Sunday, May 24, 2015

I Wouldn’t Say That…

“Jamaica is well-known historically as a global leader on human rights…” when the killing of LGBT people continues unabated.

That was opening of a Jamaica Observers article on the President Obama’s visit to Jamaica when he said that they have to improve the way they treat LGBT people.
When President Obama visited Jamaica last month, he challenged us all, saying: "You're more eager for progress that comes not by holding down any segment of society, but by holding up the rights of every human being, regardless of what we look like or how we pray or who we love."
[…]
Through public and private dialogue, we engage diplomatically and with full respect for the sovereignty of Jamaica on all issues that impact historically marginalised populations, including women and girls, persons with disabilities, and the LGBT community. And we will continue to do so with everyone -- including those with whom we disagree -- via respectful dialogue and debate. I would hope that we all agree that violence against another person is never acceptable.
Anyone who attends the Transgender Day of Remembrance knows that many of the names are from Caribbean, Central, and South America. Those who fall outside the gender norms are persecuted, especially those who fall outside the male spectrum.

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