Jamaican Gay Activist Brutally Murdered in Kingston

A man who belonged to Jamaica's sole gay rights organizations was found viciously stabbed to death in Kingston on Friday. The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) demands a full police investigation, reports the AP.

"The body of the 26-year-old man was discovered Friday behind an insurance company building. Dane Lewis, [J-FLAG's] advocacy director, said the victim's name could not be released because his relatives had not been notified of his slaying. In a statement, the advocacy group mourned the slain man and called for a full investigation by Jamaican security forces. 'While the reason behind his death is not yet known, allegations are that his life had been under threat for some time,' the organization said. Police did not immediately return calls Sunday seeking information on the investigation into the killing."

More but conflicting information at the online edition of the Jamaica Gleaner, which reports "the body of a reported cross dresser ... was discovered behind the National Solid Life and General Insurance Branch Limited on Half-Way-Tree Road. [J-FLAG] says the man was a member of the gay community whose life had been under threat."

J-FLAG's press announcement does not say the victim was transgender or was discovered wearing women's clothing. More likely, the "reported cross dresser" description was some bigoted editorial license ...

There are escalating numbers of violence against LGBTs in Jamaica, described as "by far the most hostile island toward homosexuals in the already conservative Caribbean." The most horrific recent incidents include anti-gay mob violence. In February 2008,  a mob of up to 20 men attacked the home of four gay men in Mandeville—three were seriously injured and one was killed. And in February 2007, an angry and bloodthirsty homophobic mob of more than 2,000 chased and stoned three young gay men in Kingston. The police who were called to the scene saved the gay men from their would-be killers ... but also beat them and hurled insults.

(Kingston police image via)

Did You Read? ...
Gay Jamaican Cop Seeks Asylum in Canada
JA Gay Activist Attacked by Mob Seeks Asylum
JA Mob Attacks Two Gay Men
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays  
"One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?"
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws
"Gay Panic" Defense in Brutal Slaying
Who Killed Ambassador Peter King?
"Gay Panic" in Killing of Popular Priest
"Flaunting Sexual Preference May Incite Violence"

Comments

[derrick from Philly]

What a horrible event to happen to someone who had to be very brave.

Yesterday afternoon I got verbally gay-bashed for the first in about 8 years. This big fool called me a "faggot" ( I think he saw me admiring this cute Latino guy). I called him "a big faggot"--but I don't think he heard me. It was nothing compared to what gay folks face in places like Jamaica, but I hadn't experienced that kind of anti-gay hatred in a while. And obviously, it takes real courage to be gay or transgender in Jamaica....much more courage than trading insults with some ignorant fool on the streets of Downtown Philadelphia.

[CAISO]

Hey Rod - Jamaican gay blogs are also carrying reports on this: http://glbtqjamaica.blogspot.com/2010/12/another-murder-where-will-it-end.html. And the Jamaica Star, a tabloid, also reported the crossdressing details, with a name: http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20101204/news/news3.html

[MW09]

This is such an atrocious crime! The criminals will probably receive little to no hard time...SMH. May this incredible man rest in peace. He was braver and more of a man than his murderers could ever be!!

[John from London]

Please consider donating a few £/$ to J-Flag. They're an amazing organisation. I sent them some money a few years ago - it was the first donation they'd received in 2 years. To my shame, I haven't donated since. I will do when next I get paid. These guys are right up against it in a way we can't even imagine. A few dollars goes a long way in Jamaica and you can help Jamaican LGBT people. One Love. http://www.jflag.org/donate/