J-Flag

J-Flag, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, is the first LGBT rights organization in Jamaica, founded in 1998, and works for the human rights of lesbians, all-sexuals, and gays in Jamaica and the world. It is part of the Caribbean Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (C-FLAG).

"J-FLAG's mission is to work towards a Jamaican society in which the Human Rights and Equality of Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays are guaranteed. To foster the acceptance and enrichment of the lives of same-gender-loving persons who have been, and continue to be, an integral part of society. J-Flag"

LGBT civil rights organizations outside of the country highlighted anti-gay bigotry and violence in Jamaica before the founding of J-Flag, most publicly in the Stop Murder Music campaign, and sexual minorities remain at risk of physical violence.

"'My experience as a gay man living in Jamaica is one which is marked by periodic incidences of abuse, both verbal and physical. I have lost count of the number of times I have been verbally abused, called ‘battyman', ‘chi-chi', ‘sodomite', ‘dirty battyboy' (all derogatory terms for homosexual men).' -- Gay man, talking to J-Flag, 2003."

In response J-Flag offers legal reform and advocacy, education, and social services and support. The group was unable to continue regular safe-space/fund-raiser/social events, lymes held monthly until August 2001, due to the inability to accommodate the growing number of attendees. .

The group runs the Stop Murder Music Campaign jointly with the Black Gay Men's Advisory Group and Outrage!, both of the U.K. They advocate inclusion of "sexual orientation" in the Jamaican constitution as well as on behalf of individuals seeking asylum in Canada and the U.K.

External link

 * J-Flag