The New Response is Underlined ... Executive Board is in Place

So as the new Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) entity birthed in part from the Couture Elements stable is rolled out softly with little fanfare the historic election process took place last evening July 27, 2011 at the Oasis Lounge with just under a hundred persons turning up and occupying every possible space and seating available leaving very little room for standing. All the present structured positions were filled and the candidates who have been on low keyed campaigning for the past two weeks made their cases as to why they should have been voted in by the eager and much younger audience which was refreshing to see and demonstrates hope for the future. I am proud to also have been apart of the initial conceptualization of this movement which is to add to the present structures though heavily criticised by myself and others but we must become the change we want to see.

Some 85% (my numbers after counting) of the total ballots were marked with one spoilage and 8 abstentions for respective positions which showed also a high level of interest and could be a sign of things to come in terms of how active these supporters maybe as the Underlined Response ages. Persons came prepared to participate and not to be mere spectators.

The Positions filled were:

President

Vice President

Public Relations Officer

Treasurer

Secretary

With the last three posts having one candidate each vying. All the presentations from the candidates were worthwhile listening generally speaking but seeing this was a new crop of advocates being groomed much room was allowed for mistakes, the shakes during their speeches and some over enthusiasm as they all tried valiantly to win their crowd, friends and neigh sayers alike. Obviously capacity building is of critical importance and as the audience fielded questions which mostly surrounded expectations and competencies, of concern was the fear of over intellectualizing and diversions from semantics with over puffed egos that existed in other jurisdictions and entities of a similar nature.

Co Founder SJ pointed out that the comradeliness was the strength of the entity, "the family setting is key" and that no divas or superstars will be tolerated in any way shape or form as it is about serving the community. She also stressed in an interview of sorts after the votes were tallied and the results announced that the thrust also is to work with other entities chief among them JFLAG but have them being accountable as well to the LGBT body politic.

It is indeed refreshing to see this younger set of persons fired up about advocacy and one of my own questions posed particularly to the President and Vice President candidates was that of engagement of other identities under the LGBT umbrella that do not necessarily socialize in a space such as the Oasis which caters to a more white collar audience but is mixed none the less. As in a robotic response the candidates pledged they were willing to engage the cohort but of course the real proof in my mind will come when the rubber meets the road as older experienced heads among the audience made it clear they will be close scrutiny so as to avoid the mistakes from the past and elsewhere. The personal sacrifice, the possibly loss of friends as one stands up for ones principles or beliefs were brought to the fore as possible expectations.

Early work

For the first few months the tightening of the roles and responsibilities are critical and with a constitution and by-laws in place other activities will be looked at squarely towards development. Several seminars and workshops are spearheaded to develop the skill sets of this young but vibrant board and a special advisory board is also being put together to act as a lightening rod to best practices and streamlining the activities.

As the results were read the cheers got louder especially for the Public Relations Officer race as the the popular vote landed with that "thuggy" lady. The most riveting speech for the evening's proceedings came from Vice President candidate though diminutive in stature Miss Kitty K Crew who had her audience attuned to her plans and ideas she wanted to share with the board and the community on a whole for the better part of seven minutes, not a souls said a word as she delivered. The most decorated individual overall was the Presidential candidate Miss Kitty Kitty Powellas who among other things has held Executive Secretary and Presidential roles overseas in other non governmental and scholastic organizations and groups. It was pointed out however that non LGBT typed board level activities are a different kettle of fish than this one she now will oversee to which she responded in part that she will adapt to. Again we will see the results in the long run. Another riveting but short presentation came from the lone male Vice President candidate who spoke sans notes from the heart using his own personal struggles, his Christian faith and bisexuality while carefully projecting strength on how "out" he is.

With persons leaving the Oasis last evening to early this morning some say they were feeling a sense of newness, revived, refreshed and just at ease in a sense that some of the problems we see and hear of daily may just have another avenue available to them to move the community forward and to deal with lives interrupted.

In my closing remarks last evening I invited all to seriously consider this new move and that the work is not to be taken likely, I also stressed the fact that the Underlined Response is not a replacement for other entities serving the LGBT community and must not be viewed as a competitor albeit some of us have very strong views about where we ought to go and the pace at which more organised and established groups should be, those criticism will in no way cease due to this birthing but solutions can now be tested or used alongside the previous groups and individuals.

Other stalwarts who witnessed this were the fluffy M&Ms formerly of WomenforWomen, The Loft's Management team, a certain longtimer and gentleman from the party scene and the hip crowd with a certain "DJ" as well.

More to come.

Becoming the change we want to see.

Peace and tolerance.

H

The Line in the sand for the JLP part6

Poll on the Jamaica Herald as at this post was at Yes - 58.3% and No - 41.7%

With the ongoing Manatt Phelps and Phillips commission of Enquiry which amounts to both political parties flexing their muscles through eloquent lawyers providing much entertainment for some, damage to the Jamaica Labour Party's image as to the requisition requests and related matters for the extradition of Christopher Dudus Coke one wonders if the line is now being finally etched permanently for them to be a one term government. Although the enquiry is about finding truth what has played out since is making Prime Minister Bruce Golding to be a liar as depicted in a recent Gleaner newspaper cartoon shown above and many persons have already formed their own opinions in a similar vein.

Dr Peter Phillips (right), supported by his son Mikael Phillips (centre), looks on as Jamaica Labour Party lawyer Frank Phipps returns to his seat after a break during a sitting of the Manatt-Dudus commission of enquiry at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

The whole mess as to the sequence of the secret Memorandum of Understanding and who actually authorized former Minister of National Security Peter Phillips to sign them without cabinet's approval or consultation was a golden opportunity JLP to redeem themselves but as usual the PNP being the spin doctors that they are in public relations and with lawyers on board such as the sometimes course K. D Knight they regained their command at the proceedings. The major twist was whether the MOUs trampled on the rights of Jamaicans? Phillips said no.

Dr Peter Phillips (left), chairman of the of the People's National Party's communication commission, speaks with Karl Samuda, former Jamaica Labour Party general secretary, at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston during a sitting - Ricardo Makyn/

The other Commission of Enquiry on the FINSAC Financial Sector Adjustment Company of the nineties has been pushed under the rug for now bearing in mind it too was to find the truth as to how the entity operated in the fallout under the previous People's National Party administration, PNP.

One of the major squabbles between former Finance Minister from the PNP Omar Davies was that Jamaica could not get cheap money on the international markets but present Minister Audley Shaw has proven otherwise and has been riding a wave of success somewhat from the Debt Exchange Program he spearheaded with financial institutions. Audley Shaw maybe one of the two better performing ministers in the Jamaica Labour Party administration apart from Agriculture Minister Christopher Tufton (former National Democratic Movement stalwart) his "Eat What You Grow" drive has been doing well but the fallout from the farmers' market episode in Portmore and elsewhere recently coupled with serious concerns about pending sharp rises in food prices may just stop his positive streak. Sections of the public are complaining about the lack of improvements or substance in their lifestyles and pocket as many feel we are not moving or growing as a country. The opposition PNP has stalled in its recent strides it made in a popularity poll and question marks surround its leader Portia Simpson Miller as to her fortunes to take them into a victory at the next polls. That might just be the saving grace to keep the JLP from either losing in a major landslide or just barely making it in for a second term, then again new governments first term in office is usually clouded with bumps.

Meanwhile the JLP may just face another one of those bumps which may turn out to be a bigger obstacle with the possible legal troubles of South West St. Andrew caretaker Garnett Reid (photo above) who was referred to on February 20th as a person of interest by the police for a sexual crime. He turned himself in on February 21 accompanied by his lawyer Valerie Neita Robinson according to the Gleaner. Usually when we hear designations of such eloquent wording leveled at officials or someone designated of good repute we can guess it has something of a same sex tinge to it and so we thought so it is. Allegations are so far as we know suggest he was involved in a sexual assault with another male of a young man from rural Jamaica some time last week, reports suggest Thursday February 17th. If this one gets out there in a big way it could mean the end of the Jamaica Labour Party or at best serious damage to the JLP I fear as Prime Minister Bruce Golding's early pronouncements on the Hardtalk Program on the BBC of "Not in My Cabinet" is fresh in the minds of many gay or straight alike. From what we were able to gather the young man was introduced to the caretaker who was captured by his look and wanted a sexual liaison to take place, however the young man did not reciprocate the affection and he was allegedly held by both Reid and another friend and acts performed on him on the faithful day, this is after spending several days at his home. It is further alleged that the young man wanted a sizable sum of money not to pursue the matter but when the demanded sum was not produced the matter was reported to the police who have since questioned Mr. Reid.

The Jamaica Labour Party is said to be deeply disturbed by the allegations (maybe not as outlined above) but to have one of their own with such a cloud of same sex assault hanging over his head given the fact that it is the opposition that the public perception is strongest of having homosexuals in its midst then could that be a nail in the coffin for the JLP to aspire for a second term, I am sure they are doing their best to keep this one down as much as possible.

With a disgruntled lgbtq community when it comes to the JLP they most certainly won't get a lot of pink votes. Several social network sites dedicated to removing the JLP and heavily criticizing the Prime Minister's tenure over the years are up and running full steam.

Interesting times ahead.

Peace and tolerance.

H

Trinidad Happenings: Gays just want equal treatment

As we continue to watch with great interest the Trinidadian developments on same gender rights issues and associated matters the public discourse is certainly quickening as this letter to the seemingly unbiased Trinidad Express which has carried several other comments in a similar vein. The writer refers to the recent historic parliamentary debate in the twin island republic, they may very well become the leaders apart from Cuba who may launch gay unions as early as July 2011 in achieving same gender rights in the Caribbean. No doubt all of these happenings will have an impact locally.

The Letter writer contributed:

PEOPLE who are against minority rights such as gay rights always find some holy verse and apply it selectively to justify their selfish interests.Gays are citizens who pay taxes and participate fully in society, daily toiling for our nation like other citizens. Gays harm nobody, contaminate nobody, kill nobody, steal nothing from anybody, chop nobody and destroy nothing in the enjoyment of their legitimate sexual orientation. They are doctors, nurses, engineers, security guards, policemen, teachers, masons, electricians and business executives who contribute meaningfully to this society. So what's the fuss?

Not everybody is meant for marriage and neither are we all meant to have children. When gays say they want their rights they are not asking for the right to kiss, have sex or prostitute or wine on each other on the street. None of us heterosexuals do that. What this minority group is asking for is mere respect for their full human dignity, respect and non-discrimination. You don't have to agree with what they do, support or encourage them. All they need is to be treated equally like everybody treating everybody fairly, without being aware of their sexuality, not to be fired, segregated, cursed or violated in any way because of their sexual orientation.

The idea by the religions that homosexuality is forbidden is great hypocrisy. Even those who are nowhere near Christian or Muslim are quick to quote the Holy Scriptures and say it is unacceptable. But the same Bible forbids many things which are now everyday habits and many foods which are now everyday delicacies.

Every day we defy what the Bible forbids, from the way we dress, what we eat, and even the way we practice our various professions. The same Bible forbids women from preaching and taking the front role, and to wear veils at church but how many female bishops, pastors and street preachers we see every day defying the Holy Scriptures and nobody has a problem with that? In India, North America, South Africa, Latin America and many other parts of the world gay rights are now recognised. Have their societies vanished and been destroyed?

Gays suffer the most in this world together with other social and ethnic minorities who are discriminated against by the majority and powerful many. Misconstrued Bible interpretations have become an effective way to silence minority rights. Remember slavery? The perpetrators of this heinous act had verses and chapters from the many Holy Scriptures justifying it, but it was still wrong and an unjustifiable act.

ENDS

Here is an interesting comment from a reader:

"Are gays really discriminated against in T&T? This comes as a surprise mainly because they are allowed to exist without being hounded and killed. I lived in Jamaica for a number of years and was horrified by the homophobic nature of 99% of the citizens. Death comes easy for gays over there, you dare not walk down the street as a cross dresser or holding hands with your partner. Don't ever be caught "fastened" it will be your last act. Gays have it good in T&T and should be thankful as a result. It could be life threatening in other countries. Be thankful and walk good.

There was a time in Jamaica when all hardwares ran out of cutlasses, machettes they call then simply because there was supposed to be a gay march, thankfully the march never happened."

Meanwhile a poll is also running on the newspaper's front page, as at this post the figures are running very close.

The poll question which can be found on the lower right hand corner of the main page reads:

Do you support calls for the government to grant equal rights to members of the gay community?

Results as at this post were:

Yes - 1051

No - 947

clearly the gap is close which suggests our Trini friends have varying views on the issue probably just as heated and controversial as us. We know there has been a rubbing off of sorts of Jamaican colourful homophobic rhetoric and culture following on "Boom Bye Bye" and other murder music over the years but the god thing is they have discontinued the public performances in some way of the inciteful lyrics and exposure to such. Let us watch this developing matter and support them where possible.

Peace and tolerance

H

Some Poll results ........

So from my sister blog GLBTQJamaica on blogger the following poll results so far based on stepped up voting and re-arranging the poll locations on the page is encouraging as now you can see them and able able to cast your view.

The interpretations are just my views please view the questions and answers and determine your own point of view on them, also visit the blogs and vote on all the polls embedded therein.

Polls can be found on www.glbtqjmaica.blogspot.com and on this blog as well. GLBTQJA on wordpress has no running polls as as the creation of this post.

These polls are in no way the full reflection of the entire GLBTQ community and does not proport, represent or suggests so but for the purposes of discussion of the issues they highlight and for readership of the blogs named.

The first of the two chosen today asks, with the following results:

Do you think the Buggery Law should be? -

1) Fully Repealed - 7%

2) Amended Partially - 5%

3) Decriminalized temporarily - 16%

4) Discussed thoroughly before any action - 48%

5) Left alone for now - 5%

6) Not touched at all - 5%

The results suggest that many persons may need more information on the real terms and conditions in as far as the buggery law is concerned as reflected in answer 4 of 48% persons requiring that it not be touched seem to vote on similar grounds that it not be touched at all. Answer 4 suggests that there maybe some knowledge out there in the voting public desiring a temporary stay of the current legislation towards possible full repulsion. Clearly the lack of proper interventions and or discussions/fora on the matter of the law and how it impacts the community may have led us to this moment answer 1 and its low result suggest the knowledge base is extremely low not in terms of the exact letter of the law but just basic rights and possible action.

Please view results bearing in mind multiple answers were allowed for both polls, meanwhile the other poll which has been running is:

Are you ready to fight for gay rights and freedoms?

103 persons voted as at the creation of this post(the poll is still open)

1) I will do what it takes - 22%

2) No, not yet ready - 11%

3) Somewhat ready - 48%

4) Undecided - 6%

5) Scared - 4%

6) Will quietly do so - 38%

7) We should discuss our strategies and options - 79%

8) We should ask for overseas help - 63%

As in the poll for the buggery law above there seems to be a wanting for more information about what is if any is actually on the table from the advocates and the general public as to rights and freedoms accorded to LGBTQI people. The whopping 79% for answer 7 to discuss strategies and options is glaring suggesting much more discussion is needed in the community and by extension the public domain on the way forward. Answer 6 is encouraging suggesting some persons will quietly do what they can which may explain the increased online social network activity and activism by formerly non activists who are now venting, discussing, writing letters to the newspapers and blogging as 5 new blogs, three gay and two lesbian have been birthed since this year.

Answer 3 suggest some persons may be on the fringes waiting to quietly do so as in answer 6 or maybe some persons are in between and may have voted for both answers. Answer 7 suggests persons may be aware of the impact of highlighting the problems in Jamaica and homo negativity overseas especially through print and the belief that there is merit in continuing this alliance of sorts to push for rights and freedoms. Answer 2 suggest there are still some persons who are just not ready or interested in agitations for rights etc which is also a reality we must acknowledge. Answers 4 and 5 are encouraging suggesting persons are no longer fearful but again reinforcing answers 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8, overall we can conclude persons are ready but need a proper plan of action forward.

There are a set of seminars being planned by a lawyer in conjunction with JFLAG to attempt to supposedly expand the knowledge base within the community on rights and freedoms etc, let us hope this is a rise from slumber from the advocates and is truly an intervention and not another "project" to look good to the funders and persons looking on.

I hope the persons who really need this information are allowed to be there, usually seminars/fora/workshops such as this are attended or those invited are already exposed to this and similar typed information.

Peace and tolerance

H