"Barbarous bloodlust" at the University of the West Indies. Thankfully, several Jamaican news outlets somewhat chastise students after rioting erupted when one man was accused of making a pass at another man.
The alleged gay student was beaten, chased across campus and had to be rescued—first by the campus police and then by the Kingston PD.
An editorial by the usually very anti-gay Jamaica Gleaner:
We are at a loss to understand how university students, the beneficiaries of a tertiary education and the future leaders of the nation, could spontaneously partake in such an unthinking and savage response to the situation without any due process or proof of the allegations.
And at The Jamaica Observer:
We take some comfort in the fact that the president of the UWI Guild of Students, Mr Dayton Campbell, has condemned the action of this rabble. For it is very easy to sully a man's image in Jamaica, and, probably, cause him great harm, by labelling him a homosexual, given the society's intolerance for that unconventional lifestyle.
Bravo to Observer, Gleaner and other outlets that at least expressed some outrage. What's most unfortunate about the UWI incident is that these events happen all-too often in a culture that glorifies homophobia and violence. And let's remember, anti-gay violence and beatings are not simply a Jamaican phenomenon—they happen right here at home with little condemnation.
· Kenya: Fears of "rampant" homosexuality among teens.
· Minneapolis' lesbian fire chief hit with a third lawsuit.
· Long Island's Suffolk County approves domestic partners.
· New Bedford, MA city councilor comes out.
Imagine if Jonathan Plummer had come out in Jamaica.
Posted by: mr | 06 April 2006 at 15:39
The Gleaner and Observer comments are hollow.The entire culture of the country opposes gay civil rights.They are meant to sound compassionate to a minority they would as soon shed.
Posted by: Brian | 06 April 2006 at 16:49
I can't work out what is sadder about the story on Kenya and homosexuality...
The fact a cabinet minister can voice such homophobic views
Or the fact she can voice those views and not be challenged?
Posted by: Mama JunkYard | 07 April 2006 at 00:09
I am shocked and surprised at the actions of the students, I would like to think that they would know better...these same students are the first to protest about their rights. What is this world coming to??? tsk tsk!
Posted by: nahtanSerious | 07 April 2006 at 09:37
Gays need to stop running and start fighting back! Bullies only respect people who fight back.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 07 April 2006 at 17:13
Good coverage of the Jamaican homophobic mob story, Rod!
Posted by: Mad Professah | 07 April 2006 at 20:00
Im all for standing your ground,but im sure more than one student was chasing him.That brutha alone could not fight a raging homophobic mob.Had he not ran they may very well have killed him.
Posted by: StrgBlkm | 09 April 2006 at 05:44
Well from the perpective of a student here at the university of the west indies, the guy really couldn't do anything. What the Gleaner and the Observer failed to report was that the guy was surrounded by no more than 3000 students all wanting to see harm done to him. The sad reality is that being anything remotely gay in Jamaica means that your life is in danger.
Posted by: dt | 09 April 2006 at 09:10
I guess you guys are right but you can also fight back with words, groups, and strong organizations. That is so uncivilize behavior at a university. They are just making God into a complete monster. That's why I'm agnostic. Too many evil people scream his/her name.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 09 April 2006 at 18:38
What's so astonding is that everyone I know who still vacations in Jamaica says that homosexual activity is so easy to find (they always point out the lynchings of gay people here in the US). So, Jamaican people let the gay tourists have a ball, while they lynch their own gay Jamaicans. Also, what if a boy has feminine ways and mannerisms, and cannot put on a masculine facade. He's just doomed, I suppose.
I used to fantasize there being a massive boycott of the Caribbean (except for the Spanish speaking islands) by gays and friends of gays, but how would that help Caribbean gay people?
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 11 April 2006 at 11:25
I disagree with the violent reaction of my schoolmates. however gays in jamaica need to realise that have no other choice but to remain closeted because we are a violently homophobic people.Jamaican values are opposed to these type of unnatural happenings.Homosexuality is unsightly and as a jamaican i prefer those individuals to keep their repulsive personal business to themselves. it makes no sense getting rid of this problem because men will always deviate from the norm,the accepted standard. however the laws of jamaica make this lifestyle choice illegal because it opposes our general value system. jamaican gays stay in the closet if you like your life. we dont need any more drama, and dont hit on anyone you dont know to be gay, the result wont be wonderful for you!
Posted by: Patrina | 02 April 2007 at 20:13
Derrick, you are a raging fool. Can you keep your stupid comments in the closet? Dont shove your religious views down our throats.
Posted by: jamaicangal | 04 June 2007 at 11:33
patrina, you are so third world. Why don't you see things as the developed world do? Are you going to live off bible stupidity? Oh you so rich.
Posted by: mitra | 12 July 2007 at 09:56
patrina, you are so third world. Why don't you see things as the developed world do? Are you going to live off bible stupidity? Oh you so rich.
Posted by: mitra | 12 July 2007 at 09:56
patrina, you are so third world. Why don't you see things as the developed world do? Are you going to live off bible stupidity? Oh you so rich.
Posted by: mitra | 12 July 2007 at 09:56
ok I have to say that as an in-coming UWI student I am afraid for my life, not for being gay but for having to face such open and brazen intolerance. It makes me wonder what would have happened if someone had expressed different political views or taste in music. What if I, as an Eastern Caribbean person say Soca is better than Reggae?...Will I have 3,000 angry Jamaicans chasing me accross campus?
Jamaicans need to understand that their intolerance of everything different is not doing them any good at all. they are one of the poorest countries in the caribbean with a dollar that is worth nothing. The intolerance and violent ways MUST play into that is some way...think about it. You'd be surprised.
Derrick, i am surprised to see that you are a university student yourself with such ignorant ideals. You mention that gays should remain closetted. If you were in a society that embraced homosexuality could you keep your attraction for women a secret?
What if you accidentally hit on a woman who was lesbian...should you be persecuted by 3,000 people for it?
Posted by: Voice of Reason | 26 May 2008 at 06:49