Jamaica Continues Homophobia

Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding made the statement yesterday that he would not allow gays in his Cabinet. The comment was made during a visit to London in an interview with the BBC. Many gay and lesbian activists in Jamaica and human rights organizations internationally are condemning Golding for his homophobic actions.

While I acknowledge that his actions are vengeful and perpetuate the environment of hatred in his homeland, I must also add that I am SOOOO not surprised by this. Come on - it's Jamaica. Who can be surprised when anyone from there does something homophobic.

Kudos to everyone calling him on this. Though his actions are expected we still have the responsible of speaking out against them. If we don't speak out against this, he may go forward thinking that no one will challenge him.

Special kudos to the gay and lesbian activist in Jamaica. It's tricky being an activist in Jamaica. Because of the environment (and the threat of bashings, stoning, and lynchings), you have to simultaneously be vocal and invisble. Not an easy thing to do. Maybe one day things will change.