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


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

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Rev Clinton Chisholm on Keep Bedroom Antics To Yourself

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So another supposed reprimand for homosexuals to remain in the closet as it were in the form of the latest letter excerpted below by theologian and blogger Reverend Clinton Chisholm.

Keep Bedroom Antics To Yourself


THE EDITOR, Sir:

Despite the increasing popularity of community surveillance cameras, not even a well-oiled police state can effectively guard against sex acts, except those that happen in public or that are made public.

So unless my house is bugged with cameras, etc, no one can know what I do or don't do sexually with my wife in our house. Consequently, no matter how carefully worded or comprehensive in scope a law banning all sex acts between couples may be, I wouldn't give a rat's derriere because, unless one of us squealed on ourselves, no evidence would be available in a court of law against us.

On the other hand, if either of us is silly or contemptuous enough to tackle the 'no-sex law', in public, we would unwisely call attention to our sex acts, thus forcing us to grin and bear the legal/societal consequences of our folly.

It seems to me, then, that homosexuals who make public their disagreement with Jamaica's anti-buggery law as a violation of their dubious 'right' are needlessly and foolishly attracting attention to their sex lives. Without their public utterances, who would know and who would care what they do sexually?

The issue here in my view is not privacy or age-consensuality, because neither allows anyone to break a law. If you decide to go public about your sex acts, this might approximate a species of idiocy.

There are heterosexual men who have anal sex with their female partners (whether wife or sweetheart) contrary to Jamaica's anti-buggery law, but unless they squeal on themselves, who would know and who would care?

If one dare make his or her views public about any subject, one need to be prepared for the possible consequences, as a matter of principle.

CLINTON CHISHOLM

clintchis@yahoo.com

ENDS

I will just respond with an older post I made from 2009 mostly of an article of former Senate member Oswald Harding from October 2004 that is still relevant to day and most appropriate I feel an answer to this trope by Chisholm.

Homosexual acts are deemed illegal in Jamaica under existing buggery laws, while prostitution is officially outlawed, though often winked on.

During his address, Harding also echoed the Wolfden Committee’s basis for the recommendation for relaxing laws against homosexual practices on the grounds that: 

“There must remain a realm of private morality and immorality which is, in brief and crude terms, not the law’s business”.

The position of the American Law Institute was also used to bolster the argument that consensual relations between adults, in private, should be excluded from the scope of the criminal law.

In its 1955 draft model penal code, that body recommended that: “No harm to the secular interests of the community is involved in a typical sex practice in private between consenting adult partners, and there is the fundamental question of the protection to which every individual is entitled against State interference in his personal affairs when he is not hurting others”.

Elaborating on his position, Harding explored the contrary positions of Lord Devlin who challenged the notion of value-free law, noting that “the suppression of vice is as much the law’s business as the suppression of subversive activities”. He further suggested that the lack of a common morality promoted social disintegration, “so that society is justified in taking steps to preserve its moral code as it does to preserve its government and other essential institutions”.

But Harding turned that position on its head by pointing to the lack of supportive evidence, as well as by a comparison with a state (Nazi Germany) that had actually sought to enforce moral codes and beliefs, with disastrous consequences for itself and humanity.

“It would have been helpful if Lord Devlin had provided examples of some modern societies which have disintegrated because of the loosening of moral bonds. And it might be a better thing for some societies to disintegrate by loosening its moral bonds. Nazi Germany comes to mind, those societies disintegrate from within more frequently than there are broken up by external pressures,” said Harding.

He also explored the changing notions of public decency and how the public’s views towards certain moral issues had changed over time.

“That there are changes in the moral standards is visible all about. The fact that some pay lip service to an official sexual morality does not disguise the changes.

“The explosion and proliferation of massage parlours, as advertised in our local newspapers, speak to new practices in the contemporary social reality,” said Harding. In summation, Harding offered a position on the length to which the law should go in enforcing morality.

“It is not the function of the law to intervene in the private lives of citizens or seek to enforce any particular pattern of behaviour further than to preserve public order and decency and to protect the citizen from what is offensive or injurious and to provide safeguards against exploitation and corruption of others,” 

also see: 

The Creaking Hinges of Closets and Cabinets and In The Closet We Must Stay it Seems


"Keep it to Yuself mentality" on homosexuality part 3 .... stay in our bedrooms?
Backing Down On Buggery? Some Personal Rights Can Be Sacrificed For General Morality ....

also an old audio commentary on the Keep it to yuhself mentality issue:




Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Questions on reported murder/buggery case in court

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A case that was reported on in the hard copy edition of the Jamaica Observer on Sunday October 20th 2013 (not found on the online edition of the paper) authored by Tanesha Mundle who by virtue of her previous reports has an affinity to following buggery cases in the local courts has caused me some unease. Having gone through my own case in 1996 through to 1999 (all adults allegedly caught in the act when no such acts were committed) I am all too weary of the kind of crisis reporting on such matters especially when there is a minor involved. Another case comes to mind involving a teen who deceptively reported an older man that he made advances but when it came down to the evidence the truth came forth but not after devastating the accused who is displaced in some sense with family and had to resign his job for safety.

Don't get me wrong there are serious paedophile cases that require serious attention just on the face of them and of course we MUST take each case on their own merit with the oh so needed counselling and follow up interventions for those young lives interrupted especially when their sexual orientation properly determined was heterosexual, plain and simple sexual attraction to prepubescent persons is a deviant sexual disorder as outlined by the DSM, diagnostic statistical manual 5.

Local media has not done a good job over the years in reporting such cases and overall trials especially the all important follow ups to conclusion just the major highlights or sensational moments are carried it seems for the most part I guess burrowing from the tabloid papers present and defunct such as the Jamaica Star or the late XNews. Local laws prohibit overt discourse by media on cases being deliberated on in the courts but that does not stop questions being asked based on what is reported by the same press.

The story from the Observer headlined:

Youth Allegedly Kills Man Whom He Claims Buggered Him




A teenager last week faced the Corporate area Resident Magistrate Court for reportedly chopping up a man whom he claimed made sexual advances toward him and buggered him as a child. The 18 year old accused of a St Andrew address handed himself over to the police following the murder of 47 year old Vincent Brown, shop keeper of the same address.

According to a police report on September 2 the accused went to the now deceased man's home and during a dispute used a machete to chop Brown to death killing him on the spot. But the accused in his caution statement said that he acted out of self defence as he was fearful of being buggered again by the now deceased whom he said committed the act on him when he was in grade five. According to the accused on the day in question he was at Brown's home when he made sexual advances toward him and he used a piece of wood to ward off the attack.

However Brown kept coming at him so he used the machete to chop him as he did not want to be buggered by him again. He said that he was still suffering from the effects of the alleged past sexual assault.

The accused man's attorney Kerry Ann Wilson told the court that she was distressed by her client's report and that what transpired was very unfortunate as it could have happened to her brother. She asked Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey to grant her client bail. She told the magistrate that her client who recently graduated from school had never got in trouble with the law before and that he was about to start a course at HEART Trust/NTA. The magistrate who accepted the application offered the accused teen bail and instructed him to return to court on November 8.


ENDS

Well seeing the current debate on juveniles psycho social interventions that are sadly lacking the judge simply allowed a teen to get bail after such trauma?

The lead in to this post set the tone of where I wanted to go, I hope but gay panic defence in this case seems a bit off, abuse is abuse indeed whether the perpetrator is same sexed but the court does not seem to have established in my mind the nature of a missing alleged paedophile owing to the fact he is dead, where is the doctor's report to prove buggery took place?

Did any of the adults in the "victim's" life know of the alleged inappropriate contact between the adult and the teen by his story and if so can they be charged for negligence in not acting in time?


Is the attorney using the typical gay panic defence to win over the judge and those in the court on the backdrop on the national pysche on male homosexuality?

Will CISOCA, Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse ... intervene although the accused has gone passed the age of consent and is under law an adult now?

Does anyone at JFLAG recommenced following such cases in court?

Will there ever be non judgemental counsellors to intervene in such matters who are not skewed to a religious formulae of counselling emphasising reparative therapy?

Other reading the report on the face of it may have asked why was this young man returning to the man's house/shop repeatedly even after the alleged acts took place? well the answer in fairness is psychological control of another human being is real and can cause a dependency relationship to occur until the abused decides to end the harm following some enlightenment but such cases are rear and the twist in this report is the caution statement that reads like a typical gay panic defence that I have seen over time to almost justify the act of murder of the accused.

The accused is no longer around to defend himself too which calls into question the one sided nature of this and previously similar matters where the word of the remaining "victim" goes barring any physiological evidence (doctor's report) claiming spermatozoa cells present, sphincter muscle of the victim being loose by penetration or any other such DNA typed material. Problem also is at the RM level of our justice system which is already slow and archaic there is not a tradition of transcripts preparation just the reliance of the prosecutorial arm doing a summary or the media sending reporters to sit in sessions but as this report has shown we are left with more questions than answers. Will we ever get the truth in this matter?

Will Judge Pusey just let this one go without the right closure? in my eyes prolonged follow up therapy into adult life, what if he is lying and was consensual at some point but things got out of hand on the accused side?

How will the proof of the early years of abuse be unearthed as some persons are good at masking.

Let us hope for the good in the end of this but court reporters need to understand their role and that to leave readers in mid air with all kinds of questions does not auger well for justice.


also see: Observer: Man before court for killing alleged homo .... gay panic defense again .... from 2011

Peace and tolerance

H

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

LGBT History Month 2013 - The Legend Michelle Ross

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The first LGBT History Month post for 2013, my apologies for the delay but I decided to go individual heroes this year and focus on some real legends who have helped paved the way in LGBT entertainment, advocacy and just plain life as we survive the island Jamaica and her challenges. Remember to click the LGBT HIstory tab immediately below this post for previous entries and any other information available that you may think relevant please share as well, oral histories included.

The Divine Michelle Ross:(photos compliments of her)








Female Impersonator, Legendary Diva

Jamaican born,Canadian Citizen,Michelle Ross is considered to be one of the greatest Diana Ross impersonators anywhere in the world, Ms Ross is also known for her ingenious Eartha Kitt, Shirley Bassey and Dionne Warwick lip synch impersonations, Ross started her impersonation/drag career back in 1975 at Toronto's Legendary Manitee club performing such works by divas Warwick and Gloria Gaynor.

She continued to make a name for herself in a ten year stint at La Cage Toronto leading to La Cage tours in far off places like Japan , a national tour of Canada and in Puerto Rico's famous Sands Hotel for a 3 years residency, Las Vegas came calling as well as high profile events in London England,Chicago,Texas, Florida New York City,and her native land of Jamaica,With over 30 years in the business, Michelle Ross has perfected her impersonation of Diana Ross like no other, she is classy, elegant, and glamorous, she is still at the top of the her game.

Peace and tolerance

H

Friday, October 18, 2013

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

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As the homeless MSM matter continues to make news especially those in New Kingston for the past four years we see the police cracking down again due to the obvious behaviour of some of the men and their friends with no assistance from JFLAG whose only response is continued excuses that they cannot find a place or are not really a social entity but an advocacy while deflecting responsibility to the government to provide a shelter and deceptively looping mainstream homelessness so as to make government look incompetent on that front. We all know well that the government is not going to deal with MSM homelessness out-rightly as the public will not tolerate such selectivity and votes are important especially in these times of tough economic times and the low confidence in the PNP administration.

CVM TV carried the latest on October 15th:



Previous incidents just meters away from the very spot in 2011/2/3: Men rushed in New Kingston .... police hold 4 

Here was one of the more bizarre news items just infront of the gully in 2011



And we continue to reap the world-wind for not addressing homelessness when it was manageable
Homeless MSM make news again ....... for all the wrong reasons
and Star News sensationalizes male commercial sex worker issues ......

Sadly some opportunists are using this latest incidents to make themselves praise worthy more than really addressing the issues and sending out pretentious appeals for clothing for the men when this issue has been with us for so long after the closure Safe House Pilot project in 2009 of which said persons were associated as board members of Jamaica AIDS Support for Life. Deceptive crisis reporting designed to create an alarmist approach while preying on the overseas perception in certain overseas quarters that Jamaica is the most homophobic place on earth is on in earnest yet these same voices were silent for years on homelessness. Case in point on Maurice Tomlinson who is milking this one for all its got, his recent blog post however on 76crimes exposes the contempt however and elitist position that is really the core. Even after JFLAG (who failed the men for years in providing redress) sent Mr Tomlinson a list of names of some homeless men in Kingston and he thought it above his pay position to come down to the level of the men to engage them directly whilst at the same time parading their plight as news. The deception is clear to all with objectivity and experience.

He wrote:

And we are to believe after all these years that Mr Tomlinson has suddenly got an epiphany on the way to Damascus? well I don't, for years we have been screaming on behalf of the same men, in fact the very post where the photo text was taken photos of the evicted men were shown from the Millsborough house some of whom were members of the defunct Safe House and in all that time of media coverage Mr Tomlinson was quiet as a lamb but now suddenly vocal, really!?


It was only the 21st of January this year the same men were evicted from another location by the local authorities due to the concern by residents versus the men's welfare and lack of a proper response in terms of a shelter. lest we forget the promise by JFLAG in a document handed to us at a town hall meeting on November 7th 2012 this phantom shelter is yet to materialize. A year ago as well the infamous Cargill Avenue matter came to light as well that just added more fury to the issue of displacements and the population's explosion (the fourth or fifth wave).


Also we must NEVER forget the mass operation by the cops earlier this year as well in the posh Millsbororugh Avenue area even as JFLAG continued their public relations dancing and covered by both newspapers. 


It was only in September that I reported a tense stand off I witnessed by the same location in New Kingston's Business district between the same men and the security guards nearby see: Tense Stand off  and as it turns out these stand offs have been a repeated problem since the selling of the property where Super-plus stores was located across from the Trafalgar Park, Golden Triangle block. 

The men were also removed from another house photo below days after the Millsborough eviction:


The police seems therefore justified in their actions as the civic groups have been getting complaints from jogging residents added to that are the substance abuse persons as well who use the area popularly known as the Gulf.

Also see:



and


Something is going to have to give, while I sympathize with the men and have so for a long time the matter of public order has to be taken into account as this matter has been drawn out far too long as privileged homosexuals with their public pretentious concern and private contempt leave them out in the cold. The rebellious nature of the men as I presume a lengthy antecedence and is not by chance that they have to resort to such but when it becomes so normative then we are in a different territory and any rehabilitation exercise is going to be very tenuous and long to address same. If only the Safe House was kept open and the resources afforded to it instead it was dubiously closed even as folks like Maurice Tomlinson and other powerful influentials sat by on the board of governors.


Some have tried by opening their doors with some awful consequences while a few good results despite the non existence of programs to either assist or take up the psycho social slack in reaching these persons while new displacees are added to the numbers.

FLASHBACK discussion with the local business, member of parliament and police on the same set of men in 2012:

Commendable that a female lawyer got involved in trying to file a report at the station but she got the response many of us have gotten before in dealing with this issue, my days at JFLAG flash before me when I saw the story some pics were also taken of the gully 






Bearing in mind that as hinted before substance abusers also use the gully, the immediate picture is what the area looked like before the place was fenced with chainlinks and the old Superplus Foodstore (to the right) was redone to offices; but the ultimate solution still is a full rehabilitation centre that is LGBT centered with the relevant psycho social structure. Islandwide matters also need attention, St Catherine, Montego Bay and St. Ann have their fair share of challenges as well. Meanwhile the previously reported Interfaith project in Spanish Town is slated to end December, the four men who benefited will walk away with two weedwackers which they have been using amongst themselves to make themselves earn some income despite the crowded market place for such services.


Peace and tolerance





Friday, October 11, 2013

More MSM Homelessness Issues while agencies shift responsibilities

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This blog is replete with the repeated issues to do with homelessness, forced evictions and displacements ever since the dubious closure of the Safe House Pilot Project in 2009 the only ever attempt to respond to the aforementioned issues, many readers have asked how do I do it to keep up with the numerous attacks, in-fighting issues, the virtual abandonment of the homeless, the impervious nature of JFLAG et al, the mainstream press coverage and all other kinds of flawed LGBT crisis reporting by deceptive persons who have a totally different personal agenda at the expense of this particular group under the vulnerable populations category. The madness that again obtains in Kingston is another matter, they are too numerous to report via individual posts but an encapsulation is in the making, the Emancipation Park clashes with security guards are back on the radar plus the downtown incidents as well, it is disgusting the way the men have been abandoned by the representative agencies.


A homeless MSM in downtown recently as we sat by the waterfront

The attempts to easily and quickly pass the buck to government to address this problem clouding it in general homelessness when we know fully well that Governments are not going to directly get involved with this sub-group under the MSM (men who have sex with men umbrella) continues, only a few weeks ago we saw another report of many being released on MSM plights as it were yet no serious interventions to address this most visible of consequences of homo-negativity and homophobia, in a post on sister blog GLBTQJA I addressed that continued professional hypocrisy where "experts" recline in the comfort of HIV prevention and use such issues for intellectual masturbation yet refuse to get their hands dirty. Let us also not forget the eviction of JFLAG from their previous office even while avoiding the men and claiming they cannot find a space to do the work required when we all know that is not true and now they are literally in hiding from the men in fear of an invasion which speaks bad in my view at least when I and others were there we didn't have to hide from our cohort but we kept the location secret so as to avoid a crowd at the office, now remote security systems and teams are on call at the touch of a button.





And with all the new agencies getting involved they just want incident reports only it turns out and nothing else, no serious reparative, rehabilitative or direct response to the glaring welfare issues so they can scream homophobia to the world. Dirty homeless gay men have no place mixing with more affluent types as it were.

see: And MSM continue to be ready material for data collection ..... what about the interventions for the recurring issues


Now comes a reported firebombing incident in Montego Bay:


Adrian Frater, News Editor, 
Western Bureau Gleaner:

Four homosexual men, who captured a house in the Porto Bello, St James, close to two years ago and had been residing there ever since, were put to flight early Tuesday night by an angry mob, who attacked the house and subsequently fire-bombed it.

According to an eye-witness account, shortly after 7 p.m., one of the men went outside the house, where he was confronted by a mob comprising some 14 men. They immediately attacked him and in the ensuing commotion, the men had to flee for their lives. The house was subsequently firebombed.
"I got a call from one of the men shortly after the incident," said Everald Morgan, an officer at the St James Public Health Department. "I know the police were alerted and that they went to the scene."

The house was the last place where 17-year-old Dwayne 'Gully Queen' Jones, who was killed by a mob in St James earlier this year, lived. The men who were attacked on Tuesday night were said to be his friends.

Concerned about the safety of the men, who escaped unarmed but are now without a safe place to live, Morgan said he made a request of the Mt Salem police to take them in for safe-keeping but the request was denied.

"The police said they could not take them in because they would not be safe there," Morgan said.
A police source at the Mt Salem Police Station confirmed the firebombing and the request to take the men into custody for their own safety. The source said the matter was under investigation.

While many Jamaicans are generally unsympathetic to members of the gay community, international gay rights group have regularly come to their defence. They protested the killing of Jones at a party, where he gad gone pretending to be a female.
When JFLAG was contacted, spokesperson Jaevian Nelson said the organisation was unaware of the incident.


ENDS

Then came another carefully crafted press release by the J to deflect direct responsibility:


J-FLAG condemns the reported firebombing of a house occupied by homeless gay men in Porto Bello, St James on October 8, 2013. The incident highlights the extent of the problems faced by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, especially those whose circumstances have made them extremely vulnerable to discrimination and violence.

At least two homeless gay teenagers have been brutally killed this year and their murders remain unsolved. In January, just days after being put out of his home by his parents, one teenager was set ablaze as he slept in a gully in St. Andrew. In July, 16 year-old Dwayne Jones was set upon by a mob that beat, chopped and shot him in St James. Their deaths painfully highlight incidents of cruelty meted out to LGBT Jamaicans, especially those who are young and marginalized by their socio-economic status.

J-FLAG is therefore urging the government to urgently respond to the needs of LGBT Jamaicans, especially those who are most vulnerable.

While the true figure of the number of persons who are homeless is unknown, we note there are at least 1097 known to the Poor Relief Department as at March 2012. Sadly, nearly half of them are not supported by any programmes that cater to the provision of basic necessities, education, personal development or other services.

J-FLAG wishes to remind Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller of her leadership in October 2004 when she launched a taskforce to develop and implement policies and programmes to respond to homelessness. Currently, not all parishes have programmes that care for the homeless despite a commitment by the Government in Vision 2030 -the National Development Plan- to “provide effective social protection.” In addition, as reported to J-FLAG, it has been the experience of some LGBT persons in these parishes that stigma and discrimination preclude access existing services.

The Government has made a commitment in the National Development Plan to “ensure that those citizens who are unable to provide and care for themselves will be supported through the resources of the State and its partners.”

J-FLAG urges the Prime Minister, Hon. Portia Simpson Miller to immediately take steps to provide homeless care facilities in each parish, enhance access to social safety net services and provide rehabilitative programmes for people who are homeless or otherwise displaced. We are willing to work with the government to ensure that service providers are trained to care for diverse populations.

The government cannot continue to ignore the plight of persons who are being expelled from their homes and communities because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. These are vulnerable young Jamaicans in desperate need of help and any moral aversion to their sexual or gender identities is irrelevant to the need to uplift their humanity by regarding them with dignity.


ENDS

also see: Tense stand-off between homeless MSM and Security team in New Kingston on sister blog on GLBTQJA in September 2013


While Dwayne Jones' murder is awful the way it has been reported one would believe that he had no part in his own demise when it turns out the true causation is clearly inexperience on his part, disclosing without clear guidance, over-exuberance in a volatile space and lack of clear understanding of managing gender expression while fulfilling his female cisgender imperative, this was the same house that Dwayne resided yet JFLAG did not find it necessary to warn the others remaining to leave the house, now this? The video above which was inadvertently captured by CVM TV prior to his death and showed the actual house now involved in this new matter yet no attempts were made to cause the men to remove so as to avoid more follow up trouble? Seeing this was a highly publicized matter shouldn't prudence dictate prevention methods be put in place here?

So the hypocrisy and dithering continues so as to insulate themselves from taking direct responsibility yet for years so many homeless and displaced gay and bisexual men and youth fall through the cracks under the very noses of those who can effect real change and assistance in these lives interrupted but who really cares or are prepared to get their hands dirty to get the work done when HIV prevention/MSM advocacy is far more attractive for experts?

Subtle bigotry, elitism, classism. what is going on here as more of those the least amongst us suffer only to become material for sensationalism aided and abetted by overseas LGBT publications who profit from this mess then there is a cry for tolerance?


Peace and tolerance

H

Coming Out Day - Making a coming out plan

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Also see: 


Diana King’s coming out story on sister blog GLBTQJA: HERE

Coming Out Transgender

Making a Coming Out Plan



When you’re ready to tell that first person — or even those first few people — give yourself time to prepare. Think through your options and make a deliberate plan of who to approach, when and how. You may want to ask yourself the following questions:
What kind of signals are you getting?

■ You can get a sense of how accepting people will be by the things they say — or don’t say — when GLBT-related issues come up. Try to bring them up yourself by talking about a GLBTthemed movie, TV character or news event. If a person’s reactions are positive, chances are he or she will be more accepting of what you have to tell them.

Are you well informed about GLBT issues?

■ The reactions of others will most likely be based on a lifetime of misinformation, and in some cases even negative portrayals of GLBT people. If you’ve done some reading on the subject, you’ll be prepared to answer their concerns and questions with reliable and accurate information.


Do you know what it is you want to say?


■ Particularly at the beginning of the coming out process, many people are still answering tough questions for themselves and are not ready to identify as being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. That’s okay. Maybe you just want to tell someone that you’re attracted to someone of the same sex, or that you feel uncomfortable with the expectations of cultural gender norms. Maybe you just want to tell someone about a new same-sex attraction, or that you’re feeling that your true gender does not align with cultural “gender norms.”


Labels aren’t important; your feelings are. Also, you may want to try writing out what you want to say, to help organize and express your thoughts clearly.

Do you have support?

■ You don’t have to do this alone. A support system is an invaluable place to turn to for reassurance. Sources of support can be other GLBT people who are living openly, GLBT hotlines, a supportive member of the clergy or friend, if you are coming out for the second or third time, perhaps the first person you opened up to initially. A supportive mental health professional often helps people become more comfortable. In fact, these are the first people some of us come out to.


Is this a good time?


■ Timing can be very important. Be aware of the mood, priorities, stresses and problems of those to whom you would like to come out. Be aware that if they’re dealing with their own major life concerns, they may not be able to respond constructively to yours.


Can you be patient?


■ Some people will need time to deal with this new information, just as it took time for many of us to come to terms with being GLBT. When you come out to others, be prepared to give them the time they need to adjust to what you’ve said. Rather than expect immediate understanding, try to establish an ongoing, caring dialogue.


■ Remember, the whole reason you chose to be open with the person is that you care about them. If they react strongly, it’s likely because they care about you as well. Keep that in mind as you navigate trying times.


Telling Family Members

No matter what their age, many people are afraid their parents will reject them if they come out. The good news is that you’re probably wrong. However, if you are under age 18 or financially dependent on your parents, consider this very, very carefully.

Some reactions you may want to prepare for:


■ Some parents may react in ways that hurt. They may cry, get angry or feel embarrassed.


■ Some parents will feel honored and appreciate that you have entrusted them with an important piece of truth about yourself.


■ Some parents will need to grieve the dreams they had for you, before they see the new, more genuine life you are building for yourself.


■ They may ask where they “went wrong” or if they did something “to cause this.” Assure them that they did nothing wrong.


■ Some may call being GLBT a sin, or attempt to send their child to a counselor or therapist in the baseless hope that they can “change.”


■ Some parents will already know you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender — or they might have an inkling. They may have been waiting for you to tell them, and find your doing so a relief.


■ It may take time for a parent to absorb or come to terms with the information. Good or bad, their initial reaction may not reflect their feelings over the long term.


Remember that your parents grew up in a time when some of the stereotypes about GLBT people were more prevalent than they are today. Remember, too, that they’re probably trying to keep you safe from something they do not understand. Finally, keep in mind this is big news, and there’s no timetable for how long it takes parents to adjust.


Parents need time too


Having the Conversations

Fostering strong, deep relationships with your friends and family begins with honesty. Living openly is important because it allows for closer relationships with the people you care about — and ultimately a happier life for you. For most people coming out or opening up to someone new starts with a conversation.

It’s normal to want or hope for positive reactions from the people you tell, including:

■ Acceptance
■ Support
■ Understanding
■ Comfort
■ Reassurance that your relationship won’t be
negatively affected
■ Confidence that your relationship will be closer
■ Acknowledgment of your feelings
■ Love
All or some of these positive reactions can result from your coming out conversation, but they may not happen immediately. Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes may also be helpful.

A person who has just had someone come out to them often feels:

■ Surprised
■ Honoured
■ Uncomfortable
■ Scared
■ Unsure how to react
■ Supportive
■ Disbelieving
■ Relieved
■ Curious
■ Angry
■ Anxious
■ Unsure what to do next

Give the person you’re telling the time they need. It may also be helpful to remember that the person you’re really doing this for is you. When you’re ready to tell someone, consider starting with the person most likely to be supportive. This might be a friend, relative or teacher. Maybe you will tell this person that you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Maybe you will simply say that you have questions about your sexual orientation or gender identity. Again, there is no right or wrong way to do this. You are the expert in knowing what’s best for yourself and what you are feeling. When you are ready, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

■ Find a relaxed, private place to have the conversation, and allow adequate time.
■ People will usually take their cues from you in how to approach this — so be open and honest and say that it’s okay to ask questions.

Appropriate and gentle humour can go a long way to easing anxiety for both you and the person you are speaking with.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Judge rules Rastafarians, JFJ cannot intervene in buggery law hearing

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Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator (Gleaner)


The Supreme Court on October 4th threw out a request by lobby group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and the Marcus Garvey Political Party to join as an interested parties in the suit brought by gay rights activist Javed Jaghai.

Jaghai in his suit is challenging the buggery law.

The political party said it was representing Rastafarians.

In turning down the application, Supreme Court Judge Lennox Campbell said the applicants did not show that they had sufficient interest in the subject matter.

However, woman's group, Caribbean Dawn, was allowed to join to support Jaghai on the basis that it had relatives who were homosexuals.

Attorneys-at-law Michael Lorne and Susan Dodd, who represented the Marcus Garvey Political Party, said the party was applying to join the other interested parties in the case as it wanted to oppose Jaghai's claim.

Dodd said the judge, in dismissing the application, said the party did not show that it represented the people of Jamaica.

She said although she tried to convince the judge that the party represented the Rastafarian people and the organisation was an African Party, the judge refused the application.

JFJ wanted to join the proceedings to support Jaghai.

Jaghai, who is being represented by attorney-at-law Maurice Tomlinson, a gay rights activist, wants the court to determine if the anti-sodomy law breaches rights guaranteed under the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms which he contends guarantees the right to privacy.

Today, Solicitor General Nicole Foster Pusey and attorney-law Carlene Larmond, who represents the Attorney General, applied to strike out sections of Jaghai's statement.

The Attorney General is the defendant in the case.

The lawyers claimed that some of his evidence was based on opinions and not of his knowledge.

Justice Campbell is to rule on the Attorney General's application next week Tuesday.

Several Christian denominations and advocacy group including the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society and Hear the Children’s Cry have been given permission to join the case as interested parties.


ENDS

More details were provided as follows, the trial is to run for ten days November 10 - 21, 2014

In the 3rd case management conference for the case of Javed Jaghai et. al. v Attorney General 2013 HCV 00650 held today, the court made the following orders:

1. Affidavit of J-FLAG to be filed and served by 29 Nov 2013

2. Expert report of Professor Chis Breyer to be filed Dec 9, 2013 which speaks to the impact of the anti-sodomy law on the HIV epidemic among MSM in Jamaica. 

3. Affidavit of Defendant (AG) to filed 31 Jan 2014
4. Affidavit of Interested Parties to be filed and served by 28 Feb 2014
5. Both Claimants to file and serve their affidavits in response by 4th April 2014
6. Statements of Facts & Issues as well as Listing Questionnaires to be filed by each party and served by April 30, 2014
7. Pre Trial Review to be held on 14th May 2014 for 3 hours
8. Any further application intending to be heard along with written submissions should be filed and served on or before 24 April 2014
9. Trial fixed for November 10 -21st 2014
10. Claimants Attorneys to file and serve order

The AG is preparing the order for the strike out.

The judged refused the strike out application in whole but said that unless the claimant can provide notification of attendance at trial by DEC.9 the paragraphs in his affidavit (para. 18) with mention of reports would be struck out.

The claimant has to provide a notice of attendance for the following persons who prepared reports on the situation for Jamaican LGBT individuals:

1. Human Rights Watch
2. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)
3. J-FLAG STATISTICS
4. SHADOW REPORT for the UN Universal Periodic Review
5. TIMES AND ECONOMIST Magazines

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Miss Bahamas Wins Miss Gay Caribbean Pageant 2013

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Photo: Congrats to the winners. All of the contestants were awesome!



CONGRATULATIONS are in order for 2013 Miss Gay Caribbean  winner - Bahamas, 


2nd Place - Puerto Rico, 

3rd Place - Guyana.(left)

Congratulations to all the contestants for staging a wonderful show and thanks to the growing audience and and countless supporters on September 28, 2013 in New York, Jamaica did not place this year, that's her immediately below.


Here are some highlights:

Photo: Miss Guyana in the 2013 Gay Caribbean USA Pageant


Miss Bahamas the winner and Miss Guyana


Photo

Bumper crowd this year

Hope our girl brings home the bacon next year.

Peace and tolerance

H

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails

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


A look at the fear of the feminine (Effemophobia) by Jamaican standards & how it drives the homo-negative perceptions/homophobia in Jamaican culture/national psyche.



After catching midway a radio discussion on the subject of Jamaica being labelled as homophobic I did a quick look at the long held belief in Jamaica by anti gay advocates, sections of media and homophobes that several murders of alleged gay victims are in fact 'crimes of passion' or have jealousy as their motives but it is not as simple or generalized as that.

Listen without prejudice to this and other podcasts on one of my Soundcloud channels

hear recent pods as well:

Information & Disclaimer


Not all views expressed are those of GJW

This blog contains pictures and images that may be disturbing. As we seek to highlight the plight of victims of homophobic violence here in Jamaica, the purpose of the pics is to show physical evidence of claims of said violence over the years and to bring a voice of the same victims to the world.

Many recover over time, at pains, as relocation and hiding are options in that process. Please view with care or use the Happenings section to select other posts of a different nature.

Not all persons depicted in photos are gay or lesbian and it is not intended to portray them as such, save and except for the relevance of the particular post under which they appear.

Please use the snapshot feature (if available for your device(s) to preview by pointing the cursor at the item(s) of interest. Such item(s) have a small white dialogue box icon appearing to their top right hand side.

God Bless

Other Blogs I write to:

Recent Homophobic Incidents CLICK HERE for related posts/labels from glbtqjamaica's blog & HERE for those I am aware of.

contact:

APJ Website Launch & Link


Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica, APJ launched their website on December 1 2015 on World AIDS Day where they hosted a docu-film and after discussions on the film Human Vol 1




audience members interacting during a break in the event


film in progress

visit the new APJ website HERE

See posts on APJ's work: HERE (newer entries will appear first so scroll to see older ones)

The Hypocrisy of Jamaican Anti Gay Groups & Selective Actions of Societal Ills


The selectivity of the anti gay religious voices on so called societal ills is examined in this podcast as other major issues that require the "church" to have spoken up including sexual abuse by pastors in recent times yet mere silence on those matters is highlighted.

Why are these groups and so called child rights activists creating mass hysteria and have so much strength for HOMOSEXUALITY but are quiet on corruption in government, missing children, crime in the country and so much more but want to stop same gender loving persons from enjoying peace of mind and PRIVACY?

Also is the disturbing tactic of deliberately conflating paedophilia with same gender sex as if to suggest reforming the buggery law will cause an influx of buggered children when we know that is NOT TRUE.

MSM/Trans homeless - From gully to graveyard



When are lives interrupted be allowed a real honest chance to move from interruption to independence and stability? I just cannot tell you friends.

An article appeared in the gleaner today that just sent me into sadness mode again with this ugly business of LGBTQI homelessness. The author of the piece needs an intervention too as he (Ryon Jones) uses terms such as cross dressers and or homeless men which if transgender persons are present they cannot be described or seen as such, sigh another clear display of the lack of impact and reach of so called advocacies and advocates who are more interested in parading as working but really aint having much impact as they ought to or claim.

We are told of houses being put together from time in memorial; the Dwayne’s House project seems dead in the water, the Larry Chang (named after a JFLAG cofounder) seems stuck in the mud and Colour Pink’s so called Rainbow House seems insignificant in relation to the size and scope of the national problem. JFLAG as presented on this blog is obviously not interested in getting their hands dirty really on homelessness save and except for using the populations as cannon fodder and delegating same; as far as I am concerned presenting them as victims of homophobia which is true but where are the programs and the perceived millions donated or granted since President Obama’s visit to address LGBTQ matters?

More HERE

Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Homophobia - What are we afraid of?


Former host of Dr Sexy Live on Nationwide radio and Sexologist tackles in a simplistic but to the point style homophobia and asks the poignant question of the age, What really are we as a nation afraid of?


It seems like homosexuality is on everyone's tongue. From articles in the newspapers to countless news stories and commentaries, it seems like everyone is talking about the gays. Since Jamaica identifies as a Christian nation, the obvious thought about homosexuality is that it is wrong but only male homosexuality seems to influence the more passionate responses. It seems we are more open to accepting lesbianism but gay men are greeted with much disapproval.

Dancehall has certainly been very clear where it stands when it comes to this issue with various songs voicing clear condemnation of this lifestyle. Currently, quite a few artistes are facing continuous protests because of their anti-gay lyrics. Even the law makers are involved in the gayness as there have been several calls for the repeal of the buggery law. Recently Parliament announced plans to review the Sexual Offences Act which, I am sure, will no doubt address homosexuality.

Jamaica has been described as a homophobic nation. The question I want to ask is: What are we afraid of? There are usually many reasons why homosexuality is such a pain in the a@. Here are some of the more popular arguments MORE HERE

also see:
Dr Shelly Ann Weeks on Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation


Sexuality - What is yours?

The Deliberate Misuse of the “Sexual Grooming” Term by Antigay Fanatics to Promote Their Hysteria



Just as I researched on-line in NOT EVEN five minutes and found a plethora of information and FACTS on Sexual Grooming (and thanks to Dr Karen Carpenter for some valuable insight I found out what Sexual Grooming was) so too must these fanatics go and do the same and stop creating panic in the country.

The hysteria continues from the Professor Bain so called protests to protect freedom of speech and bites at the credibility of the LGBT lobby collectively continues via Duppies Dupe UWI articles when the bigger principle of the conflict of interest in regards to the greater imperative of removing/preserving archaic buggery laws in the Caribbean dependent on which side one sits is of greater import when the professor’s court testimony in Belize went against the imperative of CHART/PANCAP goals is the more germane matter of which he was former head now temporarily reinstated via a court ex-parte injunction. The unnecessary uproar and shouting from the same hysterical uninformed quarters claiming moral concerns ....... MORE CLICK HERE

also see if you can

JFLAG Excludes Homeless MSM from IDAHOT Symposium on Homelessness



Reminder

In a shocking move JFLAG decided not to invite or include homeless MSM in their IDAHO activity for 2013 thus leaving many in wonderment as to the reason for their existence or if the symposium was for "experts" only while offering mere tokenism to homeless persons in the reported feeding program. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ENTRY HERE sad that the activity was also named in honour of one of JFLAG's founders who joined the event via Skype only to realize the issue he held so dear in his time was treated with such disrespect and dishonor. Have LGBT NGOs lost their way and are so mainstream they have forgotten their true calling?

also see a flashback to some of the issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless LGBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE

Steps to take when confronted by the police & your rights compromised:


a) Ask to see a lawyer or Duty Council

b) Only give name and address and no other information until a lawyer is present to assist

c) Try to be polite even if the scenario is tense

d) Don’t do anything to aggravate the situation

e) Every complaint lodged at a police station should be filed and a receipt produced, this is not a legal requirement but an administrative one for the police to track reports

f) Never sign to a statement other than the one produced by you in the presence of the officer(s)

g) Try to capture a recording of the exchange or incident or call someone so they can hear what occurs, place on speed dial important numbers or text someone as soon as possible

h) File a civil suit if you feel your rights have been violated

i) When making a statement to the police have all or most of the facts and details together for e.g. "a car" vs. "the car" represents two different descriptions

j) Avoid having the police writing the statement on your behalf except incases of injuries, make sure what you want to say is recorded carefully, ask for a copy if it means that you have to return for it

Vacant at Last! ShoemakerGully: Displaced MSM/Trans Persons were is cleared December 2014





CVM TV carried a raid and subsequent temporary blockade exercise of the Shoemaker Gully in the New Kingston district as the authorities respond to the bad eggs in the group of homeless/displaced or idling MSM/Trans persons who loiter there for years.

Question is what will happen to the population now as they struggle for a roof over their heads and food etc. The Superintendent who proposed a shelter idea (that seemingly has been ignored by JFLAG et al) was the one who led the raid/eviction.

Also see:

the CVM NEWS Story HERE on the eviction/raid taken by the police

also see a flashback to some of the troubling issues with the populations and the descending relationships between JASL, JFLAG and the displaced/homeless GBT youth in New Kingston: Rowdy Gays Strike - J-FLAG Abandons Raucous Homosexuals Misbehaving In New Kingston

also see all the posts in chronological order by date from Gay Jamaica Watch HERE and GLBTQ Jamaica HERE

GLBTQJA (Blogger): HERE

see previous entries on LGBT Homelessness from the Wordpress Blog HERE


May 22, 2015, see: MP Seeks Solutions For Homeless Gay Youth In New Kingston


New Kingston Cop Proposes Shelter for Shoemaker Gully LGBT Homeless Population




Superintendent Murdock

The same cop who has factored in so many run-ins with the youngsters in the Shoemaker Gully (often described as a sewer by some activists) has delivered on a promise of his powerpoint presentation on a solution to the issue in New Kingston, problem is it is the same folks who abandoned the men (their predecessors) from the powerful cogs of LGBT/HIV that are in earshot of his plan.

This ugly business of LGBTQ homelessness and displacements or self imposed exile by persons has had several solutions put forth, problem is the non state actors in particular do not want to get their hands dirty as the more combative and political issues to do with buggery's decriminalization or repeal have risen to the level of importance more so than this. Let us also remember this is like the umpteenth meeting with the cops, some of the LGBT homeless persons and the advocacy structure.

Remember JFLAG's exclusion of the group from that IDAHO symposium on LGBT homelessess? See HERE, how can we ask the same people who only want to academise and editorialise the issue to also try to address their own when they do not want to get their hands dirty but publish wonderful reports as was done earlier this month, see HERE: (re)Presenting and Redressing LGBT Homelessness in Jamaica: Towards a Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Anti-Gay Related Displacement also LGBT homelessness has always been with us from the records of Gay Freedom Movement(1974) to present but the current issues started from 2009, see: The Quietus ……… The Safe House Project Closes and The Ultimatum on December 30, 2009 as carried on sister blog Gay Jamaica Watch. CLICK HERE for FULL post of this story.

Gender Identity/Transgederism Radio discussion Jamaica March 2014





Radio program Everywoman on Nationwide Radio 90FM March 20th 2014 with Dr Karen Carpenter as stand-in host with a transgender activist and co-founder of Aphrodite's P.R.I.D.E Jamaica and a gender non conforming/lesbian guest as well on the matters of identity, sex reassignment surgery and transexuality.

CLICK HERE for a recording of the show

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



As promised here is another periodical update on an income generating/diligence building project now in effect for some now seven former homeless and displaced MSM in St Catherine, it originally had twelve persons but some have gotten jobs elsewhere, others have simply walked away and one has relocated to another parish, to date their weed whacking earning business capacity has been struggling as previous posts on the subject has brought to bear.

Although some LGBT persons residing in the parish have been approached by yours truly and others to increase client count for the men costs such as gas and maintenance of the four machines that are rotated between the enrolled men are rising weekly literally while the demand is instead decreasing due to various reasons.



Newstalk 93FM's Issues On Fire: Polygamy Should Be Legalized In Jamaica 08.04.14



debate by hosts and UWI students on the weekly program Issues on Fire on legalizing polygamy with Jamaica's multiple partner cultural norms this debate is timely.

Also with recent public discourse on polyamorous relationships, threesomes (FAME FM Uncensored) and on social.


What to Do .....




a. Make a phone call: to a lawyer or relative or anyone

b. Ask to see a lawyer immediately: if you don’t have the money ask for a Duty Council

c. A Duty Council is a lawyer provided by the state

d. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police

e. Tell your lawyer if anyone hits you and identify who did so by name and number

f. Give no explanations excuses or stories: you can make your defense later in court based on what you and your lawyer decided

g. Ask the sub officer in charge of the station to grant bail once you are charged with an offence

h. Ask to be taken before a justice of The Peace immediately if the sub officer refuses you bail

i. Demand to be brought before a Resident Magistrate and have your lawyer ask the judge for bail

j. Ask that any property taken from you be listed and sealed in your presence

Cases of Assault:An assault is an apprehension that someone is about to hit you

The following may apply:

1) Call 119 or go to the station or the police arrives depending on the severity of the injuries

2) The report must be about the incident as it happened, once the report is admitted as evidence it becomes the basis for the trial

3) Critical evidence must be gathered as to the injuries received which may include a Doctor’s report of the injuries.

4) The description must be clearly stated; describing injuries directly and identifying them clearly, show the doctor the injuries clearly upon the visit it must be able to stand up under cross examination in court.

5) Misguided evidence threatens the credibility of the witness during a trial; avoid the questioning of the witnesses credibility, the tribunal of fact must be able to rely on the witness’s word in presenting evidence

6) The court is guided by credible evidence on which it will make it’s finding of facts

7) Bolster the credibility of a case by a report from an independent disinterested party.

Notes on Bail & Court Appearance issues


If in doubt speak to your attorney

Bail and its importance -

If one is locked up then the following may apply:
Locked up over a weekend - Arrested pursuant to being charged or detained There must be reasonable suspicion i.e. about to commit a crime, committing a crime or have committed a crime.

There are two standards that must be met:

1). Subjective standard: what the officer(s) believed to have happened

2). Objective standard: proper and diligent collection of evidence that implicates the accused To remove or restrain a citizen’s liberty it cannot be done on mere suspicion and must have the above two standards

 Police officers can offer bail with exceptions for murder, treason and alleged gun offences, under the Justice of the Peace Act a JP can also come to the police station and bail a person, this provision as incorporated into the bail act in the late nineties

 Once a citizen is arrested bail must be considered within twelve hours of entering the station – the agents of the state must give consideration as to whether or not the circumstances of the case requires that bail be given

 The accused can ask that a Justice of the Peace be brought to the station any time of the day. By virtue of taking the office excluding health and age they are obliged to assist in securing bail

"Bail is not a matter for daylight

Locked up and appearing in court

 Bail is offered at the courts office provided it was extended by the court; it is the court that has the jurisdiction over the police with persons in custody is concerned.

 Bail can still be offered if you were arrested and charged without being taken to court a JP can still intervene and assist with the bail process.

Other Points of Interest

 The accused has a right to know of the exact allegation

 The detainee could protect himself, he must be careful not to be exposed to any potential witness

 Avoid being viewed as police may deliberately expose detainees

 Bail is not offered to persons allegedly with gun charges

 Persons who allegedly interfere with minors do not get bail

 If over a long period without charge a writ of habeas corpus however be careful of the police doing last minute charges so as to avoid an error

 Every instance that a matter is brought before the court and bail was refused before the accused can apply for bail as it is set out in the bail act as every court appearance is a chance to ask for bail

 Each case is determined by its own merit – questions to be considered for bail:

a) Is the accused a flight risk?

b) Are there any other charges that the police may place against the accused?

c) Is the accused likely to interfere with any witnesses?

d) What is the strength of the crown’s/prosecution’s case?

 Poor performing judges can be dealt with at the Judicial Review Court level or a letter to the Chief Justice can start the process

Human Rights Advocacy for GLBT Community Report 2009

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

Thanks for your Donations

Hello readers,

thank you for your donations via Paypal in helping to keep this blog going, my limited frontline community work, temporary shelter assistance at my home and related costs. Please continue to support me and my allies in this venture that has now become a full time activity. When I first started blogging in late 2007 it was just as a pass time to highlight GLBTQ issues in Jamaica under then JFLAG's blogspot page but now clearly there is a need for more forumatic activity which I want to continue to play my part while raising more real life issues pertinent to us.

Donations presently are accepted via Paypal where buttons are placed at points on this blog(immediately below, GLBTQJA (Blogspot), GLBTQJA (Wordpress) and the Gay Jamaica Watch's blog as well. If you wish to send donations otherwise please contact: glbtqjamaica@live.com or Tel: 1-876-841-2923 (leave a message just in case)




Activities & Plans: ongoing and future

  • To continue this venture towards website development with an E-zine focus

  • Work with other Non Governmental organizations old and new towards similar focus and objectives

  • To find common ground on issues affecting GLBTQ and straight friendly persons in Jamaica towards tolerance and harmony

  • Exposing homophobic activities and suggesting corrective solutions

  • To formalise GLBTQ Jamaica's activities in the long term

  • Continuing discussion on issues affecting GLBTQ people in Jamaica and elsewhere

  • Welcoming, examining and implemeting suggestions and ideas from you the viewing public

  • Present issues on HIV/AIDS related matters in a timely and accurate manner

  • Assist where possible victims of homophobic violence and abuse financially, temporary shelter(my home) and otherwise

  • Track human rights issues in general with a view to support for ALL

Thanks again
Mr. H or Howie

Tel: 1-876-841-2923
lgbtevent@gmail.com








Peace

Battle Lines Javed Jaghai versus the state & the Jamaica Buggery Law



Originally aired on CVM TV December 8th 2013, apologies for some of the glitches as the source feed was not so hot and it kept dropping from source or via the ISP, NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED and is solely for educational and not for profit use and review. The issue of the pending legal challenge in the Constitutional Court in Jamaica as filed by Javed Jaghai an outspoken activist who happens also to be openly aetheist.

The opposing sides are covered as well such as
The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society
The Love March
Movement Jamaica

The feature seems destined for persons who are just catching up to the issues and repositioning JFLAG in particular in the public domain as their image has taken a beating in some respects especially on the matter of the homeless MSM front. They need to be careful that an elitist perception is not held after this after some comments above simplistic discourse, the use of public agitation as beneath some folks and the obvious overlooking of the ordinary citizen who are realy the ones who need convincing to effect the mindset change needed and the national psyche's responses to homosexuality in general.


John Maxwell's House