Fun Fast Facts:
- TIME magazine asked: “Most homophobic place on earth?”
- Seven years imprisonment for intent, ten for committing a homophobic act.
- Only 26% think homosexuals are entitled to the same basic rights and privileges as other people in Jamaica.
- Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller is calling for a conscience vote on reviewing the buggery act.
LGBT organisation: J-FLAG
- Founded in 1998 by 12 people.
- In June 2004 founding member and the public face of J-FLAG and Jamaica’s leading gay-rights activist, Brian Williamson, was stabbed to death in his home.
- Parliamentary Submission to amend the non-discrimination clause within the Constitution to include sexual orientation was declined.
- Working to repeal buggery law.
W3JOY interviewed: Howie, LGBT activist blogger Gay Jamaica Watch
On the one hand the mainstream has a big problem with that label [of most homophobic place]. There is high cynicism and disbelief that there is any homophobia at all. On the other hand, within the LGBT community they will say otherwise…it’s left up to interpretation.
There has been some increase in tolerance.
There’s a perception that a gay man is not so au fait in defending himself.
Masculinity is a highly valued prize based on the fact that we are in a patriarchal society. Anything that deviates from the norm is viewed as gay.
Many politicians are afraid to touch it, as it can mean political suicide.
On Portia Simpson declaring a conscience vote:
Many persons are hopeful, who wouldn’t be, this is a first to have a leader make a point like that.
Published on: Aug 31, 2012 @ 14:42
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:26 — 31.5MB)