Second time donations from church penny concert/rally for weed-whacking income generating project

For a second time in recent years the independent break away Baptist church group/7 man committee LGBT allies have delivered even when they were not formerly obligated so to do outside of a promise. Sunday December 11, 2016 was the day on which a spirited penny concert and church fundraiser rally was held in St Catherine to include sing-offs, comedy hour, bake sale, yard sale, a short play and other activities with nuff food to go around for all. $25,000 was delivered on the very evening of the rally as it came to an end and the tally was done, a break away from tradition, apparently the goal that was set was surpassed and as before the basic figure of $15,000 would have flowed even if their bigger goal was not met. Other gifts as in last year were not there this time around but the upcoming Christmas dinner being planned may have other goodies we hope. We are thankful none the less.

The promise of sorts of assistance from the allies since around 2013 has been met several times prior with specific regards to the previously named ‘MSM Weed Whacking Project’ which has now morphed into a mixed group income generating one as two women are now full time on the now nine person group with two other pass through members; they latter two have other income generating activity they have done for themselves in vending. The original idea came about in 2012 after five of the current male members and others who have since moved on were homeless and struggling in Spanish Town and the outskirts of Portmore, after several challenges including two evictions from an illegally occupied house and land a head scratching exercise occurred hence the idea came to hand. Fundraising efforts elsewhere have been not so hot this year as the response to overtures have been low, austerity I guess, formalization of the outfit and activities was and still is the next step but with registration as a limited liability company for starters comes the mandatory minimum business tax obligation of $60,000 while NGO status may be pending for some time.

one of the working units

After some time with much trial and error with some head bumping resulting in resignations from the committee and sadly some misguided homophobia from selected church members seeped in old thinking and reshaping the interfaith feel of the effort we are still here. The participants in the project have been struggling with everything from in fighting to sporadic rainfall, effectively drought periods, reduction in business and client withdrawal as a few households consolidate in austerity times other persons have moved to newer schemes but the men do travel to get the business. Mechanical challenges with the equipment as only three of the five machines are in working order and the rotation of the machines to meet demand though problematic at first things got settled afterwards. The women came into play as beneficiaries from their own challenges thus changing the face of MSM/transgender homelessness overall in that part of town and as displaced same gender loving women become more visible ways have to be found to meet some of the changing landscape.

The donation from the rally will go a far way in repairing the two down machines as best as possible although one seems un-repairable as the parts are costly that it requires, it’s almost as buying a new. Thankfully the rainfall has been steady this year thus impacting the shrubbery growth and by extension the need to use landscaping services, another plus is the slowly growing support from LGBT owned of occupied residencies on a regular basis also helps, last year’s nymanings for example had some gay customers who attended that dinner and penny concert and who also donated cash to the members of the project as a token gift for the holidays. It has been an incident free year much to everyone involved relief as there was some concern about person’s perceived sexual orientation may cause some challenges but they did not. The enlightenment growth of some of the older ‘churchy’ members who joined the committee is commendable as several misnomers have been debunked and people learn to dispel old stereotypes of gay men and gender non conformity.

The regular competition from other whackers some with burrowed or local government owned machines who invade the market is still a challenge. They undercut prices in order to attract customers even as a few customers purchase their own machines in the case of falling prices for them and do they own landscaping thus eliminating the costs for hiring someone. Social media use was suggested to grow the business but the guys are hesitant even though it was made clear to them the marketing would be to LGBT specific audiences for starters, but if they are not ready I suggested we do not force it just yet as there has to be buy in for it to work.

Clarendon replication attempt

The activation of the idea to replicate the projects in nearby Clarendon has not taken off as expected, given the limited machines for rotation, some issues had come up some time ago with homelessness or displacement in that parish and I suggested we try and see, rotating machines for such long distances with new players may be logistically challenging. We want to target another three men for that expansion even as they engaged in ‘hustling’ to eke out a living. Rapid residential development in that part of the island is making the concept more attractive as housing developments go up. As more middle class persons move westwards from Kingston and Portmore they will need some sort of landscaping services and the evidence is clear thus far, men riding on bicycles or bikes with whacking machines, machetes and so on are visible in May Pen and nearby communities as they seek business in a competitive environment.

The committee has promised continued support albeit there are attempts to ‘convert’ participants to the faith by some but I have concerns about a reparative or restorative tinge attached to such efforts, but let us see. The concept of a gay Christian is alien to some persons thus far but with time I am expecting change.

A huge thanks to the group for the donations on behalf of the participants and as usual the funds will be managed by the designated individuals, of note last year’s donations mostly went into gasoline purchases, emergency repairs, stipends for low income periods and other unexpected expenses that were health related. The rented house where the group resides is still used by them as they slowly build on their efforts.

“Each one reach one” indeed is the theme as I had suggested some years ago and we unofficially use with Babbie Mason’s song of the same name to boot. Good that some Christians are doing it the right way and embracing those who are not of them. What would Jesus do indeed, in direct opposite to some fanatics who are only making the church body look stupid as they sit there and allow it to be so.

Peace & tolerance

H

also see:

Bad gas & the weed-whacking project
Christmas nyamings, donation presentation & MSM weed-whacker project update

Penny Concert/Rally raises funds in part for MSM Weed-whacking Project 

INTERFAITH GROUP PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR ST CATHERINE HOMELESS MSM

Homeless MSM populations treated over the Christmas season 2013

BUSINESS DOWNTURN FOR THE WEED-WHACKING PROJECT FOR FORMER DISPLACED ST CATHERINE MSM 2014

Papine man survives coma following brutal attack, mistaken as gay

So Loop reported (Facebook) that a man missed death by the skin of his teeth as he was reportedly mistaken to be a gay man (hmph) as he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, sadly very little comment has come from either JFLAG or any of the 'advocates' who are dealing with or claim to be addressing homelessness as life goes on, "... a dutty battyman dem who bring disgrace ..." as one commentator on social media puts it.

Not to mention the other numerous challenges that are hard to keep track of regarding this population and yet still we are told of projects in the works, no money or space available all because a so wrong turn was made in 2009 and we are still paying the price for it and that of our brethren regarding some of the same persons who are now parading as advocate when they never cared about this section of our 'community' (boy we do not have one yet).

This incident also shows the dangers those of us who prefer to work on the frontline and walk with the populations have to contend with, this is not the first time we have had this happen, some five years ago I can remember a National Council of Drug Abuse staff members in my days at the Ministry of Health's HIV program where he was attacked in New Kingston at the very infamous Shoemaker Gully by an alleged drug addict one late night while conducting street interventions.

For the folks who think Jamaica has cooled we better rethink that but then again those folks are in a privileged middle class world or bubble (bubbles have a way of bursting) far removed from the realities and live ever so vicariously on twitter-verse promoting out and proud messages.

Anyway;

Loop reported:

Asheen Walford was just walking home; little did he know that he would be on the receiving end of a brutal attack that threatened to cut his life short.

Walford, while walking along Upper Waterloo Avenue, was caught in the middle of massive brawl between armed men and the homeless gays who have made the old Cholera cemetery their home.

Although the homosexuals claim the attack was unprovoked, a source has revealed that a man was robbed by cross-dressers in the area.

Loop News understands that the man, then returned with a gang of armed accomplices, who emerged from two cars in the vicinity of the Canadian Embassy.

The homeless men stood no chance against the mob, with some being severely beaten, stabbed and even shot at.

Walford is at an undisclosed hospital, in a serious but stable condition. With a punctured lung and severe brain swelling, the 24-year-old was given very slim chances of survival by doctors.

However, a close friend of Walford told Loop News that he woke from his coma, and is speaking and eating as of Tuesday.

ENDS

In a social media post from the National Anti-Discrimination Alliance (NADA), Walford, who hails from a Papine, St Andrew address, is a well-known volunteer that works closely with the homeless population in the Corporate Area.

NADA's Facebook Page had:

Let us keep Asheen Walford in our prayers while we wish for a speedy recovery. He is one of our committed volunteers who worked closely with the homeless, and unfortunately was one of several victims of a homophobic mob attack on Saturday night. Currently he is holding on for dear life as we were advised that his chances of living are low. Stay tuned as we will continue to provide updates on his condition.

As expected the rebuff from some quarters not surprisingly in the LGBT populations is that the homeless should be left to fend for themselves as they are the cause of their problems and the rest of us should move on to rights or our own lives, just goes to show the callousness that has come to define us eh.

This is sad to watch these 7 years after the dubious closure of the only safe house for MSM/Trans in Jamaica and still no serious or comprehensive interventions since to take its place.

I hope the young man recovers soon from this and sorry this happened to him but we have seen other attacks on 'friends' or allies before in 2014 the Jamaica Observer carried this one: Movie producer attacked by gay prostitutes - "A movie producer, who earlier this year did a documentary on gay prostitutes in New Kingston, became the target in an attempted robbery by some of the same men he had interviewed.

The 44-year-old producer was reportedly cornered by 18 gay prostitutes, armed with knives, and who demanded his phone and cash." MORE HERE, there have been several other challenges where persons have simply stopped assisting them as they effectively bite the hands that help them; so they are outcasts by society's and family members standards and doubly marginalized from the very population of which they are from due to the image they have or has been created about them, the pigeon-holing by media and some LGBT advocates has not helped either.

also see:

The Quietus ......... The Safe House Project Closes

And we continue to reap the world-wind for not addressing homelessness when it was manageable 2013


Homeless Awareness Month: Flashback to New Kingston's Displaced MSM 2013

Reported homophobic cases: January - October 2015

Where is that "I am Not a Fish" documentary?

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard

Complaint of "Freaky Gays" Harassing New Kingston Residents 2011

And The Machinery ...... The murder of Charms 2011

Man robbed by crossdresser while engaging in sexual transaction! (this entry's case prior)

Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston 2012

Homeless LGBT New Kingston Population Targeted by Cops Again ......... 3rd Anniversary of Civil Disobedience ....... 2014

More Jamaican LGBTQ displacements & homeless challenges in 2014

JFLAG has no moral authority to speak on homeless gay men in New Kingston says members of the public2014

 

Video from Loop: VIDEO: Homeless gay men, rejected by their families, beg for place to live

Barbican man becomes second innocent victim of Cholera cemetery beating Oct 29, 2015

Here is a three year old podcast below (hardly much has changed) on my take on governments role (or the lack thereof) in addressing MSM homeless; but if they cannot handle national homelessness how can they be asked to address specific needs of MSM/Trans folk? Powerful monied LGBT organizations need to take up the slack and stop passing the buck:

Sadly designated sites (167 King Street) for general homeless assistance still remain unused since as evidenced above they were launched by a JLP government so continuity is not the name of the game for the benefit of the least amongst us.

flashback to the stoning incident at JASL offices 2011

more posts for consideration:

Shelter Coming For Homeless Gays reports the Gleaner

Children’s Advocacy & LGBT Agencies inconsistent approach to Homeless MSM Youth

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

Tense stand-off between homeless MSM and Security team in New Kingston

'Don't come back here' - Maxfield residents warn gay man after publicized eviction

More forced evictions reported for 2013

The toss up between MSM homelessness & public order makes news again

Street MSM Stone J-FLAG – After Being Cleared From Gov’t Property, Homosexuals Launch Assault another such clash occurred earlier in January which forced JFLAG to vacate yet another office space.

Housing Minister seeks funds for Shelter from NHT Money ....... Will the LGBT Homeless be Assisted?

Some good news on the homeless MSM front ..... guarded & waiting part 2: Dwayne's House Project

New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker MSM/Trans homeless persons

MP Julian Robinson claims he wants help for New Kingston homeless gays 2013

Peace, Prayers & Tolerance required indeed

UPDATE: Asheen Walford Released from Hospital Following Brutal Mob Attack in Jamaica Nov 15, 2015

UPDATE 2016

 here is the 'mistaken' man at an LGBT party

You decide folks but proper reporting by news outlets so critical to bring credibility to bear on the struggle overall.

H

The Intolerant View Of Tolerance ...............

Sometimes we have to breathe and also pay attention to concerns from allies and opposition equally and learn from them. Ian Boyne is one just voice I think, here is a piece from the gentleman:

Ian Boyne, 

I am increasingly disturbed by a growing - indeed, galloping - intolerant view of tolerance. Tolerance is being subtly and manipulatively redefined as a mask for crass intolerance. Liberals are the main purveyors of this illiberal view. It is pernicious. And it must be called out.

An excellent demonstration of this new prejudice masquerading as sophisticated, enlightened thinking is atheistic social psychologist and gay rights advocate, Dr Keon West's piece in last Tuesday's Observer titled 'Out of Many, One People'. Keon, son of anti-gay, anti-abortionist fundamentalist Christian Dr Wayne West, is a Rhodes Scholar with an impeccable academic record.

West begins his article innocuously and captivatingly enough: "In June this year, I got married. One of my best men was Nawaz Ahmad. He is one of the kindest, wisest, most principled people I have ever met. Nawaz is a devout Muslim. I don't think Allah exists. Still our relationship is characterised by mutual respect and admiration ... . We appreciate each other's advice and respect the other's intelligence and morality. I think highly of his wife, who covers her hair. He thinks highly of my wife, who does not.

"I would vigorously oppose any law that prevented him from praying to Mecca or respecting Ramadan, as he would vigorously oppose any law that forced me to do so or prevented me from drinking alcohol." Lovely, touching story of friendship and respect, indeed.

West is telling us this story for a reason: "I say this to help you understand the sharp contrast between real love and respect and what happened on September 15, 2012, on the streets of out-of-many-one-people Jamaica. During this act with the Orwellian name 'Love March', a group of Christians demanded that the private sexual lives of all Jamaicans be subject to their religious prejudices and that our laws punish those who do not conform to their prejudices."

Notice the clever use of emotive words - "Orwellian", "prejudices". But, more important, note the massive leap in non-sequitur reasoning: If I really love and respect you, there is no way I could march against anything you embrace. So tolerance is redefined as public non-resistance to anything you, my respected friend, accepts.

So if I really love you as a Republican and respect you, there is no way I would participate in a march against your Republican ideas or demonstrate against your trickle-down economics. If you are a prostitute, I can't march against prostitution and love you.

Is democracy still alive?

On September 15, a group of conservative, fundamentalist Christians who are convinced by their reading of Scripture that homosexuality is sinful and morally degenerate came together to march against that. I had thought that was their democratic right. I thought that as citizens in a free society they had the right to demonstrate against something they found abhorrent - whether it is or not.

They peacefully demonstrated and spoke against homosexuality. Why is "real love and respect" counterpoised to that? This is the reasoning from a PhD from Oxford! He gives this mushy story about an atheist and a Muslim, parading himself as a paragon of civic virtue (tolerance) and contrasting his own enlightened, tolerant view with those of those bigots who were on the streets of Kingston acting out their prejudices against fellow Jamaicans.

West goes on to exhibit his intolerant and jaundiced view of tolerance: He is back to his friendship with Nawaz. Says West: "Nawaz believes some of my personal decisions are morally misguided; I think the same of some of his. But where we disagree we debate each other like rational, respectable adults. And if we fail to convince each other, the disagreement and the respect need not cancel out each other; friendship is not contingent on agreement."

I agree totally, but notice this other leap of logic from our Rhodes Scholar: "Neither of us would dream of marching to demonise the other's lifestyle, as though increased volume were an appropriate substitute for sound reason or good evidence."

West is not done: "Neither of us would be presumptuous enough to pretend that we 'loved the other too much to let him continue in his misguided ways'." We would see such a thinly veiled attempt at social control for what it was - arrogance and hostility." What? Notice the emotive words - "demonise", "presumptuous", "social control", "arrogance" and (it gets worse) "hostility".

Friends without opinions

According to the West Doctrine of Love and Respect, if you are his friend, you can't participate in any public march or demonstration against any lifestyle he embraces or against any ideology deeply held. That's demonising him, disrespecting him, being arrogant and, indeed, being hostile.

To be his true, respectful friend, you can debate him vigorously, but stay in your yard or on your verandas; don't you dare venture out to take your disagreement public. That's disloyal. That's demonising, unloving; indeed, hostile. Welcome to the new definition of tolerance! Philosopher John Locke must be turning in his grave - as must Sir Karl Popper, and those ancient philosophers who graced early Athens with their lively, contentious debates. Now debates must be private.

West, not satisfied with his previous leaps and non-sequitur turns, continues the intellectual gymnastics: "If you find it unbearable that other people do not agree with your world view, I feel sorry for you, because there's a lot of difference out there, and it's not going away." But West would certainly like the "prejudices", "arrogance" and public demonstrations of anti-gay activists to go away. No tolerance for such "homophobic" acts. That's what should be outlawed, Dr West would perhaps advise.

There are militant atheists like Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins and John Loftus and that firebrand, the late Christopher Hitchens. Hitchens fervently believed - and other militant atheists fervently believe today - that their counterparts have been too passive and quiescent and have allowed too much religious bigotry and plain obscurantism to run wild. Religious ignorance and nonsense, say these militant atheists, have been allowed to run unchallenged by no-rock-the-boat atheists who have adopted a live-and-let-live approach.

But people like Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins have contended in their books and public utterances that religion is not harmless or benign. It is downright dangerous, harmful to humans, especially children, and should be vigorously, strenuously opposed and campaigned against.

Why couldn't a Harris or Dawkins be a respectful friend of mine, my being a theist? I could well have as a friend a militant atheist who respects me and wonders every day how someone supposedly as bright as I am can be so foolish to believe in a god or a "contradiction-ridden", "morally problematic" book like the Bible. That atheist could love and respect me, but believe that for psychological reasons I hold on to religion and have allowed my heart to rule my head.

That does not mean that friend could not march to have prayers banned in Jamaican schools and at civic and parliamentary functions; march to ban devotions at public-sector offices; march to take Christ out of Christmas and replace it with just secular Xmas. Respecting me and loving me does not mean he can't lobby actively against my views. He might think my views on sexual morality are absolutely idiotic. He might lobby for prostitution and polygamy to be legalised - the very opposite of my ethical positions.

But my view of tolerance means that I respect his right to public advocacy against my views and even against what I hold as more precious than own life. (And there are some things that I personally believe are worth dying for.)

So this view that I can tolerate anything but the denial of my being (whether my sexuality or something else) is not a very tolerant one. Why should a Christian march in a free, democratic country to retain the buggery laws be deemed an act of hostility? These Christians believe homosexuality is an abomination, an evil punishable in eternal hellfire. They want to save homosexual sinners - some of whom are their friends - from that fate.

If it's okay to shout, "Fire! Fire!" to save some person genuinely threatened by fire, why if these persons believe that an eternal fire awaits those who engage in homosexual conduct, should they not peacefully demonstrate and draw attention to this consequence?

'Right' worth protecting

They might be misguided, blinded and foolish. But in a democracy, people have the right to be misguided, blinded and foolish! Or do people like Rhodes Scholar West believe that it is the duty of the intellectual elite to paternalistically force enlightenment on these noble savages?

Give people the right to their way-out, outdated, foolish views. You then enter the public domain and show up their silliness and stupidity. And doing that does not mean you disrespect them and don't love them. Tolerance does not mean our views converge. It means precisely that we really disagree substantially and fundamentally but, like Voltaire, we would defend your right to your views and we hold that right sacrosanct.

In some of my religious presentations, I criticise religious groups by name when I disagree with their theological doctrines. Many are deeply offended by this. Some never return to hear me again. They resent the fact that I call names of denominations which teach what I consider biblical errors. They say that's discourteous, rude, arrogant and intolerant.

But economists, political scientists, philosophers and biologists routinely criticise certain theories and even name academic colleagues who hold those views. And that is considered academic freedom and, indeed, academic rigour. Religious people and pro-gay activists, though, are deeply offended and easily rush for emotive language as a fig leaf to cover their intolerance and emotional immaturity.

West concludes his Observer piece in Manichaean terms: The struggle is not between gay and straight, he says. "It is being fought between mature adults who will treat each other with respect, despite their differences, and the bigots who will not." I agree, Keon, but who really is the bigot in this picture? I suspect my answer is as far from his as the East is from the West.

Ian Boyne is a veteran journalist. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and ianboyne1@yahoo.com.

US Ambassador Bridgewater on LGBT redress in Jamaica ......

Ambassador Bridgewater

Ambassador Curtis Ward

US Ambassador to Jamaica Miss Pamela Bridgewater appeared on an interview recently online called Conversations with America and which also had as guest Ambassador Curtis Ward, former ambassador of Jamaica to the United Nations and currently President of the Caribbean Research and Policy Center, which took place at the department on March 16. The conversation was moderated by deputy assistance secretary Cheryl Benton which took a brief look at issues that both governments at the diplomatic level were and are working on. 

A member of Gays Without Borders also posed some questions among them were:

How is the U.S. prodding the Kingston government to investigate and prosecute bias motivated crimes and will the upcoming annual human rights report mention an improvement or setback for LGBT concerns in Jamaica?

Are there plans to counter the virulent anti-LGBT preaching of religious leaders? What movement can be taken to repeal the anti buggery statues through legislative or judicial avenues?


However the captioned one was posed in the interview:

To which the goodly Ambassador dodged in essence with a smile as if it were some Sunday afternoon coffee table tete a tete instead of dealing with the matter at hand directly.

Bridgewater's response:

"Well, as the individual stated, our human rights report is being vetted right now, so I will not comment on what it states because it has not been released. But I will say that our embassy has engaged very, very aggressively with Jamaica with Jamaicans on a plethora of human rights issues.

Women's issues, the rights of vulnerable populations, children, trafficking in persons, LGBT. I have worked personally on these issues and will continue to do so. So I can assure the questioner that we are involved very vigorously on these areas."

The GWB member has since expressed disappointment and I am too as even if she could not have addressed the report matter she could have stated whether her good office will put pressure to bear on the government to live up to the promise of the buggery law review and the bringing to book of persons and members of the police who abuse LGBT Jamaicans who often have no recourse when such abuse takes place.

According to the GWB member also Ambassador Ward took the opportunity to address how the new prime minister Portia Simpson-Miller would hire a gay person for her administration:

"If I might add to that Ambassador, you may recall that during the last election campaign in Jamaica, the now current prime minister had made a statement.

Which in effect, was a deliberate shift from what had been the perception at least, if not the practice, that she would not be discriminating against any individuals who were gay. That they could serve in her cabinet, that they could be appointed to high positions. So this is a big step in the right direction for Jamaica.

I think the questioner needs to . . . should understand there are steps being taken for greater tolerance and societies like Jamaica will never shift overnight from one position to another. It has to be a gradual process. I think we are in the right direction."

And Bridgewater replied:

"We certainly commend that and are certainly looking forward to other opportunities to expand human rights in Jamaica."

This conversation is remarkable for the fact that Jamaica's former representative to the United Nations was more direct and specific about gays in his country, than the American ambassador who tip-toed around gay concerns. Is she afraid of a backlash or something why she didn't respond? certainly we would not expect the details of talks and activities but to just side step a simple question as posed is just plain poor in my book. Was she leaving it to Ambassador Ward to handle it? 

See the video in question:

See the full interview HERE on Youtube.

Peace and tolerance

H 

Gleaner's associate editor on no to theocracy

Byron Buckley wrote

Church Picking On Gays

ALAS, PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller has named her Cabinet, notwithstanding the fear and hysteria expressed by some clergymen during the recent election campaign, about the possible inclusion of homosexuals in her administration.

 

Indeed, the overwhelming political mandate, in terms of seat count and geographic spread, given to Mrs Simpson Miller and her party is perhaps a rebuff to those who sought to vilify her position that she would appoint persons to Cabinet positions based on merit rather than sexual orientation.

It is shameful and scandalous for a Christian to support the victimisation (beat the B-man) and discrimination (job denial) of homosexuals and any other groups of persons.

The Christian community in Jamaica is grappling with the dilemma of how to embrace homosexuals while not condoning their sexual orientation and lifestyle.

Why do Christians regard homosexuality as an exceptional or grievous sin?

It is in a Christian's 'DNA' to object to homosexual practices. After all, homosexuality runs counter to the natural principle of procreation established by God. Copulation by Adam and Eve (not Steve) ensures the continuation of the human race. In underscoring this point, God, through Scripture, has regarded homosexuality and bestiality as morally reprehensible.

unnatural, sinful and inimical

Throughout Old and New Testament Scripture, God has expressed displeasure at men and women engaging in unnatural sexual acts with persons of the same sex. The Bible has even come out against men behaving effeminately. Importantly, the Bible forbids other kinds of sexual immorality, including fornication, incest, divorce/adultery and prostitution. Indeed, St Paul told Christians at Corinth that persons who practised homosexuality, adultery and idolatry, among other sins, would not enter God's kingdom.

So, the Church is on message in its opposition to homosexuality. And this article is not a call for the Church to abandon its teaching and stance against homosexuality as unnatural, sinful and inimical to procreation and family life as designed by God.

However, this is a critique of the Church's extreme and selective attitude towards homosexuality and those who practise it - which is contrary to Christians' mission to share the good news with ALL.

New Testament writers refer to homosexuality as part of sexual immorality in general. So to be consistent, the Church should oppose, with equal energy, adultery, fornication, wife-swapping, incest, paedophilia and the high rate of broken marriages. The Church can't cherry-pick its favourite sin to oppose. Homosexuals see straight through this double standard and ask, 'Why discriminate and victimise us?'

What's the real reason Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed? Although Christians often point to the destruction of these cities as caused by rampant homosexuality, there is reason to believe the practice was one of a suite of sinful behaviours that God found offensive. The Hebrew prophet Ezekiel explained the iniquity of Sodom and Gomorrah as pride, fullness of bread (material wealth), abundance of idleness (hedonism), lack of care for the poor and needy, haughtiness and abominable (homosexual) practices.

transformative mission

So, again, Christians have chosen to take their own meaning or emphasis from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. A more apt message to take away is that as a society, we should ensure that material prosperity does not cause us to descend into an orgy of immorality and sensuality. We should also ensure that we take care of the disadvantaged, the poor and needy. This is why Christians should never be found in the position where they are supporting harm being done to anyone - especially with the Church's dismal record during the Crusades and the transatlantic slave trade.

The transformative mission of the Church requires it to display a higher standard of behaviour towards homosexuals. Christians should be leading the way generally in protecting the welfare of homosexuals. Christians can't join the rowdy chorus of 'kill or beat the B-man.' The challenge for the Church is to establish a caring and grace-filled environment that enables it to share the transformative gospel with homosexuals as well. Jesus Christ came to heal the broken-hearted and set the captives free - in short, to transform lives.

The Church cannot be selective about who it ministers to, nor can it place boundaries against groups - such as homosexuals - as if they are beyond God's love.

I believe while there are persons who have accepted their homosexual orientation, others have not. This is where the Church has a mission to offer counsel and healing. But a condemnatory stance by the Church will only drive away such persons who are likely to be befriended by the wrong crowd.

The homophobic (I deliberately choose this word) reaction by some church leaders and Christians is tactically foolish. In the grand culture war and cosmic struggle between good and evil, Christians must secure victory with the weapon of love, which will bring transformation to individual lives.

Maybe Christians have adopted a hard line against homosexuals because, in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, God destroyed, rather than mercifully saving them.

But that's not the full story: Sodom and Gomorrah could have been saved if there were enough righteous people there! In the final analysis, no matter how repulsed Christians are by the haughtiness of some homosexuals, we should leave their fate to God.

In the meantime, we anticipate the PM carrying through her campaign promise to debate and review the law against buggery, allowing legislators to vote according to their conscience and upon their constituents' advice.

No doubt, the voice of the Church and faith-based community will be heard. After all, Jamaica is a pluralistic society as well as a robust democracy. And I prefer this to a theocracy.

Byron Buckley is an associate editor at The Gleaner. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the newspaper. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and byron.buckley@gleanerjm.com.

Schools must be safe for everyone — even gays (Observer Letter)

Dear Editor,


As the parent of a child with special needs, I must admit to having an affinity for children with "differences", particularly those with high levels of vulnerability. It is no wonder then, that I believe schools should be safe zones for all within their walls, regardless of ability or beliefs.


My most recent challenge has been an 11-year-old, seemingly engaged in a gender struggle. This boy openly talks of his preference for wanting to be a girl and to do girly things (to the disgust of others), uses bathrooms for females, and tries to walk like a girl. He tells me that he doesn't talk about his feelings to his mother as she goes crazy when he attempts to do so.


Many of you are already thinking that maybe he was molested, he needs counselling, or why not just beat it out of him? No, it doesn't appear as if he was molested, and you may all be right, or you may be dead wrong.


The fact is that he may have been born gay — there is enough scientific proof that some people are just born gay — maybe some kind of biological mishap such as irregularities in hormones. But more important, this child could be our son! Are our institutions safe for him? Our schools especially must be safe for all students. Would we want our son in an education system where teachers are insensitive to a child like this? Where students routinely think it's okay to bully him — verbally and physically? Where his mother is worried about school placement at the next level (high school) based on present experience?


Many people unfortunately, even educators and misguided guidance counsellors (and there are many who confuse religion with counselling), will object to any civil rights policy or policy for the accommodation of diversity in education which even mentions gay students. They will probably opt for "Don't ask, Don't tell", but too often you can tell, or think you can, without asking, and children, even at the primary school level, suffer the consequences, as they become the object of all-round prejudice and derision.

The confusion which already exists in the child is compounded by the treatment being meted out to him and he searches for understanding and acceptance. But he won't find it.


Patricia E Johnson
victory99967@yahoo.com

ENDS

Notes:

Commendable Miss Johnson agrees that safe spaces ought to include everyone to use words such as "mishap and gays" is just so wrong. If they are born that way then they are born that way, she damaged her argument right there.

I trust she has received some responses from other readers who are in the know to help her process some of this new information as she will have to adapt to using more appropriate language especially when addressing a very impatient lgbt population in some instances to include no nonsense activists.

I forwarded some links to the sister GLBTQJA blog that has some transgender information videos and links to literature. I hope she takes the time to digest it, it's persons like these who can become a part of the gay/str8 alliances to fight homophobia.

Peace and tolerance

H

Barbara Gloudon: "It isn't the gays who've sent him to prison, despite all the Boom-Bye-Bye controversy. It wasn't because he's a black man from Ja"

Tenky Barbara Tenky at least the sensible folks who watched the trial and observed the real issues are speaking out, here is Playright, one time actress, journalist and Radio Jamaica's Hotline Program Host Barbara Gloudon saying it as it is.
For the folks looking for someone to blame then blame Buju himself, he messed up indeed, read the transcript as his own words defiled him.

As taken from the transcripts themselves in the conversation between himself and the informant (Buju didn't know it at the time) he seems clearly interested in doing business, get the full 62 paged document here: http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2010/PDFs/banton.pdf he referred to snitches and that he didn't event trust the privacy of the very conversation he was having then with the man named CS.

Miss Gloudon says:

Buju must face the music

YOUR FAVOURITE Buju song? Mine is Sudan. No other artiste has sung with so much feeling of a country's pain. Today, who will sing for Buju? There's been almost a child-like belief by supporters here and in the diaspora who convinced themselves that he would've been acquitted to return home to a hero's welcome and to live happily ever after.

If the story had gone that way, I would have been as delighted as every Jamaican who has revelled in his awesome talent - the sensitivity of his lyrics and his ability to hold the audience with riveting performances... but life doesn't always go the way we want. Buju might be one of our beloved icons, but in the eyes of the American legal system, cocaine talk ain't funny. He messed up and when you mess up in their jurisdiction, you pay for it.

I don't know how deep ran the cool and controlled exterior which "the Gargamel" exhibited after the announcement of the guilty verdict on Tuesday afternoon. There was a classiness in the wording of his statement (here abbreviated). "Our life and our destiny are sometimes pre-destined... I fought the good fight..." The cold fact, however, is that, despite his fight, our hero is likely to do time, unless some really cataclysmic upset occurs at the sentencing.

All things equal, he has more years ahead of him. He is now 37 years old. In another era, he'd be well on the way to middle age. Today, even while extreme youth is revered, at 37 he is not over the hill yet. What must be in the minds of those who now contemplate his future? How will he survive those years, and is this the end of him, as far as a career goes? What a cruel twist of fate to get the Grammy and not be on the outside to reap the rewards!

On Tuesday night, I went home from a very long day's demands to find on the TV a programme produced by National Geographic and presented on HBO, highlighting life in America's prisons. "It is not an easy road", Buju sang in another time, and prison is not easy, no matter how clean and shining everything appears from the outside looking in.

Floors were scrubbed and highly polished, walls were clean, prisoners wore uniforms which seemed to be in good condition. The meals, it was said, wouldn't rate high in nutritional content, but at least they were regular. Beyond the neat and tidy façade, however, there were the stories of fear and intimidation, injury and even violent death, despite the watchfulness of correctional officers. The worst thing about "doing time", it was admitted, is the mind-numbing dreariness of the daily routine and how easy it is to lose one's humanity. Buju will live to regret the silliness of his defence that his conversations about drug-dealing were all a joke. Pity he couldn't have remembered the hometown saying: "What is joke to you is death to me."

It was in that context that I thought of what could lie ahead for this talented son of ours who, in all probability, will become yet another statistic, another caged bird with no occasion to sing. Some will try to tame that jaunty Jamaican walk. It's nothing to joke about. It is too late to contemplate the alternative: "Guilty, with explanation."

The outpourings of heartfelt wishes, the prayers from home and abroad for miraculous deliverance from the likely darkness ahead are well-placed, but reality has to be faced. Time to stop the delusion. It isn't the gays who've sent him to prison, despite all the Boom-Bye-Bye controversy. It wasn't because he's a black man from Jamaica. The sad truth is - our beloved hero messed up. We all wish it wasn't so.

The article continues HERE

gloudonb@yahoo.com

meanwhile here is a short precise letter to the hypocrisy effect in the Jamaica Observer as well:

Hypocrisy about Buju

Editor,

I cannot understand why so many people continue to display such blatant hypocrisy in their continued support for Buju. Most of those who support him continue to think that he was set up by certain interest groups. Few consider the possibility that he is actually guilty.

Many say that he was tricked into committing a crime. This is total rubbish. Buju himself admitted that he was stupid for allowing himself to get involved in this drug deal. Too bad for him - that is no excuse for committing a crime. Now he is going to do the time. What's wrong with that?

Unlike Jamaica, the American justice system, with all of its imperfections, does work. We need to grow up. Justice must be for all, including reggae stars like Buju.

Michael A Dingwall
Kingston
michael_a_dingwall@hotmail.com

So it go

Peace and tolerance

H

US Promotions Co hits back at "Fire" for Bashment Granny ....

Popular entertainment promoters Irish and Chin based in New Jersey in the United States have come in for some flack in having promoted Bashment Granny some time ago, of interest for this post is the response by them to the notion of harboring or associating with "Battybois" and a reference to a particular dancehall artist as well who is rumoured to be gay.

Here is an excerpt from the then answer in 2009, (WARNING! Strong Language):

"It is no surprise that my recent attempts to produce growth and broaden the fan base of the Irish and Chin brand would fuel mischief for some whose sole purpose is to see my company fail. The latest gossip among the industry's society of "career wreckers" is.......Irish and Chin retires from the clash arena to endorse the "Batty Man” ting! For real though!!! You haters need to quit. How many times do you haters want us to score on you? At least play some stronger defense!! Y'all haters tried this faggot shit on us two years ago when we started managing Mr. Vegas. Remember? Allegations were spread throughout the hardcore industry that we left the arena to manage a "Batty Man"

-- insinuating that Irish and Chin will do anything for money! I must admit it was a great point attempt, but y'all never scored!!!! In fact, we made a strong name as a management company. Now tell me -- what was the crime in managing Mr. Vegas? The fact that Killa said Vegas was a "Batty Man!!" Come on..... y'all have to do better than that!

Now, the haters are at it again with the "Batty Man" topic....hoping that Bashment Granny 2 brings them more luck than the Mr. Vegas saga. Can they be anymore fuckin’ stupid? Bashment Granny 2 is currently the hottest play in Jamaica and is rumored to be Jamaica's biggest production to date. The play consists of a nine-person cast. According to certain people in the industry, one of the actors is a "Batty Man." Nevertheless, such accusations are not my concern. We hired a cast, not one individual rumored to be a homo.

This play is currently touring Jamaica's 14 parishes for the second time. Each staging on the Island has been sold out! Record breaking numbers of up to 10,000 seats for a single performance have been sold. Outside of Jamaica, the hype is even greater. The play is touring more than most artists in the industry. Right now, the most requested DVD from Jamaica is Bashment Granny 1.

So, I guess this means...... all the persons in Jamaica (over 100,000) that have attended Bashment Granny 2 are into the "Batty Man” ting. Think again!!!!!! In fact, more than half of the same haters, who are trying to mix Irish and Chin up in the Batty Boy shit, have a few members in their family that went to see Bashment Granny already! And the other half is trying to purchase advance tickets for my show in Amazura (laughing).

I have to admit -- the “Haters” love Irish and Chin! World Clash had them talking, Irish and Chin’s management team has them talking, now this play shit is game point motherfuckers!!!!"

Serious Business now playing in New Jersey


It was only last night June 26th that Shebada's current smash, Serious Business played to local theatres in New Jersey again promoted by Irish and Chin. (Flyer to the left)

Well it is good to see that despite the perceptions and however you wish to view Keith "Shebada" Ramsey the business prerogative is far more important as the statement above pointed out the popularity of the comedian and cast is just undeniable as he portrays his character very well in my view.

I doubt if we have had such open backlash locally since Shebada and the various productions have been steadily gaining momentum, strange that in the United States of all places where freedom of expression is so espoused and differing lifestyles are tolerated to a far more extent we should see this kind of crap coming through.

What was heartening were the comments to the post on Irish and Chin's page many persons were dismissive of the negative remarks allegedly levelled at the promotions team while of course there were the usual "sell out" insinuations as well.

Here is an interesting one in particular to an earlier comment made in the thread:

warhead 2009-06-05 08:15
"mike.... you stupid ass!! shebada is a actor,his part was,nt to fuck batty!!! but his part is to have a sense of humor,something that u dont have.when jamie foxx used to dress like a woman and act like a woman in living colour is he gay too? thats the part he as to play...alot of artist bleach!!! r they gay too? mike when ur cocky fail yuh, and woman nuh want yuh,yuh go suck cocky fi support yuh broke self."

Rather insulting at the end part but the gist is basically that Shebada the lead character as appearing on the flyer with the pencil is only playing a part. As we all know his role is a very effeminate one but it's ridiculously funny though. He has gotten alot of mainstream media attention both here in Jamaica and abroad and with the movie set for release by the end of 2010 many of his fans are eagerly anticipating it.

So what if he is gay he is good in terms of roots play performance delivery why are we so hung up on who he sleeps with? Nearly all lead actors in roots plays and by extension other plays usually have to act out an effeminate lead character anyway, let's not forget Chu Chu (mi is a newsss carrier!!!!!) in Passa Passa acting in full drag. Here is a clip from an old ad for the show, he is attired in the blond wig. Jamaicans love their hysterical entertainment.



Here is a classic Serious Business advert:


Peace and tolerance

H