LOSING RATIONALITY: HIV AND HOMOSEXUALITY

I had the pleasure of being present at a forum about Rights and Religion at the University of the West Indies recently. I arrived late but I was pleased by not only the large turnout of students, lecturers and other individuals but also by how engaging and vibrant the discussions were. The forum was particularly aimed at LGBT rights and issues. In Jamaica, the topic is generally considered taboo so it would have warmed every Human Rights activist’s heart to see such a response on one of the major universities in the country. 

I was present for the last hour of the two hour session and the discussions ranged from sexual comparisons of incest, pedophilia and bestiality to HIV prevalence amount MSMs to one person’s claim that the gay rights movement in Jamaica could cause a sexual apartheid. Much to the obvious annoyance of the host (and myself I must admit) the questions were answered and the discussions continued. 

Perhaps I arrived too late but while I was present there was one theme that was highlighted throughout the discussions and that is sex. It surprised me how much heterosexuals place so much emphasis on same sex intercourse as if your sexual orientation is determined by who you have sex with. 

The HIV/AIDS argument by the antigay side of the debate bothered me immensely. They proposed the argument that homosexual men should not be tolerated because of the HIV/AIDS rate among men who have sex with men. Many went as far as to mention statistics from UNAIDS and organizations alike to support their claims. It’s interesting how much individuals can alter interpretation of statistics and in some cases ignore other statistics to enhance their points. 

The intention of the HIV statistics presented by these organizations is to provide information about the groups affected by the virus and provide solutions on how to reduce and stop its spread in these groups. For example the HIV preventative methods for young adolescents would be different from the strategies used to tackle the spread among sex workers and men who have sex with men. 

The antigay group used the statistics to argue that gay men should be intolerable and marginalized. I have a huge problem with this. I noted at the forum that in an act to prove their points individuals would become unsympathetic, not only toward homosexuals but unsympathetic in general. To compare homosexuality to pedophilia is degrading and it trivializes the act of pedophilia. Consenting sex between individuals cannot and should not be compared to rape, and yes, I will argue that pedophilia is a form of rape. However, that is ignored when the debate rages on by the anti-gay group. 

That same apathy is given to persons living with HIV.  To say that gay men should not be accepted because there is a high rate of HIV infections within the MSM group is unnecessary, offensive and discriminatory. They are suggesting that to reduce the HIV infection rate, these men should be isolated and their ‘lifestyle’ should be rejected. Since when is an HIV prevention method the intolerance of persons living with HIV? Isn’t that discrimination? Haven’t we passed that stage of thinking over ten years ago? Are we losing our sense of humanity?

The argument sounds rational to them because is supports their fight against homosexuals. Maybe they would see the absurdity of their claims if the noun was to be changed. If I wallowed in ignorance, based on the line of reasoning, I could easily say that women should be marginalized and scorned because they are the group with the highest percentage of HIV infections (this is a fact in the Caribbean). However, I am far too intelligent to know that is not the way to go. I know the ways to reduce HIV infections is by promoting condom usage and safe sex, among other methods. I know the importance of getting tested and knowing your status. Discriminating against those living with the infection is a primitive way of thinking. To reduce the rate of HIV infections among MSM, policies and laws must be put in place to ensure that these men have access to facilities and of course, promote the use of condoms. 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Information provided by Advocates for Youth

What is homosexuality?

Homosexuality is emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to persons of the same sex. The term homosexual has medical roots from the turn of the last century (early 1900s) and most people now prefer the terms gay and lesbian instead.

Is being gay normal?

Homosexuality is perfectly normal. It is a complete package of feelings and relationships that make up a natural and satisfying identity. Homosexuality has existed throughout humanity’s existence. Anthropologists report that lesbians and gay men have been and are a part of every culture. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are part of every socioeconomic class, educational level, and race/ethnicity.

What is bisexuality?

Bisexuality is emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to people whose biological sex is different than and the same as one’s own. Bisexuality is perfectly normal and is a complete package of feelings and relationships that make up a natural and satisfying identity. Bisexuality has existed throughout humanity’s existence and in every culture. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are part of every socioeconomic class, educational level, and race/ethnicity.

Are homosexuality and bisexuality mental illnesses?

Homosexuality and bisexuality are not mental illnesses. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the official listing of psychiatric disorders. In 1975, the American Psychological Association adopted a similar resolution. Position statements of the American Medical Association and the Society for Adolescent Medicine agree with these affirmations regarding sexual orientation. Studies show that people’s sexual orientation has no bearing on their mental health and emotional stability. When forced to remain in the closet about one’s homosexuality or bisexuality, a person may experience depression and other psychological problems; however, these problems stem from a homophobic society and not from sexual orientation.

What is homophobia?

Homophobia is the irrational fear, disgust, or hatred of gays, lesbians, and/or bisexual people, or of homosexual feelings in oneself. It refers to the discomfort one feels with any behavior, belief, or attitude (in self or others) that does not conform to traditional sex role stereotypes. Homophobia exhibits itself in the fear of knowing, befriending, or associating with gays, lesbians, or bisexual people; fear of being perceived as gay or lesbian; and/or fear of stepping out of accepted gender role behavior.

What is heterosexism?

Heterosexism is the assumption that every one is heterosexual. It is a form of oppression* that targets gays, lesbians, and bisexual people. Heterosexism confers rights and privileges to heterosexual people that are denied to gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. This is revealed through personal behaviors (telling ‘faggot’ jokes, putting up graffiti, and/or offering verbal and physical harassment), and discriminatory policies, such as denial of health, retirement, and housing benefits. In addition, mainstream media provide few characterizations of gay, lesbian, or bisexual people, and these few are usually stereotypes.

Do gay men, lesbians, bisexual people, and transgender people have long-lasting relationships?

Yes, a large portion of the GLBT community has a preference for, or is involved in, a longstanding relationship. However, social rejection of homosexuality and of transgender people frequently causes these relationships to be invisible. For example, same sex marriages are currently not recognized in most states, and many benefits for legal spouses are denied to domestic partners.

How many gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are there?

The Kinsey Institute suggested that approximately 10 percent of the population may be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. This would equal approximately 28 million (per the U.S. 2000 census). However, the basis for the percentage is greatly disputed. Gay men, lesbians, and bisexual people are found in all walks of life, among all racial/ethnic groups, and at all socioeconomic levels. In addition, the number of transgender people is greatly disputed and largely unknown. The number is probably higher than experts estimate because the estimates are usually based on the number of people who undergo sexual reassignment surgery, and many transgender people do not pursue this surgery.

When do gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people first know?

People can realize their sexual orientation and gender identity at any point during their lives. Many simply grow up knowing, while some come to understand their identity and orientation later in life (in their teens or 20s, for example). It is important to note that nothing someone encounters in life can ‘make’ one gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transgender. Although events in a person’s life can be catalysts toward self-discovery, sexual experience is not necessary for anyone to understand their sexual orientation. How does a heterosexual male know he is attracted to women before having sexual experience, or a heterosexual woman know that she is attracted to men? They just know. It is the same with gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Similarly, a transgender person does not have to have lived as a gender to know that it is his/her correct gender.

Where do gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people belong in the workplace?

Like straight people, GLBT people belong anywhere that they can use their talents and abilities. Sexual orientation and gender identity have nothing to do with abilities, talents, or job performance. If forced to remain in the closet for fear of job discrimination, a person may experience depression and other psychological problems that could impair his/her ability to work effectively; but it is homophobia and transphobia—not sexual orientation or gender identity—that cause the problem.

Why should people be informed about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues?

Heterosexism and homophobia are the result of ignorance about sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Education about GLBTQ issues can help combat fear and discrimination, enabling gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people to be authentic and not to live a lie of false heterosexuality or gender identity in order to be safe. For GLBTQ youth, who are more likely to experience depression and rejection by friends and/or family, acceptance and understanding can even be a matter of life and death, since the risk of suicide in GLBTQ adolescents is two to three times greater than in their straight counterparts.

What causes homosexuality?

Perhaps a better question is “What determines sexual orientation (i.e., heterosexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality)?” The factors that determine sexual orientation are complex. There is a growing understanding that human beings have a basic sexuality that can be expressed in a variety of relationships: homosexual, bisexual, and heterosexual, categories that are fluid and may overlap. Although the causes are not known, some researchers believe that one’s basic sexual orientation is predisposed at birth. While one’s orientation may not be recognized or acknowledged for many years, once established, it tends not to change.

Aren’t gay and bi men effeminate and lesbian and bi women masculine?

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are as varied in their dress, mannerisms, and lifestyles as are heterosexual people. Despite this diversity, stereotypes persist about the effeminate man or masculine woman. Although some gay people reflect these characteristics, the overwhelming majority of lesbians and gay men do not conform to these stereotypes. At the same time, many effeminate men and masculine women are straight.

Aren’t gay rights laws an attempt to get special privileges?

Gay rights laws are civil rights laws consistent with the belief that all people are entitled to such necessities as employment, housing, and business services without fear of discrimination. Unfortunately, in many states, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can be fired from their jobs and denied housing, credit, or insurance solely because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Therefore, GLBT people need safeguards to prevent the discrimination that would limit or deny them opportunities to live equally with the rest of society.

Do lesbians and gay men want to be the opposite sex?

Although some lesbians and gay men do not conform to expected gender roles, most do not want to change their sex. Do not confuse transgender people with lesbians and gay men

.

What is the difference between sexual preference and sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation is not a choice. Preference implies choice. Being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is sexual orientation. Sexual preference is a term that might apply to a bisexual person who prefers people of a particular biological sex. However, it is important to understand that many bisexual people do not have a sexual preference.

Won’t gay parents make their kids gay?

Research has shown that children of lesbian or gay parents are no more likely to become gay or lesbian than children of heterosexual parents. This simply supports the fact that nothing ‘makes’ a person gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Same-sex couples are just as capable of raising a child as are heterosexual couples.

What do transgender, transsexual, and crossdresser mean? And, are they the same?

First of all, they are not at all the same. To understand these terms, we must first understand the difference between biological sex and gender identity. Biological sex is a physical condition, identified at birth by one’s primary sex characteristics (penis and scrotum for males and vulva, labia, clitoris, and vagina for females). Gender identity is a combination of one’s personal internal recognition of the gender that is one’s own, the degree to which that internal recognition conforms or fails to conform to one’s biological sex, and how one desires to be recognized by others: as male, female, or genderqueer. Transgender, transsexual, and crossdressing people may have any sexual orientation.

• Transgender is an umbrella term referring to people whose gender identity differs from the social expectations for the biological sex identified as theirs at birth (using primary sex characteristics). Since these social expectations include gender roles (feminine women and masculine men), people who do not conform to prescribed gender roles

may be considered part of the transgender community. A transgender person may or may not ever choose to become transsexual.

• Transsexual refers to a person who experiences a mismatch of the body and the brain and sometimes undergoes medical treatment, including hormone therapy and sexual reassignment surgery, to change physical sex to match gender identity.

• Crossdressers (formerly known as transvestites) are people who like to dress in the clothing of the gender identity opposite to that considered socially appropriate to their biological sex. Most crossdressers are content with their own biological sex and gender identity. Most crossdressers do not want to be the other biological sex or to be another gender.

What does it mean to be intersex?

Intersex people (once called hermaphrodites) are people born with ambiguous genitalia or genitalia having characteristics of both sexes. Usually a doctor will immediately perform surgery to assign the infant’s sex, usually removing male characteristics and ‘creating’ a female. Because this surgery is medically unnecessary, advocates today are asking that doctors and parents wait until the child is old enough to self-identify the appropriate biological sex and gender and also old enough to choose whether or not to have the surgery. Some who had surgery as infants later experience conflict with their assigned gender, similar to that experienced by transgender people. They may opt for hormone therapy and surgery to transition to the gender that they should have had. About one in every 2,000 people is intersex.

What does the term ‘queer’ mean?

This word, once a derogatory term for gay men, bisexuals, lesbians, and transgender people, has recently been reclaimed by the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community as a term of pride. However, many have not chosen to reclaim the word and still see it as a derogatory, similar to the terms ‘dyke’ and ‘fag.’

There are only two genders, right?

Traditionally, gender has meant either ‘male’ or ‘female.’ Gender is the collection of behaviors, dress, attitudes, etc., culturally assigned to people according to their biological sex. However, there is really a range of genders, including male and female, but also including genderqueer or gender ambiguous, butch (man or woman), femme (man or woman), transgender (sometimes considered a gender), and many others.

What is pansexuality? What is genderqueer?

The term ‘bisexual’ implies a sexual attraction towards people whose biological sex is different than and the same as one’s own. Since, however, there are more than two genders, some people do not self-identify as bisexual, finding themselves attracted to people across a spectrum of genders. These people have adopted different terms, including pansexual, a term that can also apply to people whose gender is fluid or who consider themselves genderqueer (or genderless).

advocatesforyouth.org/publications/safepace

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Jamaica is (REALLY) homophobic

“I think Jamaica is far more tolerant than the public hype. There is a vibrant community in Jamaca and there isn’t the sort of backlash that some people say. I think we are much more tolerant and accepting… it’s just the hype from some who claim that Jamaica is very anti-homosexual, but the reality is far from that. There are homosexuals who live and work freely in Jamaica… all of those murders that I have investigated have been in relationships and are victims of gay attacks, domestic situations”

Oh really? By now many of us would have heard about the young man who was mobbed by students at the University of Technology, Jamaica (Utech) and beaten by two security guards employed to secure institution. The individual was said to have been caught in a compromising position with another male. The other fled leaving him to face the wrath that later met him. Students chanting “kill the battyboy” (batty boy is a derogatory term used to call homosexuals in Jamaica) were heard throughout the video.

Let me state clearly that this didn't happen because they were having sex. I refuse to believe that Jamaicans can be so self-righteous to have lashed out in such a way because they believe that having sex in a public place is wrong, if these were individuals from opposite sex, which happens so very often, they would not have met the same fate, to the contrary they would have been encouraged and the man would be praised. The boy was beaten because he is a homosexual (allegedly). Jamaica has a serious problem. We are (REALLY) homophobic.

Firstly let's address the delusional notion that Jamaica is not homophobic. The quotations above are from former assistant commissioner Les Green, who reported that Jamaica is far more tolerant than the homosexual community tend to perpetuate. This is the argument that has been used by politicians and religious leaders who are so consistent in ignoring the issues of these JAMAICANS, (yes, we seem to forget that homosexuals are JAMAICAN, they are your friends, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, politicians, pastors and CHILDREN). They continue to spread the belief that Jamaicans aren’t homophobic, turning a blind eye to gay murders, mobbing and abuse. Oh look, none of our politicians or religious leaders have spoken in condemnation of the students and security guards. What does this say? One person suggests that politician don’t want to put their political careers in jeopardy. Cowards! Keep quiet, silence in consent. In this case, silence is approval. Cowards shouldn’t be leaders. Where are our holy Christians? Homosexuals are an abomination in the bible so they should be beaten eh? Are the offenders justified? I’m sure the Bible speaks many of abominations such as violence but of course, we live in a very selectively Christian society, so who cares about gays. Persons in high positions who continue to keep silent about addressing the human rights of homosexuals are just as guilty of those who beat, mob, murder and bully gays.

 Get rid of the illusion, this doesn’t happen only at Utech. A similar incident happened on the campus of the University of the West Indies in 2006 (the man was protected by the security guard however). There is a lot of evidence of homophobia on UWI Mona campus. Take it from someone who is called “batty boy” on a daily basis and is greeted with death threats ever so often on the school campus. Tolerance does not only mean refraining from physical violence.

Speaking of abuse, I was humbled by the large cry in opposition to the mobbing. But then I realized, no, we are too blind. We don’t realize that we are the ones who breed this culture of barbarism. We hear it in the music daily “batty boy fi dead” and we come out and preach how much we will fight out the demons of homosexuality. If we praise the death of gays, what do you expect? There are persons who say that the boy was handled appropriately because he’s corrupting the Jamaican culture “dat nuh right”. Jamaicans teach that this is how people who do things that are seen as ‘out of the norm’, should be treated. We are nursing a generation of barbarians. Hear the hatred of the UNIVERSITY students in the video, listen to how it amused them that this boy was being slapped, punched and kicked. We have a serious problem.

And to those who say “him call it down pan himself”, those who say that he put himself in the position to be beaten are no better. This is the same line of reasoning that suggests that it’s the girl’s fault for being raped because she dressed too provocatively. Or a more personal example, it’s the boy’s fault for being bullied because he falls outside of the societal construct of masculinity. If we continue to excuse vulgar behavior by blaming the victim, how do we expect to get change?

Even the most intelligent and learned individuals aren't so smart. I saw a comment from PHD student at UWI who suggests getting rid of the buggery law and accepting homosexuals will lead to young boys being molested. On that line of thinking, aren't heterosexuals the ones molesting young girls? Perhaps we should ban heterosexuality. There is a big difference: homosexuality, heterosexuality and paedophilia.

It’s so intriguing though, that Jamaicans, especially straight Jamaican men, place so much emphasis on homosexuals. Why? Explain to me. The security guards have lost their jobs and have been jailed because of what? A boy supposedly shares a different sexual orientation from him.

What is Homosexual lifestyle? That is an illusion. Gays live the same lives and have the same concerns and issues as straight people. The only difference is that they are attracted to the same sex, similar to persons who share different political and religious backgrounds. But even there we meet a problem. We don't accept and appreciate diversity, and that is a big problem.  WITH INDIVIDUALITY, COMES DIFFERENCE. We all cant be the same.

Jamaica has a serious problem. 

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Am I or Am I Not?

This is a question many adolescents find themselves pondering on. Some may never admit it while others beat themselves into denial. In a society like ours, the mere idea of confusion may lead to them being social outcast or introduced to hate. We are not taught about the hormonal changes young teenagers experience, which allows them to be confused about their sexuality, and being indoctrinated into believing that all beings are by default, heterosexuals, one can imagine the heights of frustration and disgust one feels knowing that he’s having abominable feelings, sensations that are beyond his control. 

Picture taken from http://bit.ly/ieG2kp

The importance of having someone to talk to during this phase in their lives cannot be more emphasised. It’s a necessity. Understandably going through a period where you’re uncertain of what you are can take a toll on a person, mentally and emotionally. It’s even more intense not having anyone to speak to about what you’re going through. It becomes even more depressing when you find a confidante and it’s someone whose mind is closed, someone who ridicules you first then sends you to church afterwards or someone who just doesn’t understand and tells their friends, who also don’t understand. Let us understand and seek to help, let us embrace diversity and to accept individuals for who they are.

Picture taken from http://bit.ly/MAzup0

Reflecting on the title of this blog, if you are then you are. You should appreciate and accept it. Constant denial may lead to you hurting yourself and others around you. If you have these feelings now, chances are, they will never change. Beyond popular belief, humans are not heterosexuals by default, we only live in a society that chooses to believe that. We are all born with the innate trait of attraction, who we are attracted to is beyond our control. So never blame yourself.

 Heres a site that gives more information on teenagers experiencing sexual confusions, have a read. http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/sexual_orientation.html#

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Bullying in High Schools, My Story...

Last year I wrote an article about my experiences with bullying in high school in the online magazine I write for, Teen Spirit eZine. It's sparked a lot of interest from a number of interest groups, I was invited to speak at a conference initiated by Jflag and the British Commission. At the end of it I felt satisfied that I had spoken about what was happening. This is a situation that not many persons are brave enough to speak about. A number of persons came up to me and thanked me for highlighting the matter. I felt content. So i've decided to publish it on my blog for all to see. Feel free to share.

I wondered how I wanted the message to be delivered and what emotions I should appeal to. I asked myself, at the end of this do I want my audience to feel angry, to sympathize with me, to feel guilt or should I end on a note that will allow them to feel content. Then I realized that my story is what it is and it cannot be changed, what you take from this and how you feel at the end of my speech will tell you what side you are on.

More attention has been placed on bullying and its harsh consequences. Many victims of bullying have committed suicide, dropped out of school performed poorly academically and far too many of us have been emotionally and physically scarred. I say “us” because I too was a victim bullying and I still am.

Thankfully, there are now hundreds of campaigns to help stop bullying and celebrities and public figures have endorsed many of them. Sadly there aren’t any such campaigns here. As a result many students who are or perceived to be gay, lesbian or not as masculine or feminine as society says they should be, are routinely bullied.

To be honest, I’m not the most masculine person. My strange gender behaviour and expression were being highlighted since primary school. I was teased a lot at an age where words hurt the most. Being called a sissy and ‘gyal [girl] boy’ or mantu at age 10 isnt the best feeling.

I was fortunate to have friends to help get me through those moments. It was from a very young age that I realized how important friends are in a person’s life.

Eventually, like always, the teasing died down as my schoolmates became more familiar with me but there were always a few individuals who deemed it their responsibility to revive the teasing.

When I left for high school I promised myself that I won’t let what happened in primary school reoccur. For the first few months I tried my best to be “manly”. It didn’t work.

I had an extremely hard time. I realized that despite my efforts, changing who you are and have been for thirteen years overnight is impossible. Two months after starting high school the teasing started again. I handled it like I usually do. I stayed by myself to wallow in self-pity then get over it. It got worse in Grade 8 when the older students noticed that I’m “different”.

My grades fell drastically. I was a true truant --- skipping classes and skipping school.

I knew what I was doing was wrong but I didn’t want to be in the hostile environment that, at the time, Thought I had created for myself.

I blamed myself for the situation I was in. I used to pray and beg God to change who I am.

Most mornings, I got up to go to school and just stayed in bed and cried.

I tried changing myself again. I paid close attention to the guys who were teasing me.  I looked at how they dressed, how they talked, how they did their hair. I endeavored to emulate them. I wanted to belong. So I bleached my face, started wearing tight pants, curled my hair and dyed it jet black, because that’s how the popular boys carried themselves. I also started disrespecting my teachers and getting suspensions every week.

Jamaica’s lackluster involvement in the fight against bullying is even reflected in formal institutions. For years while in high school I reported the problems I was having, there was never any affirmative action. It was when I was in grade 11, my final year, that the school finally did something. This was after I was almost attacked on the street by a group of schoolmates, this is after I learned that students were taking knives to school to “have fun” with me.

 When will we learn? When will our cries be heard? How many teenagers need to kill themselves before action is taken?

Who should we blame? Should we blame society for the unusual culture they’ve embraced? Should we blame the parents who would beat the “the gyal” out of their son? Should I blame the teacher who same me then turned to his colleague and said “a fish dat enuh” Should we blame the church? orr should we blame the two political parties who have cowardly refused to take action at the real matter at hand? Perhaps they all have a hand in this.

But one thing I do know. The victims should not be blamed or traumatized for the intolerance and ignorance of others.

At the end of grade 8 I had an epiphany. I realized I couldn’t allow negativity to steer me in the wrong way. I am who I am and who I am, is who I am. I have friends who support and accept me for me, I have a loving family who loves me for who I am, that’s all that matters. However, I also know of the vast majority of students who are like me but do not have such support or are too scared to find out if their families and friends would support them.

I never once said I was going to take my life or harm myself, but I am just one person.

To those who are being bullied I would say to them, it gets better. There’s bad, but don’t forget that there are good people in the world as well and they are the ones who you should focus on, even if it’s just one. It does get better, but don’t be naïve it doesn’t go away completely.

I will forever be thankful for the teachers I had, they proved to me that being a teacher is far more than just writing on the board. I have taken my past and it has made my future very clear. I want to be a teacher, I want to be a motivational speaker, I want to be able to do what i’m doing now, II want to be that person to help others and let them know that I’ve been through it and to tell them that self worth is the only requirement, IT GETS BETTER. 

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Coming Out To my Mom

SEE HOW UNU MIX UP!

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Who wants to be Kartel's Punching Bag....I mean Teacher's Pet

The self titled Dancehall Hero and controversial musician Vybes Kartel is once again in the spotlight! But not for bad like a business partner breaking from him then talking a bag of things about him, or the total destruction of the Portmore Empire or even his fading skin or...... weave. No he's getting all this attention due to the fact that he's about to embark on a mission that no other Jamaican figure has done - creating his own reality series.

AS the promotion video says move over Flavor Flave! Di Teacha will start the filming for his dating show in a couple of weeks. The LIME sponsored Jay Will Productions will mainly focuse on Kartel finding the girl of his dreams, the ying to his yang, the curry to his goat, his....Teacher's Pet? Yep, the dancehall mastermind is really serious about this one as you can see in the clip below.

Kudos for Kartel, i'm really happy for him and wish him luck on his journey for "love" and trust me, i will be watching. But what i'm more interested in is who will be willing to be Kartel #1, who would be willing to put up with his attitude, his crap, his abuse. More importantly which girl would want a man who she could share weaves with :D.

I'm sure we all remember the tales of Gaza Kim who warned women about him. Gaza Kim was Kartel's protege, She told her heartrending story of how Kartel ordered his disciples to beat her, which they did, brutally. Leaving her on the grounds outside of Kartel's studio. And to make matters worse, he (kartel) walked pass her lying on the ground as if she was some homeless person.

Not to mention how he betrayed Lisa Hype...er. She, like Kim told everyone about her encounter with the "other side" of Kartel. How much he told her that he loved her and would never hurt her, then have her perform oral sex on him only for it to be released. And guess what he did? Kicked her out of the Empire. COLD. He's clearly a dog.

And we know the things he does to the people he calls friends. Ryno who denies that he was beaten, but was confirmed by Kim, said that he was shocked by Kartel's behaviour and that prompted him to leave. Not to mention his most recent backlash coming from his ex-business partner Cory Todd who says Kartel threatened to harm him.

Now my question is, why would anyone pursue such a lifestyle with a man like Kartel, to have you under his leash like a...pet? HA!

Good Luck with that, the sign up information is laid out in the video

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Keep your summer Sizzling!

I know i'm a little late with this being that we're already half way into the summer but still, the summer isnt through as yet!

I decided to list a couple of shows that are worth watching, and that would lift the boredom for some of you a lil bit.

TEEN WOLF: First of all i have to say that i love this show, Kudos to MTV for bringing a series thats not a bore or overly sexual like Skins, which btw has been cancelled. Or something tackling a serious topic like 16 and Pregnant. This is the only MTV series that i think i actually like. Teen Wolf is a supernatural drama series that follows Scott McCall (Tyler Posey), a high school student and social outcast that gets bitten by a werewolf while wandering in the woods. Scott attempts to maintain a normal life, while hiding from everyone his secret life as a werewolf with the exception of his best friend Stiles Stilinski (Dylan O'Brien) who helps him through this change in his life and body and another mysterious werewolf, Derek Hale. Airs Monday nights 9pm/10pm on MTV

State of Georgia: I think most nostalgic Disney Fans would enjoy this show, especially those who loved Thats So Raven. Raven Symone is back in comedy as she stars as an aspiring actress in her latest series State of Georgia. I watched once i'm not sure if i'm a fan of it though. The same comedic and funny personality we loved on Disney is still present 7 years later, so yes, it's funny but idk. Airs Wednesday nights 7pm/8pm on ABC family.

Switched at Birth: This is a drama series that I've grown to love! It's about two girls who were switched at birth only for this to be discovered 18 years later. One of the sister is a sarcastic rebel while the other is blonde beauty, but she's deaf. The show features the struggles endured by both families as they try to deal with as best as possible the situation they're in and the girls learning to understand each other and dealing with living together. Bay, the rebel desperately tries to make her parents "like" her and Daphne tries to cope with living in a new environment and making new friends. Disney patriots? Phil from Phil of the Future plays the brother. Airs Monday nights at 7pm/8pm on ABC.

Degrassi Now or Never: The students at Degrassi are at it again! Degrassi is back for a sizzling summer season which will leave us on our tips! Well according to all the teasers I see on TeenNick. Yes I'm looking forward to this 7 weeks of non-stop new episodes of Degrassi but I'm not getting my hopes up. Ever since Nick Cannon took over at Nicklelodeon Degrassi has been subtle. It's not what we're use to. Anyhow, from the trailers it seems there are gonna be some breakups, heart breaks, fights, Bianca might get raped, drama and....someone might die! Aagain i wont get my hopes up, thats what they did last year and i turned out to be a false alarm. Starts Monday July 18th, new episodes Mondays -Thursdays.

90s Are All That: We've all been begging for Nicklelodeon, Disney and Cartoon Network to bring back some of the shows we grew up watching and after pleading TeenNick finally surrendered. Entertainment Weekly reports that TeenNick (formerly known as The N), has scheduled a two-hour block from midnight to 2 AM called The ’90s Are All That, which will air shows like Rugrats, Kenan  and Kel, Pete and Pete, The Amanda Show, All That, and Clarissa. It starts July 25th, make it an event guys, have some friends over, have snacks and just reminisce

In Di Dance: Television Jamaica has done it again, creating a programme that will definitely attract viewership from the competition Come Video Me (CVM). In Di Dance is a programme that encompasses a less aggressive approach of what happens at well, a dance. The 30minute long show is features mainly dancing, providing you with all the latest dance moves and performances from who's who in the Music Industry right now. The hosts are young, stylish and fresh and we're loving it! In Di Dance airs Friday nights at 9:30pm on TVJ.

 Keeping Up With the Ks: I dont care what anyone says, Kim K certainly has the good hole. Her pot of gold created 3 reality shows but they all spawned from Keeping Up with The Kardashians. I wasnt really a fan of this show but i started to watch when Khloe and Lamar ended and I was teased into watching by the clips of the season shown on E. It's entertaining to watch on Sunday nights to see this rich family go about their ways. I love looking at Kim, love Khloe's bitchyness and Kourtney's....... . Anyways, it's a good watch. Airs Sunday nights on E.

Digicel Rising Stars: Season 8 is off to a good start! With a totally new set, new host and new judges this season promises to be a good one! The show starts this Sunday and I will be providing you with the weekly Recaps of the good, the bad and the ugly and you know i dont pretty up stuff so you definitely don't want to miss that!

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Party Promoters: Party Whores, Freaks and Badmine

Being a party promoter seems to be the current "it job" for many individuals, mostly young men. The career path isn't one that parents would encourage their children to pursue nor is it one of the more socially accepted jobs like being a manager or lawyer and such. However it can be very lucrative. Depending on how good a promoter you are and the projects you have, you may make up to 4 million dollars in a month. Just imagine what the bank account for organizers of Dream Weekend is like.

So with all this money comes the luxurious lifestyles, big houses, expensive cars, unnecessary trips abroad and of course, what many men deem to be the highlight of all this wealth - easy access to women. It's a lifetsyle equivalent to basketball players in America or footballers. In Jamaica promoters run the game.

Let me share some of the stories of mass orgies with girls doing...strange things. For example that one girl who was passed around by promoters in the same house. Battery, i think is what they call it. But she enjoyed it. Of Course she was having sex with millionaires. Or so she thought. What about getting pregnant for one? Or as the story goes, lie about getting pregnant for one. Yes it's true. When they say some women are sinister they mean it. it's one thing to lie about the baby's father, but what if there was no baby to begin with?

Smart, it's a story you can run with for 3 months, 4 tops depending on your body type. Thats three months of free food, free clothes, paid "doctor's visits" and....free entry into parties? Yes they do that too. Having sex for party tickets or depending on the vibe of the promoter, perform oral sex. And blackberries too. Many smartphone holders didnt get their phones the smart way so to speak.

Some promoters are so desperate, they even bride females with money for sex, it's usually the ugly fat one who do that though. And the stories told by the women about how freaky some of them are. And the things they do, and want them to do.

Yes the life of a promoter. But badmine is also prevalent. And I've been caught in the middle of the crossfire many times. Promoters from one group asking me for information about promoters from another group. Telling me how one tries hard to tarnish the other. I've been vocal about some of them on Twitter and suffered the consequence of being unfollowed. I dont care though, i'm not the one with a guilty conscience. They even go as far as to bribe me to get information about their counterparts.

K: If you tell me something about that group, i'll tell you which promoter suck P***Y
Me: it's 2011, all promoters do that, even you. So come again

That was a real life convo.

The sad past of these individuals is even more enticing. But i wont go into that.
What you see on the outside is not always true on the inside. :)

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Bar-Raage is here Again!

Event Planning Company Lawless Events headed by CEO Marvin Lawrence, Vice President Fabian O'Hara and PR Sherilla Gordon and Alca Ent headed by well, Alca, are preparing for their 3rd staging of Summer Bar-Raage a part of their biannual event Bar-Raage. And it just keeps getting bigger!

They first started their yearly series in the summer of 2009 at what was Akbar. The night started off pretty rough, up until 10pm they were still setting up the entrance, but that was due to the equipment being used by the Digicel Rising Star show. None the less, for their first major event of that caliber the night was successful. They started a tradition of having a party ending with a stage show, with big names like Matterhorn.

Always trying to outdo themselves, for Winter Bar-Raage 2009 the crew decided to move the event to a bigger venue, Liguanea Club. Being true to the theme White Christmas the crew brought snow and the cold to complete the package, i of course was excited being that i've never experienced snow before. They also took the risk of having an HIV testing booth set up. It was a star studded event that night, I got the opportunity to meet Zj Rush, Tifa and Nikki Z. And the crowd almost doubled that of Summer Bar-Raage.

Summer Bar-Raage 2010 took a different route and was staged at Hope Gardens. Greeted with flashing lights and cameras the crew made patrons feel like true stars. And adding to that they decided to make it easier for attendees to experience VIP treatment, offering VIP bands at a very low cost for a short period. Again like the year before, they ending with a stage show, which was completely dominated by Aidonia.

Winter Bar-Raage 2010 was dropped at CBA a little less than what i expected but still making the best of it. The organizers had photographers lining up to take pictures of arriving patrons and delicious food awaiting in the VIP area, which was decked in all white. The music was a flop but the vibes of the patrons made up for that. The event Ended at 4am.

Now they're preparing for their 3rd staging. And i'm sure they'll be going all out making up for Winter Bar-Raage 2010. I spotted to two bosses discussing plans for the Summer Bar-Raage 2011 THE SWAGGIN EDITION and i'm sure YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO MISS IT!

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Ryno and JahVinci Ignites Club Riddim Official Launch

Last Thursday, at the official launch of ‘Yaad Swag Thursdays’, at the newly reopened Club Riddim, formerly ‘The Building’. Ex-gaza members Ryno and Jah Vinci left tongues wagging after the two hit the stage in the wee hours of Friday morning with an impromptu performance much to the delight of the fans.

Leading the charge was Jah Vinci, who thanked patrons for their loyalty and continued support before segueing into the popular hit ‘Feel A Way’ on the England Town Riddim featuring Ryno. With an attentive audience on hand a partially disguised Ryno emerged from his entourage and began singing his verse of the popular collaboration as patrons clamoured to the front of the stage to get a glimpse/touch of the talented singers.

One male patron commented, “bwoy the club feel different and lighter” as he observed the newly designed black and white mural on the walls. “Good to see the yutes dem a reunite a dat we want see inna music.” – he added.

Musical stylings were provided by popular street jocks Jigsy and Chris Dymond, both of whom took patrons on a journey through the 80s up to present as they danced the night away.

Several noted members of the entertainment fraternity were present at the launch including: ZJ Wah Wa and the Darkcide International family, Foota Hype, Cutty from Coppershot Disco, West Indies Cricketer Dwayne Bravo veteran selector Ricky Trooper and street prodigy Ghetto Bomb among others.

Meanwhile, Garrison recording artiste Ryno makes final preparations for his 2011 European stint, Jah Vinci is expected to grace the stage at this year’s Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay.

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Miss Jamaica Universe Coronation a total disaster?

OK, we all know about the term fashionably late and have been victims of it from 19 o long'. We're also familiar with Jamaican timing "The Event Will Start At 7pm", translation "We Will Actually Start at 8:30pm". Could be for a number of reasons, you know setting a time earlier than scheduled so that everybody will be there when the show starts. Maybe that was the intention of the MJU organizers, giving that 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm according to patrons only a hand full of persons were present, but with a price range of $3500 to $5000 to see a group of women who have not been getting a lot of ratings, i can understand why, but those seats were filled Eventually. And then the show started...3hours and 22 minutes later...

But the late start wasnt the only complaint of the attendees. It seemed that the $3500 and $5000 ticket purchase gave you an all inclusive experience, giving you the chance to see all that is done to pull off a show of this caliber.

First you have the organizers discussing what to do

Then you get to see the set up.

And there was no backdrop. Delightful.

The show started at 11:22 and if the 3 hour wait wasn't enough, the patrons nerves were then fondled again as 38 minutes later there was an intermission.
There were rumours of people demanding a refund and some walking out. Surprisingly no one called for justice, or did they?

There was suspicion of headliner Ludacris not attending but he was then spotted at Wyndham Hotel at 12am, fashionably late?

The Contestants were gorgeous, dresses? Stunning, bodies? some weren't to fit. One of them was asked about 3 things they want for Jamaica, she mentioned World Peace, lets give her the benefit of the doubt, it was 2 in the morning, she must have been tired. My favorite Chantal Zaky messed up on her question about dual citizenship and that cost her the crown placing her at 2nd runner up.

Kaydan Salmon was 1st runner up and Shakeria Martin was crowned!

Yendi did Jamaica Proud at Miss Universe last year, i Hope Shakeria does the same. CONGRATS!

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Homophobia BREEDS Homosexuality

I came across an article published this morning in the Jamaican Observer entitled
 "Schools must be safe for everyone — even gays" and of course it caught my attention. Homosexuality is a huge social folkway and also more in Jamaica, so it was surprising to me to see someone brave enough to show public support of Gays.

An excerpt from the article states.

This boy openly talks of his preference for wanting to be a girl and to do girly things (to the disgust of others), uses bathrooms for females, and tries to walk like a girl. He tells me that he doesn't talk about his feelings to his mother as she goes crazy when he attempts to do so

It's the last sentence that triggered my thoughts. Being gay is so much of a taboo that parents dread the thought of having a child who is homosexual, especially in a society that is so religiously structured and content. Generally homophobia is a part of the Jamaican culture and is therefore hard to escape. So you can imagine how a gay person feels knowing that he has committed a sin, an illegal act and an outcast in the society.

Now to get the point i'm trying to make. Edwin Lemert is an Interactionalist who spoke about deviance and crime. In his theory, he says that Society's negative reaction to deviance produces deviance. So activities that has a strong stigma attached to it are activities that will be abundant and if these stigmas and rules are freed then the activities will be rarely "practiced". This reminds me of the HIV/AIDS campaign. The stigma scares people and so they don't get tested, thus spreading the disease.

But how does this relate to homosexuality? As mentioned before Homosexuality comes with a big stigma, you are basically an outcast and is hated in the society and from the excerpt we can conclude that even parents are disgusted by the idea of having a child who is. During their teenage years many individual experience hormonal changes which comes with sexuality frustration as this website confirms.

So girls and guys go through a phase where they are attracted to the same sex. But with the norms and values of the society so preciously guarded, who do these confused teens go to to get advice? There's no one available....except, gay MEN and WOMEN, who then take advantage of the vulnerability of these poor adolescents leading them "astray".  So persons who could be living a heterosexual lifestyle but because of hormonal confusion and no one to talk to (except for horny men and women who have no conscience) they become gay. In even more devastating circumstances, are molested, raped or even killed.

 But if these stigmas are removed and homophobia extinct then teens will be more willing to express their feelings.

Read the complete Observer article here

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Who the hell is Marvin? I wanna meet dat Pimp!

Drake's latest single Marvin's Room has triggered a number of celebrities to create their own remix of the chart topper. Among the singers who remixed the single are Chris Brown, Romeo, Jojo, Teyana Taylor, Sammie, Kim Morrell and a really good "Youtube celebrity" Skye Townsend.

All the versions stay true to the essence of what the original version is about - a drunk, nostalgic individual trying to convince his/her ex to come back to them. Chris Brown gets dirty in his remix with the line "If lick that spot then you wont act like that", it's one of the most favored remix.

There has been speculations that it's a Drake diss. Funny how the song drops two days after the BET slip up where Drake accepts the award for rumoured girlfriend Rihanna, just to find out that it was a mixtake and had to give it to her ex, Chris Brown. awkwaardd.

Jojo shows how much she's grown with her remix telling 'Marvin' to F**K the girl he's with because she cant sex him like she (jojo) can. It's the most favored version by many and they're buzzing about how raunchy it is, JOJO girl we love the grown you!

RnB singer Sammie dropped his piece, taking it up a notch by suggesting that he's prepared to fight 'Marvin' to win his girl back. He also gave us a preview of his rapping skills and Sammie we're impressed!
#SideBar: why are people saying that he's trying to sound like Trey Songs? Sammie has been in the business from he was a child, thats how he sings.

Teyana Taylor shows us how amazing her voice is when she belted out the final few lines of the songs. She WORKED those vocals!

These are just the few that stood out for me. The other artistes did a very good job with their renditions. I love 'em all. You guys should check them out!

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BEYONCE4 debuts on a HIGH

 

 It would take more than leaking her album three weeks prior to the scheduled launch to stop this diva as Queen B or should i say KING B's latest album 4, amidst expectations of total disaster, kicks off on a high raking up the number 1 spots on the iTunes charts across the world and totally dominating Europe

SOLD OUT

The two months worth of album promotions seemed to have paid off but we're not overdoing the celebrations yet. We're still awaiting to see how the soulful ballads of 4 performs on the Billboard top 100. But in the mean time check out how the album has been doing on iTunes

• 4 has peaked at #1 in 14 countries around the globe, including the US

• Beyonce has again made history as her album 4 is the fastest album to hit #1 in Spain (45 minutes) and the UK (30minutes)

• ‘4’ sold 34k in a day in a half in the UK and will debut at #1.

• ‘4’ sold 120k in Brazil so far and is certified 3x platinum on the first day.

• ‘4’ sold 10k in Poland and is certified Gold on the first day.

• ‘4’ topped 23 R&B iTunes charts around the globe.

• ‘Best Thing I Never Had’ is #1 on UK iTunes and Sweden's top ten souls.

• ‘Best Thing I Never Had’ is currently #16 on US iTunes and will rise this week.

• “Run The World’ is number 1 in France iTunes.

• ‘Run The World’ is gonna be one of the biggest gainers in the UK this week
• ‘Irreplaceable’ will return to the UK Top 40 this week

BEYONCE FANS TAKE THEIR EXCITEMENT TO THE INTERNET: THE REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN!

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Dancehall then and now

"Gimmi di gyal dem wid di wickedes slam", "big tings a A gwaaann fi you baby", "it was unda di sycamore tree" the music back then was a far more subtle than the "Back it up like a dumper truck" we're hearing now. The rhythms were light and playful and familiar, triggering an immediate spontanious response in your muscles resulting in the "bracing up pan a girl" or the occasional whining to the ground. Yea, we see the same thing happening now, but the rhythms and beats are different. Today, they are heavy and aggressive stimulating a rather vulgar response from both males and females, we've all seen and most of us have actually participated in what seems like hardcore sex on the dance floors, some like it, some dont, like me.

We cant really talk about dancehall and not touch a little bit on the vile aspect of it. "Violent" music has been around since dancehall's inception, I might even go further to say that this type of music is what started the Dancehall genre. It's an excuse oftentimes used by entertainers when we tell them that their music is too violent and causes violence - it's been around since forever so why the problem now.

True, but that's not what this is about. As mentioned before it has been around since the beginning but as the music progressed, it became too violent. Compare gun chunes like Ask Fi Way which was released by Bounty Killer back then to songs like Movado's - Buss Bwoy Head.
Maintaining the same point as earlier, the music back then was much more playful and less intimate, you could find people whining while listening to those type of song. Now? When they start to play you're greeted with a plethora of gunshots and a few dead bodies scattered here or there.

Let's mention a point that I'm always so silently vocal on (lol). The change in the music. Producers have been complaining that Dancehall music has been changing and is no longer true to dancehall. They say the rhythms and beats used now are not "dancehall", they're more so hip hop. They also say that most dancehall artiste are making songs that sound like hip hop.

I'm strongly of the belief that things evolve as we move into another era or period, so of course the change in dancehall music is inevitable, but it is still dancehall and no one can take that from us. The rhythms will change, it could be to keep up with the challenging industry and to remain relevant both locally and abroad or something else.

I do however feel that we should somehow try to balance it out: reserving the earlier style of music (like what ShabaRankings did with his latest single) while adapting to the change. But always remember that it's still dancehall. BTW, Hip Hop is Dancehall's brother, Hip Hop originated from Reggae, the same parents of dancehall, so it shouldn't be a problem if we borrow some stuff from it right?

Lady Saw in her element

Tifa

Let's have a round of applause for our female entertainers who have stepped up their game in the dancehall arena. In an industry that was once reserved for men with only one or two female musicians, it is heartwarming to see them all over the market now. They've become more lady-like, a major difference than in the men's section whose content have gotten worse. Comparing songs by Lady Saw back then to songs by Tifa and others now you'll see that the women have become more delicate, though still singing the same messages like independence and the taking of another woman's man.

So there you have it, my view on a few topics relating to Dancehall then, and now.

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Lawless KiiDs: Donation Drive

Lawless KiiDs is an organization run by a group of intelligent,  energetic teens
who have the same interests-serving others. “Lawless  KiiDs” was created as a
subdivision of the events planning group Lawless  Events to encourage and create
an avenue for youth getting involved in  charitable events from an early age.

The main objective of the group The Lawless Kiids is to a great extent  focus on
strategies to remedy that problem and to open doors for the  less fortunate.

• The Lawless KiiDs initiated their plan of action on March 19th 2010  with
their Launch Party/Pre Championship event called Velocity held at  the YMCA
auditorium. The party started at 3pm and ended at 10pm. For our  first event, we
were delighted to see that there was a large number of  persons who attended.
The admission was set to $200 or free with a  non-perishable food item (can). We
collect 300 cans which were  distributed to different children’s home and youth
on the street and a  sum of $100,000 was donated to the YMCA. An issue of our
donation to the  YMCA was published in the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday, April
20, 2010.
•  Next on our calendar for the year was a home visit as a part of our  Labour
Day project scheduled for May 24. This plan was not fulfilled due  to the
uprising in Western Kingston. We had hoped to go to a children’s  home to offer
assistance in anyway possible. This is still on our  agenda.
• The Lawless Kiids then had their second event a month later  called Soprano.
Due to inclement weather number of persons we expected  to attend did not and as
a result we made a loss and so no donation was  made.

In the summer of 2011, We have orchestrated a series of events to help us to
better fulfill our mandate. The Lawless KiiDs have orchestrated a strategy to
better fulfill our  mandate. Starting Saturday June 25th and every Saturday
until July 30 we  will be having Donation Drives at Devonshire, Devon House from
1pm to  4pm.

We'll be accepting anything that can be donated: food, clothes, toys, books etc.
We've decided to make it a month long event in order to obtain as much items as
possible. We will distribute the donations to homes and orphanages across the
island during the month of August.

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