"Boom Bye Bye"

Many people view Jamaica as an island that consists of miles and miles of sandy white beaches; a place to retreat to for a laid back relaxing sanctuary. All is true for heterosexuals anyway, but gays and lesbians, fear much worse and are often targeted simply because of their sexual preferences.

Targeted may be an understatement when compared to the numerous accounts on file about gays and lesbians being brutally attacked and/or killed without reasoning. Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch have published detailed accounts of machete-wielding mobs that have broken into private residences attacking men believed to be gay and lesbians who have been raped, determined to "cure" them. The island's gay rights organization (Jamaica's Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-Flag), also notes that between the years of 2006-2008, there was an increase of reports of homosexuals being chased, chopped, beaten, raped and shot. Unfortunately, when authorities were called 9 times out of 10, not only were the laws not being executed but many were believed to be participating.

The most opinionated view, on the subject of homosexuality, is the Church and being gay or lesbian is looked upon as a sin. I'm quite sure we have all heard the famous saying "God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve." Many Jamaicans feel that it's immoral to be be homosexual and the truth of the matter is, many homosexuals don't even have the Church to look to when out casted by all others.

All forms of violence against gays and lesbians have been celebrated in dance hall music and have been dubbed as "Murder Music" in other countries. Many Jamaicans, especially musical artists, have publicly denounced homosexuality in their music. Buju Banton is notorious for his anti-homosexual songs, often sprouting lyrics such as "Boom Bye Bye in a batty boy head," that has become the theme song for angry mob attacks.

With that said many Homosexuals find themselves fleeing to foreign countries (if they are able to afford it) to escape the harassment and to live without the fear. But the question remains; once you've escaped, can you ever return? Not if you have been outed like the case most recently involving Terry McMillan's ex-husband, Johnathan Plummer. The divorce decree stated they were divorcing because Jonathan was gay. With this information accessible to the public, Johnathan has yet to return home for fear of attack once foot touches land sand. 33 year old Plummer, is currently living an openly "gay" life with his new beau in the states, and ISN'T "Waiting to Exhale!"

Personally, I am NOT homophobic. I don't judge because of their sexual preferences. Its a free country and you need to do you cause I d*mn sure does me. As long as no one is being harmed or forced to participate in anything unwillingly, what goes on in someone else's house is there own business. I mean sh*t, I [hearts] a good mean piece of thick, extra long, "PEPPERONI" and....WHEW! **Wipes sweat off forehead, reminiscing from flashback** Just live and let live. Life is extremely too short to be worrying about what the next person is doing.

Your Source D'Maine Truth and nothing but the truth.