Petrelis Files

Gay Jamaican Questions Boycott Opponents;
So Does Sapphocrat Blog

Over the past few days, I've corresponded with a gay Jamaican who gave me permission to use his emails here, as long as I didn't reveal his name or addy. He raises many interesting concerns about the complex problems facing LGBT Jamaicans, while supporting the boycott and pushing JFLAG to be more assertive about changing the situation.

As if it weren't enough to trade emails, this gay Jamaican called today to chat. What a pleasure to hear this young man's voice express a strong desire for JFLAG to take action, something more than just trying to stop the boycott. His is not the only voice asking for more leadership from JFLAG.

Check this out from the Lavender Liberal blogger Sapphocrat, posted yesterday:

And while we’re “tolerating” the violence, and what passes for Jamaican “law enforcement” that not only turns a blind eye but actively encourages (and often participates in) that violence, what does anyone — including JFLAG — suggest be done to stop the madness?

Certainly count me in the crowd with Sapphocrat who would like to know what JFLAG wants to do about the violence. It's not enough for JFLAG to put energy into opposing the boycott, while offering no alternative plans.

Here is the message from the gay Jamaican, who chooses to remain unnamed at this point:

I am an artist, who happens to be homosexual, born and raised, and living in Jamaica. For quite some time, I have heard calls for a boycott of Jamaican products, etc., and in my reading this morning, I came upon your website.

The state of affairs in Jamaica concerning GLBT citizens and their rights is a dire one, as you know. However, in some spheres of society (particularly the upper classes), one's real or perceived orientation is often considered inconsequential, particularly among artists.

The major problem really lies with the more disadvantaged Jamaicans; those who have not been very exposed to individuals who are gay or lesbian, who have fundamentalist Christian beliefs, and who have not necessarily had access to structured, formal education.

The responses of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Orett Bruce Golding, in last May's BBC HardTalk interview were a personal attack to me, and many other GLBT Jamaicans who desire to see change in our country; the kind of change that affords us the basic freedoms of self-expression that our heterosexual counterparts often take for granted. He refuses to take on the issue, as many political analysts have referred to the tackling of this issue as "political suicide" for quite some time now.

The Bruce Golding administration is unlikely to tackle this issue any time soon, considering the fact that this is the first time in 18 or so years, that the monopoly of the People's National Party (PNP) has been broken by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Our politicians are now certainly more concerned with securing another victory in the next elections, than being seen as a party promoting social and moral decay. The country desperately needs politicians who will use their power and influence to advocate for the equitable treatment of all Jamaicans, and not just mainstream, heterosexuals.

Concerning your boycott of Myers Rum and Red Stripe Beer, whereas I may understand Gareth Henry and Jason MacFarlane's views, they are incorrect in their assessment.

JFLAG is not as vocal as it could be (or should be, for that matter). I do understand its disinclination to put faces in the spotlight, but at this pace, it might take another century or more to get anything done in Jamaica. We need action now (which is what you are doing)! JFLAG needs a swift kick in its behind! :)

Admittedly, Red Stripe and Diageo have a high rating with regards to their policies, etc., but if they feel the pinch of the boycott, then perhaps they can attempt to do more. I believe that in an attempt to restore confidence in their brand, they will possibly be forced to put more pressure on the government and other corporate partners to do more.

It is painful for me to see the economy that has been decimated by the PNP tyranny fall into further despair, but the truth is that the pain I feel when an attack is made on me personally by schoolmates, the society at large and, even more so, the government that is supposed to protect the rights and freedoms of all individuals, is even greater.

I would urge you to take your fight on an even larger scale. The endorsement of one Australian politician is not enough; the encouragement of a boycott by American citizens is certainly not enough. For this strategy to be most effective, a boycott would have to be made of Jamaican dancehall artistes and other performers who use their medium to promote violence; the food; the Jamaican brand, particularly the tourism product (you can use your imagination for other ways to increase the effectiveness of your campaign), by many, many more countries.

Jamaica was once a leader in the Caribbean; many of the other territories looked to Jamaica for inspiration and direction with their own policies, etc. Now, Jamaica is more or less at the bottom of the food chain. Other Caribbean territories have been making much more progress. I am particularly impressed and encouraged by the work of Ms. Castro in Cuba. [Referencing Castro's pro-gay niece.]

I wish you the strength, courage, and resolve that you will need in this battle to help GLBT Jamaicans be established as worthwhile citizens in a country in which we give so much of ourselves with very little in return. The battle will be long, and hard; but victory is ours for the taking if we use the right strategies. This is not a war of centuries ago with swords being brandished on a large battlefield; it is one of might and will. The army in Jamaica has suffered many losses; but you, and other well-thinking individuals like yourself are our reinforcements, and we need you more than you may realize. Godspeed...