Essence highlights homophobia in Jamaica with: “Trouble in Paradise”
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Homophobia in Jamaica is again front and center in this month’s issue of Essence Magazine. In the 6-page investigative feature entitled “Trouble in Paradise”, written by Senior Writer, Jeannine Amber, the climate of violence and hatred against homosexuals in Jamaica is explored in-depth. The article features first-hand accounts by gay and lesbians living both in Jamaica and abroad, including former J-Flag (Jamaica’s Forum for Lesbians All-sexuals and Gays) spokesman Gareth Henry, and poet and performer Staceyann Chin, of the violence and discrimination they face at the hands of citizens and police alike.
Amber spoke with several leaders in Jamaica who all agree that homophobia is present in the society but roundly deny that it is as prevalent as some gay rights group claim. Commissioner of Police Hardley Lewin stated that “…the situation is not necessarily as dire as the activists claim”, in regards to the police force’s lack of protection against gay and lesbian citizens in Jamaica. Bishop Herro Blair, who is a well respected pastor who presides over more than 22 churches in Jamaica commented that, “if you flaunt yourself, then it affects me, it affects my children, and therefore I am sending a message that you ought be more disciplined” when describing how people are put off by open homosexuality. The article also explores the influence of “murder music” (songs that overtly glorify the killing, beating, and other acts against homosexuals) and socioeconomic status in the prevelance of homophobia.
The article is a good read for those who may not be aware of the prevelance of homophobia in Jamaica, but covers no new ground for those of us who are all already too familiar with it.
7 comments ↓
hehe i love my country they shouid get some sevire beating where im from they tie them and beat them and then burn there things xD
Fabian, are you some sort of demon!? YOU laugh and smile when someone is being killed or threatened?
Fabian is obviously a moron who couldn’t even make it in that DUMP area called Jamaica, THATS why the fool is over here!.. since you love your dump called “country” so much why don’t you go back there with the rest of the fools who hate on homosexuality so the U.S can send a bomb and get rid of you IDIOTS!… now.. laugh at that.. FOOL!
@Jay.. if Jamaica is such a dump then why is it the number 1 tourist spot in the Caribbean for North Americans most of which describe Jamaica as a beautiful island with beautiful people.You saying that that US should send a bomb on a nation of 2.8 million people ,the vast majority of which do not and would never engage in violence against homosexuals is just a sign of your gross ignorance and arrogance.
Violence against homosexuals takes place in a lot of coutnries. In 6 countries (excluding Jamaica) it is legally punishable by death and it is illegal in 79 other countries . Anti-gay violence actually icreased in the USA and Britain in 2008 despite the fact that is legal in these countries. So I think it would be very hypocritical for the US to punish a country where a few people carry out violent acts against gay people when anti-gay violence increased in the US and Britain last year.
@ Marmac. it only seems you are of the opinion that these isolated “incidents” aren’t reflective of a majority’s position. but lets leave the blame game aside for just a bit. attacks against gays in Jamaica are widespread and UNJUSTIFIABLE. no amount of patriotism should motivate anyone to smear the reality with “perspective”. regardless of the reality in other countries it does not validate violence against Homosexuals.
those who speak in defense of any hate-culture are just as bad as those who spread hate and violence themselves. unless you are Gay you cant possibly speak with much authority on the matter of anti-homosexual rage that is the air we breath in Jamaica. you cannot speak of our experience – you do not know, that much you should admit.
the position of our Hypocritical, morally confused Government, only worsens this situation. Mr Golding has Done nothing to truly Forward the nation and only leaves a legacy of “one step forward, three steps back”. His validation of homophobia and general IGNORANCE will stain the present and future of Jamaica’s Gays. the Government’s stance shows little respect (if any) for the sanctity of human life and dignity, giving no thought to liberty and equality.
i agree with marmac. plenty of countries are homophobic. i am a jamaican and i am very much proud of it. dont go around talking about Jamaica or jamaicans because not all people from jamaica are against gays and lesbians. jay you are insecure about where you come from and you are a racist.
I think that if you didn’t flaunt the fact that you live an alternative lifestyle, you would be alright. No one wants your lifestyle forced on them. Keep it indoors where it belongs. I am straight but i don’t force it on anyone else.
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