Staff Writer – Latoya Wakefield
Caribbean news. Just a few days after gay marriages was legalized in all 50 states in the USA, the Loop reported that the Jamaica Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) has announced that the Jamaican gays and lesbians will be staging its first Pride celebration in August, under the theme, The Pride of a People: Breaking the Rules of Oppression”.
Photo courtesy www.huffingtonpost.com
According to the Loop.com, the exact date of the celebration has not been revealed, however, JFlag indicated that over 1000 people will be attending. Loop also indicated “The event already has one high-profile supporter in the form of Jamaican recording artiste Diana King. King, who revealed she was a lesbian three years ago, took to social media on Sunday to share JFLAG’s plea to the “World” to support Jamaica’s first Pride celebrations.”
Now, one would think this is a typical case of USA sneezing and Jamaican catching a cold. Many have indicated that Pride celebration (like the ones that are held across the world to celebrate the LGBT community) is a bad idea to have now in Jamaica. A few persons stated that there might be a few deaths on this day as Jamaica is known as a homophobic society (even accused of being one of the most homophobic places in the world); one that is not tolerant of public display of homosexual activities or even hints of that nature, to a degree of aggression.
Photo courtesy www.bet.com
One person stated that change must come; few have publicly stated that they have supported this move 100%. However, based on the comments, the masses even those who are tolerant of homosexuality believe that Jamaica is not ready for this move and it’s best to put it off to prevent a likely bloodshed. JFLag cleared the air in an article on Jamaica-gleaner.com titled “J-FLAG Is Planning Gay Pride Activities, But No Parade For August” where executive director of J-FLAG, Dane Lewis, says “The report is wrong, Jamaica is not ready for such an event. J-FLAG is planning a week-long series of activities starting on Emancipation Day, August 1, to mark growing tolerance for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. “
Do you think Jamaica will ever be ready for a public gay parade or is it best to keep it undercover?
