in wig wearing, effeminacy and despite the perceptions of him he is loved none the less because he entertains and gets the job done He would not be Oliver if he diverted otherwise.

Keith Shebada Ramsey is a smart one has picked up on the trend following the footsteps of Oliver and has capitalized on it most successfully despite the barbs thrown at him he still packs houses when his plays are released and is loved

The late Cleve 'Chu Chu' Warren held his own in the market

scene from Bashment Granny with Rude Boi Trevor & Shebada

Mawell Grant(above) of Maama Man & Bashment Granny fame - with a career that spans decades and plays to his name like Maama Man, Once Is Enough, Passa Passa, Man Fi Get Bun, Serious Business and Bashment Granny, Grant says he still does not have any plans to end his acting career any time soon.

Maxwell wearing the wig in the flyers

"No retirement. I will go until the end. When I tell producers that I want to retire, dem ask if mi mad. Look out for 2015, I know it will be a good year," he said in an interview earlier this year see more here: 

Glen 'Titus' Campbell known for his ability to play any role has dabbled with some effeminate characterization over the years.

Even dancehall acts have gone wig wearing as part of their presentations:

Ninjaman in his trademark Ninja suit and hat and the effeminate gesticulations yet noone calls him a battyman

also see: Dancehall DJ Tony Matterhorn gets backlash ... for posing in female wig on Instagram

Nearly every actor who is somebody has done some characterization embodying effeminacy and the props to go with it and life goes on, frankly one aint no actor if you are afraid of playing a role and separating oneself from perceived notions of ones sexuality or orientation. Plays such as 

'Unda Mi Nose' 

'Passa Passa'

'As Yuh Si Mi Gimme'

'Ras Noah & The Ark' 

'Shebada Comes to Town'

'Granny Rule' 

'Clafy' 

'Bun Fi Bun' 

'Xtortionistz'

'Brother Desmond'

'Suga Daddy' 

'Police Without a Baton' 

'Titus in Town' 

'Wifey Run Tings'

"I've Got Your Man'

'Two Bun One Time'

'Money Worries'

'Duppy in the House'

'Patrick Brown's Vibes'

'Sarge in Charge' (Oliver Samuels)

'Higglers in Town' and so many others have all incorporated effeminacy in their male characters at some point as part of the comedic aspects of the piece. So a word to Dutty Berry et al you aint worth the salt if you are afraid of labels because you played or dressed an effeminate or woman part. I am sorry for us creatively if this is the thinking that continues; I hope some maturity will come down the line.

Madea goes to Jail 2 stills played by Tyler Perry

Why does imported movies such as the Madea franchise do so well? Nearly every actor who is worth the salt dabbles in female characters, 

Mrs Doubtfire played by the late Robin Williams

Martin Lawrence as Big Momma

Hugh Laurie (Dr House Fame) played a woman

the toughest of the tough and have lived to tell the tale unscathed:

Too Wong Fu promo which also includes a cameo from Rupaul featuring Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, John Leguizamo 

remember this Will Smith & David Letterman kiss? It never damaged Will's career .... in fact it may have enhanced it,played a homosexual in the movie '6 Degrees of Seperation,' in that movie Will's character had sex with a white man

'Nuff said .... grow up and move on.

Peace & tolerance

H