How much does the negative attitude towards gays affect natives and tourists on Jamaica? Are there any restrictive laws? How is the situation compared with other Carribean states? Or is there no real point about it, just myth / prejudice?
2007-09-13 21:00:16 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Caribbean ➔ Jamaica
Most of the Jamaicans who have responded to you have spoken succinctly and truthfully. This is no myth.
The country is very homophobic. Homosexuality in and of itself is NOT illegal. The caveat to that is certain homosexual ACTS are illegal.
http://www.jflag.org/bodyspirit/rights.htm
. Jamaican men have to be careful about showing their sexual preference. especially in public, it could result in their death . I do know of a gay rights activist who was murdered there about a year ago.
I know it has softened its stance (not by much) and it is not so flagrant in terms of hatred in the resort areas because of the tourism effect. It has come a long way from say, 10 years ago when there had been talk of a gay pride parade which was quickly squashed because people brought out their M-16s and said they would shoot " batty men" on sight.
"Natives" will tell of being taught to despise gays at an early age. I was raised to despise them. Once I came here, I was able to broaden my thoughts and realize gays are humans who just love a different way. That is all. It is not contagious and cannot affect my life.
Most Caribbean nations also have that mentality however, it is not as stringent as it is in Jamaica.
2007-09-17 15:37:36 · answer #1 · answered by thequeenreigns 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Homosexuality in Jamaica is illegal and of course that is apart of our culture as we have more Churches per square mile than any other country,so we grew up No-ing wrong from right that sense homosexuality though does exist,and so far there are no reports in media, someone has been dragged out of their house in the middle of night or day and abuse by the wider public,people should be free to do what ever they want to in their own Private space, and the Government of Jamaica and the security forces do honor such duties,but please don't put it out into society and say its the norm,when we are the only ones in the animal kingdom doing such things( and please don't say domesticated dogs are doing it too),for me i do not have a problem with someone practicing that. just don't throw it in my face and expect me to participate,I will not!!!! but most Jamaicans are well thinking and i for one no that such an incident were person were hunted down and lynched are not true,Yes there have been a few incidence like person being beaten up but that after seeing them throw homosexuality actions on to unsuspecting persons. Thank god that am Jamaican,my country has taught me alot,and thats what keeps me sane,for i know like me there are a majority of persons in my country who are not gay beaters,who just tend to mind there own business. If you think it is bad there try doing it in public in the Middle east,and the wider world,and may you may have to include a few other consulate on that list of address.
2016-05-19 02:00:25 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gay people..whether man or woman..is shunned. I think this is so in other caribbean islands too. However, they are more tolerable than Jamaica.
Some Jamaicans are reaaaalllyy homophobic..they may even kill you or beat the gay out of you if they even THINK or SUSPECT you are homosexual. SOME will use the bible to justify this action.
They're was one incident where a man called a radio station saying that he was gay. The next day, a whole neighborhood went to beat down a guy in the neighborhood because the voice on the radio SOUNDED like his.
Being Homosexual is Jamaica is like being called a witch in the Puritan days...you know how they used to burn someone at a stake if someone THOUGHT that person was a witch!
Even in some areas..men will not say they are going to a place is jamaica call MANchester..they will say GYALchester because "wi nah go to no man!"
As a Jamaican myself, I would say that it is not safe for you to travel hand in hand with the same sex! Whether Lesbian or gay! Depending on the neighborhood and the type of people you cross..you may get attacked verbally or physically.
Places closer to the tourist area..they're are alot of gays and lesbian Jamaicans..largely due to the foreign and tourist impact. They're are some gay clubs in Jamaica near the tourist area as well (don't know where or how that even happened). Alot of foreigners come to jamaica for sex..and some of the jamaicans will do those acts for a price.
But tourist aren't bothered too much as long as they STAY IN THE CLOSET when out with the locals.
Plus SOME jamaicans believe they are NOT homosexuals if the only recieve oral sex..or if they are the one performing anal sex. So..there are alot on the low down!
As long as you stay IN the closet..you'll be fine! Homosexuality is ILLEGAL in Jamaica..and you will be taken to jail if caught!
**However we jamaicans don't spend ALL DAY LONG thinking about the next time we spot a homosexual. It is the last thing on our mind. The island is not built on gay-bashing..that is just a small aspect..
EDIT***EDIT**EDIT**
But everyone else is right about something else that I haven't mentioned. JAMAICA has gotten ALOT more TOLERABLE..
2007-09-14 03:02:29 · answer #3 · answered by The Goddess 4 · 4⤊ 4⤋
I agree with tenesha g. We have become much more tolerant in the last few years. It is when it is openly expressed in public that people go balistic(crazy). Jamaica has a reputation, I haven't really heard anything about the other islands in terms of homophobic attitude.
2007-09-15 17:07:56 · answer #4 · answered by jamdowngal 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is a level of homophobia in Jamaica, but things are changing and it depends on where in the island you go. People are pretty tolerant in the resort areas because they cater to tourists and it is their jobs to be warm and welcoming to everyone. Also the areas in uptown Kingston are kind of open because most persons are familiar with gays and are not as intolerant. However, I would not advise gays to behave openly affectionate in public areas or areas that are well crowded because most Jamaicans are still of the view that homosexuality is a sin and there are those who believe that it is their duty to teach these persons a lesson, howvever twisted that mindset is.
2007-09-14 04:39:35 · answer #5 · answered by tenesha g 1 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Homosexuality is illegal in Jamaica. There are gay people here, though. Many of them manage to keep it on the down low but sometimes we find out over the news when their jealous lovers kill them and that sort of thing. The people have only harmed men who were caught having sex in public. If you are a tourist and you are here with a homosexual partner keep it in the hotel room. People are more tolerant of lesbians than gay men. Jamaican music does have very harsh lyrics about homosexuals but the people have never harmed anyone just because he or she is gay. Bottom line is it's illegal here.
2007-09-14 03:02:57 · answer #6 · answered by ◄☯♫ vanitee of vanitees ♫☯► 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
It's officially illegal, but in the resort areas you will see flamboyantly gay locals who seem to be happy. You will also see gay couple tourists. I think it's tolerated and rarely prosecuted.
Like any place, if you go to the more conservative rural areas, you might see some intolerance. Some hotels and resorts will be more openminded than others (also true everywhere).
2007-09-14 06:21:26 · answer #7 · answered by christnp 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hard question to answer, some are pretenders, it is like a story book wish ever body read it and belive that it's the story,I just don't get it, if a gay person is rich,people flock that person if he is poor they shon him.
2007-09-13 21:38:40 · answer #8 · answered by boy_jam_arch 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Homosexuality is illegal in Jamaica. If you are personally homosexual, put it this way, I wouldn't choose Jamaica as a holiday destination and stroll hand in hand with your boyfriend in Spanish Town, you WILL get killed.
2007-09-13 23:27:40 · answer #9 · answered by Danielle D 2 · 4⤊ 4⤋
It's illegal in Jamaica. They found out ur a batty bwoy, you catch a bullet, bullet!
2007-09-14 07:27:28 · answer #10 · answered by Jamaican P.Y.T 3 · 8⤊ 1⤋