BREAKING THE SILENCE =
The Voice of MSM Communities in the Caribbean
Barbados
“First let me give my definition of a "Gay Community"- Talented people who are comfortable and sure of themselves, and are always willing to share their knowledge with everyone in their community.
This definition can describe anyone, but for the purpose of this article it best describes the beautiful, talented and free spirited people of the land of "cou-cou and flying fish".
To list all of the things that make us great could probably take up the entire edition, so I will just give you a small sample of what makes us a great community.
(1) Mannequins in Motion, the only gay cabaret show that has been performing all around the island at dinner shows and 5 star hotels for the past 12 years.
(2) Darcy Dear, the founder and former P.R.O, of United Gays and Lesbians Against Aids Barbados. He is the person credited for having started the organisation and "putting a face to GAY".
(3) Adrii "Diva Alexander" Holder, a leading fashion designer who recently showed her works of art in the very successful Fashion Week, and is now among the group of designers whose pieces have made it onto the sales racks in Bridgetown's leading department store. She is also the only queen who performs in a calypso tent during our Crop Over Festival.
(4) Club Rodeo is the only gay night club still existing after 3 years
(5) The queen of all queens, Didi "Bianca Duvall" Winston has proven herself to be a true role model to all those young queens, who don't believe that you can be who you want to be as long as you respect yourself, as well as others. She works in a leading jewellery store, also in Bridgetown during the day, and is one of the island's top entertainers by night.
And sadly I must come to a close, but not before I tell you about Shirlon "Doreen" Lovell, a warm and caring individual who is "Living out Large " and continues to be a "positive" role model to her fellow sisters, as well as a up and coming cabaret performer.
This you will see is just a taste of what makes the gay community of "BIM" - "Just Beyond Your Imagination".
COU-COU and FLYING FISH.
Belize
“Well we are tight-knitted even if we don't want to admit it, and we love each other (I know I refuse to admit that). We have lots of fun and recently we've had a suddenness to educate and protect ourselves. Hard working and always out there to prove the rest of the world that they are wrong about us. Some of us at least.”
Jay-Jay. Age: 27
“In my community the great thing is that we are the minority, so that means us special from the start, as a small group of women that are open about their sexuality so we pretty much know each other; and also can relate to each other with family, friends and other social issues that we have encounter in the life as being a lesbian in a third world country. The great things of our female gay community in my country are that we know ourselves and that we are not hiding from our true feelings or others; and even though we are ridiculed, we hold our heads up and party together; fight together; and pray for a difference for us to be respected.”
Lisa. Age 22
“There tends to be some kind of organization going on. I applaud certain individuals who have taken it upon themselves to represent us well, in whatever way they do and we sure know how to throw parties.”
Toni. Age:25
“Many beautiful individuals who consider themselves to be gay - whether out or still in the closet - contribute significantly to the development of our "jewel" Belize. In addition to their contribution in a wide variety of professions, they are also active in HIV/AIDS activism as well as other social movements and are sincere in their work for change. I am proud to be a part of this group of blessed individuals.”
IE . Age: 28
Bermuda
“Although like anywhere else, the community remains somewhat closeted, when it really is necessary, they band together to fight oppression and speak out about things that are unjust towards members of the community. The Gay Community successfully supported the passing of the Stubbs Bill in 1994 that reversed the buggery laws in Bermuda.”
Michael F. Age: 46
Guyana
“The gay community in this country, in spite of the stigma and the strong homophobia from all levels of the society, is alive and dynamic. The community includes courageous and committed members who have proven that they can take the challenge of bringing issues into the public debate. So far opponents have not succeeded to prevent activities from taking place.”
MdG. Age 55
”1. We are well educated. 2. Have great skills. 3.Are the most loving and caring. 4. Strong and unique values. 5. The most progressive, physically, mentally and socially.”
O.J. Age 39
“The gay community here in Guyana is on the increase. It does not only include Men who have sex with Men, but also men who are searching for a one time experience that is enjoyed, hence they become hooked. From our Community Outreach Work, the sharing of information as it relates to HIV/AIDS/STI now is very important to the MSM Sex Workers. This takes us into long discussions on the transfer and infection of their peers, how they can recommend counselling & testing, correct & consistent condom use and taking information into their homes. The need to be trained as Peer Educators and Counsellors was suggested by many, hence a special workshop and a new project is on its way. As it relates to the Free Forum Magazine, it is accepted by the majority, shared with partners, workplaces, Church Groups and family members.”
DR
Jamaica
“The community has defined it own internal way of operation that in many instances baffles the "outside world". Although this is also a means of protection, I find it amusing to watch others even try to understand a conversation between two gay men who are using our language much to the exclusion of others. The community here also gets a great deal of support from its members especially in times of crisis. Most people have their own group of friends who will still to each other through thick and thin. The community here knows how to have fun, to party and simply to enjoy them selves. Many times, “sessions" are totally unplanned and require very little resources but turn out to be the most fun-filled time one could ever dream of.”
Garfield . Age 39
“Friends, 'sisters', brothers...who are able to get together, have fun, affirm each other, be butch, femme, or in between. Those magical moments when we laugh, love, support and heal each other, find real love, true friendship or great sex!! That indomitable, inimitable Jamaican sense of humour, style and flair.....our resilience, creativity and spirit!!”
FMT. Age: 38
St Kitts
“The community is slowly coming together to overcome in-community barriers, such as cliques and segregation, to share their individual experiences and support each other. Though there has been some advancement regarding the general public’s attitude and sensitivity, acceptance and tolerance of a gay/MSM community in St Kitts, more work needs to be done to address stigma and discrimination.
Kevin F. 44
St Maarten
“The good thing about the gay community on SXM is that a few of them are still actively seeking to grow and learn via online chat group. But most of them still have no idea what is happening with and around them or they pretend not to understand the serious impact of HIV.”
St Vincent
“The best thing about our MSM community is that it consists of many men who are a vital part of the community as a whole, who despite their orientation and despite the stigma attached to them still play a valuable role in our community, and whose loss creates a void which is felt and mourned by all, straight and gay.”
Vincy CHAPS
Suriname
“Well to start we have been a colony of Holland and I think that it has his influence in Suriname in every way also for the gay community. There is a level of acceptance in Suriname, although here and there you might find cases where some individuals maybe suffering from stigma and discrimination. Our national TV stations amuse its viewers sometimes with gay and lesbian movies and our gay club advertises its activities in every local newspapers and radio stations. Last year a big show was organized where guys were dressed up in our local black people folklore costumes called the ‘Koto’ and this show was held in our national stadium and was sold out. The gay club is open to everyone.”
Ken. Age 33
Trinidad
“We have one of the largest gay communities in the English-speaking Caribbean. Our parties are held at public spaces for hire and are well attended by persons who have preferences towards their party promoter of choice. Our party scene is now a cultural community phenomenon, in which they are parties throughout the year; and sometimes you have to choose which one you prefer to go to because there may be more than one on the same night.”
JD. Age 43
“There is great work being done for our MSM/Gay communities in Trinidad. Many efforts are at hand regarding prevention, treatment, care and support for gay persons living with HIV and AIDS; working against gay stigma and discrimination on a national level; and promotions of safe sex practices and availability of condoms and lubricants at some events and parties.”
Nik. Age 31
Tobago
“The gay community in Tobago is changing into a whole new lifestyle because of the increased numbers and influences of gay Trinidad persons who are now living here. Today, we see a ‘don’t care’ attitude and I am very concerned of an increase of HIV new infections among the younger guys of Tobago. Also many of the men in our community are on the Down Low (DL) and you will find a increased rate of HIV infections among hetero and bisexual women as well.”
GD. Age 36
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MSMNPA regional poll.
