Andrea (left) with friend
This is a guest post by Andrea Dwyer. Contact info below the post.
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Many of the privileges and rights I have as a naturalised U.S citizen, are unfortunately not afforded to my LGBTQ brothers and sisters around the world, such as in my home country, Jamaica. I love my country. She represents belonging and freedom to me. I want to go home but the truth is it scares me somewhat. I’m keeping distance because of the state of Jamaica’s “proud” and violent disdain of homosexuals.
The few times I’ve visited in recent years, and happy as my trips in many ways are, I’ve also had exasperating experiences. For instance, while buying groceries at a market in Kingston, I was accosted by a young man for ignoring his sexual advances. He bitterly yelled, “Sodomite!” in an attempt to embarrass me. On another occasion, while enjoying the company of friends at a hip sports bar in Montego Bay, the topic of lesbianism came up. After hearing reasons why women were gay such as, “They just haven’t had sex with the right man” I said “I’m a lesbian and you’re making no sense right now.”
Yet I have the tools to cope with such comments so they don’t get under my skin, and also I know visiting Jamaica, as an “American tourist” isn’t quite the same experience as living LGBTQ reality day to day.
Back in 2006 Time magazine pinned Jamaica as the most homophobic place on earth. In August of this year an alleged gay man was stabbed to death and his house set ablaze as his lifeless body burned inside. Only a few days prior, a murder mob attacked what (they perceived to be) two gay men. I was crestfallen when a young gender nonconforming youth was murdered by the streets I safely roamed as a young girl.
Strict homophobic laws and old-fashioned religious views contribute to the intolerance. Sodom and Gomorrah and the fire and brimstone story (18,19 Genesis) in the Bible are often cited when opposing homosexuality. Not only are the Jamaican church and law in opposition of LGBTQ equality but also popular reggae dancehall is sometimes laced with homophobic lyrics. Buju Banton’s “Boom Bye Bye”, describes, among other things, wanting to burn homosexuals like “an old tire wheel.”
It’s imperative that our president, Portia Simpson Miller, and her cabinet take action towards changing the harsh climate for the vulnerable community in Jamaica following the lead of more progressive states such as the US. Only if the laws change will the minds and hearts of Jamaicans too open to change.
I will never forget my beautiful Jamaica. I had the liberating experience of growing up there. As an adventurous and curious tomboy I spent many days climbing trees, hunting birds, and picking fruits. I grew up surrounded by family and although my homosexuality isn’t always understood my family continues to love and support me.
Jamaica, I thank you for all you’ve given me. But I look forward to a day when I don’t need to thank you from a distance. Until then, and despite the love you evoke in me, I now call America home.
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Ms. Dwyer, the author of this post, was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s a freelance writer who’s passionate about equality in the LGBTQ community particularly as it relates to people of the African Diaspora. If you would like to reach her email her at vidadwyer@yahoo.com.
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Beautifully written by a dear friend of mine. Proud to support her and her quest in equality in her home country. The world is evolving, slowly but surely, and my hopes that Jamaica will follow suit are high. Good job D
Nicely put…
My heart is deeply touched and my spirit moved by these words. As a lesbian woman making her way out the closet in a confused n disgruntled South Africa, I applaud such women who dare to stand up and say, “Let me be. Your hatred is misplaced” that is what your words have said to me, Ms. D,
stay blessed xxx
This topic of homophobia in Jamaica has been the subject of my reads for like 4 years now; you should check out Stayceyann Chin "Jamaican in New York." Well written.
Davida Dwyer i should add that i haven't been reading about homophobia in Jamaica for a research topic or anything. I discovered Staceyann M Chin poetry back in 07 or 08 and since then I have been reading everything printed with her name next to it; she writes and talks a lot about homophobia in Jamaica. Her memoir "the other side of paradise" talks about how she was raped by a group of boys shortly after coming out on a college campus. I think my profile has some video of her when she came to Atlanta during the Auburn library's literary festival. Take a look at her on YouTube; she was interviewed by Oprah:_
Jessica Spencer Staceyann Chin is one of my heros. I religiously follow her work (written form, her Def Jam poetry etc). I especially found "The Other Side of Paradise" insightful and heartbreaking at points. We all can help bring awareness to this very important issue. Much love.
Love love love!
@ Akhumo. Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I’m well aware of the struggles you face being out lesbian in South Africa. I applaud your courage for being out in such a harsh environment. Take courage my friend and dare to be different, dare to be yourself. Your sister. Ms. D
P.S You have such a beautiful name, I love it!
Ms D. I must say, the name Akhumo was one I dreamt when i was younger and thought myself a writer and poet/ performer. But thank you for the compliment, I’ve since held on to it as my “alter ego”
Aww much love to you too Davida Dwyer!! Love it when people our ages are stirred by a conviction rather than gossip. One of my favorite speeches from Staceyann M Chin is where she compares the white black mistreatment in the ameican south to the femisnt restraints in the workplace, misunderstandings of bold women in new York, Jamaican homophobia, united nations crimes in Africa, etc. And she ends the speech with "All oppression is connected you dick!!"
My cuz so proud of you, to call you family. i myself being from that environment totally understand where you are coming from and also hope/pray that this intolerance and ignorance can be changed. I worry for you and others but pray that the road will get easier. Much love and prayers cuz , I am so proud of you!
@ Jessica Spencer. I apologize for my delayed response. The older I get, the more vocal I become about speaking my truth (good and bad). My story is a small part of a larger story. It’s crucial that conscious efforts are made toward speaking out and protesting against the injustices we face. I’m inspired by courageous souls such as Maurice Tomlinson, Diana King, Stacy Ann Chin, and Javed Jaghai, to name a few. Ms. Chin is spot on in her statement that “all oppression is connected”. Check out the links I’ve made available as it pertains to this issue.
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=204550149
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RznaKL7n1Ss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7TzSnWpyhU
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/05/diana-king-comes-out-jama_n_1652189.html
Joan Case-roye. My beloved cuz your kind words are appreciated! You have unconditionally loved and supported me over the years. Some family members have voiced their opposing views but I stand firmly in my truth. Much love to you as well and I hope to see you in the near future.
very beautiful article, thank you for sharing!