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Asafa Powell on Track for Doha and Reebok Grand Prix

Good news for fans of Jamaican track and field. Despite having problems in the Penn Relays last weekend, Olympic gold medalist Asafa Powell will compete in the next two big track and field circuit events.

The Jamaican Observer reports Powell will honor his commitment to the Qatar Super Grand Prix in Doha on May 8. Powell has also signed on to the Reebok Grand Prix May 30 in New York City: "This follows the former World 100m recordholder limping off the track after anchoring the Jamaica men's 4x100m relay team at the 115th Penn Relays last Saturday. Paul Doyle, Powell's agent, played down the injury, after the big sprinter jogged to the finish line in obvious discomfort."

The Jamaican track star, well known for his bulging muscles on the track, anchored the Jamaican 4x100m relay team to a world record 37.10 seconds in Beijing.

WHEN YOU JUMP, watch Asafa Powell and the Jamaican team win the gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

LaShawn Merritt and Team USA Sweep the Penn Relays

My, what an impressive baton you have there. Shawn Crawford on the left and Darvis Patton on the right, both looking mighty fit, at the Penn Relays. Many of the nation's—and the world's—best track and field athletes were at the 115the Penn  Relays at the University of Pennsylvania over the weekend.

USA swept the men’s and women’s 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relays, going a long ways toward erasing the embarrassment and disappointment of the Beijing Olympics where both teams dropped the baton.

JUMP for complete coverage and more bulging track photos.

Jamaica Gleaner: Homophobia Prevents Gays From Treating HIV

At the same time the government of Jamaica debates strengthening its antiquated sodomy laws, the island's largest newspaper reports on some of the effects of these laws. Gay and bisexual men in Jamaica continue to experience difficulty in treating HIV/AIDS because of entrenched homophobia and a law that criminalizes homosexuality, reports the Jamaica Gleaner.

According to a 2008 study commissioned by Jamaica's Ministry of Health and Environment, some 32% of gay and bisexual men are HIV-positive. The survey also found chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were prevalent.  An unnamed peer educator said the gay/bi population often is reluctant to seek out medical treatment for HIV and STDs because of a fear of discrimination and retaliation. "Our main problem is that based on the law, we have problems interacting with each other," the educator says. "There are no safe spaces."

Some of the report's methodology may be suspect—it would be difficult if not impossible to find a large sample of gay men on the island—but the conclusions are on point. Bravo to the Gleaner for publishing the report. The nation's largest newspaper has become more progressive on gay issues and calls for an end to sodomy laws.

Gay Men in Hiding [Gleaner]

Did You Read? ...
Jamaican MP: "Homosexuals are Violent"  [R20]
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
JA Gleaner Applauds Red Stripe's Stand on "Murder Music" [R20]
JA Gays Oppose Boycott Over "Murder Music" [R20]
Church: "Ludicrous" to Condemn Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
JA Gay Activist Attacked by Mob Seeks Asylum [R20]
JA Mob Attacks Two Gay Men [R20]
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays [R20]
Did Jamaican Cops "Rescue" Gays? [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
"Gay Panic" Defense in Brutal Slaying [R20]
Who Killed Ambassador Peter King? [R20]
"Gay Panic" in Killing of Popular Priest [R20]
"Flaunting Sexual Preference May Incite Violence" [R20]

News: Lesbian Prom, Asafa Powell, Gay Adoption, Nick Cannon

· Asafa Powell ready to challenge Usain Bolt and regain title as fastest man in the world.

· Congressman: Army fires 11 soldiers in January for violating "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

· Seventeen-year-old lesbian senior files lawsuit against Indiana high school after principal says she cannot wear a tuxedo to the school’s prom. "The lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis says that the principal told the girl that, while the school’s dress code does not contain gender-based requirements, there is a special dress code for prom that requires female students to wear a formal dress." 

· Governing body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for Kentucky votes to overturn ban on gay ministers, marking "the first time a local presbytery rejected the ban, which has been in place since 1996." Meanwhile, gay adoption ban bill dies in Kentucky senate.

· Nick Cannon to become a father?

· Georgia Senate bill requires HIV testing among prison inmates prior to release.

· Popnography updates the GLAAD Awards: "This morning they announced that Clay Aiken will present entertainment mogul Tyra Banks with the Excellence in Media Award and T.R. Knight will present financial guru Suze Orman with the Vito Russo Award. Talk show host Phil Donahue will also receive a Special Recognition Award.

State Department Criticizes Jamaica and Nigeria for "Widespread" Human Rights Violations of Gays

The notoriously despotic and homophobic regimes of Jamaica and Nigeria are among the countries criticized for violating human rights of gays and lesbians in the U.S. State Department’s annual Human Rights Report.

Jamaica is targeted for turning a blind eye to firebombings and violent mob attacks against gays—such as the infamous Valentine's Day 2007 mob attack seen above. Nigeria is criticized for harsh laws and condemning suspected gays and lesbians. Other perennial human rights abusers—such as Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Poland and Latvia—are also singled out for harassing and abusing gays and lesbians.

The report documents routine human rights abuses of gays in Jamaica "including arbitrary detention, mob attacks, stabbings, harassment of homosexual patients by hospital and prison staff, and targeted shootings of homosexuals. Police often did not investigate such incidents." Many of these abuses— such as gays being beaten, stabbed and shot in mob violence—have been reported on Rod 2.0.

[Gays] suffered attacks on their property, home intrusions as people demanded to know the number of persons and beds in a home, and in one instance, a fire bombing at the home of two men that left one of them with burns on more than 60 percent of his body. In addition homosexuals faced death and arson threats, with some of these directed at the J-FLAG offices. J-FLAG did not publicize its location due to such threats, and its officials reported feeling unsafe having meetings with clients at the organization's office.

In February a mob broke into the home of four presumed homosexual men, killing three of them. The fourth was missing and presumed dead. The men had reported being harassed for their perceived sexual orientation prior to the fatal attack. Police made some inquiries in the case but did not conduct a full investigation or make any arrests by year's end.

Meanwhile in the oil-rich and notoriously corrupt nation of Nigeria: The State Department notes "because of widespread taboos against homosexuality, very few persons were openly homosexual" and criticizes the 12 Islamic states in northern Nigeria that introduced the anti-gay Sharia law that has sentenced gays to death, but, these sentences have never been enforced.

On September 12, local newspapers Nation, Vanguard, PM News and the Sunday Sun published photos, names, and addresses of members of the House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community Church, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered-friendly church in Lagos. Following publication, persons started harassing the 12 members. One woman was attacked by 11 men, while others were threatened, stoned, and beaten. No investigation was initiated by year's end.

There were repeated delays in the trial of 18 men arrested in August 2007 by Bauchi State police and charged with "addressing each other as women and dressing themselves as women," which is illegal under the Shari'a penal code. The men, all in their twenties, also were charged originally with sodomy, but the charges were later changed to "vagrancy" under the Bauchi State Islamic code. All 18 accused remained free on bail at year's end, but no developments occurred in their trial.

Last month the government of Nigeria defended its atrocious human rights record to the United Nations and claimed there are absolutely no gays or lesbians in Africa's most populous nation.

2008 Human Rights Report: Nigeria [USDoS]
2008 Human Rights Report: Jamaica [USDoS]
State Dept Criticizes Serbia, Russia [UK Gay News]

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Some Background ...
Nigerian For. Minister: "No Gays or Lesbians" in Nigeria [R20]
EU Considers Suspending Aid to Nigeria [R20]
Nigerian Legislators Vote to Ban Gay Marriages [R20]
EU: Level of Homophobia in Nigeria "Unacceptable" [R20]
Nigerian Mob Attacks Gay Activist [R20]
Nigerian Lynch Mob Storms Jail [R20]
Nigeria Latest 18 Alleged Gays Face Death Penalty [R20]
Church: "Ludicrous" to Condemn Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
JA Gay Activist Attacked by Mob Seeks Asylum [R20]
JA Mob Attacks Two Gay Men [R20]
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays [R20]
Did Jamaican Cops "Rescue" Gays? [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
"Flaunting Sexual Preference May Incite Violence" [R20]

Jamaican MP: "Homosexuals are Violent" and Should Be Denied Guns

Jamaica's (un)official policy of state-sponsored homophobia continues this week as a member of parliament manages to insult both gays and the police force—claiming "homosexuals are violent" and should be denied firearms, and, the police force was "over run" with gays.

The bizarre rant was delivered this week during a parliamentary debate on new sex offenses legislation. Radio Jamaica reports South West St Ann MP Ernest Smith says he is "very concerned"  that "abusive and violent homosexuals ... have overtaken this country."

"Homosexuals in Jamaica have become so brazen, they've formed themselves into organizations and are abusive, violent and something that the Ministry of National Security must look into is why is it that so many homosexuals are licensed firearm holders. 

The MP also claimed that based on reports he had seen, that there are too many homosexuals in the police force.

"There was a report recently which has never been challenged that our security forces, particularly the Jamaican Constabulary Force, have been overrun by homosexuals ... there was a front page report in one of our daily newspapers, which has never been challenged," said Mr. Smith.

Predictably most of the outrage is in response to the claim about gays on the police force. The chairman of the Police Officers' Association (POA) tells The Gleaner that officers are "infuriated."

The Gleaner's coverage is much more balanced that Radio Jamaica's—the nation's largest newspaper is becoming more progressive on gay issues and calls for an end to sodomy laws—and reports "persons suspected of being gay "have been beaten, stoned and had their homes burnt." The Gleaner also publishes a response from the islands' only LGBT organization.

"This kind of stereotyping from a parliamentarian is inflammatory and highly irresponsible," says Jason McFarlane with the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG). McFarlane says he is concerned the comments will lead to more violence or a witch-hunt on the police forces and :could provide another justification for mindless mobs to attack gays and lesbians on suspicion that they contribute to the country's high level of crime and violence."

As reported extensively on Rod 2.0. the culture of the idyllic island nation of Jamaica is extremely hostile toward gays. Gays on the island could subjected to 10 years imprisonment if caught. Gays have been beaten, stabbed and shot in 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. On Valentine's Day 2007, several Jamaican gay men were attacked by a mob of thousands.

Thanks COLIN!

MP Says Cops are Gays [Radio JA]
Police Incensed Over Gay Slur [Gleaner]

More JAMAICA
More CRIME

Did You Read? ...
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
JA Gleaner Applauds Red Stripe's Stand on "Murder Music" [R20]
JA Gays Oppose Boycott Over "Murder Music" [R20]
Church: "Ludicrous" to Condemn Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
JA Gay Activist Attacked by Mob Seeks Asylum [R20]
JA Mob Attacks Two Gay Men [R20]
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays [R20]
Did Jamaican Cops "Rescue" Gays? [R20]
Bloodlust at UWI [R20]
"One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?" [R20]
"Jamaica, Island of Hate" [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
"Gay Panic" Defense in Brutal Slaying [R20]
Who Killed Ambassador Peter King? [R20]
"Gay Panic" in Killing of Popular Priest [R20]
"Flaunting Sexual Preference May Incite Violence" [R20]

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Free accident claims advice

Olympic Gold Medalist Asafa Powell Soon Bulging in HDTV

Everything looks larger in HDTV. Super talented and super sexy Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell—the former 100m world record holder and Olympic relay gold medalist—will once again prominently bulge on a large screen television near you.

Powell will run a 400m race at the national stadium in Kingston on January 31. Since there has been so much interest in the Jamaican sprinters since their dominance in the Olympics, the American television broadcast and cable networks will be there.

The 400-m was won last year by Usain Bolt, who also went on to break Powell`s record and secure three gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.

Asafa Powell is certainly fit in all the right places ...

 

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International Sports Press Names Usain Bolt "Athlete of the Year"

Sorry for missing this earlier this week but thank Outsports for the heads up. While the American media and much of the country has become completely obsessed around Michael Phelps—including several of the gay blogs—the International Sports Press Association names Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt the Athlete of the Year.

In a poll by the International Sports Press Association, journalists from 96 nations gave Bolt a narrow edge of 1673 points to 1557 over Phelps. Bolt won a three gold medals, setting world records in the 100 meters, 200 and 400 relay to become the star of Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium. In the Water Cube, Phelps was the outstanding star with a history-making eight golds in the pool for the United States.

There is absolutely no question both men are stellar athletes. Phelps' eight gold medal sweep was nothing short of amazing. But it was Usain Bolt who probably was the brightest star in Beijing, who broke every record in front of him, with three gold medals and three world records in sprints. Usain Bolt was a lightning bolt on the field.

Oh and there is always Usain Bolt's post-victory dance.

Oraine Barrett on His "First Time"

Jamaican-born supermodel-to-be and Rod 2.0 fave Oraine Barrett shares his first time in this interview at Beauty Confessional. His first time modeling, that is.

I was only 19 when i started modeling. My brother called me and asked me if i wanted to accompany his girlfriend to a [competition]. I was in shock because I had never thought of doing modeling. I thought was just for wealthy and certain types of people. Me and my brother's girlfriend got into the semi-final where she was eliminated. I ended up winning the competition which is the Male Face of Jamaica and the Male Face of the Caribbean  2004. My manager then brought me to NY where he introduced me to almost all the agencies. After a week of deliberating about which one would best suit me, we decided to go with Major Model Management. The rest is history.

Oraine Barrett recently covered the OUT summer double issue and says if he had a choice of any cover  he "would love to be on Vanity Fair" because it is "seen in almost every country." That's a great ambition because with very rare exception VF covers are very monochromatic.

Oh and for those who don't know and/or haven't heard the story behind Oraine famous facial scar, here is the explanation. It's a very moving story.

Oraine Barrett is represented by Major Models
Photos: Richard Phibbs for Condé Nast Sport and Style

Oraine Barrett Confessions of a Male Supermodel [BC]

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Did You Read ? ...
Oraine Barrett for Phat Premium [R20]
The Hottest Models Come "Out" [R20]
Oraine Barrett Flaunts It [R20]
Oraine Barrett for GMHC's "Fashion Forward" [R20]

Jamaica Gleaner Surveys Gay Rights in Caribbean, Says "Homophobia" Spreads HIV/AIDS

The Jamaica Gleaner, the island's dominant newspaper, publishes a surprisingly even-handed profile on the movement toward recognizing some gay rights across the Caribbean. Unfortunately the op-ed is headlined "Gay Uprising in the Caribbean." Once you ignore these histrionics, the essay is fairly decent.

The newspaper interviews Grenadian sociologist Claude Douglas who argues that the Caribbean's attitude to homosexuality is changing. Douglas makes his case in his new book, Homosexuality in the Caribbean - Crawling Out of the Closet, which examines the rise of this "alternative lifestyle in the region."

The university lecturer argues that there is not a tremendous increase in the number of homosexuals in the Caribbean, but that more people are finding the courage to "come out".

"You had a lot of people in the closet, but today many, many people are coming out and at least affirming their sexuality through organisations and through protest marches."

Douglas's book narrows in on some of the key factors affecting this lifestyle, including religious values and the campaign of the gay-rights movement.

Although the former chair of the Social Sciences Department at the T.A. Marryshow Community College does not believe people like to hear his argument, he envisages in his book that "homosexuality is becoming an alternative and acceptable form of human sexuality in the Caribbean".

The editors survey the progress made toward gay rights across the Caribbean and praise advances in Cuba and Puerto Rico. The cherry on the top are the last paragraphs which describe he difficulty in fighting HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean. Without any editorial commentary, a United Nations health expert is quoted who warns "rampant homophobia in the Caribbean" create "stigma and homophobia [as] obstacles."

The Jamaica Gleaner is slowly making progress. Once known for publishing ridiculously homophobic stories such as "High School Girls Gone Gay", the editorials and op-eds are slowly taking a more progressive tone. In February 2007 an editorial urged the legislature to end restrictions on sodomy and gay rights. In May 2008 the Gleaner applauded Jamaica's Red Stripe brewing brand for taking a corporate stand against so-called  "murder music" by withdrawing sponsorship from the popular "Reggae Sumfest."

The Gay Uprising in the Caribbean [JA Gleaner]

More JAMAICA
More CRIME

Did You Read? ...
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
JA Gleaner Applauds Red Stripe's Stand on "Murder Music" [R20]
JA Leading Newspaper Demands Equal Rights [R20]
iTunes Canada Pulls Anti-Gay "Murder Music" [R20]
Beenie Man and Buju Banton Cancelled [R20]
JA Gays Oppose Boycott Over "Murder Music" [R20]
Church: "Ludicrous" to Condemn Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
JA Gay Activist Attacked by Mob Seeks Asylum [R20]
JA Mob Attacks Two Gay Men [R20]
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays [R20]
Did Jamaican Cops "Rescue" Gays? [R20]