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

Sunday, September 30, 2012

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

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First off here is an audio commentary on the issues 


The Gleaner this time has taken the lead in this matter and using the same description towards the men as was used a year and a month ago by the Jamaica Observer on August 23/4 when Jamaica AIDS Support for Life was the agency doing the kicking out, this is following the third stand off at the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life Offices at 4 Upper Musgrave Avenue on September 21, 2012 for almost four hours that the police and the King Alarm security team had to be called in and the avenue was cordoned off at both ends after a shot was fired by the security team in the ground hence making the area a crime scene once a shot is fired.

This coming also on the backdrop of the September 6th discussion on CVM TV where JFLAG was noticeably absent from the mix on this important matter and barring any serious effort to address this long standing issue since 2007 when the initial explosion of the population.

here was my two cents on that at that time:

What is also disturbing is that the photo used on the website of the paper that had the faces of the persons blurred to protect their identity was now removed even though that photo has nothing to do with the story at hand as that was taken from the police raid at Club Heavens some time ago. Rowdy behaviour or bad behaviour just does not happen in a vacuum and while not excusing the men's attitude we must be cognizant that change will not happen overnight but who has the time to get their hands dirty with some real work for a change than just letter writing and over intellectualized meetings?

Here is the article from the GLEANER today

Uncontrollable gay men wreaking havoc on residents of New Kingston have been abandoned by the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals & Gays (J-FLAG) - the group that was formed to represent the homosexual community in Jamaica.

The revelation was made by a J-FLAG representative at a recent meeting in the New Kingston area.

The meeting was called by city officials concerned about the action of homosexuals behaving badly and selling sexual services on the streets of New Kingston.

During the meeting, which was closed to the media, Dane Lewis, a J-FLAG representative, dragged the unruly young gay men over the coals for not behaving themselves.

"We have tried to conduct a drop-in centre on a number of occasions, but we don't have the skills set and resources to deal with it. What we have decided is that we have to stop it ... because we don't have the staff capacity to manage it," said Lewis.

He explained that after three attempts at conducting a drop-in centre for the homeless gays, J-FLAG threw in the towel because it became unmanageable.

"We are on our knees," said one of the street gays as be begged J-FLAG to reconsider.

But Lewis was adamant.

"All you guys have done is traumatise the staff. We have to get security, not just for persons outside but for you guys."

According to Lewis, he has been forced to constantly reassure the staff that everything will be okay when the homeless gays come on to the property.

"We have decided that carrying out an intervention like that is not possible," added Lewis, who accused some of the men of coming to the J-FLAG compound and "violating the space".

One of the men, who seemed to be a leader in the group, argued that J-FLAG and Jamaica Aids Support (JAS) were not treating them the way they should.

Happy hand

"J-FLAG and JAS need to put out a more happy hand and love us like we are one happy family," he argued.

Among the city officials at the meeting was Kari Douglas, councillor for the Trafalgar division, who urged the young men to take responsibility for themselves.

She argued that while the State could offer some assistance to homeless persons, able-bodied individuals must take responsibility and ease the burden on the country's already strained social safety net.

The meeting was also attended by Julian Robinson, the member of parliament for the South East St Andrew constituency that includes New Kingston and its environs; Angela Brown-Burke, mayor of Kingston, and Commander Christopher Murdock, head of the New Kingston Police.

A representative of the JAS and a group of approximately 20 homeless gay men, many of whom appeared to be in their teens and early 20s, were also in the meeting.

It was pointed out that the young men were congregating and committing lewd acts on open lots across New Kingston.

For the most part, the gay men pressed home the need for skills training, food, clothing and shelter.

"The schooling is not going to be enough. We need meals and a drop-in centre. Some of them don't have clothes. Where are they gonna sleep and get food," asked a member of the homosexual group.

However, Brown-Burke scoffed at their demands, as she argued that they were lacking a sense of responsibility.

"Be careful because we don't want to think that there is a sense of obligation," said Brown-Burke who was supported by Robinson.

The MP charged that the raucous behaviour of the homosexuals, which includes fighting and flamboyance, in the neighbourhood had to be addressed.

"We have to tackle frontally the behavioural issue. Many people in Jamaica face similar challenges and don't behave in the same disruptive manner," said Robinson.

He added: "It is a police problem, it is a residential problem and it is a business problem."

Terrible behaviour

Murdock told the gathering that the group's behaviour in the open lot across from the Canadian High Commission was terrible.

He also mentioned that a male New Kingston resident was assaulted while walking to an automated banking machine.

"Each of these young men needs to take a hard look at themselves and see if they can behave in a civil manner," the policeman said.

By the end of the meeting, the group of gay men promised that the public will see a change in their behaviour.

"We trying to keep it at a level. No excitement and the boy dem not going to wear any more drag clothing. As I promised, you will see a little change," said a member of the group.

ENDS

Frankly speaking the Mayor or the others in attendance do not have any authority to dictate to or ask the men simply change their behaviour, they are not psychologists or behaviour change experts it is only JFLAG who has the responsibility to set up proper social interventions, the professionals required and support staff to deal with this issue when they know fully well that displacements and homelessness are consequences of homophobia especially in young adults yet no serious attempts were made to improve on the so called three attempts to have a drop in centre without the necessary psycho social support to engage the men over time in a sustained and clinical setting towards goals and obectives. This is a shame that the J seeks to use the very stigma and discrimination from the public to avoid responsibility here as far as I see it.

Clearly this is just an attempt to shed the real responsibility as outlined above even though they have announced some new shelter idea as to whether the older members of the populations will be engaged in any way is anybody's guess.

More to come on this as I have been doing some rounds and carefully examining points of view on this since the story broke, I am not going to simply take the word of the Gleaner or JFLAG as previous experiences have brought to bear, I am saddened that the lives of the men mean nothing to the agencies and more so just for meeting targets and making the men expendable for just incidents reports when they get into problems, one would have thought that the repetitive media attention would have made the need to solve this long standing problem tantamount to other things. All that this is to me at this juncture is payback for the standoff aforementioned in the introduction.

Long term engagement with the men in a controlled space is only solution to this, the longer we wait and pussyfoot is the more downhill things go and may very well cloud the very advocacy for the repealing of the buggery law that seems to be the bigger and all important prize than a few dutty battyman who are blocking that work when the men aren't ivy leaguers or middle class Jamaicans, is this elitism here or snobbery at work as well? 


Let us not forget one of JFLAG's mantra:

" ...... holds the vision to move forward in a spirit of oneness, love, dignity and respect towards the establishment of a Jamaica, and world, devoid of prejudice, injustice, discrimination and oppression."

Where is the oneness, where is the dignity for the men and as for injustice?!!!!

Meanwhile a UK based site with links to local advocates has sought to report the matter in a different light, an expected damage control attempt?

CLICK:


Anti-gay hate forces closure of Jamaica gay homeless center Jamaica's only drop-in center for homeless LGBT youth was closed due to anti-gay sentiments by local authorities and media

A blatant lie as the comments on that page will bring to bear, this dishonest attempt to divert responsibility has not gone unnoticed. 

Peace and tolerance

H


click the "Homeless MSM in Jamaica" tab immediately below for previous entries on the subject

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Urgent need for sex & sexuality to be discussed nationally

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I decided to watch this one most carefully and listen to the contending views on this since the story first broke on Beyond The Headlines hosted by Dionne Jackson Miller on radio Jamaica, RJR on September 13 on the controversial Home Family Life Education Curriculum HFLE before I made a post on it, the curriculum that was first put together from as early as 2006 under the previous administration with training for teachers as late as this July of this year and is funded by overseas funders, Miss Jackson had two guidance counselors as guests who gave their opinions on the controversy which surrounded the questions on HIV status, anal sex and other issues supposedly targeted for seventh graders or 13 and 14 year olds. Only a small section of the over 350 page voluminous document (not online at this time) dealt with the subject matter that was deemed offensive however how the discourse has progressed over the passed days it would look like its the entire document that is problematic, the document also propose to have dealt with Sexual orientation, respect for persons regarding sexual orientation, self awareness, HIV and safer sex introduction, self efficacious planning, risk assessment etc some other pointers were that there maybe gay participants so teachers were reminded to choose their language carefully, one scenario supposedly was to ask students to imagine a world where it is normal to be gay and to be straight would be the other orientation and what would the world be in eyes of the students. Students would be asked to also research homosexuality, bisexuality and womanizing in Jamaica. There was some cloudiness as to how the guidelines should be disseminated in the classroom if via oral presentation or by written format.

One of the guests then on Beyond The Headlines was the Public Relations Officer for the Jamaica Association of Guidance Counselors and counselor at St Hilda's Kenasi Davis and a male guidance counselor from UTECH, The PRO from JAGC was at length to explain the curriculum was about life skills and who are students as a sexual being and the images they portray. She went on to say parents, board chairman and others have been trained over time but it was not cleared whether teachers facilitation of guidance counselors were to execute the manual's guidelines or the guidance counselors only, a fault that would later be addressed by clinical sexologist Dr. Karen Carpenter in the days that followed on various media outlets, let us also not forget this is coming in same breath as the attitudes towards homosexuality study funded by AIDSFREEWORLD and JFLAG which said 78% of Jamaicans are against repealing buggery and also the parenting policy to be formalized shortly. Also on the weekend September 15 was a "Love March" calling for the maintenance of the buggery law.


This was the first in a long time I have seen an issue LGBT related that got such coverage it was hard to keep up but here are some avenues below for us to review:



Here is the TVJ poll results on the night the story broke

Poll on teaching tolerance in Jamaican schools - 85% says no 15% says yes





Other discussions seem to want to impute motives of the gay lobby words such as "Conditioning" and "Orienting" by the Minister of Education whilst at the same time using tolerance, remember this is the same Reverend gentleman who was at the IDAHO event by JFLAG on May 17th professing inclusiveness as it were:









What was also shocking was the revelation by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education where she said on September 17th during nationwide's morning show with host Emily Crooks that the deputy and chief education officers never saw or reviewed or approved the curriculum before its release which has further made speculation high as to the motive of the sections in the manual and subsequent books that are aligned to the document.


Contentious Questions

Among the questions posed to students were: Have you ever had sexual intercourse? Have you ever had anal sex without a condom? What caused you to be a heterosexual? When and how did you first discover you were heterosexual? If you have never slept with a member of your own sex, is it possible you might be gay if you tried it? Why do heterosexuals seduce others into their lifestyle?

The book also instructed students to perform a number of exercises to better understand their sexuality.

Thwaites had noted that the content of the segment on Sexuality and Sexual Health of the curriculum, which was revised over a two-year period 2009-2011 and distributed to schools last September, was first brought to his attention on Thursday.

"Frankly, I think there is some hidden agenda at work that's why they are targeting that age group, and if we don't put our foot down and stand for what we know is right, we're going to lose our children to slackness," Michael Watt, a father of three, noted.

In his statement, Thwaites said, "The family life values espoused by the Ministry of Education are those based on the Christian principles of sexual morality as well as compassion and tolerance for all persons."

Here is the Minister of Education's statement:




I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF WIDESPREAD PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE HEALTH AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME (HFLE), CURRICULUM USED IN JAMAICAN SCHOOLS. THERE IS STRONG OBJECTION TO SOME OF THE QUESTIONS ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND THE COMMENTARY ON HETEROSEXUALITY/HOMOSEXUALITY.
THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOTE:
- THE CURRICULUM WAS REVISED OVER A TWO (2) YEAR PERIOD 2009-2011 AND DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS LAST SEPTEMBER
- THE CONTENT OF THE THEME ON SEXUALITY & SEXUAL HEALTH WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION FOR THE FIRST TIME YESTERDAY (SEPTEMBER 13).
- I CONSIDER SECTIONS OF THE MATERIAL INAPPROPRIATE FOR ANY AGE AND CERTAINLY FOR THE GRADE 7 & 8 STUDENTS FOR WHICH IT IS DESIGNED.
- I HAVE INSTRUCTED THAT THE MATERIAL BE WITHDRAWN FROM ALL SCHOOLS AND REWRITTEN THEN REDISTRIBUTED SO AS TO PREVENT DISRUPTION OF THE HEALTH & FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION INSTRUCTION.
THE FAMILY LIFE VALUES ESPOUSED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ARE THOSE BASED ON THE CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES OF SEXUAL MORALITY AS WELL AS COMPASSION AND TOLERANCE FOR ALL PERSONS.
THE HEALTH & FAMILY LIFE CURRICULUM WAS DEVELOPED FOR CARIBBEAN SCHOOLS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF UNICEF, UNFPA, NATIONAL HIV PROGRAMME, NATIONAL FAMILY PLANNING BOARD, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, DISPUTE RESOLUTION FOUNDATION AND THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DRUG ABUSE.
more materials for review:



As mentioned Dr Karen Carpenter Jamaica's leading board certified Clinical Sexologist sought to bring some clarity to the issue 


Here is more anti gay rhetoric in light of the curriculum controversy on NEWSTALK's Evening Edition plus my two cents rolled into one.


Clearly after all this bru ha ha it is clear in my eyes that we must address sex and sexuality and not just sexual reproduction as it taught in schools as guidance counseling and also in the church on a whole, we cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand and not address sexual orientation, pycho social, psycho sexual and initiation in youngsters, the old methods will simply not work with this generation as the experts including Dr Karen Carpenter has brought to bear in this important discussion, it is the failure of the education system overall for generations that lead to ignoramus reactions like this to a simple small section of a larger curriculum which for the most part is non problematic. I will agree the questions causing the problems may not have been age appropriate for the 14 year olds it may have been more in line with persons over the age of consent, 16 year olds but what about those under that age who are already sexually active?




I also think the Minister of Education is conflicted this time around as a Reverend and Minister in one, what about the separation of church and state, theocracy? is he trying to pander to the religious movement by virtue of him being a man of the cloth and yet he has been held accountable for espousing tolerance.


Much to consider.


UPDATE 25/09/12


Teachers' Association wants clarification on HFLE curriculum 




also see Dr Heather Little-White's take recently: 

Sexuality Education ... To Teach Or Not To Teach?


Latest update October 31, 2012


click: Not enough, Minister Thwaites 


also my latest audio commentary/podcast:





also see: Urgent need to discuss Sex & sexuality nationally part 2

Peace and tolerance


H

Thursday, September 13, 2012

SEXUAL PURITY MARCH ATTACKED - Verbal assault on this weekend's planned event

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The Star News reported (pics not included in their report)

 
A number of persons, including homosexual groups, have hit back at the organisers of a 'sexual purity' march set to take place in the island this weekend.

The event called 'Love March' will involve hundreds of teenagers and young adults from various schools, churches and professions.

The organisers, Creative Counter Culture and 3R Youth, are hoping that the march will combat porn, fornication and homosexuality.



When checked yesterday the group's Facebook page noted, "We cannot be satisfied with our friend sexing every girl because sin kills!! And we don't want them to die! It is because we love homosexuals why we have to say homo- sexuality is sin - because sin kills, and we don't want them to die!!! And pornography destroys marriages even before you get married!!!"

Interestingly, since news broke about the event, a Facebook page entitled 'Stop Jamaica's Homophobic Love March 2012' has also come to the fore.

 

hostile takeover

One of the posts to that page said, "If we continue to allow Jamaica to be stripped naked and raped by the unwanted imposition of religion on our society, the life, freedom, and the relatively sexual openness we currently enjoy, will be curtailed."

It further noted, "It is time for the rest of Jamaicans who are tired of this hostile takeover of beautiful Jamaica to come forward, the Progressive Christians, non-Christians, Atheists, Agnostics, Secularists. We need to rise up and take a stand."

At the same time, several comments left on one popular gay blog also provided evidence that the homosexual community worldwide is not in agreement with the upcoming event.

One comment read, "I wonder which God these idiots are following because the one I follow teach love, compassion and acceptance, as in equal to each other. The religious organisations all seem to be prepared to teach hate, murder and condemnation ... Personally, I think it is time they are all made illegal. I do believe in God, just not organised religion. They have started more wars and kill too many innocent people, they are hateful organisations."

 

Another person wrote, "Like this march is really going to stop Jamaicans from watching porn or having sex, lol. The Caribbean countries are totally homophobic. I think people should seriously consider whether to take cruises and vacations that go to these anti-gay places. They understand money and that's the only thing that will motivate them to curb their bigotry and hate ... I went to Ocho Rios on a cruise last year, and the people were so abrasive and aggressive. What a wretched place! I wouldn't spend one red cent in that crap hole."

In the meantime, THE STAR news has been informed that 'Love March 2012' will take place on September 15. The march is scheduled to start at Hope Gardens and culminate in a short concert at Mandela Park in Half-Way Tree. It is expected that several Christian artistes will be performing.

ENDS

On another post I made earlier on GLBTQJA Wordpress I had commented the following:
"I am ambivalent about this …… if we want tolerance and equal rights & respect blocking someone else’s freedom of speech despite the uncomfortable position it presents is ethically challenging in my eyes, also the secular ambit being brought into the mix when the debate is not really about the existence of God etc but about theocracy or religious imposition per say which may spoil the whole thrust for the decriminalization/repealing of buggery and or consent in private for adults for not just the buggery act but other private matters where consent is involved …. lest we forget JFLAG's Education officer Javed Jaghai atheist/bible “that book” position error on CVM TV’s Live @ 7 recently September 5 which clouded the whole interview as that is what members of the public remembered ….. we must choose our positions/materials/weapons in the battle very carefully …. I would wait and see before I decide to call for muting the organizers etc" Interestingly even this evening edition of the same program on CVM TV callers in the call in segment were still up in arms with the comment days after.

I have since done a podcast on the need for us to be careful when agitating on issues and context while not allowing other beliefs to cloud the issue:


Let us take stock and tread carefully on ALL sides in this matter for me it's about the privacy matters, consensual sex and the possible decriminalization buggery not to be confused with whether God exists or if LGBT are against Christianity as I am not against persons due to their beliefs.

If we expect tolerance we MUST also return and not be insensitive while we are incensed on certain posturings from groups and individuals.

Peace and tolerance

H

UPDATE:
SEE:
Jamaica's anti-gay 'Love March' which took place on Saturday (15 September).

The full story of Jamaica’s anti-gay ‘Love March’


Monday, September 10, 2012

Cruising community bemoans the loss of "space"

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After a nice discussion with sections of the local cruising community members in Kingston over drinks last evening I decided to share aspects of the dialogue with the group that is palatable, they also did not mind the blog post being done but reasons being that the brothers are now wondering about their particular style of cruising in the metropolitan area. The men here referred to as cruisers use the outdoors to enact their own fantasies unlike thier online counterparts who use social media, cruising sites and so forth but since the rapid geographical changes at the major spots and the loss of many of the older stalwarts especially "Portland" as lovable character known for his skills in finding his male lovers and friends. As for out of towners there seems to be a functioning network system that the men have with each other in meeting and socialize with like peers.


we also saw a murder in the market district in West Kingston of a member of that community and who was left naked, further examination of the body showed he was buggered as well, the body was found near the Coronation market and was covered by the Jamaica Observer newspaper. 


Previous cruising posts and related matters:


ANOTHER GEOGRAPHIC CHANGE BLOW DEALT TO THE CRUISING COMMUNITY







The "over crowding" of the few public spaces especially with the numbers of homeless msm and transgender persons along with other populations have impeded the men in acting out there respective fantasies and urges, the crime wave as well in the Kingston metropolitan regions are also of concert but this group is unique as you may have noticed in previous posts on the community as they have far different needs and are attracted to their own types (without discrimination towards other groups) and tend to be territorial of their space. 



The areas once haunted by the brothers especially West Kingston have changed drastically since the previous political administration's reign and the local government adjustments to the areas where the men often use mostly daytime or other nighttime haunts. The brothers like many other persons in the LGBT community are concerned about the homeless men issue and following the frackar on the night of September 6 as the CVM TV program Live @ 7 carried their plight with the present Executive Director of Jamaica AIDS Support for Life as guests alongside Maurice Tomlinson and a representative from the National Council on Drug Abuse, a brawl ensued at the Bargain Mall area in Clock Tower Plaza that evening as the Jamaica Observer's Fashion Night Out weekend sale-a-bration was on in earnest. The cruisers made it clear they have nothing against the men or drag queens but they do not find them sexually attractive but want to know what could be done to assist them. The men who for the most part are not effeminate themselves tend to stick to other cruisers who present similar aesthetics and I dare say they tend to have a different look and "gaydar" feel than that of a typical gay or bisexual man, I am finding this section of the community more and more interesting and the diversity under the LGBT umbrella or as in this case the MSM grouping in remarkable to say the least.

The bisexuality issue also came up for mention interestingly as this is bisexuality month in fact, of which they were not aware, the two brothers in particular who expressed their bi interest were concerned as to how to satisfy their sexual needs with other brothers given the peculiar position they now find themselves in as space is literally limited. Bearing in mind that the men seem not to be interested in the traditional hookup methods or long term relationships and are more inclined for one time short term hookups or quickies hence the men having multiple instances with the same partner as they tend not to stray outside the group.
One thing was clear to me as the shared their actual sexual activities was that anal penetration is not a first resort or choice of sexual activity for the men and they are more inclined to practice non penetrative or outercoursal activity such as partnered masturbation a point that resonated with me and I think we can learn a thing or two on safer sex methods from this group who seem to be careful in some sense while navigating LGBT life locally but are at high risk with the actual outdoor sexual acts, the closer one is to danger the farther one is from harm mantra comes to mind from this grouping of MSMs.


Lewd conduct

I suggested the men form themselves into a formal group but they complained that they preferred to be by themselves in this regard as cruisers tend to be looked down on in a sense as persons who prefer "green grass hotel sex" a condescending tone for persons who cannot find suitable space for sex in more formal surroundings, in times gone by when it was far more difficult to navigate living as a gay or bisexual man locally many persons from the lower socio economic strata had no choice but to resort to outdoor activity for release but as society changed that necessity has died down now the cruisers who practice this only do so out of choice and sheer satisfaction. The men are sometimes reached by outreach programs from other non gay NGOs who distribute condoms and other safer sex paraphernalia of which they say they use sometimes. 

Mek wi link and see nuh.

Peace and tolerance

H

click the "Homeless MSM in Jamaica" tab immediately below for previous entries on homelessness

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

JFLAG says new study finds LGBT persons deserve equal protection under the law

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I am never usually supportive of studies these days commissioned by the LGBT community or groups as they normally reflect the views of the funder or commissioner of said study and the representative sample tends not to reflect the real deal out there but this one hits the nail on the head it seems in as far as the feelings towards repealing buggery although the press release from JFLAG seems to suggest something else.







Given the recent MSM homelessness issues and public evictions, the countless amounts of homophobic abuse plus others I may not know of, the homo negative, lesbophobic and other related cases just by observation I do not see how this study could be an accurate representative sample of how Jamaicans feel about homosexuality, bearing in mind also some public agitations reflecting anti gay sentiments have been carried out and are planned, here is a flyer of one of the planned religious events for September 15th:



The recent radio discussions in succession on anti gay marriage points, strong opposition to the repeal of the buggery law and the suggestion by the PM for same I wonder sometimes, the demographic polled would be a start for me as Jamaicans who are travelled or in middle to upper socio economic circles and educated would have reflected this view easily however I am not so sure about below Half Way Tree or Cross Roads for that matter, that is if the Boxill team included those persons and the list of questions would be good to see before I am convinced we know very well the bitterness is far more pronounced from the lower socio economic strata, we do not need studies to tell us that, the beating of a drag queen in Spanish Town recently, the displacement of a 19 year old via Facebook scrutiny by non gay persons on the victim's friends' list, the rumoured murder of two gay men in the Hope Gardens area plus an unsolved murder earlier this year in the Gordon Pen area where the victim was left nude does not support the findings of this study.

Check me like two years ago I might have agreed somewhat that tolerance was coming but the opposite seems to be happening as incident accounts seem to be rising.
When are the J folks going to come into the real world?

How can we ask for tolerance when we ignore and vilify our own homeless brothers for starters?

additional commentary:

Have a read of the J's latest press release, interestingly when CVM TV exposed the eviction of the homeless men from Cargill Avenue the group was deafeningly silent, is this a diversion from that issue? One never knows. The offering of scholarship funding by the parent group JASL in the form of $20,000 per person is a start but the smoke screen does not work with me to divert us from the urgent matter of MSM homlessness when some of the men are scattered all over.

The release read as follows:

Kingston, Jamaica ---- September 5, 2012
A new study done by Professor Ian Boxill of the University of the West Indies shows that almost two in every five Jamaicans believe the government is not doing enough to protect and promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons to freedom from discrimination, violence and other forms of harassment.


The 2012 study was commissioned by the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) and funded by AIDS-Free World. It is a follow up to the 2011 study on Jamaicans’ views about homosexuality and the factors that determine those attitudes. Boxill used a nationally representative sample of 1000 persons between 18 and 84 years (margin of error of +/-4%) and two focus groups.
The National Survey of Attitudes and Perceptions of Jamaicans Towards Same-Sex Relationships found that while Jamaicans continue to have strong negative attitudes towards homosexuality, one in every five Jamaicans is tolerant of LGBT persons and would support an addendum to the charter of rights affording rights to the LGBT community.


“These findings speak to the progress we are making as a people in respecting the humanity, dignity and equality of LGBT persons,” said Dane Lewis, J-FLAG’s executive director. “However, given that we have a vibrant LGBT community, much more still needs to be done so we can more forward as a cohesive and just society that intends to become the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.”
The 2012 study found that persons 35 years old and under are more likely to be tolerant, accepting, supportive, admiring and appreciative of LGBT persons. The national survey also included a subsample of businesspersons and found that although they would not fire an openly LGBT person, a little over half of them would not employ LGBT people for the following reasons: they feel they would make their coworkers uncomfortable, they do not support the sexual orientation, they feared being stigmatized and they feared losing customers. However, focus group results show that coworkers did not see working with homosexuals as a significant problem (as long as they acted professionally).
“Urgent national leadership is required to address the chronic intolerance for LGBT Jamaicans so they can be afforded equal rights and protection of the law like any other person. " Lewis also said.


Maurice Tomlinson, legal advisor at AIDS-Free World, said, “this study provides conclusive proof of the malignant level of homophobia which continues to pervade all levels of Jamaican society and ravage lives. The serious effect of homophobia is most evident in the vastly disproportionate level of HIV among Jamaican men who have sex with men (MSM).”


“There is very little variance between the results of the two studies as there is still strong negative views towards same-sex relationships across all sectors of the Jamaican society. This was confirmed by two homophobia scales that were used by Boxill,” he said.
ENDS

The methodology would be good to know also as I would love to know how they arrived at this as I guess if they went downtown and dropped the questions there the resounding majority would have disagreed strongly, it all depends on where and who were in the sample size, social class counts in this issue of tolerance and or homosexuality after all didn't the amount of Jamaicans who saw homosexuality as "immoral" actually increased since 2010? This seems to be a way to court Portia Simpson Miller on her suggestion to review the buggery law more so than anything else.

Just a poll on facebook via CVM TV's Live @ 7 page which asked Should gay rights advocates change how they communicate their message of tolerance? had some interesting answers such as:

Yes and leave others alone that despise their behaviours

Jamaicans need to prioritize, many embrace Killings, scamming, and abuse of women n children but a act like homosexuality they seek to break down and cast out!

Tolerance does not necessarily mean acceptance and sometimes the messages come across as though they are forcing us to accept the gay concept but then again lets not condemn.

The gov't should band both of them lesbians and gays, . . they need guh one side wit dem nastiness.. mi nuh waah hear bout nun a dem..kmt

See more: HERE

What do you think readers?

UPDATE At 6:00pm Beyond The Headlines had a short chat on the issue:
The exchange softened the real deal of the study.

Then CVM TV also looked at the issue during the Live at 7 program:


The only difficulty I have with this discourse is at the end where my friend Javed allowed his personal opinion as he being an atheist called the Bible "that book" one should never touch that realm when agitating publicly on LGBT issues as I suspect here viewers may have forgotten everything else that was said before.

UPDATE Sept 7th:


The September 6th appearance of representatives from The National Council of Drug Abuse and AIDSFREEWORLD's Maurice Tomlinson to address the recent public eviction of homeless MSM from Cargill Avenue was at best damage control to another embarrassment regarding the poor response from the relevant LGBT agencies. JFLAG WAS NOT PRESENT AT THIS CVM TV LIVE @ SEVEN Program

The attempt to use old programmatic language by Maurice Tomlison to suggest MSMs have no access to condoms while the CVM newscast itself (see above) showed the movers holding the condoms in their hands they found on the site and saying the men were practicing safer sex should be instructive to ALL in view, the very early solution that was opened three and half years ago is the very one that has to be drawn upon now to solve a problem that has gotten way out of control.


Peace and tolerance

H

click the "Homeless MSM in Jamaica" tab immediately below for previous entries on the subject

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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

Popular Posts

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