UK to deport Uganda woman for ‘not being in a lesbian relationship for 5 years’

The UK is planning to deport a Ugandan woman who applied for aslyum saying she was a lesbian saying she cannot possibly be a lesbian as ‘she has not been in a lesbian relationship for 5 years.’

Harriet Nakigudde, a 30 year old Ugandan lady applied for asylum in the UK fearing for her life because of her sexuality as a lesbian according to official documents.

Ms. Nakigudde removal directions have been issued for Tuesday, June 10, 2014, even though she has a pending Judicial review application in the High Court. There is an online petition seeking to halt the deportation.

The spokesperson, Edwin Sesange, for Out & Proud Diamond, a lobby group that advocates for LGBTI African asylum seekers notes:


“This is a miscarriage of justice for the Home Office to predict the outcomes of the courts of law in the UK. It is very clear that no action should have been taken by the Home office to issue any removal direction while a person has applied for her case to review by the courts.”

It is further reported Ms Nakigudde collapsed while boarding a plane on May 17 when the Government tried to remove her.

The UK Home Office reportedly denied her asylum on the basis that she did not get into a relationship whilst in the UK for the period of 5 years she has been here.

Under questioning, Harriet was asked what she used to do sexually with her partner in private, ;even though she explained to them briefly, she feared and was humiliated at the encroachment on her privacy.’ The Home office also used this against her.

The UK Home Office has been accused of asking very private and lurid questions to LGBTI asylum seekers, especially those from African countries.

Sesange noted, even though Harriet did reveal the names of two previous partners to the Home Office, they did not believe her, because those people are hard to track down or expose: “Harriet has kept her private life secret and she is not used to talking about it to strangers, even though it is a requirement for the Home office to encroach on people private, we strongly encourage them to stop it.”

This case highlights the handling by the UK home office of African LGBT asylum seekers after the death of another Uganda lesbian who died after being deported from the UK.

Breast Cancer Month: What is breast cancer ............

Also see my report from 2010 on a lesbian breast cancer survivor then, today she is still struggling somewhat as it has returned after chemotherapy.

Breast Cancer Month: A Jamaican Lesbian’s survival story …………….

What is Breast Cancer ?

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that has developed from cells of the breast. The disease occurs mostly in women, but does occur rarely in men. The remainder of this document refers only to breast cancer in women.

Normal Breast Structure
The main components of the female breast are lobules (milk-producing glands), ducts (milk passages that connect the lobules and the nipple), and stroma (fatty tissue and ligaments surrounding the ducts and lobules, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels).

Lymphatic vessels are similar to veins, except that they carry lymph instead of blood. Lymph is a clear fluid that contains tissue waste products and immune system cells. Cancer cells can enter lymph vessels. Most lymphatic vessels of the breast lead to axillary (underarm) lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped collections of immune system cells that are important in fighting infections. When breast cancer cells reach the axillary lymph nodes, they can continue to grow, often causing swelling of the lymph nodes in the underarm area. If breast cancer cells have grown in the axillary lymph nodes, they are more likely to have spread to other organs of the body as well. This is why finding out whether breast cancer has spread to axillary lymph nodes is important in selecting the best mode of treatment.

Benign Breast Lumps
Most breast lumps are benign, that is, not cancerous. Most lumps are caused by fibrocystic changes. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs, and fibrosis refers to connective tissue or scar tissue formation. Breast swelling and pain can be caused by fibrocystic changes. The breasts may feel nodular, or lumpy, and, sometimes, a clear or slightly cloudy nipple discharge is present. Benign breast tumors such as fibroadenomas or papillomas are abnormal growths, but they cannot spread outside of the breast to other organs.

Types of Breast Cancers
Understanding some of the key words used to describe different types of breast cancer is important because these types vary in their prognosis (the outlook for chances of survival) and their treatment options. An alphabetical list of terms, including the most common types of breast cancer, is given below:

Adenocarcinoma: This is a general type of cancer that starts in glandular tissues anywhere in the body. Nearly all breast cancers start in glandular tissue of the breast and, therefore, are adenocarcinomas. The two main types of breast adenocarcinomas are ductal carcinomas and lobular carcinomas.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Ductal carcinoma in situ (also known as intraductal carcinoma) is the most common type of noninvasive breast cancer. There are cancer cells inside the ducts but they have not spread through the walls of the ducts into the fatty tissue of the breast. Nearly 100% of women diagnosed at this early stage of breast cancer can be cured. The best way to find DCIS is with a mammogram. With more women getting mammograms each year, a diagnosis of DCIS is becoming more common. DCIS is sometimes subclassified based on its grade and type, in order to help predict the risk of cancer returning after treatment and to help select the most appropriate treatment. Grade refers to how aggressive cancer cells appear under a microscope. There are several types of DCIS, but the most important distinction among them is whether or not tumor cell necrosis (areas of dead or degenerating cancer cells) is present. The term comedocarcinoma is often used to describe a type of DCIS with necrosis.

Infiltrating (or invasive) ductal carcinoma (IDC): Starting in a milk passage, or duct, of the breast, this cancer has broken through the wall of the duct and invades the fatty tissue of the breast. At this point, it has the potential to metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system and bloodstream. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma accounts for about 80% of invasive breast cancers.

Infiltrating (or invasive) lobular carcinoma (ILC): ILC starts in the milk-producing glands. Similar to IDC, this cancer has the potential to spread (metastasize) elsewhere in the body. About 10% to 15% of invasive breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinomas. ILC may be more difficult to detect by mammogram than IDC.

Inflammatory breast cancer: This rare type of invasive breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers. Inflammatory breast cancer makes the skin of the breast look red and feel warm, as if it was infected and inflamed. The skin has a thick, pitted appearance that doctors often describe as resembling an orange peel. Sometimes the skin develops ridges and small bumps that look like hives. Doctors now know that these changes are not due to inflammation or infection, but the name given to this type of cancer long ago still persists. Cancer cells blocking lymph vessels or channels in the skin over the breast cause these symptoms.

In situ: This term is used for an early stage of cancer in which it is confined to the immediate area where it began. Specifically in breast cancer, in situ means that the cancer remains confined to ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ) or lobules (lobular carcinoma in situ). It has not invaded surrounding fatty tissues in the breast nor spread to other organs in the body.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): While not a true cancer, LCIS (also called lobular neoplasia) is sometimes classified as a type of noninvasive breast cancer. It begins in the milk-producing glands, but does not penetrate through the wall of the lobules. Most breast cancer specialists think that LCIS, itself, does not become an invasive cancer, but women with this condition do have a higher risk of developing an invasive breast cancer in the same breast, or in the opposite breast. For this reason, it's important for women with LCIS to have a physical exam two or three times a year, as well as an annual mammogram.

Medullary carcinoma: This special type of infiltrating breast cancer has a relatively well defined, distinct boundary between tumor tissue and normal tissue. It also has some other special features, including the large size of the cancer cells and the presence of immune system cells at the edges of the tumor. Medullary carcinoma accounts for about 5% of breast cancers. The outlook, or prognosis, for this kind of breast cancer is better than for other types of invasive breast cancer.

Mucinous carcinoma: This rare type of invasive breast cancer is formed by mucus-producing cancer cells. The prognosis for mucinous carcinoma is better than for the more common types of invasive breast cancer. Colloid carcinoma is another name for this type of breast cancer.

www.breastcare.com

Paget's disease of the nipple: This type of breast cancer starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the skin of the nipple and then to the areola, the dark circle around the nipple. It is a rare type of breast cancer, occurring in only 1% of all cases. The skin of the nipple and areola often appears crusted, scaly, and red, with areas of bleeding or oozing. The woman may notice burning or itching. Paget's disease may be associated with in situ carcinoma, or with infiltrating breast carcinoma. If no lump can be felt in the breast tissue, and the biopsy shows DCIS but no invasive cancer, the prognosis is excellent.

Phyllodes tumor: This very rare type of breast tumor forms from the stroma (connective tissue) of the breast, in contrast to carcinomas which develop in the ducts or lobules. Phyllodes (also spelled phylloides) tumors are usually benign but on rare occasions may be malignant (having the potential to metastasize). Benign phyllodes tumors are successfully treated by removing the mass and a narrow margin of normal breast tissue. A malignant phyllodes tumor is treated by removing it along with a wider margin of normal tissue, or by mastectomy. These cancers do not respond to hormonal therapy and are not so likely to respond to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In the past, both benign and malignant phyllodes tumors were referred to as cystosarcoma phyllodes.

Tubular carcinoma: Accounting for about 2% of all breast cancers, tubular carcinomas are a special type of infiltrating breast carcinoma. They have a better prognosis than usual infiltrating ductal or lobular carcinomas.


Prevention

There is no certain way to prevent breast cancer. For now, the best plan for women at average breast cancer risk is to reduce risk factors whenever possible.

Breast cancer risk reduction with tamoxifen or raloxifene: Tamoxifen has been used for many years to reduce the risk of recurrence in localized breast cancer and as a treatment for advanced breast cancer. (See "How is Breast Cancer Treated?") Results from the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) have shown that women at high risk for breast cancer are less likely to develop the disease if they take the antiestrogen drug, tamoxifen. After taking tamoxifen an average of 4 years, these women had 45% fewer breast cancers than women with the same risk factors who did not take tamoxifen.

Like tamoxifen, raloxifene also blocks the effect of estrogen on breast tissue. In a study to evaluate raloxifene as prevention for osteoporosis, the researchers also noticed that it also seemed to lower the risk of breast cancer. A study to compare the effectiveness of the two drugs, called the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene or STAR trial, is currently underway. For now, raloxifene has not yet been approved for use in breast cancer risk reduction.
Prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy for women with very high breast cancer risk: Occasionally, a woman who is at very high risk for breast cancer will choose to have a prophylactic mastectomy. The purpose of the surgery is to reduce the risk by removing both breasts before breast cancer is diagnosed.

The reasons for considering this type of surgery may include one or more of the following risk factors:

Mutated BRCA genes found by genetic testing
Previous cancer in one breast, strong family history (breast cancer in several close relatives)

Biopsy specimens showing lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
There is no way to know how this surgery would affect a particular woman. Some women with BRCA mutations will develop a fatal breast cancer early in life, and a prophylactic mastectomy before cancer occurred might have added many years to their life expectancy. Some women with BRCA mutations never develop breast cancer, and these women would not benefit from the surgery. Still other women might develop breast cancer that can be found by mammography or breast examination, and be successfully treated; these women's life expectancies would also not be affected by the operation. It is important to realize that while this operation removes nearly all of the breast tissue, a small amount remains. So, while, this operation markedly reduces the risk of breast cancer, it does not guarantee that a cancer will not develop in the small amount of breast tissue remaining after surgery.

Second opinions are strongly recommended before any woman makes the decision to have this surgery. The American Cancer Society Board of Directors has stated that "only very strong clinical and/or pathologic indications warrant doing this type of "preventive operation." Nonetheless, after careful consideration, this might be the right choice for some women.

Aunt beats teenager for being a lesbian

A seventeen year old teen in St James is the subject of a possible investigation by police according to a well placed source close to the case her aunt supposedly taking out her rage on the girl for being a lesbian in May may be charged for wounding. The discovery was made by the relative following eavesdropping on a telephone conversation the teen was having with another person on her cell phone. The aunt who took over responsibility for the girl some five years plus after the passing of her mother and absentee father has been strictly monitoring her movements since assuming such a role, the teen in said to have limited contact with her father but is more linked to her maternal side of her family. She is said to be well behaved otherwise and also does fairly well in school as a member of a club there involved in extracurricular activities.

The teen upon being discovered on the phone in a private conversation was confronted by her aunt who demanded to know the essence of her conversation and with whom (male of female), suspicions seemed to have been present prior to this episode; she apparently took the phone from girl and scrolled the call list redialling the last number she saw there, a female answered and the aunt proceeded to interrogate the party on the other end of the call in the presence of the accused teen; the girl allegedly answered the phone in what was described as a “sexy tone” according to my source and thus the conversation quickly descended into a shouting session as the frightened young lady sat in shock as the incident rapidly got out of control. The call ended and the relative has had the phone since sharing the number with other parties including non relatives but not before physically assaulting the teenager and threatening her with eviction and scandal not only in the community but the family altogether. She has acted on the eviction threat, whether it is a permanent decision is unclear.

A struggle ensued and a belt allegedly was used to inflict blows to the girl’s body as she was clad in a blouse and a pair of jeans shorts being home for the afternoon. The source also was able to confirm that there is evidence of bruises to the victim’s skin as a result of the blows inflicted by the raging aunt based on the material make of the belt used as the weapon with other stud typed decorations that came in contact with the teen’s skin. The matter was brought to the attention of the cops unofficially by a concerned citizen who was surprised at the reaction of the aunt to the otherwise well behaved niece. Reactions from the community as the news spread has been calm for the most part as is expected seeing that lesbianism is more tolerated than male homosexuality although some residents in the area express shock they also at the same time suggest that due to her quiet demeanour the aunt should have nothing to worry about although she has a right to react in anger but not abuse the girl. Other reactions include an intense prayer session that was held at the home complete with talking in tongues breakouts and so on. 

The teen is said to be with another relative for the time being. The matter has not been formally reported to the police but some personnel are aware of the situation according to the source. Photos of the injuries are said to be also available but were not released to me despite my requests for them, I always like to have evidence in this regard as if we are to convince the public and homophobes that homo-negative and homophobic (indeed lesbophobic) incidents such as this that involve physical contact occur then the crisis communication must reflect same.

Owing to the high visibility of LGBT issues in recent times I am not surprised that groups under the umbrella that do not normally become the subject of victimization eventually become so, there is always a spike of some sort overall in homonegative incidents when public agitation is high that being the pending decision of the tolerance ad case in the supreme court, the buggery review promise for parliament, the anti gay establishment’s cry and the newly commenced buggery law trial also in the supreme court (constitutional court). There is bound to be more scrutiny for stereotypical homosexual hints, negative reactions to same and violence in some instances. How many such cases occur we may never know and thanks to my source for providing the details to this one. More evidence of fallout also comes in the displaced and homeless populations as is also expected as they are far more exposed being in that category of persons, several chasings continue in Kingston proper with an alleged case in St Ann as well, as more details and confirmation occurs I will share what can be shared.

This business of teens exploring their sexual curve with experimentation or curiosity is something that has not been dealt with by parents and by an education system and an education minister (who is also a Reverend) that is afraid of dealing with sex and sexuality head on; instead the system sanitizes the information to a supposed bid to indeed protect and arm teens with proper skills and understanding to discuss such issues (for children it is understandable for such sanitation) The upcoming September school term the previously withdrawn Health and Family Life, HFLE manual for just one section of a voluminous document should be ready with the missing information that was intended to begin to address sexual orientation via a guided imagery exercise that would cause students to think in a role reversal as conducted by a trained counsellor specific to the course and not taught by general teaching staff yet the goodly Reverend Minister declared in parliament that student will not be groomed into homosexuality when the exercise did not seek to do such. The minister and his technocrats seem blindly aware of the fact that gays and lesbians cannot be hidden anymore and addressing identity issues at the early levels of development is the way to go to avoid the generational ignorance and confusion that has led to the present homo-negative and homophobic impasse when our educational system is only limited to sexual reproductive health more so than sexuality. The ostrich syndrome on such matters is going to have to go.

Why do we make things so difficult is puzzling to me?

Person’s inability to live their truths is the main reasons why we have many of our societal challenges not just for homosexuals but others in general. The it is no wonder why the down low issues abound, displacements and homelessness in the MSM populations and the active disguising of same sex attraction to regularize oneself all these put together help to create the challenges we now face some resembling homophobia as well when used as a defence mechanism.

I am expecting more challenges even as the battle in court heats up but where are the community and advocacy buffer mechanisms to meet those fallouts?

Peace and tolerance

H

Jamaica bans movie with lesbian scenes featuring Dominican actress ..................

This came to hand thanks to our friends at Quality Citizenship Jamaica as published in the Dominican News Online today:

The paper's online edition reported that authorities in Jamaica have banned a movie ‘with strong lesbian scenes’ which featured Dominican actress, Germina Jno Baptiste and Jamaican, Caroline Brown.

The Collywood production, Hated 2 Death, is a controversial movie which was filmed two years ago in Jamaica and was due to be released in various cinemas next month but the film board on that Caribbean island has effectively shut it down.

No reason was given as to why the decision was taken to ban the film.

“I am very upset … we are supposed to be living in a democratic world,” CEO of Collywood, Junior Hart, told DNO. “What right has Jamaica got to ban this movie … Jamaica is one of the most violent places in the world.”

Hart said Hated 2 Death is a true story of two lesbians who were brutally murdered in 2006 by one the girls’ boyfriend. Their bodies were found in a cesspit toilet outside the house where the murders were committed. The matter has since drawn international attention to Jamaica since the boyfriend has not been arrested although he has given himself up to the police.

The Collywood CEO said the movie premiered in the south coast of Jamaica to “record crowds” and it has caused a stir among the authorities and the church on that island.

“I strongly believe they don’t want this movie because it will be like opening a can of worms,” he said.

Hated 2 Death hase now been placed on Collywood’s global platform where it can be seen on subscription at www.collywoodcinemas.com.

Jno Baptiste is the first Dominican actress to appear in a Jamaican movie.

More on the actress HERE

Meanwhile

It was only a few days ago Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Dominica, called for the elimination of criminal penalties for homosexuality and an end to “all forms of violence” against LGBT people.

Malzaire’s position, he stated in a Dominica News commentary, is consistent with the Catholic Church’s overall position:

I wish to make it clear that the Catholic Church in Dominica adheres to the call of the Holy See in its statement to the 63rd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Declaration of Human Rights, sexual orientation and gender identity, “to condemn all forms of violence against homosexual persons as well as to urge all States to take necessary measures to put an end to all criminal penalties against them. …

The Catholic Church maintains that free sexual acts between adult persons must not be treated as crimes to be punished by civil authorities.

Dominica is one of several Caribbean countries where homosexual activity is a criminal offense. The anti-homosexuality law provides for prison sentences of up to 10 years for consensual same-sex relations.

Malzaire’s statement came in response to a statement by the LGBT rights group Minority Rights Dominica, which complained that the church had not made its position clear about that law.

Two men on a gay cruise were arrested in Dominica in March 2012 after police were told they were seen engaging in sex on board their cruise ship. They were released after pleading guilty to indecent exposure.

Malzaire emphasized his support of other Roman Catholic doctrines such as opposition to (though not criminalization of):

Same-sex marriage.
Adoption of children by same-sex couples.

Homosexual activity. Malzaire said that, “according to Holy Scriptures, [it] is among many wrongs which, if not controlled, can lead to spiritual death. Among these are adultery, fornication, orgies, calumny, deep seated hatred, and the like (cf. Rom 13:13; Gal 5:16-21).”

The use of the phrase “sexual orientation and gender identity.” Malzaire said regarding the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights, “The Vatican specifically objected to the declaration’s use of the term sexual orientation and gender identity, which it said had no established meaning in international law.”

For more information, read his full commentary: “Decriminalization of homosexuality – what it means for the Catholic Church in Dominica.”

Quality of Citizenship Jamaica (QCJ) launches LBWSW Needs Survey

Quality of Citizenship Jamaica (QCJ) was founded on January 22, 2013. QCJ came out of the need for an organisation specifically working on issues surrounding lesbian, bisexual and other women who have sex with women. To that end they are seeking to assess what the needs of the LB, WSW population are through this survey. 

The information collected in this survey is blind, i.e. we will not know who is completing the survey, unless you so chose to share your personal information within the survey.

You can learn more about the organisation by visiting www.qcjm.org or http://qcjm.org/womyn-needs-survey/

Earlier this year in a post on my sister blog GLBTQ Jamaica I sought to introduce in essence the group as founded by a two woman team who like many of us have become frustrated with the limp wristed advocacy and outright invisibility at times for same gender loving women in particular and the step-n-fetchit one overall with regards to several community challenges, chief among them homelessness with more than enough evidence to substantiate.

see: Another LGBT Group launches with a mature lesbian focus ...........................

Angeline Jackson QCJ co-founder is a lesbian activist in Jamaica, one of 76 countries around the world where being gay is illegal. Last summer, she attended the Spirit of 76 meeting in Washington, D.C., where she came away inspired to do more for the LGBT community back home.

Jackson returned to Jamaica and founded Quality of Citizenship Jamaica (QCJ), which “recognizes that the concept of citizenship cannot be subjected to personal biases.”

Angeline Jackson speaks with SDGLN Contributor the Rev. Canon Albert Ogle about LGBT rights in Jamaica, what life is like for LGBT Jamaicans, and her vision for Quality of Citizenship Jamaica. She represents the next generation of LGBT activists in countries where life is dangerous for sexual minorities. (click link above)

An unscientific look at as well by the QCJ also revealed many women have experienced some sort of sexual violence related to their sexual orientation perceived or real by their abusers/attackers. 

Lesbian/Bi women issues need attention

Corrective rape cases for example rose substantially in 2009 and since then several reports have surfaced on the continued crime against same gender loving women with the last one said to have occured in November 2012. There are three SGL women who are also reported missing with one from as early as September 22, 2012 and who is feared dead but with no corpse or any trace of her family and friends are distraught as their inability to bring some closure to the prolonged episode is proving worrisome. 

flashback from 2011 CLICK HERE for a post on a serial rapist who was cut down and who was alleged to be linked to several attacks involving SGL women. Also in 2010 another alleged leader got 29 in prison CLICK HERE

Forced evictions have also been reported with two major ones in Portmore in 2012

In April we had a robbery of a lesbian couple in the Liguanea area as they entered their flat by car, thankfully both were spared the death threat but were relived of cash and phones, both ladies have been contemplating remaining in Jamaica as fear grips them and to think this is in an upscale area not a ghetto or crime ridden part of the capital.

Other groups such as WomenforWomen (formerly Lesbians in Action, LIA) seem to have gone dead despite a representative sitting on the JFLAG management team the usual Friday night socials and discussion activity have stopped completely thus not allowing the usual venting and sharing of ideas and plans for the way forward. Several lesbian focused groups on Facebook only tap into the issues if ever so slightly and are dependent on membership's willingness to participate. The rates of attrition and reticence is also causing some concern for some administrators of FB LGBT groups overall while some advocates turn those same groups into self promoting avenues more so than sharing and discussion of ideas for the communities on a whole to move forward.

Aphrodite's Pride another lesbian focused entity with transgender awareness as well conducted a series of mentoring workshops in 2012 but financial challenges have slowed their work somewhat.

Concerns for increased lesbophobic scenarios

Several of us close to some of the issues on the ground have been concerned about the steady rise in lesbophobic typed atrocities more so on butch identified women also known as "Man royal" in colloquial terms I do wish this group all the best in their endeavours and stand ready to assist where possible, we need to move on certain social justice issues as well it is not all about just repealing buggery that affects MSM and an advocacy structure with just male dominated thinking.

Peace and tolerance

H

International Women's Day 2013 ............ some Jamaican concerns

As today is IWD 2013 I want to recognize our women in Jamaica be they cisgender ones or transwomen who are living their truth as they see fit and must be included in the struggle for rights. Before I get into my post here is the message from our Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller our first female leader in history:

"Jamaica is proud to join the global community in the observance of International Women’s Day on March 8th. The United Nations theme for 2013 - ‘A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to End Violence Against Women’ is timely and resonates not only with our women but every sector of the Jamaican population.

We cannot ignore the unacceptable and horrible incidents of violence committed against our women and children. With strong commitment and conviction, ending violence against women is a top priority of my Government.

The women of Jamaica are part of the global struggle as for too long women have been victims of violence which impact negatively on their development.

In many instances, senseless acts of violence, including sexual assaults against our women and girls, have rendered many powerless. We must never accept, excuse or tolerate any act of violence against our women and girls.

After 50 years of nationhood and while we celebrate the accomplishments of our women in so many areas, we must do all that is possible so that our women and girls can fully enjoy the benefits of living in a nation where womanhood is celebrated and gender equality is at the forefront of the national agenda.

On this International Women’s Day, it is with renewed commitment that I call on all Jamaicans - political representatives, women and men of influence, mothers and fathers, people of faith, young adults and senior citizens, to be part of the change for a better Jamaica. Let us, as a nation, re-affirm our commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls as well as all other barriers which prevent them from living safe, healthy and productive lives."

The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, ON, MP

Prime Minister

ENDS

Our same gender loving women however have been going through some serious challenges in recent times since I have been documenting some of the issues and my previous work with JFLAG and other groups, corrective rape has increased sharply over the years with some 4 cases coming to light since April of last year. No rape case is good news but when attempts are made tosupposedly heterosexualise a lesbian by rape it is devastating and as a man I have been moved to tears seeing women struggle after the fact with very little support.

Forced evictions

Same gender loving females also do face this problem as well though not as regularly as their male counterparts but the attacks seem to more pointed to butch identified women with the cultural belief that these women are stealing other women from men in our highly sexualised culture. 

Old songs such as this one above tells the story clearly although female same sex entertainment in the nightclub scenes have greatly increased over the years with not just males paying bucks for on stage explicit scenes but also females as well. Interestingly this track still gets airplay both on mainstream and in the underground dancehall circles. Lyrics are as follows:

Yeh man, mi know she mek yu sick man 

Yu see how she a mek yu a vomit, laugh

Yu see it a das why mi tell yu nuh Brethren 

Yu see me Beenie Man mi a go tell yu something, hear mi

Mi nuh wha nuh Man Royal gal, gal Gimmi di gal dem wid di real born serial Gal come a dance dress up in a man material

All in a dress like she a go funeral-al

A recent case of abuse that comes to mind was an unreported matter in Portmore where a lesbian couple had to move so as to avoid a confrontation with men in the area as they were described as being to open or forward with their relationship in a so called ghetto community. Sadly the visibility of lesbian issues is still a major challenge for me in as far as advocacy is concerned it is still more directed at the MSM community and the buggery law while also excluding transwomen as well.

There needs to be more than a day for recognition and attention to the struggle but an all year round thrust until there is real equality and not just the use of the LGBT call letters to sound good in soundbites but on the ground it is far from such inclusivity.

My female readers celebrate yourselves and know you have support from men .......... real men.

Peace and tolerance

H

Jamaican Lesbians wed in Thailand

Bashy wedding in Thailand leaves local model happy

Adrian Frater, News Editor The Gleaner

Western Bureau: As a child, Tracey Dawkins often struggled with her identity.

She knew she was a girl but unlike her peers, who began to show interest in boys in their teenage years, she was attracted to girls.

After leaving Jamaica more than a decade ago and experiencing life in countries such as St Martin and Thailand, the former Miss Jamaica World contestant, who had a successful modelling career locally, shed her Christian upbringing and fully embraced the lesbian lifestyle.
Last week, the free-spirited Dawkins, who is now a successful fashion model in Thailand, married her lesbian lover, Lisa, also a Caribbean national, in what she described as "an experience laced in love".

"I have never been happier in my life," said Dawkins, who once hosted a popular entertainment programme on a community television station in her Montego Bay, St James, hometown.

"As a child, I wanted to travel, fall in love and get married to the right girl, and that is exactly what has happened."

When she was reminded that the vast majority of Jamaicans would be offended by her "lesbian nuptial", Dawkins says most Jamaicans are hypocritical as the country is being ripped apart by crime and violence yet, "Jamaicans are behaving like homosexuality is the only sin".

"I grew up in the Church and at the tender age of 13, I was molested by a deacon," alleged Dawkins, a graduate of a prominent high school in St James.

"Today, men are raping eight-year-olds in Jamaica … people are being murdered daily and yet all the people seem to be concerned about is beating and humiliating people with same-sex lifestyles," declared Dawkins.

"I now live in Thailand, a Buddist country of 70 million people," continued Dawkins.

"Nobody cares about your sexual orientation; you are judged by your contribution to the development of the country and guess what? The crime rate here is almost zero ... the people here have their priorities right."

forced to hide sexuality

In reflecting on her teenage years in Jamaica, the outspoken Dawkins, who appeared in several music videos and radio and television commercials in the 1990s, said she was forced to establish relationships with men to hide her sexuality.

"I used to talk to boys, I even had quite a steady boyfriend at one time," said Dawkins.

"However, on the side, I had a few affairs with girls, which I kept a secret."

After leaving Jamaica for St Martin in the 1990s before moving on to Thailand, the Arianox Business & Technology College graduate said she felt at home in both countries as the people there exhibit the kind of tolerance to lesbianism which would spark hostility in Jamaica.

"Except for my mother, who only seems to have a problem with me being a lesbian when I am in Jamaica, I don't think anybody close to me is either surprised or disappointed with the life I have chosen," said Dawkins.

"Basically, I don't care how people feel … I am happy and that is what is important to me."

Despite being in a same-sex relationship, Dawkins is harbouring thoughts of one day mothering children of her own.
According to her, her partner is quite comfortable with the idea.

"We are thinking of using a sperm bank," said Dawkins.

"The good thing about that is we will get a chance to select the race of the child I want … also (we get to) choose a person with above-average intelligence so that we have smart children."

In looking back on her wedding, which took place on a luxury boat with all the trappings of a traditional wedding, Dawkins said it was an unforgettable experience, which has left her bubbling with delight.

"It was a beautiful experience … the wedding of my dreams. This was what I was dreaming of as a child in Jamaica but could not say it out because of the way things are in Jamaica."

no religion

Unlike her childhood days when the fear of God and God's judgement held her back, Dawkins has not only shed Christianity but she has refused to embraced any other religion.

"God … I am no longer a believer … I am atheist and I am comfortable with it," said Dawkins who, in addition to being an established fashion model, is appearing in numerous television commercials and fashion magazines in Asia.

"Unlike the Christians, who live to die and go to heaven, I live because I have life. That is more fulfilling based on my personal experiences."

Quizzed about whether or not she would ever come back to live in Jamaica, Dawkins readily accepts that the country is one of the most beautiful places on earth, however, she does not believe Jamaica is yet ready for what she is bringing to the table.

"I love Jamaica and I still have friends there," said Dawkins, whose marriage is legal in Europe and Asia. "I will come back to Jamaica one day but right now, Jamaica is not ready for me."

ENDS

And she is right (in the last line of the article) as the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society has anything to say about it and they have been saying and doing and spending alot recently against projected gay marriage agitations locally supposedly on the heels of a buggery review and or repeal for that matter. 

Here was one of the three ads thus far they have taken out full paged in local newspapers and that is not a cheap venture yet thousands are on the our streets hungry, naked and homeless, why not for a real healthy society assist those in need and who are visible for ALL to see? instead they fear the unknown. That particular ad was placed on the heels of the out of turn comments made by a secular dancehall/reggae and rastafarian artist Tony Rebel, ideological hypocrisy? 

Here is one of their members and former President of the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship in a recent documentary, the clips were excerpted and joined together to make the point of the fear by this JCHS group. Take note of the deliberate use of "lifestyle" to describe homosexuality ......... orientation is nowhere in the minds of these holy folk.

By the way, their very tag line is blatantly espousing theocracy: "Working for a Jamaican society in which Judeo-Christian values nourish and enrich the social, spiritual, physical, emotional and mental health of all citizens."

You be the judge.

Peace and tolerance

H