An ally, friend to the community, consummate party animal, brother in law of sorts and fierce friend, Steve was taken from us and from the pain after undergoing a series of illnesses. One of those persons who assisted many homeless persons in his private capacity, shut outs, ostracised and displaced males and females, he himself went through his own period of torment and displacement, it seems only persons like us who go through the issues or displacement teetering on homeless really develop a heart and extend a hand in the informal type of crisis intervention. A volunteer for a short while with AIDS organizations and was a regular fixture at the once bi-weekly GLABCOM, Gay Lesbian Bisexual community meetings formally held on second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with the fifth month being a games night. His two sisters still are in some sort or remorse even after I mentioned my intention to highlight him in this year's LGBT history post-humous category.
He passed away in 2010. We hope his soul is resting in peace
Diva Diva Diva the one and only Mi'Que transgender representative in this years remembrance was taken from us tragically this year after an altercation with her spouse went haywire. I only got to know her well over the past two years with her regular appearances at formerly club heavens in St. Ann. She too in some way assisted financially with the now defunct Safe House project and travelled extensively, judging by the two photos I chose out of literally hundreds her sense of style was impeccable and unique.
RIP Mi'Que
Garfield aka Biggy first came to my attention one faithful Saturday night in 1999 when he wanted a place to stay as he was roaming the streets in Kingston NOT HOMELESS but an avid cruiser and a damned good one too, he too like many others now who are stable went through horrible family and community rejection, he frequented a certain HIV/AIDS organization as well and also attended the GLABCOM Gay Lesbian Bisexual meetings too. We never lost touch since and was referred to at one point as my "daughter" Jovial, conservative at times, overly self concious, loved dancemusic and was a voguer in the days of the popular gay club Entourage in Kingston. He too helped some of the less fortunate until a nasty incident where he was robbed hardened him but in turn as he ailed by complications from diabetes melitus and kidney disease as he was about to commence dialysis the very week after being discharged from hospital he never made it. Some say it was stubbornness that did it as he was told to rest and not to party but he couldn't tame the wild beast within him. He was laid to rest at a popular burial site with all the funeral rights accorded and well attended.
RIP Garfield aka Biggy
Unsung heroes and names often forgotten when they leave us, let us reflect.
Peace and tolerance
H
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