What You Can do to Help

if you want to get involved with the movement to help people be more aware of the anti gay violence in jamaica you can gain more knowledge at:
-http://pulitzercenter.org
-http://www.jflag.org/
-http://www.glaad.org/

Political Activism

Lenford Harvey

There have been many organizations that spawned as a result of the increasing population in the gay community.  Larry Chang, a publisher and editor, became the first man to publicly come out in jamaica and be interviewed by radio stations and JBC-TV.  Due to overwhelming death treats on his life and family he was forced to leave jamaica.  Before he went to the US he founded the Jamaican Forum For Lesbians All Sexuals and Gays or simply J Flag.  J Flag was founded in 1998 and specializes in the protection of gay and lesbian individuals in Jamaica.  The organization hosts social events, rallies, and advocates social reform.  The most popular campaign is "Stop The Murder Music" which calls for the stop to using anti-gay profanities in song lyrics.  Many activists have died as a result in trying to stop the violence. Lenford Harvey ,the leader in the Jamaican HIV/and AIDS communtiy, was robbed and kidnapped.  Before the Gunmen killed him they said "We hear that you are gay", and proceeded to shoot Harvey in the back of the head multiple times.  Harvey stood as a symbol of courage for hundreds of Jamaican that are too afraid to stand for themselves.

GET UP!!! STAND UP!!! STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!!!

Although the violence against homosexuals in Jamaica is overwhelming there are many people that are not afraid of the blacklash.  Javed Jaghai is an openly gay man living in Jamaica.  He is an activist set out to change Jamaica's anti-sodomy laws.  He frist gained fame through his youtube video entitled "We Are Jamaicans".  This video revealed Jaghai's life and the struggles he went through as an gay man through the use of strictly note cards.  Since he told his compelling story he has been interviewed by many new stations in Jamaica.  While being interviewed Jaghai was questioned about his safety in his hometown and claims to feel safe despite the horrific crimes against homosexuals.  Jamaica is his home and he does not want to be moved as a result of his sexual orientation.  His outstanding bravery and courage has fueled the fire for those who are gay to get up and stand for their rights as human beings.

What Happens to Those people who Choose to be Gay??

Simone and khayla being interviewed by Micah of the Pulitzer center

Anti-gay rally in jamaica

People that are openly gay in Jamaica usually flee the island, attacked ruthlessly by pedestrians or in many cases a mob, or killed.  I followed a story on the pulitzer website by Micah Fink a journalist that went to Jamaica and interviewed individuals that were effected as a result of the islands homophobic mindset.  He interviewed a lesbian women named Simone Edwards.  When they first met Simone was just discharged from the hospital after sustaining 2 gunshots wounds as a result of an anti-gay attack.  Since then she has been in hiding and was forced to leave her daughter Khayla behind in search of refuge in the Netherlands.  At first she pleaded to american officials to give her an American visa but she was denied. Simone has found a new life in the Netherlands and has been reunited with her daughter, but it's heartbreaking to know that she had to leave the home she once loved.  This is the harsh reality that homosexuals face in the jamaican community.  hundre

Homophobia in Music

Music has always been an important part of Jamaican culture.  Artists such as Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff advocated a message of peace and happiness in their music.  As the 90's approached people became more vulgar and open about their hatred for the gay community.  Musical Artists such as, Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks, and Vybz kartel promote the killing, burning, and beating of homosexual men and women in their songs.  These songs are frequently played in rotation on many radio stations in Jamaica.  For example in Buju Banton's song "Boom Bye Bye" he says "Inna batty bwoy head Rude bwoy no promote the batty man Dem haffi dead".  This means that homosexuality should not be tolerated in any form and anyone who chooses to think otherwise deserves to die.  Songs like this are a prime factor of the high rate of crimes against homosexuals in jamaica

Homosexuality Illegal?

For a long time homosexuality has been illega for males l in Jamaica.  Many people that are gay find it extremely difficult to be open about their sexuality.  if a man caught in any homosexual act they can be reported to the police and receive charges that can result up to 10 years in prison.  The island has broken the law into 3 different sections: Section 76, Section 77, and Section 79.  Section 76 deems homosexuality as an unlawful crime for males and will receive no more than 10 years in prison if caught in any homosexual act.  Section 77 states that homosexuality is illegal if a male "attempts" to carry out a hmosexual act with another man.  If convicted the person can be imprisoned for 7 years.  Section 79 says that if someone attempts to procure or intervene's with one's conviction that person will be charged with a misdemeanor.