Queen Ifrica Stands Her Ground on homosexuality

So more anti homosexual rhetoric from Queen Ifrica comes but let us not forget for a moment that sections of the LGBT lobby locally and abroad pushed her into this new resolve she seems to have found, taking into account the mishandling of the stop murder response to her Independence Day 2013 pro heterosexual marriage comment at the grand gala yet the SMM Campaign was never designed to go after second tiered Reggae acts although they have anti homosexual sentiments in their repertoire. 

Now some complain when the causation was partly theirs; take for example Maurice Tomlinson's recent comments on the Rebel Salute performance by Ifrica: 

"QUEEN IFRCIA CONDEMNS GAYS BECAUSE THEY "CAN'T PROCREATE."

So, to her, infertile heterosexual couples also deserve condemnation.

I hate to break it to Ifrica, but LGBT people do in fact have children...we just have to work harder at it (through sperm donation, surrogacy, etc.). Incidentally, this is the route adopted by MANY infertile (heterosexual) couples!

There is also reasonable grounds to assume that the reason children of LGBT parents out-perfrom those of straight couples is because LGBT individuals have to work so much harder to have kids. Hence, the children are treasured and cared for more intensely."

ENDS

Here is the Gleaner's take on her performance from Rebel Salute promoted by Tony Rebel who himself also made pro straight marriage remarks at the Grand Gala in 2012.

Queen Ifrica performs at Rebel Salute 2014. - Photo by Adrian Frater

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

Queen Ifrica is standing her ground on her views on homosexuality and marijuana and used the stage at Rebel Salute 2014 in St Ann on Saturday night to make it clear those views would find expression.

However, she justified her anti-homosexuality views by referring to the reproductive process.

"Children are the future and them can only born through heterosexual relationship," Ifrica said, asking for the acknowledgement of persons who knew that children could not be born out of an orifice other than the vagina.

She got it.

Initially, Ifrica took subtle jabs at those she has angered with her anti-gay stance, making it quite clear in her performance that she has no plans to surrender her right to free speech.

In fact, after blazing delightful fires with selections like Lioness on the Rise, Below the Waist, and Genocide, she emphasised her stance unequivocally, reeling off Straight and Keep it to Yourself.

ADDRESSING SOCIAL ISSUES

And homosexuality was not the only thing that Ifrica opposed vehemently as she blazed against paedophilia, as well as black people dying in Sudan "and world leaders negotiating about some things that nuh necessary in this time".

Another issue on which Ifrica stood firm was the value of marijuana, doing Coconut Shell.

At the nationally televised Grand Gala 2013, held at the National Stadium in St Andrew, the microphone was turned off when Ifrica was speaking about marijuana and homosexuality.

After that performance, the Ministry of Youth and Culture released a statement, expressing "... our regret that the Grand Gala stage was used by one artiste, Queen Ifrica, as a platform to express her personal opinions and views on matters that may be considered controversial, rather than to perform in the agreed scripted and rehearsed manner consistent with the thematic production".

Then, Ifrica stood by her words, saying in a response printed in The STAR that "until a member of the gay community can give birth from their union, they should not be abrasive to heterosexuals because they came from that union".

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

On Saturday night in St Ann, Ifrica also did Freedom of Speech, the song with which she responded musically to that situation.

At Rebel Salute 2014, Queen Ifrica was clearly in a no-nonsense mood from the get-go, opening with the chant "bongo woman come".

Those who initially thought she had softened her stance on homosexuality when she did not do the line "no mm mm man cyaa come inna mi bed" in Below the Waist were mistaken.

After Genocide, Ifrica said coming was "de hot segment", and asked for all the straight men and women inside the venue.

There were many. Straight followed, in which Ifrica said she was "straight like de lightpost outta mi gate". Her comments about children and homosexuality came before Keep it to Yourself.

Queen Ifrica was not all social commentary and fire branding though, bringing a light moment to her set when she invited the Japanese duo, Ackee & Salt Fish, to perform.

The two came out clad in traditional Japanese clothing and quickly won the hearts of the fans as they sang and deejayed in almost flawless patois, also making a straight declaration in the process.

- Additional reporting by Mel Cooke

ENDS

Let us also not forget the subsequent interview on nationwide radio with both artistes Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica which revealed much and showed how the lobby is now being viewed as too oppressive hence not deserving of rights or even any tolerant response.

Such are the repercussions of poorly thought out and executed interventions in matters of LGBT rights but if the lobby remains impervious in a sense and determined to carry out the agitation in its own way then I guess we can expect more delays in what is rightfully ours.

also see:

Anti Gay Religious group launches pro buggery law DVD

Murder Music Campaign needs local leadership/ownership once again

Jamaican Artistes wanted to 'clean up' the streets, Say homeless gays not a good look for Jamaica, JFLAG yet to respond

Sizzla bats for Queen Ifrica as expected

Queen Ifrica's "Freedom of Speech" & advocacy found wanting

'I SPOKE FOR WHAT I BELIEVED IN' - Queen Ifrica defends Grand Gala performance after JFLAG backlash

Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel call out Jamaican government on buggery law from 2012

UPDATE RJR discussion on the matter and the Bolt dress saga

Peace and tolerance

H

LGBT tolerance growing in Jamaica, push to repeal of anti-gay law

(Reuters) - Prince Jones says he will never go back to Jamaica, not even to visit.

The 25-year-old, who is gay and uses a pseudonym to protect himself and his family, grew up in Kingston and recalls how he was repeatedly harassed over his sexuality before moving to the United States in 2012.

The plight of gays in Jamaica has cast an ugly spotlight on the Caribbean island, famous for its beaches, speedy athletes and laid-back culture.

When Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller visited New York to attend the 68thUnited Nations General Assembly meeting in September, she was greeted by protesters who chanted: "Shame on you, Portia. Gay rights, human rights."

Such protesting is uncommon in Jamaica, where homophobia is a cultural norm. Yet despite the stigma attached to homosexuality, the push for equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is gaining momentum.

The government says it plans to test the waters by conducting a non-binding "conscience vote" in parliament on ending the notorious Jamaican Offenses Against the Person Act, which makes anal sex a crime, regardless of gender or consent, and prohibits "acts of gross indecency" between men, in public or in private.

The Minister of Justice, Mark Golding, told Reuters that a vote in parliament would take place before the end of the legislative year in March, opening the door for the law to be reviewed, possibly later in 2014.

The prime minister, although she was the target of gay rights protesters in New York, reflected this increasing tolerance during her election campaign in 2011, when she advocated repeal of the law.

"No leader at that level had ever made that kind of statement," said Dane Lewis, the executive director of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals & Gays (J-FLAG). "It would normally have been political suicide, but their party won."

Time and effort are needed to prepare for the vote, according to J-FLAG. If it were held now, the group fears the law would likely stand because there would not be enough time for MPs to get feedback from their constituents on the issue.

Barely a third of MPs could be counted on to support repeal, Lewis said.

Even so, in the last few years the LGBT community has been making public inroads, according to Lewis. "There have been shifts in terms of increasing pockets of tolerance," he said.

Simpson Miller's declaration to put the Offenses Against the Person law on the national agenda is a far cry from former Prime Minister Bruce Golding's stance. In 2008, Golding openly stated that he would never appoint a gay cabinet minister.

Analysts say Simpson Miller's decision to seek a conscience vote could be politically well-timed as pressure from the gay community has been building on the island, which is sensitive to its international image in the tourism industry.

Legally, there are no rights in Jamaica pertaining specifically to the LGBT community. Public tolerance is growing, as evidenced by the willingness of the press in the last few years to cover LGBT issues, but open expression of homosexuality is still frowned upon.

At worst, the intolerance can lead to murder. In July, a cross-dressing male teenager from Montego Bay was stabbed to death after being accosted while dancing at a party dressed as a woman.

As a teenager, Jones shunned the island's macho culture, wearing elegant clothes and speaking with more refined language than the patois of his peers.

He didn't have to say he was gay. People put two and two together, and branded him. "Perception is all it takes," he said.

Throughout high school, being harassed "was my daily prescription," he told Reuters. He came to be known in his community as a "batty man," common slang in Jamaica for homosexuals derived from the male posterior.

In 2011 he was waiting at the bus stop when a group of men approached him, spouting slurs. One wielded a knife and another held a metal rod. "My heart just sank," said Jones, before he hopped on a passing bus to make a getaway.

Jones said he also lost friends because of his homosexuality and has experienced discrimination in his own family.

He moved to the United States in November 2012 and now has a job raising awareness for LGBT asylum-seekers.

He has gay relatives and close friends in Jamaica who have become victims of violence. "My cousin was murdered on suspicion that he was gay. A friend of mine was stabbed to death," he said.

The Offenses Against the Person law is rarely applied by prosecutors, in large part because it requires someone witnessing the sexual act and reporting it. But its continued presence on the books is more than symbolic, analysts say, pointing to police harassment of gays.

The latest report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights points a finger at civilians and the police for committing violence against LGBTs. The report states that LGBTs experience "police harassment, arbitrary detention, mob attacks, stabbings, and harassment ... by hospital and prison staff and targeted shooting of homosexuals."

In the Caribbean, Jamaica is not unique in its homophobia. The former British colonies in the region all have a history of anti-sodomy laws from the colonial era, according to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative.

Conservative groups, such as the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society and the Lawyers Christian Fellowship, held a conference last December in Kingston where they advocated keeping the Offenses Against the Person law. They also took out a full page ad in one of the main daily newspapers, calling efforts to repeal the law an "international human rights scandal."

The Supreme Court is set to weigh in on the Offenses Against the Person law with a trial scheduled to start in November. Javed Jaghai Aajri, who used to work for J-FLAG, wants the Court to rule on whether the law violates the right to privacy under Jamaica's Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.

Jagai Aajri declined to be interviewed for this story.

Jamaica's Ministry of Justice established and filled a human rights officer post within the ministry last year and is looking to establish a Social Justice Commission to promote human rights. The ministry is also in talks with the United Nations Development Program for assistance in formulating the case for reform of the law.

These government-led efforts represent progress for the LGBT community, but "legislation is just one piece," said Lewis. "That's not a magic bullet. There has to be community-level work. The bigger issue is increasing the understanding of Jamaicans. People still think it's a choice."



(Editing by David Adams and Ken Wills)

Sex, Lies And Rights: The Gay Agenda/The Christian Gay Agenda

By Jaevion Nelson

There are some Christian groups that think their views on any matter, whether casino gambling, horse racing on a Sunday, bus preaching or equal rights for lesbians and gays, for example, should take precedence and be accepted as infallible. Their deafening silence on the social ills we grapple with is queer. Perhaps, they are oblivious, given their seeming preoccupation with sex, orifices, and gays.

The Love March Movement (LMM), Lawyers Christian Fellowship (LCF) and Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) readily come to mind as groups that have been particularly vocal on the issue of gay rights in Jamaica.

These groups work tirelessly to convince us that our brothers and sisters who are lesbian and gay should not be afforded (certain?) rights. The principle of equality seems trifling in their schema, and, in fact, it would seem that for them this innocuous term is really evidence of a wider secular agenda that will first change the lexicon, then finally obliterate morality. So much so that because of their influence sexual intercourse and rape are still narrowly defined under Jamaican law to solely concern the insertion of a penis into a vagina. Therefore, the law, among other things, precludes males from pressing rape charges, instead having to seek solace in the anachronistic anti-buggery law, which limits the punishment for convicted perpetrators to 10 years' imprisonment. In addition, it 'protects' women from being charged for rape since they presumably do not possess penises (including artificial ones) with which to penetrate the single orifice which comes within the ambit of the law. Apparently, my pendulum has the monopoly on rape. Do they honestly believe that a male cannot be raped despite their incessant warnings of the phantom male paedophiles lurking in the dark awaiting any amendment to the buggery law?

These groups overwhelmingly depend on fallacies and fear-mongering to hoodwink us into believing that the anti-buggery law is the last remaining moral linchpin preventing our society from plunging into a state of anomie. They believe that any curriculum that mentions the existence of diverse family forms, including same-sex families, is representative of tacit moral acceptability and not merely a statement of scientific fact. They often cite outlandish examples of people in other countries being punished for expressing their disapproval of same-sex relationships and gender diversity, never once bearing in mind that in these jurisdictions such speech is criminal and part of the social contract that helps these societies remain peaceful, cohesive, and prosperous. I suppose Christians by virtue of their dogma are so privileged that they are not obliged to follow the law like the rest of us.

NEGATIVE RIPPLE EFFECT

In their world view, encouraging children to respect and appreciate the wonderfully diverse world this generation is so fortunate to live in is treacherous, and any amendment to laws which criminalise persons' inherent human dignity would somehow have a negative ripple effect on freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of religion. I am yet to fathom what they believe give them this 'right' to hold society hostage to their sophistic views on what is correct and moral. God? The Abrahamic God to the exclusion of all other belief systems (or lack of belief for that matter)?

It is rather uncanny that the JCHS produced a documentary titled Sex, Lies, and Rights - A Seduction of Medicine, Law and Politics when their arguments often run counter to what is true.

Dr Wayne West (consultant radiologist and senior lecturer at UWI) who was featured in the documentary (mis)used data from an article by Chris Beyrer et al (2012) titled The Global Epidemiology of HIV Infection among Men who have Sex with Men. The research found that HIV infection continues to increase among the population, to oppose changes to the 'buggery law'. Admittedly, while the repeal/amendment of the law is crucial in the AIDS response, it is not a panacea to reduce the rates of HIV infection. But Dr West apparently missed when Beyrer, who is professor of epidemiology, International Health and Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said "it has been with real concern and personal sadness" that he and his colleagues' work "on HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) both misunderstood and misused by professionals in Jamaica".

EMBELLISHING THE TRUTH

Even members of the clergy can be found guilty of embellishing the truth. Take, for example, Rev Peter Garth quoting the so-called 'Gay Manifesto'.

Thankfully, Tamara Scott-Williams who was scared after reading the news report did some research and responded eloquently to the ridiculous use of the satire written by Michael Swift in 1987 for a gay community magazine.

LCF has been using the example of a Jamaican born couple in England, Owen and Eunice Johns, whose application to foster a 16th child was withdrawn by the Derby City Council in 2008. What they haven't told us is that the couple said their religious belief prohibits them from talking to a child who might be gay in a way that encourages diversity. In fact, Owen, as reported by BBC, said he would try to "turn the child" to become straight. Clearly, such a couple would be deemed unfit to foster children in a country that eschews intolerance against LGBT people, right?

The judges ruled that "No one is asserting that Christians (or, for that matter, Jews or Muslims) are not 'fit and proper' persons to foster or adopt. No one is seeking to delegitimise Christianity or any other faith or belief. On the contrary, it is fundamental to our law and our way of life that everyone is equal before the law and equal as a human being ... entitled to dignity and respect."

It is undeniable that religion, and Christianity in particular, play a key role in Jamaica's human-rights discourse and socio-economic development. However, we must ensure that we carefully interrogate religious dogma and the effect it has on the welfare of marginalised groups. The Church cannot be the sole arbiters of human rights in a democratic society that claims to respect the rights of all its citizens.

Jaevion Nelson is a youth development, Programs Manager for JFLAG and human rights advocate. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and jaevion@gmail.com

JFLAG Urges More State Support For Homosexual Teens Living On Streets

also see: Some good news on the homeless MSM front ..... guarded & waiting part 2: Dwayne's House Project site opens

Nice call but JFLAG and others including individual advocates need to look within themselves and stop overlooking the real causation that led to the present overpopulation in New Kingston especially but island-wide if we are to examine the scene carefully.

Meanwhile Dwayne's House website is up in memory of murdered transgender teen who was killed by a mob earlier this year, see the site HERE my hopes were raised before when JFLAG said they were going to start a shelter in November 2012 but it never materialised. SEE: Some good news on the homeless front ..... guarded and waiting and 

Transgender Day of Rememberance 2013: Gully Queen, Barbie Love & Britney Boudashious gone too soon

The Gleaner reported today:

Jermaine Francis, Staff Reporter

With several homosexual teenagers said to be roaming the streets unattached, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) is alleging that the State has turned its back on these children.

Speaking at a Gleaner Editors' Forum yesterday, representatives of J-FLAG said many of these children were forced to leave their homes and communities because their parents have either put them out or they have been threatened by community members because of their sexual orientation.

They expressed that some of these children, mostly boys, are as young as 13 years old and are not getting any assistance from state agencies.

Latoya Nugent, J-FLAG's public education and community outreach manager, said state agencies are often afraid to assist the children because of their sexual orientation.

"When you have boys under 18 - and as young as 13 - who are on the streets, that is something that the CDA (Child Development Agency) should be responsible for. But then, nothing happens because everybody is afraid to touch them," she said.

Dane Lewis, J-FLAG's executive director, said the group has been given the runaround in its quest to get these children off the streets.

"The CDA has suggested that it is the police's responsibility first, and the police say, 'Our hands are tied'," Lewis added.

CISOCA UNAWARE OF PHENOMENON

Checks with the CDA and the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) revealed that they are not in possession of any such reports currently.

Acting CEO of the CDA, Rosalee Gage-Grey, said she was unaware of such reports and indicated that any child who turns up at any one of the CDA's 14 parish offices in need of security, the agency would assist, despite their sexual orientation.

Adding that cases of children being on the streets would have to be referred to the CDA offices and then be investigated, Gage-Grey stated: "If there are specific cases, they need to be brought to the CDA and we will deal with them accordingly."

Deputy superintendent in charge of CISOCA, Veronica Gilzene, also said her department was unaware of the phenomenon. She said her office has a representative from the CDA, and if homosexual children are being forced out of their homes and communities and the police are notified, they have a duty to call the CDA.

Meanwhile, J-FLAG is adamant that the State needs to do more to assist the children, as it is often the State's neglect that causes them to become delinquent and exhibit antisocial characteristics.

ENDS

A comment on the original page says it best in my view when it comes to perception of the lobby/community and the lack of credibility in as far as crisis reporting:

also see:On homelessness, evictions, hypocrisy & now JFLAG's own displacement ............

Kingston’s Homeless MSM challenges scream for proper attention

And we continue to reap the world-wind for not addressing homelessness when it was manageable

The Quietus ......... The Safe House Project Closes

Homeless MSM to feel the pinch as JASL issues ultimatum (where it al began to go downhill) 

The toss up between MSM homelessness & public order makes news again 2013

Homeless MSM evicted from Cargill Avenue also audio/podcast:

It is just heart rending to watch this go down this way it has over the past four years in particular aided and abetted by the agencies who ought to know better yet speak with such eloquence on this issue when they are partly responsible for the challenges in New Kingston in particular. Passing the buck to government when we know they won't directly address MSM homelessness over the general populace when this literally means votes.

also hear my other thoughts via podcast:

UPDATE
December 9, 2013:
Pastor lashes out at 'injustices' faced by gays (Jamaica Observer)

Peace and tolerance

H

$10,000 per person to develop the "community?"

Many LGBTians on the ground are not so pleased with an ad from JFLAG regarding a workshop which for all intents and purposes is to equip persons with skills outside of advocacy, my criticisms about the lack of programs to do just that is answered in a sense but with a hefty price tag when it finally comes.

I thought that this kind of rare, well needed and only for the privileged session it seems were to be regularly done in cycles or at least annually especially in these tough economic times for those who really need such skills, now it will set you back $10,000 if you want to partake in the latest one. This should have been absorbed by the J or seek to find expertise within the LGBT community which I have no doubt is there just not engaged. 

How can "community" be built with obstacles as a charge and as high as $10,000.00

These are the workshops I would gladly welcome and direct persons to but a monetary charge really! when JFLAG is an Advocacy/social justice agency. Never in my years at the J did I see or hear of community building activities (though rare) having a charge and such a hefty one at that.

This does not look good at all especially when the J faces some backlash from the ground as persons are still not pleased with some bizarre decisions earlier in the year and the handling or mishandling of the Queen Ifrica matter leaving the lobby with a black eye for a few months and the credibility of the crisis communication in serious questions.

Good idea for a small business workshop, bad idea to charge a fee for the very persons who may be interested but not be able to afford same when they are seeking opportunities to break free from the financial meltdown.

Think on these things.

Peace and tolerance

H

Jamaican Artistes wanted to 'clean up' the streets, Say homeless gays not a good look for Jamaica, JFLAG yet to respond

To date no public response from the leading LGBT advocate to this concern at best and this was from February of this year yet in this month we were hit with another story of a police crack down to halt the matter spiralling out of control as it has before. If we were to follow the crisis communication strategy by JFLAG and the others who seem more interested in data collection and abuse documentation than helping lives interrupted the matter is being made to look as a recent matter when those of us who have been around know of this for decades, the difference is this newer set of displacees are not introverted as their previous counterparts some of whom are still homeless and have adopted the new paradigm to this matter.

Despite the artists seeming anti gay stance it is clear that some are prepared to look past that and go clear to the welfare sense of it, could this olive branch of sorts been a vehicle for change and not taken by an impervious JFLAG and its allies? There are about a hundred homeless MSM in KIngston alone I am aware of and not to mention those in other parts struggling to survive.

The Star News had reported in February the following:

Entertainers are concerned about the growing number homosexual prostitutes lurking in and around the New Kingston area.

According to the artistes, it's not a positive look for the corporate area.

Dancehall artiste Iyara says Jamaica has changed for the worse.

"That kind of livity need fi get rid of because mi neva born inna dat deh type a Jamaica. The place neva stay suh, so the authorities have to find a way to take that out of the youth dem eye. New Kingston is a place where a lot of people go to clubs and so forth, so it's just not right. They are always saying artiste fighting against them, suh how wi a avoid dem and dem naah avoid wi? Dem fi guh far up into the woods wid dem thing deh," said Iyara, who also pointed out that he does not even sing about them in his songs.

"Mi nah call up dem name and mi nah sing bout dem," he said.

Gaza Slim is also calling for their immediate removal from the Corporate area.

"They should get them off the street and get somewhere put them because to me, they don't live anywhere. They should get them some counselling and put dem inna school and get them off the road. I Gaza Slim do not support homosexuality, but at the end of the day we are all humans," she said.

The female Artiste of the Year was also adamant that gay prostitution was as a result of poverty.

"It looks tacky and its prostitution. Most of them are little homeless boys who live same place on the streets. It happens everywhere, but we need to do something about it because it looks really bad, get them some trade because they are parentless and homeless," Gaza Slim said.

Several other dancehall artistes contacted by The STAR declined to comment on the matter, despite having an issue with the situation.

According to one artiste who refused to have his name published, said, "Mi a leave dem yah man, cause next thing mi guh bash them and when mi guh fi mi visa dem tell mi sey memba deh quote deh wey yu did give STAR. But the police should just scrape dem up and drop dem off at the nearest airport fi guh to a next country, because New Kingston is a business area and that bad for business."

Recently members of J-FLAG had reached out to the local music industry. They conceded that local artistes had reduced their production of hate music, and therefore, they would offer assistance in making it easier for their international success. However Sizzla said thanks, but no thanks.

"I, personally, as Sizzla and president of the Nyabinghi theocracy, I don't want no sponsor from no homosexual," he declared in a recent Gleaner article.

Late last month, police personnel assigned to the St Andrew Central Division told the media that New Kingston was engulfed by self-proclaimed gays. The police also said neither the residential community or business districts were spared the "wrath" of the gays who are sometimes violent.

ENDS

Fast forward to October 2013 the following came on CVM TV:

Not to mention the fire-bombing incident in Montego Bay of the illegally occupied house of the murdered Dwayne Jones where his friends still resided. The story was well covered as per usual with the new alarmist crisis reporting approach for those who want to milk such crisis for praise yet no real help for the remaining folks involved.

See also:

Tense stand-off between homeless MSM and Security team in New Kingston

The toss up between MSM homelessness & public order makes news again

More MSM Homelessness Issues while agencies shift responsibilities

Peace and tolerance

H

Murder Music Campaign needs local leadership/ownership once again

Sigh

Whenever I read articles such as this one in today's Gleaner as penned by the present JFLAG Programs Manager it just shows up the lack of understanding the lay of the land and the real deal when it comes to the murder music campaigns and the categories of artists who were and are specifically tracked and targeted. Why hasn't the older advocates assisted the newbies to understand the issues? and to think JFLAG penned the tersely worded press release in response to Queen Ifrica's Independence Day rant with the very first sentence and indeed paragraph setting the tone for what was to come where it read prior to its editing on their website 

"J-FLAG notes with profound disappointment the anti-gay animus expressed by Queen Ifrica at the Grand Gala on August 6, 2013. Her sentiment is an example of the unabated divisiveness we continue to allow to take prominence on the national stage. Queen Ifrica’s remark is similar to the vitriolic sentiments which came from Tony Rebel at the celebrations last year and should have never been allowed again.
We are surprised this happened on the day the Prime Minister urged us, in her Independence Day Message, to accord respect to people so every Jamaican can feel a sense of belonging in our society.

It is regrettable that the government has not been able to guarantee non-discriminatory performances from artistes for such a high-profile function as the Grand Gala. We encourage the government to follow the example of reggae and dancehall promoters and their sponsors who consistently draft contracts proscribing penalties for the use of indecent language, discriminatory rhetoric, and incitement to violence. Independence celebrations showcase the best of Jamaica’s indigenous artistic and cultural expressions, and are held to a high standard from their inception.

As the nation passes the 50 year mark and enters a new epoch of its history, we must zealously work to protect the dignity of all Jamaicans without any distinction. We have all pledged to play our part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race. These words are especially poignant in such a celebratory period of our nationhood. We are therefore compelled to reflect on these and other patriotic words of commitment found in our National Anthem and Pledge.
Jamaica cannot become the place of choice to live and raise families unless respect and dignity can be given to the entire Jamaican family. As we celebrate Jamaica’s 51st year of independence we must also celebrate the importance of peace, democracy, justice, and equality for the continuation of our prosperity as a nation."

ENDS

The redone release now reads as follows

J-FLAG notes with profound disappointment the anti-gay remarks expressed by Queen Ifrica at the Grand Gala on August 6, 2013. Her sentiment is an example of the unabated divisiveness we continue to allow to take prominence on the national stage. Queen Ifrica’s remark is similar to the sentiments which came from Tony Rebel at the celebrations last year and should have never been allowed again.
We are surprised this happened on the day the Prime Minister urged us, in her Independence Day Message, to accord respect to people so every Jamaican can feel a sense of belonging in our society.

It is regrettable that the government has not been able to guarantee non-discriminatory performances from artistes for such a high-profile function as the Grand Gala. We encourage the government to follow the example of reggae and dancehall promoters and their sponsors who consistently draft contracts proscribing penalties for the use of indecent language, discriminatory rhetoric, and incitement to violence. Independence celebrations showcase the best of Jamaica’s indigenous artistic and cultural expressions, and are held to a high standard from their inception.

As the nation passes the 50 year mark and enters a new epoch of its history, we must zealously work to protect the dignity of all Jamaicans without any distinction. We have all pledged to play our part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race. These words are especially poignant in such a celebratory period of our nationhood. We are therefore compelled to reflect on these and other patriotic words of commitment found in our National Anthem and Pledge.
Jamaica cannot become the place of choice to live and raise families unless respect and dignity can be given to the entire Jamaican family. As we celebrate Jamaica’s 51st year of independence we must also celebrate the importance of peace, democracy, justice, and equality for the continuation of our prosperity as a nation.

ENDS

Then came the ill fated nationwide radio interview with Tony Rebel (Independence Day infraction 2012), Queen Ifrica and none other than the person of Dane Lewis the ED of JFLAG who ended up mum as to the use of the words " "vitriloic" and on some "anti gay animus" note when u go to the link you will see the edited release without the words that caused Tony Rebel especially to ridicule Mr Lewis live on air and forcing him to capitulate in a sense that has left the local as well as foreign LGBT persons up in arms, Mr Lewis could not answer a direct question asked of him by Rebel on the vitriolic description then it is no wonder why this JAGLA group came from nowhere to tackle Queen Ifrica themselves although I would have much preferred she be allowed to attend the show she was booked and commit the infraction on foreign soil as was done with other acts such as Sizzle during my time when I was involved in the SMM campaign locally. I fear JFLAG now finds itself having to defer to the calls of the populations and cannot continue to be impervious to them, one wonders if such deferring will also take place with the homeless? Obviously this one was poorly handled and they allowed ownership of the struggle to shift to not only Ifrica, Tony Rebel but also more and more disgruntled LGBT folks who are questioning the stewardship of the goodly J.

Now Mr Jaevion Nelson pens the following 

Reggae and dancehall are our brand; they're in our vein and culture. It helps in retaining dominant and widely held beliefs, norms and practices and influencing how we interact with each other.

Around 1992, when Buju Banton released Boom Bye Bye, Jamaica seemingly embarked on a trajectory where it gained international notoriety for its treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. With so many songs - apparently there are at least 200 from as early as the 1970s - it wasn't very difficult for people (foreigners?) to believe Jamaica was, indeed, the 'murder music' capital and 'most homophobic place' on earth.

Many Jamaicans are strongly opposed to these descriptions, but the number of mob attacks, murders, abuse and other forms of harassment betray efforts to contest this characterisation. There has been noted progress over the years, but anti-gay attitudes remain commonplace. The brutal murder of 16-year-old Dwayne Jones reminds us that much more needs to be done to protect the rights of LGBT people.

It is unlikely to not hear speakers belting songs endorsing anti-gay attitudes at any event. That's the Jamaica I grew up in. That's what I heard on the bus to and from school every morning and evening and that's still the reality of many Jamaicans.

Nuff artistes like Queen Ifrica still a sing seh dem 'doh waan nuh fish inna [dem] ital dish'. This 'ital dish' is the reason Queen Ifrica has been criticised by concerned Jamaicans, some of whom are human-rights defenders; and the reason why her performance at Rastafest in Toronto was cancelled.

LGBT rights activists have seemingly walked into the trap of Shirley Richards, the former president of Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF), that LGBT rights are part of an agenda to silence Christian values. Richards has been craftily (mis)using some cases where people were sanctioned for disrespecting the codes and practices of their employers. To Richards, these employees were just exercising their freedom of speech and conscience.

RESPONSIBILITY

The truth is, freedom comes with responsibilities. It isn't a licence to spew disparaging remarks about people. Furthermore, there are limitations to freedoms, and people will protest when they feel you are (mis)using your freedom to (directly or indirectly) cause harm. That's what the group of gay and lesbian Jamaicans abroad, JAGLA, did when it successfully got the organisers of Rastafest to cancel Queen Ifrica's performance.

Only time will tell whether or not JAGLA's actions will 'teach' Ifrica a lesson, mute her, or make her more respectful of the rights of LGBT people. I am anxious that this might only make her angry and cause Jamaicans to resign in their fears about gay rights and people's freedoms.

There is a fair bit of information available, such as the activist reflection on fighting 'murder music' by Colin Robinson and Akim Ade Larcher (2009), which is instructive for our analysis of what ensued recently (seehttp://sta.uwi.edu/crgs/november2009/journals/akimadelarcher.pdf). Their experiences and views are noteworthy.

At the end of the day, I am sure Queen Ifrica, as do most Jamaicans, still believes music doesn't influence our behaviour. For many, it's really just a song - it's metaphorical. Furthermore, Jamaicans do not understand activist-speak and, as a consequence, it is difficult to comprehend why saying 'no fish roun' here' is problematic.

Dr Marcia Forbes' book Media, Music and Adolescent Sexuality in Jamaica is a good case study for music and behaviour. That is why, while I am not suggesting JAGLA did not engage Ifrica, dialogue outside of polarised spaces is so important in all of this.

Noted Jamaican scholars have opined that songs such as Buju's Boom Bye Bye and TOK's Chi-chi Man are merely lyrics and not an incitement to harm any person. Arguably, this is valid, but one cannot ignore how music contributes to mainstreaming and perpetuating anti-gay attitudes and the application of these songs by Jamaicans. After all, we easily recite lyrics and Bible verses when we mete out punishment to LGBT people.

All of us are somehow complicit. No single group can be held responsible for the anti-gay attitudes replete across Jamaica. We believe that saying 'no fish inna mi ital dish' is OK as long as it didn't explicitly 'encourage' violence. That's a big problem with our culture. It's one of the reasons we ignore students bullying their peers until there is blood.Not so long ago, we shunned (through our music) people who engage in oral sex - that's now a thing of the past. I sincerely hope we can say that about 'murder music'. As Tanya Stephens said (in an interview with me in 2010), "It wouldn't hurt artistes to stop spreading messages of hate in their music."

Jaevion Nelson is a youth development, HIV and human rights advocate. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and jaevion@gmail.com.

ENDS

While Ifrica's words may not be out rightly inciteful given the temperature of the nation (just listen to talk radio) the slightest "push" can lead and have led to ghastly consequences, whenever the agitation becomes more pronounced and precise and public there is always a spike in homo-negative cases and challenges. Just take the cases in the last month or so that have made news post the Dwayne Jones matter and the We are Jamaicans Campaign that is interpreted in some circles as an imposition of foreign lifestyles with big money behind it. How do groups and advocates then expect most virtuous messages as tolerance (even though erroneously demanded) resonate with the ever hardened public and especially since the ifrica mishap? Early songs in the reggae genre dealt with anti gay sentiments via a biblical perspective even though voiced by Rastafarians in the form of King Sounds & The Israelites - Spend One Night inna Babylon (1978) one of the earliest homo-negative tracks in the dancehall era however was Chuckle Berry's "No Gay Man" in 1991 then his follow up "Made(ly) in Love where he frankly said he does not rub-a-dub with men. Simpleton's "See it Deh" came in 1993 that pushed the unnaturalness as it were of male homosexuality. Then in the late nineties came Capleton's Shot Him Up, Pure Sodom, Ready When You Ready and Bun Out a Chi Chi. 

The infectious kumina/revival genre sounding dancehall track done by Wickerman - Gurlz Dem Gungo Walk was released in 2001 revived the short quiet period as Buju Banton's Boom Bye Bye still reigned supreme while Beenieman was to add his voice to the long line of acts both popular and unknown with "All Battyman Fi Dead". Not to be outdone is Sizzla who was one of the first acts to be engaged during the early years of the SMM where at first attempts were made to persuade artists no to perform the offending tracks using moral sway via the promoters and influentials but that didn't work and by the time we looked tricks were used on stage to sneak in materials such as a live band striking chords of the offending song that is known verbatim by the audience who willing sing them while the artist remains mute on stage then claims they never performed them directly. Thus the campaign's strategy was changed to what it became and taking on a life of its own by the more astute overseas allies who continued the work.

Strategy is everything and each artist has to be engaged differently and not grouped as caustic as the more fervent five. Overseas allies be they local or foreigners need to take the lead from the ground before going on frolics of their own, now we are left with a new layer to penetrate in the national pysche that being the oppressed becoming the oppressor.

Peace and tolerance

H

also see:

Sizzla bats for Queen Ifrica as expected

Also see: Tolerance, when the oppressed becomes the oppressor from 2009

Shirley Richards breaks silence on the Queen Ifrica fiasco

 Gov’t Hush Hush On Gay Pressure …As Promoters Forced To Pull Queen Ifrica From Canada Show

Queen Ifrica's "Freedom of Speech" & advocacy found wanting

August 26, 2013
Nationwide radio's Emily Crooks during her What's On My Mind segment of her show gave her two cents alongside Naomi Francis co-host, I am total agreement with her, JAGLA over reached in this case:

'I SPOKE FOR WHAT I BELIEVED IN' - Queen Ifrica defends Grand Gala performance after JFLAG backlash

suggested reading: CLICK HERE

Peace and tolerance

H

Go Jamaica reported 

Buggery law conscience vote for parliament soon

Jerome Reynolds, Staff Reporter

The Minister with responsibility Information Senator Sandrea Falconer (photo above) says the government is to take the matter of the review of the Buggery Law to the parliament shortly.

Senator Falconer told reporters at today’s post-Cabinet press briefing that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller remains committed to her promise on the issue.

In the lead up to the General Elections in 2011 Simpson Miller said she would support a conscience vote in the House of Representatives on reviewing the buggery law.

However, the matter was not a priority on the government’s agenda as it sought to secure a deal with the International Monetary Fund.

Senator Falconer said with the IMF deal out of the way effort is underway to address the matter of the buggery law.

Gay right lobby groups have complain that little action has been taken by the government since the prime minister made the announcement.

The Supreme Court is to begin hearing an application by gay rights activist Javed Jaghai on June 25 who is seeking the go ahead to the Constitutional Court to challenge the buggery law.

ENDS

A prominent anti gay attorney-at-law is urging that the conscience vote for the review of the law be done with the views of the members of the constituency taken into consideration, rather than the vote solely being made by the parliamentarians.

Shirley Richards of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship wants the voting to be done with the views of the constituency and that these votes should be made public.

"They (parliamentarians) shouldn't be voting on their own conscience. They are representing the people. We want to know how the representatives in parliament vote on this issue. The people should know how their representatives vote," she said.

Referendum

Another legal luminary, Bert Samuels, explained that it certainly will be interesting to see how the parliamentarians vote on this issue. He also said that having a referendum on this matter would represent the highest form of democracy.

"I think there will be a toss-up between fundamentalist Christian values on one side and the liberals on another. Having a referendum on this matter would display the highest form of democracy," he said.

Previously I had done this audio as well at the time when Cabinet announced that buggery review was not a priority then in November. A quick turn around it seems, I do not trust these politicians especially when it comes to this most political football item.

Follow this post I had done on the conscience vote regarding the death penalty by another administration in 2008: Some MPs still battling with 'conscience'

Also let us remember when this present administration was in opposition: Opposition sides with Govt on No to same sex marriage on Facebook I commented that "....... interesting that it was not a priority in November all of a sudden now it's coming hmph .......... we need to be careful what we wish for, this conscience vote with an unprepared and uninformed nation as it is and a loud religious section can lead to a no and backfire on us then the same political directorate may feel justified in taking a hands off approach after that whenever the issue of homosexuality is raised again .............. politics!!!!!!!!!! ................. sure way to win the next election given the sluggish economy etc"

from the Charter of Rights debate under the JLP also see: Gay Marriage - An Invented Issue by the christian right movement

This could very well go against us if not properly handled and given the strength of the hand of our opponents chiefly the religious voices opposed blindly to homosexuality we need to work on enlightenment and education drives towards what really constitutes homosexuality, work that should have been done by the relevant agencies instead much time was wasted. The odds are against us but we must still have some hope.

let us backtrack a bit, here was the press release from the PNP clarifying the issue when persons thought the opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller said that buggery would be repealed:

More readings:
Promoting homosexuality? No, its about freedom of choice, privacy & tolerance (2009)

Reactions to JFLAG's call for The Buggery Law's Repeal (2010) (remember they now want it decriminalized)

Jamaica Observer online readers blast buggery law review

CVM TV @ Sunrise on the Buggery review & JFLAG's 100 day...

PNP: No election money from gay groups

Mark Wignall ....... Gay Lobby will wait in vain

The PNP's first 100 days ............. buggery review

PNP's Damion Crawford says it's highly unlikely buggery will be reviewed 

PNP's Damion Crawford on Homosexuality's legality ...

Buggery Law challenges & overlooked judicial solutions...

MoBay Church Fraternity Says No To Buggery Review

Did the talk of buggery turn persons off from the ...

PNP Wins ................Hope for LGBT People ???

On Buggery and gays in cabinets with politics .......

PNP 2006, No plans to Legalise Same Sex Union

LGBT History Month - Buggery law backward said Trevor Munroe

Legalizing buggery provision in the Sexual Offences Bill...

Buggery law backlash - Blair: The church has been sleeping Blair warns review could lead to same-sex marriages

Mark Wignall on Buggery law review promise was a political sham

Backing Down On Buggery? Some Personal Rights Can Be Sacrificed For General Morality ............

former justice Minister (now Foreign Affairs Minister) back in 2006 during the Charter of Rights Debate was captured in this cartoon by Lasmay of the Gleaner.

more from an old audiopost from :21.12.2011 at the time when the elections were in progress post the leadership debate where she made the review suggestion.

Then also bear in mind the CVM TV Don Anderson poll:

CVM's Don Anderson 2012 Poll on Buggery Review 07.03.12

here Mrs Simpson Miller sought to clarify her position during the leadership debate leading up to the December 2011 elections:

Finally:
Bear this in mind as well, after digging my archives I found the presentation by Mrs Simpson Miller in 2009 (poor audio though) where she sided wholeheartedly with the then Prime Minster Bruce Golding(his speech linked) on the banning of gay marriage, gay marriage rights by the way was never asked for by the LGBT advocacy structure at that time but it was dishonestly pushed on the agenda during the Charter of Rights debate then as a smoke screen to deny us recognition in the Charter. 

The clause that had discrimination as an infraction then was also removed from the draft prior to this speech after successful lobbying by none other than the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship with support from none other than reverend Al Miller.

She said on October 20th 2009 - "Mr Speaker when we accepted the final report from the joint select committee that were looking at the bill we were completely satisfied with their recommendation of a provision to restrict marriage and like relationships to one man and one woman within Jamaica and that the provision should be specifically spelt out so that there could be no ambiguity ………. yes one man one woman (laughter in the house) and if you are Jamaican and go overseas the same applies ……….."
Has Prime Minister Simpson Miller changed her mind or is evolving as President Obama did and is moving towards having the review done or are there other factors here?

UPDATE June 10, 2013
JFLAG welcomes review of buggery law

The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-Sexuals and Gays, (J-FLAG) has welcomed the government’s announcement, that a conscience vote will be scheduled for the promised review of the buggery law.

J-FLAG says its position on the buggery law has evolved over the years, and it is no longer agitating for a repeal of the law. It says it is instead requesting an amendment to the law, to differentiate between acts which are consensual and those which are not.

The group has made some suggestions as to how section 76 of the Offences Against The Persons Act, could be amended and has also called for clarifications on aspects of section 79.

J-FLAG says, it's open and available to assist parliamentarians with information to act in good faith, in their review of the relevant sections of the statute.

see: JFLAG Position Statement on Upcoming Conscience Vote...

they also released these shots in trying to simplify the issue for persons to understand:

Peace and tolerance

H

more from the Gleaner HERE and A Senior Rastafarian Opposes the move 

also see: Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, JCHS continued confusion of paedophilia & consenting homosexuality.

UPDATE JUNE 17, 2013
more fear  mongering comes as the Jamaica Observer reported today: Church group plans big anti-gay march next Sunday

Church claims future victimization if buggery is decriminalized in Jamaica

JFLAG's ED visits DC ...............

What do you make of this? I hope they were able to raise funds to deal with the homeless shelter that is yet to materialize following the November 2012 town hall meeting announcement while the men still languish on the street and the reported eviction notice from their present location along with their parent NGO Jamaica AIDS Support for Life in part due to the behaviour of the homeless MSM in New Kingston but also the sale of the property. 

Things have gotten serious so much so that the men now gather at the rear of the JFLAG office much to the annoyance of the neighbours and others as the police and local authorities crack down on the men's movements given the repeated public spectacle over the past 4+ years since the dubious closure of the Safe House Project that the group never protested when the ultimatum was given for the then populations to leave.

This kind of travelling in a bid to raise funds and awareness should have been done long time ago not now when the agency's back is against the wall. Why do we always have to wait until funding runs out or near so before we act? What about the programs department of the agency why aren't the change over periods for funding always leaving the agencies in a financial gap?

The Washington Blade reported:

Dane Lewis, executive director of Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, was visiting a gay friend in Kingston, the country’s capital, on a Sunday night in the late 1990s when a group of men slashed three of his car’s tires.

A mob had already formed when he told his friends who were inside the house that they needed to leave. The men eventually stole Lewis’ car — and a friend who was sitting in the backseat still has shards of glass in his arm after they broke a window.

“We took a girlfriend with us, which we thought would have been a good cover, but that clearly didn’t work,” Lewis told the Washington Blade on Sunday before he attended a D.C. Center-organized mixer at Larry’s Lounge in Dupont Circle. “The community already had an issue with the guy that we went to see and obviously reacted because he had friends that the others thought were gay coming to visit.”

Lewis, who has been with J-FLAG since 2007, spoke with the Blade roughly two months after he appeared in a public awareness campaign designed to promote greater acceptance of LGBT Jamaicans.

He said reaction to the “We Are Jamaicans” campaign have been “thankfully very positive,” but he has received some negative feedback. This includes a threatening note left on his car outside his Kingston home that read “Batty man for dead” or “Gay man should be murdered” in Jamaican slang.

“We are claiming space in a way that they think we really should keep our lives private and behind closed doors,” Lewis said. “That sadly has been just the way that LGBT people are expected to play to survive in a culture like ours. They would obviously find it offensive that people are being so comfortable with their orientation and the need to speak openly about their realities.”

J-FLAG has faced a number of challenges since its 1998 founding.

A man stabbed Brian Williamson, the organization’s co-founder, to death inside his Kingston home in 2004. Former J-FLAG executive director Gareth Henry sought asylum in Canada in 2008 after he received death threats.

A J-FLAG report said the organization knows of at least 30 gay men who have been murdered in Jamaica between 1997 and 2004. Authorities found British diplomat John Terry strangled to death inside his home near Montego Bay in 2009 — they found a note left next to his body that referred to him as “batty boy.”

The State Department, Human Rights Watch and other groups have criticized the Jamaican government for not doing enough to curb anti-LGBT violence on the island. J-FLAG is among the organizations that have blasted Buju Banton, Elephant Man, Sizzla and other reggae and dancehall for lyrics they contend insight anti-gay violence.

In spite of these challenges, Lewis notes the country’s LGBT rights movement has seen some advances in recent years.

Jamaican singer Diana King came out as a lesbian last summer in a post to her Facebook page. Beenie Man in the same year apologized for his anti-gay song lyrics.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson said shortly before her Dec. 2011 election her government would review the country’s anti-sodomy law. It has yet to do so, but the Jamaica Supreme Court in June will hear a case that challenges the colonial-era statute on grounds it violates a constitutionally-guaranteed right to privacy.

“It will be a very interesting case to watch,” Lewis said. “It will give a better sense of where the courts are at in terms of protecting the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.”

Lewis spoke with the Blade a day before Queen Elizabeth II signed a Commonwealth charter with an anti-discrimination statement that reportedly includes an implicit reference to gay men and lesbians. He said President Obama’s statements in support of LGBT rights and same-sex marriage have had a positive effect in Jamaica.

“What it has done has opened up a debate for us around the issue of rights and whether same-sex marriage needs to be on the table,” Lewis said.

Lewis remains optimistic this progress will continue in the years to come.

Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson in December said lawmakers should repeal the country’s anti-sodomy law. A January sexuality symposium included LGBT-specific information, but a recent J-FLAG report found only 17 percent of Jamaicans tolerate gay men and lesbians.

A video showing a mob at a Jamaican university attacking a student whom they reportedly caught in a “compromising position” with another man in a bathroom went viral last November. The clip captures two security officers beating the man while the crowd calls him “batty boy.”

J-FLAG statistics note one third of Jamaicans feel the government has not done enough to protect their LGBT countrymen. Lewis said the Nov. 2012 incident and others like it help “generate the conversation” about gay and lesbian rights in the country.

“We need to capitalize on that energy and begin to have some public discourse,” he said.