Examining Homosexuality - Vincent Tulloch writes back in February 4, 1978

In an old Gleaner piece published on the date indicated above this columnist at the time introduced in essence The Gay Freedom Movement, Jamaica’s first gay organization as then ran by Mr. Lawrence Chang aka Larry Chang who now resides overseas. In a bid to capture past articles and relevant commentary to show how early the Jamaican LGBT experience has been enhanced or bedeviled by robust debate, homophobic remarks and unfair commentary here is another in the series of flashback posts. (see the flashback tag for more)

The piece was entitled “Examining Homosexuality” here are excerpts of the original article as was discovered in the old Gay Freedom Movement’s archives in 2009.
Mr. Tulloch wrote ………

Mr. Lawrence Chang’s public admission of a gay organization The Gay Freedom Movement will certainly send ripples through the society. It has come at a time when the society is trying to see just where morality stands on its agenda. The controversy sparked by the Jamaica Teachers Association’s resolution on unwed mothers is an indication of the battle Mr. Chang will have to face on the grounds of morality, the strength of the gay community in Jamaica is unknown so the political mileage to be gained is uncertain, the Gay Freedom Movement will have to go it alone now that it has shown it’s head…………

If I may return to the Gay Freedom Movement debut I must say it has picked the wrong banner to hoist. I cannot see the impact homosexuals can make on the island’s birth rate which stands at about 61,000 per annum If homosexuality was to be encouraged as the only civilized means of birth control………..

It comes as a surprise to me that the GFM did not take issue with the law that forbids the practice of homosexuality both in private and public places. The act is illegal even if it is done in private.
In my opinion homosexuals would probably get a more sympathetic ear if their organization in its first public comment had challenged some aspects of The Offences against the Persons Act Chapter 268, sections 69, 70 and 72. In section 72 particular reference is made to the male but is silent on the female……

Homosexuality has long been a very emotional and controversial subject and is discussed in a hush hush tone with a certain amount of fear. Even in the developed countries where it is accepted the controversy still rages.

Personally I believe that as long as an individual reaches the age of consent legally set by the state what he or she does in private in regard to sex is his personal business and none of the state. I am strongly against any one procuring children or forcing anyone into an act in which he does not believe, such offences may be treated as a criminal act punishable by a fine or imprisonment as the court sees fit. The Gay Freedom Movement of Jamaica is here and it will be interesting to see what its next move will be. The strong religious influence which at times is used to cloud issues will no doubt be organized now. This will be very strong especially in the rural parts where the Pentecostal have a strong grip on the minds of the people.
The relatively high illiteracy rate in the country will certainly play a role when the subject is being debated. Those who are less intolerant and do not subscribe to the aims of the movement need not panic there is nothing to fear. What we need to do is to take a very rational and realistic approach to the subject and it is hoped that the gays will not attempt to convert the whole nation because they will lose the support of most Jamaicans.

The Jamaican society has treated homosexuals with contempt which reveals our Victorian approach to sensitive issues which affects several hundred persons several of whom have no control of what they are.

We do not need any “Burn a Gay for Christ” slogans. The GFM has thrown a challenge to our much reverted democratic way of life.
This issue could be a test of our ability to tolerate minority opinion.
-END-

My two cents:
So this shows a historical perspective on just where the mindset was as far as public commentary was concerned nothing much has changed in 32 years except for the language and prescriptions of ways to execute LGBT people following on the church’s move to have signs that say “Burn a Gay for Christ” maybe this could be a hint as to where the dancehall community got the “Bun Out” (burn out or strong opposition) concept for the types of murder music over the years.

This was one of the entry points publicly for the Gay Freedom Movement a historical milestone lost to many in our present GLBTQ experience. I wanted to publish this in time for Black History Month but had some difficulty finding the original article as I remembered it from a cursory glance a couple years ago.

Remember these readers.

Peace and tolerance

H

Young man made homeless after parents’ eviction

The all too familiar story of young gay men made homeless after their family members become aware or at the very least are suspicious of their siblings’’ sexual orientation is becoming so numerous it’s like a walk in the park. Though reported to me late it’s still worth mentioning and cataloguing to show emphasis on the well needed interventions to deal with this group who are overlooked by present social support systems that exist due to all kinds of other distractions and politics.

In December 2009 after attending a gay party at an entertainment spot this young man in his early twenties returned home with drag clothing contained in a bag that he had taken to the event but he changed to his regular attire so as to travel safely on the streets. He arrived home at around 8am in the morning to be met by his father who was furious as to his whereabouts and demanded to know if he was at any gay parties as he wanted no batty man in his house or around his son. His parents proceeded to take the bag and inspected it only to have their suspicions of him realised further confirmation was said to have come from a source described as a distant friend who told his parents that they saw him entering a taxi that was destined for the gay club that he was a patron of.

His father became boisterous and inflicted several blows to the face of his son and demanded he dropped the gay thing the young man in his defence said he wasn’t gay so as to diffuse the tensions between them but the bag that was searched and found to have contained women’s clothing was placed at the step of the home as an indication that he should leave. The young man proceeded to collect the bag in a bid to leave the home before matters escalated but was set upon by other family members on the insistence of his father who declared he was gay and threatened him with a weapon not to return to the family home or be seen anywhere in the community.

He managed to escape his attackers and found himself in another parish struggling with a friend who eventually ended to help as he couldn’t continue to assist anymore. The young man now homeless tried bouncing from friend to friend for short stays but those options also soon disappeared and he managed to find his way into Kingston where he enrolled and was a part of the homeless project as ran by the previous Executive Director through Jamaica AIDS Support for Life that is soon to be closed yet again as that closing date has become a moving target for whatever reason. It is for the very reason of the plight of clients like this why this type of intervention is so urgently required and if properly managed to help them rehabilitate and assimilate into general society but one wonders where is the will to do so?

Now concerns are being raised as to what next for them and who will stand up?
It would be good if JFLAG takes over that activity where it really belongs as they programs listed under their belt for support services but with the change in the very makeup of the group and the perceptions of the community towards them it’s like they exist but meaningless.

“Boi, it sticky” one person remarked in a recent discussion where we were rapping our heads as to how to get donations and other amenities for selected members of the group who we felt needed emergency assistance. Contact has been made with gay Jamaicans now residing in Amsterdam and elsewhere to see what donations we can muster as criticising the set up is not the only thing that is recognised that needs to be done. We are going to have to start seriously consider ignoring and bypassing the present systems and status quo by going into direct advocacy ourselves no matter how small, how long and how simple these responses may be towards other GLTBTQ persons who inadvertently fall by the way.

Peace and tolerance

H

Dutch protest after gays are denied communion

Gay rights activists in the Netherlands staged a protest yesterday over a Catholic church’s policy of denying gay people communion.

Several hundred people went to Mass at a church in ’s-Hertogenbosch and left shouting and singing when it was announced that the priest, who had been warned about the demonstration, had decided not to give communion.

Some protestors, wearing pink robes and wigs, handed out pink wafers and kissed.

The issue began several weeks ago when a nearby church barred an openly gay man from taking communion. The unnamed man had won a competition to be carnival prince in a nearby town.

According to the BBC, he said that he would accept being denied from taking communion if all other sinners were also barred.

The Netherlands legalised civil partnerships for both straight and gay couples in 1998. In 2001, it became the first country in the world to legalise gay marriage.

Five things every TEEN should know about HIV

Eve for Life

TEENs often feel like nothing can hurt them. To many, their impression of HIV is that it only happens to certain people. In actuality, HIV does impact the TEENage population.

In Jamaica, adolescent girls aged 15-19 years are three times more likely to be infected with HIV. There are many misconceptions surrounding HIV and AIDS. Some of these are fuelled by fear, culture, socialisation, the media, and by ignorance.

Let's take a look at the truth. Here are five key things every teen should know about HIV and AIDS.

1 - Oral sex is not as safe as you think


Oral sex is often thought of as "safer sex". Many adolescents believe that oral sex is a safe way to engage in sex, free from the worry of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The truth is that oral sex is not as safe as you think. Studies have shown that infected bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions have high concentrations of HIV that can enter the blood stream through the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Oral sex can also spread various sexually-transmitted diseases. To make oral-vaginal sex and oral-anal sex safer, you can use a barrier such as a dental dam. Unfortunately, dental dams can be hard to find, and they also may be somewhat expensive.

2 - There's more to worry about than pregnancy


Many TEENs still believe that the only risk associated with unprotected sex is pregnancy. So, to prevent pregnancy, TEENs use birth control techniques such as condoms, oral sex or the withdrawal method ('pulling out') prior to ejaculation, in an effort to prevent pregnancy.

Unfortunately, there is more to be concerned about.

Infection with an STI including HIV is for life, meaning there is no cure. Herpes, syphilis, genital warts and HIV are real concerns that if contracted will be with you a lifetime.

STI's are very uncomfortable and are not 'cool', and some are life-threatening. TEENs should seek urgent medical attention at the first sign of an STI or if you are unsure.

3 - HIV does not discriminate


Since the first case of HIV was discovered in 1982 in Jamaica, many myths and stereotypes have been thrown around as to who and what people with the virus looks like. Some claimed only gays had it, or sex workers,and others claimed it was a white man's disease. Many TEENs grow up with these images as the faces of AIDS.

The fact is that anyone can get HIV, from the elderly men and women you see walking on the road or driving their spanking new Mercedes Benzes to TEENagers planning their next date or hangingn in the plazas in Liguanea or Half-Way-Tree. Males and females, adults and youths, uptown and downtown, employed and unemployed, and students and high school teachers: HIV can infect anyone who doesn't take the proper precautions.


4 - Sometimes people hide the truth/Sometimes people don't know


Think about it for a moment. How many of you would admit you are HIV-infected, if asked? How many of you will admit to your sexual history when trying to win the affections of a new love interest? How many of you really know your HIV status and the status of the people you have had sex with in the past? A claim of "my past partner was negative" is only acceptable if it is backed by a negative test. Ask the right questions and get the test.

However, abstinence is always a greater option for TEENs, especially those of you in school. If you are already sexually active, don't worry, you can reclaim your virginity.

5 - There is no cure for HIV


People infected with HIV in Jamaica are living longer due to the Government's free ARV policy. However, the medications are not a cure. Liver disease, pneumonia, and serious infections of the brain and other internal organs are constant concerns for those living with HIV. The medicines are not a "quick fix". They are difficult to take and cause many side effects.

However, if you are infected with HIV, please talk to your doctor about the benefits of taking medication.

Police slowly becoming fair to GLBTQ issues ......... but not nearly enough.

Following on the Star’s headline on March 1, 2010 entitled Police Hide Male Lovers at Station. In summary four males who went to report damage that was done to their vehicle following one of their own who had gone to a shop earlier and was verbally attacked. He returned with his friends to allegedly confront his attackers but was met by a mob that damaged the vehicle in question.

They did reach the station to file a report but the residents descended on the station and demanded that the police release the men to them so they could beat them. Up until late that evening they were still at the station as persons wanted to see the faces of the gay men.

It’s not very often that we hear of police being professional in GLBT matters so they are to be commended for it in this case. They did the right thing by protecting the men from the crowd who wanted to exact vigilante justice by beating the men. We have heard so many negatives towards the police even outside of treatment of gays but the general citizenry. The recent party event on February 12, 2010 that was picketed by residents was also a case of the police acting professionally by cordoning the area and allowing the party patrons to leave uninterrupted and maintained law and order.

Generally speaking the police have been getting commendations from the public since the huge ammunition find in Kingston where one of their own was implicated by his colleagues and the subsequent cleanup of the inventory of all armouries and station reports of weaponry. Other cops have since been interdicted as they were found to be allegedly involved in the smuggling ring. They however still have long ways to go as the public’s trust has still not yet properly restored especially as far as gays and lesbians are concerned.

They however have lost some face as the Armadale inquiry report came to public attention and the cop who threw the tear gas canister that caused the fire resulting in the deaths of the female wards of the state has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many including the police hierarchy and politicians. Several other officers in that case as well are to interdicted as they have been found to be culpable in that matter.

The recent prison disturbance at the Horizon remand centre was also of some concern to many as members of the force were accused of firing shots at the inmates while they were feuding. Probes by the Office of the Public Defender and the investigative arms of the force are proceeding to produce a report on what actually occurred.
Only recently in February also, a set of officers were accused of accepting a bribe to exact a retaliatory effort on behalf of the payer of the bribe to retrieve a motor vehicle that allegedly was in the possession of a gay man. The cops were accused of calling the man a batty man while physically abusing him with a baton which resulted in his left arm broken in two places and saying that batty man fi dead and the usual other caustic comments. So the foolishness continues in some quarters.

I guess the general public agitation will force them to take stock of their actions and execute their responsibilities professionally so they can gain the public’s trust.

Please remember to take stock of your own basic rights and freedoms and know them so you will know what to do when you are arrested or brought to a police station, tips on bail, requesting a duty council, how to act when taken into custody, what to look for, the station diary and other possible actions are posted on this blog to the left had side view them by scrolling down. If you are not sure visit the police website to see more or contact any local attorney of human rights organization such as Jamaicans for Justice.

Also go to the Ministry of Justice’s website and go under the laws section to see the relevant acts such as The Bail Act, The Constabulary Act and more.

Peace and tolerance
H

Capleton’s Dichotomy: Perception vs. reality in lyrics

(XNEWS site has been down for a while so hard copies of the issues were scanned)

With the headlines blaring in papers, on blogs and entertainment publications worldwide of Capleton’s woes in the United States and the cancellations of his concerts because of protests he has apologised to his fans for not being able to deliver. He was scheduled to perform in San Diego and Oakland California but was met with protest by GLAAD, Gay and Lesbians Alliance Against Deformation and the LA Lesbian and Gay Centre who asked promoters not to book the artist.


The Xnews quoted a Moss Jacobs who is said to be the promoter for Raggamuffin Festival as saying “We can’t put people on the show who are advocating violence against any group of people”
Other promoters after seeing this cancellation followed suit and axed the artist, his management was said to be shocked as they said he has not performed any anti gay songs due to his new lease on his music that of not inciting violence to any mankind and would no longer give gay issues any promotion. “We can prove that Capleton has been giving good performances without making any mention of gays,” his manager Claudette Kemp is quoted as saying in the Xnews dated February 25 – March 3 issue.

The Jamaica Star in the meantime has published parts of a statement in the February 27, 2010 edition from his management as well in a piece entitled Capleton’s Management Hits Back at Gay Rights Groups. The article basically spoke of his sadness at not being able to perform,
“They have once again used their strong arm tactics to intimidate concert promoters and venue owners, putting misinformation in the public about the artiste to further their own agendas. Capleton is very disappointed that his many fans who cross all races and creeds have not been able too see him at his scheduled shows in California this past week.

He has performed at the same venues and festivals over the last two years with no incident bringing a message of love for all through Reggae music, the barrage of protest from these groups is unwarranted and has been addressed many times in media in the past. The artiste has a forgiving heart for what has been done to him and will continue on the high path. Capleton will continue to spread a positive and spiritual message through music to the four corners of the earth and continue to stand firm that universal love can unite all mankind.” Released by Capleton’s manager Claudette Kemp

The trouble Capleton faces is that even if he may have not uttered a single word in a literal sense as other artistes have prescribing how gays should be dealt with his “Bun Out” philosophy and rhetoric may be also interpreted as just what the other more tersely worded songs have said over the years such as Buju Banton’s Boom Bye Bye and Beenieman’s Battyman Fi Dead songs in previous years. Perception is reality in this case I feel as many of Capleton’s performances are highly charged and the audience go into fits of frenzy when he delivers the songs such as Bun Out a Chi Chi (Batty dem a fuck and a suck too much Pussy) as could be interpreted to mean no to gay life or gays Anal sex they are having and he includes men who have oral sex with women and condemns the act.

He is one of the few remaining DJs who condemn oral sex (or Bowing) in his songs as many DJs have actually made a u-turn on that subject and some even have gone as far as to promote oral sex in their songs but from a receiving point of view.

The fits of frenzy as alluded to before also has scenes of persons igniting the pressurised spray canisters while spraying them to produce a steady flame as a symbol of burning out the offending agent or issue as described in the songs being performed at the time and I am sure that if any gay person was ever found nearby then god knows what would have become of them. Unfortunately his management out of convenience may see it as just his personal opinion being expressed in strong sentiments without the actual offending words but the public for all intents and purposes see it way more literal than that and will easily go from words to action in no time at all. The threat therefore is real despite the absence of the offending lyrics when compared to the aforementioned artistes.

Beenieman’s All Battyman Fi Dead (all gays are to die) clearly prescribes that copper and lead (gunshots) must be given to gay men but noticeably he doesn’t touch the lesbian community. The first refrain in the song says it:

Weh yuh nuffi do ? ----------------- Fuck Bottom (what you not to do? ......... fuck ass or anal sex)
Weh yuh nuffi do ? ----------------- Suck Pum Pum (have oral sex with women)

Bun Out a Chi Chi song by Capleton which is one of his signature anti gay pieces out of several others may be a subtle way to say kill the gays as his management seems to have overlook that interpretations are relative to the listener and this attempt by them to water down the thing to make him out to be this righteous person under the Rastafarian banner is not working, at least for me as I don’t buy.

I have witnessed live shows with him and other artistes who spew anti gay songs the audience is attuned to every word he says that relates to harming gays and lesbians they respond simultaneously and with one voice with some brandishing weapons at some events including guns. So the intentions are clear as day in the songs when performed by him without saying them in so many words.

see Sizzla's interview in Zimbabwe where he was to perform for President Mugabe's Birthday

Peace and tolerance


H

Further audio commentry:

Find more audio posts like this on GLBTQ Jamaica Members' LINKUP, send an email to lgbtevent@gmail.com to be approved

Scroll to the title that matches this post title double click or press play once highlighted to hear the audio response) (ignore snapvine references as they are now closed {March 31st 2010} as recorded then as my original audio hosts)

or

Capleton's Dichotomy Perceptions vs Reality in lyrics by glbtqja

NB snapvine was closed in March 2010 all audio is now hosted on Soundcloud

Reggae artistes blacklisted

BY STEVEN JACKSON

GERMANY, Europe's largest economy, has blacklisted 11 dancehall albums between 2008 and January 2010 this year because of their homophobic and violent content.

Albums by Sizzla, Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, TOK and Baby Cham are on this list, or "index", compiled by the German Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons (BPjM) Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien in German.

Stakeholders counter that up to 35 dancehall albums or songs had been blacklisted since the BPjM's conception including Legalise It by reggae icon Peter Tosh, which was later removed.

The BPjM told the Sunday Observer that it is illegal to advertise these albums or to sell them to minors in Germany, with additional restrictions placed on their sale and distribution. "Breach of ...[the] indexing is punishable by a fine or imprisonment," stated Corinna Bochmann, BPjM spokesperson, in response to Sunday Observer queries.

Ten of the 11 albums were not only considered "harmful to young people" but also contained violent lyrics, according to the BPjM, with lyrics that incite hatred and propagate to kill homosexuals. The BPjM indexed these albums following complaints by certain groups such as the German gay lobby. "The BPjM can only act on the request of other administrative institutions, not by itself. Once an official request has been filed, the BPjM is obliged to act," stated Bochmann.

Ellen Köhlings, editor of German reggae magazine Riddim told the Sunday Observer that dancehall is ironically filliping the gay lobby's agenda. "These lyrics violate German laws which gives the lobbyists legal grounds to successfully censor music and gain media exposure," Köhlings said.

"The gay lobby is looking for cheap forwards just like some artistes look for a cheap forward," she stated.

Köhlings added that artistes could compromise by maintaining their anti-gay stance but avoid the use of violence. "At the end of the day there are much more urgent things to talk about than homophobia, and artistes should leave out, in my mind, the violent bashing of gays."

Riddim magazine has at times assumed the role of dancehall mediator, as the industry has no lobby in Germany: "We have been doing everything we can to restore the image of Jamaica, but we can do only so much. In the long run Jamaica needs to take action," Köhlings noted.

Violent anti-gay lyrics have been a feature of dancehall music for over 15 years with the Buju Banton classic Boom Bye Bye credited as its progenitor. The international gay lobby, in response, has petitioned the German government to ban shows and the sale of records by these artistes. Last year, Banton and Beenie Man were yanked from shows due to the lobby in the US, Australia and New Zealand. Local gay organisation J-Flag told the Sunday Observer that Jamaican deejays are not being unfairly attacked by the international gay community.

"Their music promotes violence, hate and hardship for members of a community that at no time has threatened or hurt them in any way. This is an unwarranted and unprovoked assault on a set of people who have a right to exist," stated Jason McFarlane, J-Flag programmes manager. He added that dancehall artistes who continue to perform "hate-filled music" must be held accountable. "The influence of music on any society must not be under-estimated. What must be understood is that artistes have a right to express what they feel but also must be held responsible for the possible impact they can have on people. Music, in particular Reggae and Dancehall, is universal and so we must be aware of the wide reach of the possible influence of any one artiste."