Gel Safe and Acceptable as Approach to Preventing HIV from Anal Sex in Early Phase Clinical Trial

April 3, 2013 – A reformulated version of an anti-HIV gel developed for vaginal use was found safe and acceptable by HIV-negative men and women who used it rectally, according to a Phase I clinical trial published today in PLOS ONE. The study, led by researchers with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Microbicide Trials Network (MTN), tested a reduced glycerin formulation of tenofovir gel, and has spurred the development of an expanded safety study of the gel, expected to launch later this year.

Rectal microbicides, gel-based antiretroviral products applied into the rectum with the use of an applicator, are being developed as an approach for preventing or reducing the sexual transmission of HIV from unprotected anal sex. Researchers are working on developing rectal-specific products as well as reformulations of vaginal products, specifically, tenofovir gel.

The study, known as MTN-007, was the first to evaluate tenofovir gel reformulated with less glycerin, a common additive found in many gel-like products, in the hopes of making it better suited for use in the rectum. It began in October 2010 and enrolled 65 men and women at three sites – the University of Pittsburgh, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Fenway Health in Boston.

In MTN-007, study participants were randomly assigned to one of four study groups. Three of these groups were assigned to use one of the following products for a one-week period: a reduced glycerin formulation of tenofovir gel; a placebo gel containing no active ingredient; or a gel containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9. A fourth group did not use any gel but took part in all of the study-related procedures and tests, including physical and rectal exams.

Study results, preliminarily presented at a scientific meeting in 2012, indicated no significant differences in side effects among the three gel groups. Eighty percent of participants reported minor side effects related to the use of study products, and 18 percent reported moderate side effects. (Two study participants reported severe adverse events, but they were not related to use of the study products.) Participants’ adherence to the use of their assigned study products was high, with 94 percent using the products daily as directed. When asked about the likelihood that they would use the gel in the future, 87 percent of the participants who used the reformulated gel indicated they would likely use the gel again, compared to 93 percent of the placebo gel group, and 63 percent of the nonoxynol-9 gel group. In addition to assessing safety and acceptability, researchers also conducted gene expression testing, and noted changes in the activation of some genes in the reduced glycerin tenofovir gel group, which they will continue to assess in future rectal microbicide studies.

“We are very encouraged that the reformulated gel was quite safe, and that most people who used it said they would be willing to use it in the future,” said Ian McGowan, M.D., Ph.D., co-principal investigator of the MTN and professor of medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “These results have formed the basis for a follow-up study that should provide us with even more detailed information about the safety and acceptability of the gel.”

Researchers are now in the final planning stages of a Phase II, multi-site trial of the reformulated gel called MTN-017 that will involve186 men who have sex with men and transgender women at clinical sites in Peru, South Africa, Thailand, and the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Participants will cycle through three study regimens: reformulated tenofovir gel used daily, reformulated tenofovir gel used before and after anal sex, and daily use of the antiretroviral tablet Truvada®. MTN-017 will allow researchers to collect additional information about the gel’s safety and acceptability in the rectum, and compare it to the use of Truvada.

In addition to Dr. McGowan, other authors of the study include Craig Hoesley, M.D., University of Alabama; Ross Cranston, M.D., University of Pittsburgh; Philip Andrew, FHI 360; Laura Janocko, Ph.D., MTN and Magee-Womens Research Institute; James Dai, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Alex Carballo-Dieguez, Ph.D., Columbia University; Ratiya Kunjara Na Ayudhya, BSMT, MTN; Jeanna Piper, M.D., Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Florian Hladik, M.D., Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; and Ken Mayer, M.D., Fenway Health.

MTN-007 was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Institute of Mental Health, both components of the NIH. Tenofovir gel was developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc., of Foster City, Calif., which assigned the rights for tenofovir gel to CONRAD, of Arlington, Va ., and the International Partnership for Microbicides of Silver Spring, Md., in December 2006.

CONRAD developed the reduced glycerin formulation of tenofovir gel evaluated in MTN-007 and it differs from the formulation originally developed for vaginal use. Although the vaginal gel produced a significant antiviral effect when used in the rectum, it was found to cause gastrointestinal side effects in some study participants in an earlier study called RMP-02/MTN-006.

The vaginal formulation of tenofovir gel continues to be evaluated for preventing the transmission of HIV through vaginal sex in women. Ongoing is a Phase III trial called FACTS 001 that is testing its use before and after sex among women in South Africa. FACTS 001 hopes to replicate the results of CAPRISA 004, which found this regimen reduced the risk of HIV by 39 percent compared to placebo gel. The VOICE Study (Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic), however, found daily use of the gel not effective among its study participants; most of the women did not use the product daily as recommended.

# # #

A Neighbour's take on the Homeless MSM New Kgn matters ...............

The following is a contributed article by a neighbour close to the controversial homelessness issue in New Kingston who has some serious concerns, as per usual not only my points of view are posted here but contributed pieces are accepted provided they meet my approval and deal directly with the issue(s) as subjected.

Posting contributed articles is in no way an endorsement of the points of view expressed there in but act as an outlet for airing issues.

The neighbour wrote:

Five months ago, I wrote to this blog and on GLBTQ Jamaica contributing a piece on the real state of the homeless issue and Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) and J-FLAG as I saw it. Though I have never been approached by anyone regarding the article, I’m fully aware how widely read and circulated it was. I’m not naïve nor a stranger to the circles touched upon so word, as is habit, got back to me as to who felt offended or thanked me for having the courage to speak out.

That article dealt mostly with a very lop-sided view of advocacy by a former Executive Director of JASL, essentially painting herself as a lone voice in a wilderness of an uncaring advocacy structure. While I still hold to the view that this is vanity on her part, I went on to state—and still believe—that her dedication to helping LGBT and the neediest cannot be questioned. I like to think of myself as a fair individual so it takes little from me to state that much. Now, as the time has passed, one can assess what has followed since she left.

Mark you, I have stopped volunteering at JASL for years now but as a neighbor I can say things have not really improved since her resignation. Let me clarify: the human interaction is no longer there and the staff keeps mostly to itself, almost in perpetual defense mode. One can hardly blame them at times though given the ridiculous state in which they work.

J-FLAG has remained by and large unchanged, which is of greater concern. Five months ago, my main concern was the constant ignored state of the homeless guys’ behavior by advocates and it remains that way. J-FLAG has dug into its heels that the state of gay-rights remains squarely a “us vs. them’ showdown…effectively saying to all, “we’ll back these guys no matter what” instead of examining what is helping to isolate the community. If the former ED foolishly felt “scum” behavior could be just substitute for advocacy, then J-FLAG which scorned her for such a stance, has done nothing but adopt that same principle. It’s advocates put down any divisive argument, anything that paints a realistically unruly sector of the community, in swift tweets, letters et al. It’s as if there is a desperate need to quiet anyone who doesn’t share the hardline “us vs them” view. You’re marked as ‘homophobic’ or ‘fight ‘gainst’…

A stance for which they are now paying a huge price: the landlady of the premises, fed up with the constant complaints, has sold the property. The eviction notes state that by March month-end, the property will cease being hers. What does this mean? J-FLAG and JASL now find themselves with just a little under three (3) weeks to find alternative lodgings.

I was told about the impending state from last year December and felt torn by it. I too am being dislodged and not for any of my own doing. In fact, I can well imagine irresponsible tongues even waging that I had some influence in the matter. It is sad because New Kingston was a great convenience to me but not anymore, both for work and personal reasons. I was moving anyway but I had grown fond of the area. But, in principle I’m glad the landlady finally took action that anyone else would have taken years ago. Things have been said to me in confidence and I shall not repeat but just as how both organizations have not been good neighbours for a long time, they’ve been bad tenants too.

Now, it will force them both to change idealism and how they treat others around them. Unless they find accommodations by themselves, they can no longer have their visitors dominating everything. They will be forced to be more cautious, more considerate of other people’s rights. J-FLAG especially seems to have lost this common decency factor.

J-FLAG is not a practical organization either. Imagine my shock being told by their representatives that the organization cannot afford security. A gay-rights organization is a group I’d imagine needs security more than any other –not just from outside harm but from the very community it defends so stoutly. Lord knows, I don’t need to fabricate occasions of violence that certain pockets of the homeless guys have subjected upon J-FLAG staff. The head of the organization I hope will rectify this inane state when they move to another place because they’ll never have a great spot like this one and no matter where they go, the homeless guys will follow. He is not firm in his leadership either and this façade of unity within the organization over his rule is just that, a façade. The next three weeks will be crucial to their survival, so I hope they are prepared.

As things stand here now, both groups have allowed the homeless guys to live on the property since last Saturday. This entails them occupying virtually the entire outside grounds. So, as I type, even my clothes line is filled with their clothes, my other neighbours’ water tap used regularly, endless visitors streaming in, countless and vulgar and loud arguments 24/7. I have been watching and waiting for some explanation from either group as to the reason for this but they remain silent. Even now, as we all wind down living here, the gross disrespect JASL and J-FLAG mete out to us remains astonishing. These are groups after all that fight against discrimination for their clients respectively yet can turn around comfortably see beneath their noses me and my neighbor and feel satisfied. They do not put a check on the guys here after all, in fact, one person even had the audacity to ask me not to tell the guys they’re moving! Imagine, the cowardice. Yet again, these rowdy street boys are being used and duped without even realizing why.

Naturally, I have taken it upon myself to let the guys know that everyone will be leaving the compound. I don’t work for them so I’m under no clause to keep my mouth shut, worse when I’m being directly affected. They have a right to know and not to have J-FLAG sneak out leave them like that. I have not approached J-FLAG either because my own moving process is nearly here, far away from this current mess, never to interact with these individuals again in person. I’m past even looking at these issues now but a huge part of me is very much satisfied that they’re being uprooted for a matter that—with better management than what is in place now—could have been avoided. It’s time someone made their sloppy ways count in a way that hurts. Good luck o their hunt for accommodations…which I’m sure they’ll find before they find accommodations for these homeless guys. A type of hypocrisy I bet the advocates won’t write letters to the newspapers about.

Neighbour

JFLAG's Programmes Mgr on Do Homosexuals Have A Place In Jamaica ?

By Jaevion Nelson published in the Gleaner 14.03.12

He wrote:

FOR SOME strange reason we have concluded that retaining the buggery law can prevent people from being born homosexual. On top of that, we want nothing to do with homosexuality but talk about it, usually expressing disparage, at every waking moment in songs, political speeches, and sermons. In Jamaica, your (gay or lesbian) sexual orientation is an axis on which grave discrimination and even violence occurs but the commonplace homophobia is often denied.

In a contribution in the Winter 2010 edition of Americas Quarterly Magazine, entitled 'The Advocate', I highlighted that "the dominant heterosexual culture [in Jamaica] continues to breed intolerance, revealed in inadequate public policies" and laws to all sectors of society including educational and religious institutions.

Notwithstanding the antipathy which exists, more and more Jamaicans are becoming open about their sexual orientation. Many people see persons they think are homosexual - usually effeminate males and 'masculine' females - and conclude that we are not homophobic. People who are opposed to constitutional provisions for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seemingly think their brothers and sisters who are non-heterosexual are not deserving of being called Jamaican.

Nothing could be more ludicrous. How can this be so when so many LGBT people are active participants in the development of Jamaica. As my friend Javed Jaghai, an openly gay Jamaican, said, "if every gay person working in mass media, law, government, banking and insurance, tourism and the performing arts were to take a year-long leave of absence tomorrow, their sudden departure would send tremors through the various sectors."

Regrettably, LGBT people's contribution to our national vision to make Jamaica a developed country by 2030 will never truly materialise with the distinctions which currently exist in our society about the respect for one set of people over another. The majority of a subsample of businesspeople in the 2012 National Survey on Homophobiarevealed they would not readily hire a gay or lesbian person. It is my hope that all Jamaicans will recognise and appreciate that a country is enriched when it reaches out to all its citizens, enshrines the dignity of all and celebrates diversity. A contrary approach, which criminalises those who do no harm to others, makes outcasts of some and narrows the definition of who is truly Jamaican.

It is my firm belief that more must be done and can be done to achieve our national vision to ensure that the "Jamaican society is secure, cohesive and just" by promoting tolerance and respect for human rights and freedoms, regardless of sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, disability or health status.

Contribution to development

Importantly, despite what appears to be widespread fear of and dislike for homosexuals in Jamaica, many respondents in the National Survey of Attitudes and Perceptions to Same-sex Relationships, conducted in 2010 by Professor Ian Boxill, readily point out that persons who are homosexual make an important contribution to the society. Most Jamaicans believe that homosexuals are and can be productive members of society. They conceded, on some level, that many homosexuals are 'normal' and that they may be interacting with us every day and not know our sexual orientation.

As Jamaicans, we should all lend our support to human rights advocacy so our Government can demonstrate leadership and protect members of the LGBT community. Already, a third of Jamaicans believe they aren't doing enough in this regard. We must take important steps to make Jamaica the country for people to live, work, raise families and do business. We should ensure that the Jamaican law is based on the concepts of inclusivity and dignity, and on an appreciation of contemporary science on human sexuality, not on prejudice, fear and misinformation.

This is achievable given that the Government has on more than one occasion committed itself to protect persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity from human-rights abuses at the regional and international levels. These commitments encourage us to condemn, and take steps to address, all areas of human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. We have already articulated the need to address human rights violations throughout Vision 2030, the national development plan.

As J-FLAG, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, has said, "We must commit to rebuild this great nation on the principle of understanding ourselves and fellow men and women. Each of us should invest in promoting equality ... Gay or straight, Christian or non-Christian, JLP or PNP, let us use our talents and resources for the betterment of our country."

Jaevion Nelson is a youth development, HIV and human rights advocate. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and jaevion@gmail.com.

ENDS

Nice articles are good, flowery and stuff but my question to Mr Nelson as Programs Manager for JFLAG where oh where are the programs for the homeless MSM in particular and the needed interventions to foster real tolerance in our community FIRST before we go mainstream demanding it? The men are still struggling and as the Education Officer of the J says in the video below the J needs to take its own advice @ 3:08 on the issue of class etc

The public agitation sometimes smacks of a kind of institutional hypocrisy that rubs some of us the wrong way. Why is there continued limited interest in addressing some of the challenges with displaced and homeless persons?

Think on these things

Peace and tolerance

H

The Loss of a community stalwart .....................

As per numerous request for a post on the passing of Mr. Leonard Officer on March 4th here is a small entry in remembrance of him, one of a few of my best friends in recent times. He was very instrumental with his then partner after my run in with the law in 1996 in my recovery via group support and just pure kindness of both gentlemen's part. His warm smile is what most would remember him for and calm demeanor however it was the vogue nights and the semi cross dressed session roaring with laughter when we shared a flat together in the Mountain View area then again in the Kingston 10 area. The other issues we share privately as several issues were close to his heart including homelessness having come through the state care system he understood fully the attendant challenges on the road to independence.

He often would order his dancemusic CDs to practice the latest hand moves for parties at the time and the occasional impromptu alternative cross dress with a sheet or rag in heels while darting across the floor much to the gasps of onlookers.

photo from the memorial service March 9, 2013

His memorial service on Saturday March 9, 2013 at the Romans Chapel was well attended with standing room only was testament to the impact he had on not only the LGBT community by his associations with the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, JASL but also other philanthropic groups as well one of which he was the general secretary. Noticeably absent were JFLAG representatives at the Executive level and some other community influentials but the over two hour service was good for the most part.

There was a period however where battle lines were drawn in a sense as the various speakers from the representative groups seemed to claim him for themselves albeit during his final weeks prior to his passing in the hospital there was very little assistance from one noted group and a flimsy excuse for a mistake he made while engaged there by driving a motor vehicle from the property without the requisite permissions seemed to have been used to justify their separation from his contract. 

This revelation in the service did not sit well with some in attendance as it smacks of a kind of contempt and arrogance that rears its ugly head every now and again from persons who ought to know better. It was suggested that due to the insistence of one social group to carry the costs of the ceremony and certain behind the scenes comments the rift played out during the respective elements of the program.

Persons were visible repulsed and shocked in some sense by the action by the speaker who gave his perspective which we found most inappropriate given the solemness the occasion demanded then came the other links to homosexuality and a suggested reparative session by a religious member of the other social group.

However the old faces who turned up to show their respects was heart warming:

Rest in Peace

Leonard aka Slutskier

Walk Good

Peace and tolerance

H

Star News: Man & Male student caught in bathroom ....

So another one has made it to the headlines and we aren't showing any signs of getting tired of the steady diet of sensational stories often embellished to sell papers of course, I am almost sure there was a second edition on the same day of the publication which usually happens when the first one sells out .... they print a new hard copy headlined edition to continue selling.

Let us see what the tabloid had to say this time around in this one.

Andre and Sheldon Williams wrote:

Police personnel attached to the St Andrew Central police yesterday morning accosted two students and an adult after they were allegedly caught in a compromising position at a popular food establishment, THE STAR understands.

Information reaching THE STAR is that police officers who were on patrol in Half-Way Tree encountered the group inside the restaurant. They became suspicious after the students and the adult began panicking on the approach of the police party.

Our news team understands that at the time they were seen, school would have already been in session.

An eyewitness told THE STAR that they saw when the police spoke briefly to the students and another male before they were searched and carried away.

"I hear two male adults and one male child get caught having sex in ... this morning, then they say it is a student from ... , then I hear they were held and handed over to the Half-Way Tree police," a bystander said.

Our news team gathered that the group was thereafter escorted to the nearby Half-Way Tree Transport Centre to a police post where they were examined and questioned.

When our news team visited the location, we were told by a security guard on duty at the mall where the fast food restaurant is located that "dem ketch dem a have threesome."

He was unable to provide additional details but admitted that his account was mere hearsay.

When THE STAR contacted the Transport Centre police, an officer disclosed, "I have been hearing that they were allegedly caught in a compromising position, however, I cannot confirm that because when they were turned over to us by the police, that was not disclosed."

THE STAR was also told that the detained students along with the adult had in their possession a tablet and a high-end cell phone for which they could not properly account for and told the police they were at the restaurant making a trade.

The police told THE STAR, "They told us they were making a trade of the devices, however, they could not readily show ownership and the police are trying to establish ownership. No one could say how they came by the devices or produce any documents."

Meanwhile, head of The St Andrew Central Police Division, SSP Fitz Bailey, told our news team that he was unaware of the incident at the time of our enquiry.

ENDS

Obviously a ephebophile or hebephile construct is what is at work here to suggest the man may have offered the tablet pc etc in exchange for sex in a public bathroom!!!? and knowing how Jamaicans feel about that, either some one is lying here or the men are stupid to be in a public space doing this kind of act knowing the University of Technology incident is still fresh in the minds of many locals and the subsequent positive stance taken by the faculty members there to launch a sensitization program for tolerance the only drawback is that persons have to pay in some part to participate in the activities event though it is funded by the European Union to the tune of one million Jamaican dollars.

Peace and tolerance

H

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

Now more fallout from the homeless populations as reported in the Jamaica Observer

A group of gay men, some in drag, hurled stones at a supermarket in New Kingston last Saturday after alert staff and security guards foiled an attempt by them to obtain groceries by fraud.

The angry group, said to number about 17, also threatened staff, forcing the company to increase security and provide added protection for their workers while they walk to bus stops after closing time.

Homeless homosexuals in New Kingston say they have been deprived of medicine and other assistance from J-FLAG and JASL because of the bad behaviour of a few

According to a source at the supermarket, the drama unfolded at about 8:00 pm after three of the men entered the supermarket, while the others waited outside.

"Members from the group, some dressed as women, came to the supermarket and attempted to purchase some items," said the source.

When the cashier made the normal request for identification to verify the user of the credit card, the man who handed her the card became boisterous, claiming that it belonged to his male companion.

His rowdy behaviour drew the attention of security personnel and the other gay men outside.

The three men inside the supermarket resisted the security guards' attempts to apprehend them and ran outside where they joined their friends, some of whom brandished knives and machetes and threatened the staff and security guards.

The angry men then started hurling stones at the supermarket, the source said, forcing the security team to pull the shutters to protect the building.

The security guards also alerted the police who, on arrival, were able to apprehend one of the men as the others fled.

Yesterday, the New Kingston police confirmed the incident.

"We received reports that there was an incident at the supermarket and that one man was apprehended and charged for uttering forged documents," said Commander Christopher Murdock.

"The police have also launched a manhunt for other members of the group who are wanted for several crimes, including stabbing and robberies," Murdock said.

A police man stationed at the New Kingston Police Post provided more information about the men, but asked not to be named as he was not authorised to speak with the media.

"The men are part of a group that go around and commit crimes," he said. "We are seeking to talk to these men in relation to a number of incidents."

Yesterday, the Observer saw four security guards on duty outside the supermarket.

"Some of the men threatened they would carry out a drive-by [shooting] at the supermarket. Since then, security have started to escort some workers to the various bus stops when they are on their way home," said one of the security guards.

The police have also said that they would be investigating the report that threats were issued.

"We did not receive reports about the threats, but this is something that we will be looking into," said one policeman at the New Kingston Police Post.

Late last year, member of parliament for St Andrew South Eastern Julian Robinson reported that the business community and residents in the New Kingston, Golden Triangle, and Trafalgar Park areas have complained about the rowdy behaviour of homosexual men who congregate in those communities at night.

The men have reportedly assaulted people, and in one incident killed one of their own in a fight in an open lot. Their behaviour has resulted in the local gay rights group, Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals & Gays, abandoning them.
ENDS

I am so depressed by these repeated stories and public spectacles with the men when a safe house project that was put together after years if consultation was closed without the necessary stabilization interventions with the smaller populations then.

See the homeless and related tabs below this post for a timeline of entries on the subject.

UPDATE February 21, 2013 CVM TV carried this:

Peace and tolerance 

H

Highlights from Taboo Yardies Documentary screening in Jamaica

So the documentary by gay ally Selena Blake finally landed on Jamaican soil and was shown at Jamaica AIDS Support for Life offices recently. Interestingly despite sharp almost venumous criticisms from local advocates that the creator of the work was doing so for money and scuffed at the film when it was first released and screened elsewhere but upon seeing the film in its entirety myself when Miss Blake shared the clip with me and I found it ground breaking as she was able to interview politicians as well as religious leaders and ordinary gay folk and I endorse it 100%

Also included are clips from the University of Technology, UTECH screening as well, this is the same campus where the alleged student was abused last year.

Here are some comments from persons who attended the screening:

http://tabooyardies.com/

Facebook Page

Another young gay man is outed via Facebook .....

The typical possible misuse or vigilance needed by young closeted Facebook users has produced bad consequences yet again, previous posts on this blog and GLBTQJA on blogger have brought this to bear. Since the ending of last year the stories of family members finding out of or prying into young msm profiles have been numerous.

The Star News has carried the story this time around and the piece seems to suggest that homosexuality is not biological:
SON'S LOVE FOR MEN SHOCKS MOM - Mother discovers 14-y-o's Facebook posts

A mother is now seeking professional help for her 14-year-old son after he made a stunning revelation to her that he was molested by a businessman some years ago when she recently discovered that he was making a series of posts on Facebook reaching out for male lovers.

She told THE STAR that her inspection of the teen's wall on the social networking site drove her to tears and a loss for words, as she came to grips with what she was reading.

Among other things, she said, he wrote that he is fully aware of his decision to become intimate with men, and had been attracting 'friendly' men from abroad, one of whom promised to visit him.

It is also understood that the boy posted that he had sex with a female once before and he did not like it, a disclosure that his mother is finding hard to accept.

She said she immediately instructed him to remove the posts and had a 'mother/son' talk when it was revealed by the boy that he was molested at age seven, allegedly by a man he trusted.

The woman told our news team that her son told her that a business operator forcibly performed oral sex on him while the family was living in Montego Bay, St James, and he keeps having flashbacks about the incident.

Following his confession, the woman said she has shown full support for him as "he didn't know right from wrong at the time," she said.

The woman further stated that; "I've made an appoinment with the doctor to check him out to see if he has any STDs and I'm also trying to get in contact with his father."

Further investigations by THE STAR revealed that the man who is being accused of molesting the boy has also been accused of similar acts over a period of time.

It is being alleged that the man lured minors to his business in the Second City.

THE STAR was also told that there has been a case when a mob attempted to beat the accused man and he had to seek refuge at a police station.

Attempts by THE STAR to receive confirmation from the police about the alleged molestation incidents were unsuccessful as the officer on duty at the time of our enquiry said she was unaware.

ENDS

With Facebook now the most widely used social networking site by Jamaican LGBTQI people these days there was sooner or later bound to be some anancyism turning up at some point as we are a people good for that kind of crap. With no clear rules by Facebook as to the use of the account holder having a real photograph of themselves on their profiles dishonest individuals have been running rough shod with photos of buffed man or provocative male images with some intended to lure unsuspecting MSMs in particular who in a short time arrange hook ups while not even verifying and developing any long term e-lationship or chat before the face to face or supposed sexual encounter.

Here I will repost some of the previous post where I gave some tips on privacy settings but as for leaving pages open for third parties to have access to then that is up to the user either by a screen saver or lock your page when leaving ones computer up.

Please bear in mind the following if you or someone you know is planning a face to face meeting following an continued e-lationship

1. Make sure the profiler has a real photo or photos of themselves
2. Ask questions about them, get to know as much as possible as timely as possible
3. Establish telephone contact as early as you see fit
4. Listen for any change in mood, tone or information shared over time
5. Keep the e-lationship going with regular interactions to pick up any changes as well
6. Archive or save suspicious exchanges as you see fit
7. Avoid instant hook-ups without first developing some rapport in the e-lationship
8. Tell a close friend where and when you are going to meet an online friend for the first time
9. Develop a trend in communicating for e.g same times if possible per day for chatting
10. If you decide to meet find an open public area as best as possible, and decide how to behave in that space to avoid any unsuspecting onlookers who may deduce it's a gay link up
11. Decide on clothing and colour or change colours previously agreed to if you are not sure of the individual
12. Study your surroundings when there and get there early (as this young man did)
13. Plan your possible route(s) of escape if necessary
14. Have a weapon of some sort or maze that can create a distraction then escape as quickly as possible
15. Have a trusted friend accompany you if possible and have them away from the actual meeting spot but make sure they can see you
16. Make a call if needed to the person(s) who followed you and keep the line open so they can hear your conversation and call for help elsewhere if needed
17. Set your Facebook profile to "Friends Only" as under "Friends of Friends" all other persons can see you
18. If you are in a group and are active you may turn off the feature where non friends can send you a message or see you photos
19. Use only a sensible face picture as your profile thumbnail so as to avoid stalking

The problematic adding of persons to groups without any restrictive action or vetting that action is also of concern as that has also caused some accidents for persons as sometimes especially if the group is an open one ones activity may appear on their wall viewable by all on their friend's list.

Tinker with the settings and see the ones that suit you best if you do not want to be exposed. Just some suggestions friends.

If all else fails just open another account that they do not know of and do your business.

Some previous safety suggestions that appeared on that June 2011 entry on hookups are posted HERE

Peace and tolerance

H

Homeless MSM make news again ....... for all the wrong reasons

The last time we heard of the men in New Kingston was via both television stations in December 2012 and the embarrassment in the eyes of some the men bring towards the community, the crisis communication as well by the gay lobby namely JFLAG has also been brought into question once again in the latest story as presented on CVM TV and published in today's Gleaner as the main headline:

December 21, 2012 I also shared with you on GLBTQJA Wordpress the anxiety from sections of the homeless community regarding the promised homeless shelter from JFLAG: 

Homeless impatient with agencies over slow progress of promised shelter

The latest issue has been building from just after the last main coverage as mentioned in the introduction and internal conflicts between the men along with the weird group dynamics add insult to injury meanwhile the public's patience is running out with the men and also the female commercial sex workers on Ripon Road as recent radio talk show commentary is proving, callers especially persons identifying themselves as residents nearing the areas where the groups congregate are up in arms and are asking for some sort of loitering law to control the flow of persons such as the MSM.

Meanwhile the St Catherine population has been getting some assistance from an interfaith group who hosted a treat in the last holiday season. Please see HERE for more.

Here is the story from the Gleaner today:

Gays Wreak Havoc - Cops Say Homosexuals Too Much To Handle In South East St Andrew

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

Police personnel assigned to the St Andrew Central Division are admitting they are at their wits' end in their bid to apprehend members of an ever-increasing group of self-proclaimed homosexuals who are allegedly wreaking havoc in the Golden Triangle and New Kingston communities of South East St Andrew.

Senior superintendent in charge of the St Andrew Central Police Division, Fitz Bailey, told The Gleaner that neither the residential community nor the business district has been spared the "wrath" of some of these individuals.The Gleaner was called to a section of the community on Wednesday night where the situation exploded.

When contacted, Bailey confirmed that "there was an incident there".

He said during a dispute, one of the men in the group was doused with a flammable substance and set on fire as he slept.Bailey told The Gleaner that others in the group became enraged and, in a semi-naked state, blocked and set fire to a section of Lady Musgrave Road.
The residential district of the Golden Triangle is bordered by Hope, Old Hope and Lady Musgrave roads.

Action must be taken

An onlooker who said she had millions invested in the area declared that action must be taken against the group.

"Me nah run way ... . The police are not sure how to detain them (homosexuals) when they are in breach of the law," the woman complained.

Bailey admitted that the police face a "major challenge" in dealing with some members of the group.

"They have six lawyers who are at their beck and call, so they are up in your face with their antics and the minute they are apprehended, one of the lawyers appears," he said.

Bailey said four of the homosexuals were killed in violent incidents within their group in 2012.

"They are nuisances to both the business community and residents. They chase away customers of (a nearby) bank and have vandalised Digicel's (New Kingston) building to the tune of $1.4 million," he asserted.

Public relations manager of Digicel, Jacqueline Burrell-Clarke, said the sexual orientation of perpetrators of incidents who are reported to the police by the company for investigation are not known to the company.

The proprietor of another major business establishment has added massive chains, as well as two security guards, after "evicting" the group from his premises on Retreat Avenue which is located between nearby Seymour Avenue and Old Hope Road.

Bailey told The Gleaner that the situation was getting out of control as the face-offs between the police and the mostly young men are increasing with frightening rapidity, a major dilemma for law enforcement.

Julian Robinson, the member of parliament for the constituency, to whom desperate residents have turned for assistance, said repeated interventions have failed to yield the desired results. Robinson has for several months been speaking out about the issue in various sections of the media.Bailey said his team was also challenged with finding safe places for the "up-in-your face" antics of the offenders that render arrests particularly difficult.
The police officer was hesitant to speak bluntly, saying he was aware of the likelihood of unfounded backlash from the media as well as the gay community.

"Everybody is afraid to talk and when we do anything, we are told that we are being homophobic," he lamented.

He complained that he and his team have, in the past, been accused of expressing anti-gay sentiments. He characterised these attacks as constant obstacles in the attempts of the police to bring order to the community.

"When we take action, we are attacked," he said. "Many are really underage street boys who should not be placed in lock-ups with individuals," he said.

Severe challenges

To compound the problem, Bailey said his ground officers were pulling their hair out in exasperation as each day they are confronted with severe challenges in finding safe places in lock-ups or jails to place errant homosexuals.

"I am being called there every single day as they have become increasingly outrageous, damaging everything in sight," Bailey said. "It is a real challenge apprehending them as we cannot willy-nilly place them in lock-ups in which they are likely to be harmed."

Added Bailey: "It is our duty to ensure that they are protected in our care, but the reality is that they face real danger when they are in lock-ups so, admittedly, this is a major challenge for us."

Robinson said the group comprises between 40 and 50 persons.

"Within the group is a small minority who are engaged in criminal activities including break-ins and larceny," said Robinson. "The main challenge that confronts us is identifying a location that is suitable and appropriate to house them as many are homeless."

Robinson told The Gleaner that some members of the group require counselling and other forms of intervention because they are from backgrounds where they have suffered abuse and, as such, have developed antisocial tendencies.

"Some of the young men are below the age of consent and are engaged in prostitution and other sexual activities that require the interventions of the Child Development Agency and the children's advocate," said Robinson.

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com 

ENDS

Radio has been burning up since as I hinted to above with commentary mostly negative on the side of the men coupled with the challenge to the crisis communication over the years that gay killings are internally caused, here is Joan Williams host of Power 106FM's "Justice" program challenging the homophobic incidents over the years:

What also came to light was a meeting held on January 16th where Jamaicans for Justice, Families Against State Terrorism, the Member of parliament, the police and other stakeholders where the issue was discussed, here is Suzanne Goffe from the Jamaicans for Justice on the matter:

Pity we had to learn of this meeting via Miss Goffe on radio rather than the agency responsible did not see it fit to handle this issue properly in the public domain, the crisis communication yet again is poor in regards to this section of the population. How many more public spectacles like this are we to see before the proper response comes into effect with the necessary psycho-social responses NOT HIV peer educator training passed as rehabilitation work?

Please see the Homeless MSM in Jamaica tab directly below this post for the previous entries and some history on this section of the community.

also see a post from blogger Annie Paul: “…the creation of our collective homophobia?”

A full podcast to come as I am at a workshop series and time is limited. See what you make of this all, the poor program initiatives for this section of the community is what we are seeing here I feel, reaping the worldwind if you will. 

On The Ground News Report, OGNR reported:

"An unidentified man who is of a different sexual orientation was set on fire during an attack by another man at an open in the Lady Musgrave area on Wednesday night.It is understood that following a dispute among a group of homosexuals, one of the men poured a flammable agent on a man that was sleeping in an open lot and set him on fire.

The injured man was then dumped in a gully, before the police came to his rescue and rushed him to hospital. The injured man has been admitted, however his condition is unknown.During an interview with CVM TV News one of the men chastised local gay rights group JFLAG for not being of any assistance to them."

Here is the CVM TV report

Updates as promised

JFLAG has put out a press release as expected where they claim not to be condoning the bad behaviour go HERE 

The Jamaica Observer for the second time in recent history has publuished the matter of "Rowdy Gays" the last such story they ran was in 2011 as well 

2013: Rowdy gays upset J-FLAG

2011: Rowdy gays banned by J-FLAG, JSL

Frankly speaking the interventions that JFLAG claimed to have done are in no way life changing or leading to any serious personality development or else we would not have had the continued spectacles appearing on the media landscape, using peer educator training which is for HIV prevention and hoping it can pass as a rehabilitation tool is poor and dishonest on their part when they try to cover up their incompetence with regards to the welfare and social justice issues. Think it not strange that JFLAG is in permanent defense mode regarding this business of homelessness and the particular New Kingston populations, the outside groups in other parishes has not even factored as yet.

CVM TV carried aspects of their press release

meanwhile more audio commentary and weigh-ins, Christopher Daley host on The Ends on Nationwide had a lot to say on the issue:

also here is my edited podcast on the issue from blogtalk radio:

So we continue to reap the world-wind from an egregious error by the powers that be in advocacy not to address homelessness despite the warning signs from 4 years ago, where is the vision or concern for the least amongst us? The supposed high road being taken by JFLAG may have some merit but to block out or gloss over their failure to address this longstanding issue in the community. The feeding program they presently have seem also not to have any attached stabilization interventions.

More updates 30/0113

An article appeared in The gleaner with another human rights activist Carla Gullota of Amnesty Jamaica saying the men should be arrested if they break the law, fine, but the issue is much bigger than that, see the article here: 

'Arrest Errant Gays' - Human-Rights Advocate Says Homosexuals Who Run Afoul Of The Law Should Face Its Full Brunt

UPDATE 05/02/13

The police has since been stepping up their campaign on ridding New Kingston of the the men who have been described as a nuisance by some of the residents by the apartments nearing Lady Musgrave Road, some personal effects and old items were cleared with the local authorities assisting. The injured man who was allegedly set on fire is still in hospital and the issue came up for mention on January 31st during JFLAG's Symposium on Identity and Activism which was held at the University of The West Indies which I attended and which was a healthy exercise for the most part.

UPDATE MARCH 8

Clovis cartoon:

Peace and tolerance

H

Life is a journey ..................

Something to think about as we go into 2013 ............

“Life is a journey, not a destination,” as the old adage goes. It is a series of events or mini-destinations, if you will, each with a lesson to learn. If the lesson is learned and we use it to move forward and grow, then we reach a new plateau upon which to begin to work toward the next stopping point in our lives.

Unfortunately many people remain at a particular mini-destination, get comfortable, and stop growing. It is at this point when life stops being a journey, and tends to be one void of learning and experiencing new things, and using the knowledge gained to become the person we were meant to be. The focus is not on what can be but is grounded in what is. The vision of what is important in our lives becomes obscured thus causing us to meander about indefinitely on a sterile plane of existence, and not focusing on what needs to be done to move forward with our lives.

Life can beat us down, and draw us away from what we truly desire, and many times, we begin to think we don’t deserve the things we dream of, and hope for, and settle for a lesser quality of life. We tend to make excuses for why things are the way they are and place blame on events that we have no control over. We resign ourselves to lives of quiet desperation. We surrender our ability to control our destinies based on external events that, in reality, are placed before us to work through and overcome. Life is designed to strengthen our resolve and commitment to change the circumstances to which many times we helplessly resign ourselves.

What are your challenges? What is it that is holding you back or making you believe that you cannot reach the next plateau of your life? Are you allowing your challenges to dictate your actions or inaction? Are they clouding your ability to objectively analyze the situation and consider options for moving forward? Are you listening to others and making their doubts and insecurities your reasons for not doing something you should to change a particular situation in your life?

Life is a series of choices. Each choice we make has a consequence. Instilled in us all is an ability to choose and decide what we will or will not do with our lives. The simple fact of the matter is that we control our lives; no one else will make our decisions for us or tell us what is right or wrong. We make decisions every day that will impact our lives the next day, next month or for years to come.

The good thing is that tomorrow is always a new day and with individual resolve, or a situation that forces us to change our ways, decisions can be made which will change the course of one’s destiny.

I could have decided to stay in my dank, musty closet; remaining hidden, and living a life that was not mine and thus silencing the life that I was supposed to lead. Do not delude yourselves into thinking your life does not matter; that you do not touch other people’s lives in ways that are not visible or known to us. If we do not grow into the people we are meant to be, there are lives that will go untouched and unaffected by the music or books we write, the words of comfort that we give based on empathy with situations we have lived through, or just maturing with the wisdom we gain by just living our lives and working toward changing them and overcoming those aspects of our lives which we are not happy with or that need improvement.

Do not arrive at the end of your life regretting not making the decisions you needed to make. Life is a journey! Make the best of it. Make it as fulfilling and meaningful as you can. Sometimes decisions need to be made that may seem irrational and crazy to some people observing from a distance. Some decisions may seem frightening and outside of one’s comfort zone, but personal greatness is derived from stepping and thinking outside the box. Sometimes we need to create a whole new box. Do whatever it takes to make you turn the corner of your life and decide to move to the next plateau. Do it with disregard of what people may think, or what they may say. They are not in control of your destiny… YOU ARE!

Life is a journey, not a destination.

Gay Agenda 

Landmark Strasbourg ruling: Religious beliefs are no reason to oppose rights of same-sex couples

The European Court of Human Rights on January 15, 2013 ruled that religious beliefs may not justify opposing the rights of same-sex couples. British laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation were upheld.

 

The Strasbourg court examined four cases brought by Christians, including two who argued their beliefs allowed them to refuse a service to same-sex couples.

In the first case, Lillian Ladele was a civil registrar in London. She was dismissed because she refused officiating at civil partnership ceremonies for same-sex couples after it became legal in 2005. She claimed she was discriminated because of her faith.

The Court ruled there had been no discrimination, and that British courts—who upheld her dismissal—had struck the right balance between her right to freedom of religion, and same-sex couples’ right not to be discriminated.

In the second case, Gary McFarlane was a counselor providing psycho-sexual therapy to couples. He was dismissed for refusing to work with same-sex couples, arguing this was incompatible with his beliefs. The Court ruled unanimously that there had been no violation of his right to freedom of belief.

Commenting this landmark ruling, Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament’s LGBT Intergroup, said: “With this ruling, the court has established that freedom of religion is an individual right. 

It is emphatically not a collective right to discriminate against LGBT people, women, or people of another faith or life stance.”

“Religious freedom is no ground for exemption from the law. The court showed conclusively that the principle of equality and equal treatment cannot be circumvented with a simple reference to religion.”

Michael Cashman MEP, Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup, added: “British law rightly protect LGBT people from discrimination, and there is no exemption for religious believers. Religion and belief are deeply private and personal, and should never be used to diminish the rights of others.”

The ruling may be appealed within three months.

Read more:

Read the Court’s official blog post

Read the Court’s press release (PDF)

Read the Court’s full ruling (PDF)

Image credits: Flickr/Marcella Bona

Local church denounces gay lifestyle .............

Dr Stead Williams (left), board member of the Christian Brethren Assemblies - Jamaica speaking at a press conference hosted by the church at its offices at Hagley Park Plaza in Half-Way-Tree in St Andrew last week. Others from second left are Ruel Reid, Bertram Gayle and Daniel Thomas. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

A relatively small Christian denomination in Jamaica has come out strongly against the practice of homosexual relationships here, and is petitioning Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller too keep the country's buggery laws.

The Christian Brethren Assemblies Jamaica (CBAJ) stated at a press conference last week that no person who admits to being a homosexual could hold a leadership position in the church.

Stating the CBAJ's view on homosexuality, board member Dr Stead Williams said all people struggle with moral failure and fall short of God's standards and need God's forgiveness.

"Homosexuality is but one of these struggles. CBAJ opposes the practice of homosexual acts on biblical, medical and social grounds," he said at the press conference hosted by the CBAJ at its offices in St Andrew.

Dr Williams also presented excerpts from an 89-page position paper detailing the reasons for CBAJ's stance.

Among the medical reasons supporting the church's position, the paper said "acting on homosexual attraction is voluntary, claims of genetic or environmental determinism do not relieve individuals or moral responsibility for their sexual behaviour".

The paper also said homosexual behaviour can be changed and that there was evidence that many persons have been able to abstain from homosexual acts.

However, the church said the Christian community must condemn hatred and violence against those involved in homosexual behaviour.

Said Dr Williams: "Christians should oppose legislative attempts to grant special rights based on sexual behaviour or to equate homosexual relationships with heterosexual marriages."

Meanwhile, Daniel Thomas, leader of the Love March Movement, said his group has been visiting churches across the island to have them sign the petition calling for the buggery law to be kept.

"The buggery law undergirds many social institutions; it undergirds marriage, it guides the media as to what can be shown on TV, it guides our youngsters in terms of education. If the buggery law is repealed now, in a couple of years we will have to teach our kindergarten students that John and Mark can get married, and we definitely oppose that," Thomas said.

The group has a deadline to present the petition to the prime minister at the end of February.

CBAJ Chief Executive Officer Carl Scharschmidt said the matter of homosexuality was being researched and discussed for some time now, and that the church decided that it was time to take a stand on the issue.

The statement comes against the background of the Anglican Church in the United Kingdom last week voting to allow gay men to be ordained as bishops, as long as they agree to remain celibate.

The Anglican Church in Jamaica has since said that it will not allow homosexuals to become leaders.

The CBAJ, which has been in Jamaica since 1922, represents 23,647 persons or 0.88 per cent of the population according to the 2011 Census.

Read more:http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Local-church-denounces-gay-lifestyle_13352204#ixzz2HxWwypTI


Meanwhile here is the newsclip I found on the issue, sadly the group conflates paedophilia with adult male homosexuality as if to suggest that repealing the buggery law without the necessary buffers and protections that already exist in terms of carnal abuse and so on with have paedophiles running rampant when homosexuality and peadophiles are not one in the same.

Obviously the conversations and engagements need to continue on these issues and the suggested buggery review by the Prime Minister in that leadership debate prior to the election in December 2011.

Meanwhile the Jamaica Observer's cartoonist Clovis decided to represent the issues including the suggested buggery review by Mrs Simpson Miller in the cartoon above, strangely it has been removed from the online version on the paper. The Jamaica Council of Churches as well is featured and rightfully so there I agree as they are hypocrites in the their own right they remain silent on many issues including the children in lock-ups matter and others.

They have been also said to be in the pocket of the ruling PNP hence their reticence in critiquing the administration. 

Peace and tolerance

H