On the same day that the San Francisco Chronicle publishes an interview with Buju Banton where the notoriously homophobic reggae star defends his rants with crocodile tears—"we have been blacklisted," he cries—Jamaica's leading gay activist is interviewed in another publication and recalls the horrors of being openly gay in his homeland.
“Jamaica is not a safe environment for gay people to survive in, either physically, emotionally, or psychologically.” Gareth Williams, the leader of the Jamaican Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays (J-FLAG), speaks to Doug Ireland and Gay City News in an extensive interview. "Williams"—actually "a pseudonym he must use for his safety"—candidly speaks about the rampant homophobic violence that has scarred the nation, including that of his good friends Steve Harvey and Brian Williamson, the former J-FLAG president.
The irony, of course, is that the picturesque island nation has long promoted itself as "one love"—even though the country's leading cultural exports, reggae and dancehall, are also puctuated by violent, homophobic imagery. "The climate here is very, very hostile to gay people. We have been hunted and beaten and killed because of who we are,” Williams added. “Families turn against their own members because of sexual orientation."
Staceyann Chin agrees. The Jamaican-born, lesbian performance artist tells Keith Boykin and the Chronicle that homophobia forced her to emigrate to America. Rape, murder, poverty and HIV are every day facts of life in Jamaica. It's "more than a culture of violence," Chin says. "There's a culture of confrontation."
Jamaica, Island of Hate (Gay City News via Blabbeando)
Reggae Star as Lightning Rod (SF Chronicle via Jasmyne)
Staceyann Chin's Redemption Song (Keith Boykin)
Previously:
"One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?" (Rod 2.0) “If You’ve Really Changed, Then Just Say It” (J Cannick) Buju Banton Concert Cancelled (Club Rimshot) Buju Banton Busted By The Bay (Keith Boykin) Jamaican AIDS Activist Murdered (Blabbeando) Homophobia "Greatest Hurdle" in Jamaica (Rod 2.0) Justice, Jamaican Style (Rod 2.0) Jamaica Urges One Love (Rod 2.0) LIFEbeat Latest (Rod 2.0) The Most Homophobic Place on Earth? (Rod 2.0) Buju Banton Pro/Con (Rod 2.0) Beenie Man and Buju Banton Cancelled (Rod 2.0)
We know that slavery and racism has something to do with the fucked-up anti-gay, misogynistic mentality of many people of color--not just Jamaicans. But can we never get them to realize that it is un-African to be such sexual hypocrites?
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 06 October 2006 at 15:36
Wow, two papers, two totally diferent takes on homophobia in Jamaica.
Posted by: daniel Torino | 06 October 2006 at 15:39
Despite being shut-out in SF, the homophobe performed here in LA
Posted by: DFS | 06 October 2006 at 17:40
We can only hope and pray that conditions improve in Jamaica for our brothers and sisters, straight and gay. As Americans, sometimes we become preoccupied with our own land, but we should never forget that gays and lesbians are killeed in the Carribbean daily. Without remorse.
Posted by: David L.R. | 06 October 2006 at 19:44
I've been a lurker for some months now and am only beginning to comment. My family is from Barbados and I really appreciate your interest in Carribean gay men. Many of the American black gay activist tend to focus on the music and performers here in the states. But you seemcontent to quietly advocate for the safety and well-being of the residents.
Keep up the good work. It's nowonder you were nominate dand won Best LGBT Blog.
Posted by: Trevor St. John | 06 October 2006 at 20:35
The entire Afro-Caribbean culture is peppered with homophobia. It's used as a tool to demonstrate masculinity and "being a man." You see the same type of bravado in the inner cities. Fortunately, while honophobia may be somewhat accepted in this countey, killing people for their sexuality usually is not, even if the projects and such. Or not?
Posted by: Alan | 06 October 2006 at 23:40
Yes it's true that Jamaica got Rape, murder and proverty problem's, but please tell me where the world can you find a society without these pars.
As a matter of fact, it's the same homo's who are causing the growing AIDS problem, it's the same Homo's raping boy child's, it's the same homo's degrading our culture and religions with there lifestyle.
It's not homophobic, we are just pretecting what left of our pride, culture and sanity
Posted by: Damion Williams | 30 January 2008 at 18:27