"The Faces Of Bravery..."

LGBT Jamaicans Stand Against Violence

Jamaica's National Anti-Discrimination Alliance

Recently we asked what Jamaica activists were doing to protest against the recent, mobbing and murders, and crimes against LGBT Jamaicans. As it turns out, they were planning to take their own stand, and we  witnessed it on September 10, 2013, outside the gates of Devon House.

The Jamaican LGBT Community and their allies turned out, in the rain to take a stand against the violence they face. It was definitely a powerful statement regardless of the small number (12) who turned out. Present were notable Jamaican LGBT advocate, Maurice Tomlinson as well as representatives from Quality of Citizenship Jamaica's own Angeline Jackson and Jalna Broderick.

Coverage of the stand was done by local television network, CVMTV as well as BBC and CCTV of China.

The stand was organized by Quality of Citizenship Jamaica, and titled "Even in Private..." Here is their statement released for the event.

STATEMENT:

LGBT people are told to keep their orientation private and to practice their lifestyle responsibly. There are lies being perpetrated that the LGBT community is not at a greater risk for violence; when in actuality, heterosexuals are not targeted because they didn't practice their sexuality responsibly (Jamaican Government lies about the truth). The few safe spaces that LGBT people can find including their homes where they
can exercise their freedom of expression is under constant threat, for even in our private spaces we are
not safe.

In August there were six reported incidents of anti-gay violence and while we took one step forward with a statement of condemnation on the killing of Dwayne Jones from the Minister of Justice we took eight steps back including statements that reduced the humanity of LGBT people.

Please join QCJ on Tuesday, September 10th @ 5:30 pm as we call for the respect, and recognition of
the fundamental human rights of LGBT Jamaicans by their Government and fellow Jamaicans.

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This information is sent to you courtesy of Jamaican LGBT News, a project sponsored by the National
Anti-Discrimination Alliance.

Photos of the event: What We Are Doing For Ourselves

For more information contact:
LGBT Department
National Anti-Discrimination Alliance
Email: lgbt@nadaworld.org
YouTube – LGBT News Now
Facebook Page – LGBT News Now

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"Fear Eats the Soul"