We Don't Need Directions From International Bodies

And They Say GLBTQA Jamaican's Don't Need Protections

(yeah rrrright)

On February 25, 2011 Mr. Maurice Tomlinson Attorney-at-law based in Western Jamaica, a consultant to AIDS FREE WORLD, and a former Board member of a local AIDS organization was sent an email (apparently) for his letter published in the Observer addressing a recent incident in Montego Bay where police officers raided a club and injured several persons, which was addressed by a fellow blogger and can be found here: Big Blow For Homeless/Displaced MSMs In Western Jamaica …..

The email from one Sydney Dixon stated:

listen battyman we in Jamaica wont endorse r accept you faggots no matter what the fuck u guys try 2 say r do…..get that through ur thick skulls!!!!!!!!!!!!
we have different culture n upbringing fr north americans or whomever else …..you should consider moving sumwhere there……in the meantime shut the fuck up r you will fucking die!!!!!!!!

The incident was apparently reported to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the following was their response:

It is interesting that an international body has to call upon Jamaica to take measures to protect Mr. Maurice Tomlinson. The government (if they were notified of this incident) should have taken the steps without direction from said organisation. 

I would like to hear though, what P.M. Golding has to say about this since he and the parliament of the land do not believe that GLBTQA Jamaicans are deserving and/or do not need 'protection under the law' as they are not 'at risk' (see Why We Need The Petition Signed which highlight's the P.M.'s response and incidences of violence).

International Women's Day 2011 (from the UN's Website)

Happy International Women's Day

(taken from the UN's website)

2011 year marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. The day was commemorated for the first time on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, following its establishment during the Socialist International meeting the prior year. More than one million women and men attended rallies on that first commemoration.

In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women's Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. The Day is traditionally marked with a message from the Secretary-General.

Theme for International Women's Day 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women UN observances of International Women's Day 2011 worldwide: UN Women: Events around the world to commemorate International Women’s Day, organized and co-sponsored by UN Women United Nations in Geneva Celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day with the UN in Geneva (Download PDF flyer) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) : Launch of the 2010-11 edition of The State of Food and Agriculture report: Closing the gender gap in agriculture (View live webcast) International Labour Organization (ILO): ILO celebrates International Women's Day ILO and UN Women:  Award Ceremony on prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace(Download PDF flyer) International Telecommunication Union (ITU): High-level debate: Goodbye to the IT girl: Why are young women deserting technology? United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): Panel discussion on enhancing women´s access to education, science and technology for economic growth and development United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): How can we empower women to end poverty? Live twitter chat with UNDP chief Helen Clark United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP):  Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day(Download PDF flyer) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): UNESCO celebrates International Women's Day 2011 (Download PDF Brochure)  Launch of the EFA Global Monitoring Report 2011 "The Hidden Crisis: Armed Conflict and Education" (View live webcast)  UNESCO launches Women Make the News 2011 World Health Organization (WHO): 100th anniversary of International Women's Day United Nations lnformation Service (UNIS) Vienna: Panel discussion on "100 Years International Women’s Day: Time to celebrate? Achievements and Prospects" (Download PDF flyer) United Nations Regional lnformation Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC): International Women's Day Event in Brussels

International Women's Day 2011

Today Marks the 100th anniversary that March 8th has been celebrated as International Women's Day. The lesbian and female bisexual community in Jamaica has had (in my opinion) more than their fair share of hurdles. From trivial and slightly noticeable acts of homophobia to the more blatant and vicious homophobic attacks, we women have gone through a lot this past year. Yet despite that, we have come out strong. Women supporting Women, Women encouraging Women. 

On this International Women's Day I would like to call ALL the various groups which exist within our community to encourage your members to support ALL other groups. Also for the larger organizations, the female population of the GLBTQ community is often left out in the cold; yes there is some amount of support but I personally believe that ENOUGH IS NOT BEING DONE FOR THE WOMEN.

I borrow this quote (the guide and theme for 2011) from one of the groups supporting Jamaican Lesbian and Bisexual females United we Stand, Divided we Fall. Sisters remember we can be powerful together, don't tear down each other, and support each other in our businesses.

Happy International Womens Day