Cody and I recently traveled to Jamaica on one of our cruises. We docked in Montego Bay and hopped on a tour bus for some adventures. We were aware of the disdain for homosexuality prevalent in Jamaica so took necessary steps not to ruffle any feathers, so we did not face the backlash a lot of gays do there.
Jamaica has criminalized homosexuality since 1864 with the "Offences Against the Person Act." The act calls for punishment of up to 10 years for the offence of buggery, or homosexuality. The punishment is hard labor in prison. Needless to say, Jamaica has a long history of LGBTQ discrimination. In 2011, when most countries' views had evolved past the dark ages, Jamaica passed the Charter of
Fundamental Rights and Freedoms outlines protections against discrimination but does not offer those protections to the LGBTQ community.
As recently as 2012, 88 percent of Jamaicans believed homosexuality is immoral and 75 percent did not want the "Offences Against the Person Act" overturned. In 2013, a teenager was brutally murdered for wearing feminine attire to a party. Also between 2009 - 2012, there were 231 reports of violence and discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
In more recent years, it seemed Jamaicans were coming around to the idea of acceptance thanks to the work of J-Flag. In 2015, 15 LGBTQ persons performed a flash mob at Kingston's Emancipation Park known as the first Jamaican Pride Event. In just three short years, Jamaica Pride Week had grown to 1,200 people and the former minister for justice and mayor of Kingston had spoken out publicly in support of J-Flag also known as Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays. You can find more information on J-Flag here: https://www.devex.com/organizations/jamaica-forum-for-lesbians-all-sexuals-and-gays-j-flag-78995
Unfortunately, the 2018 Pride event was the pinnacle of the Jamaican pride movement and things have worsened. 2019 had the highest rate of reported violence against LGBTQ persons at 411, and to this day there is no hope in sight for overturning the "Offences Against the Person Act." J-Flag no longer has its own website and may not be able to continue its crucial work.
The interesting thing is that Jamaica's population is close to that of Arkansas' but even though we face backlash here, it's nothing compared to that in Jamaica. I personally think the interesting thing about it all is that Jamaica touts itself as being laid back and easygoing, but has such a stick up its ass in regard to its LGBTQ community. Everything in Jamaica is not so Eire.
The LGBTQ community has come a long way here in America but everyone in the world is not as fortunate as us. What can we do to help change the minds of the rest of the world while continuing our work at home?
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