BBC Newsbeat followed two transgender friends, Steffan and Romario, on a journey from the UK back to Jamaica to reveal their new identities to their families.
Watch now!
What it’s like being a Jamaican man of transgender experience?
Jamaica has been characterized as one of the most transphobic countries in the world. While it’s indeed a big issue, it’s important to recognize that violence against LGBTQ Jamaicans is rooted in the social inequalities born of the devastating union of colonialism and Christianity.
Importantly, there have been advancements in attitudes about LGBTQ rights in Jamaica in recent years, with former Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller speaking openly about allowing LGBTQ individuals to serve in her Cabinet, and Kingston Mayor Angela Brown-Burke participating in a Pride celebration and stating that she has a responsibility to all of the city’s residents, including LGBTQ people. Additionally, Rich Richards, a 29-year-old activist in Jamaica, is gearing up to run in the 2021 elections. If successful, he would become the first openly trans Member of Parliament to sit in the country’s House of Representatives!
Activists in Jamaica deserve recognition for the amazing job they’ve done bringing LGTBQ rights to the mainstream. A great example is TransWave Jamaica, a non-governmental organization working to advance the health, welfare, and well-being of the transgender community in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Since its inception in 2015, TransWave Jamaica has executed several visibility campaigns, raising awareness of the lived realities of transgender and gender-nonconforming people. They also offer a monthly support group, and fitness and social outreach programs. TransWave Jamaica’s advocacy efforts are centered on legal gender recognition, equitable access to non-discriminatory health care, education, housing and employment.
FJ Genus is a trans activist from Jamaica who offers this advice to transgender men and women living Jamaica and the wider Caribbean:
You are not alone in your strife. There are many others like you who face similar struggles. Find or build a support system if you can, even if it consists only of online interaction. Isolation is dangerous and having a support system will vastly improve your mental and emotional health. Also, in whatever you do, stay safe. We all desire full self-expression but be mindful of your social context. Visibility is important but please remain as safe as you possibly can. Read more here: FJ Part 1 | FJ Part 2
Related:
- Homophobic and transphobic violence against youth: The Jamaican context
- You Can’t Understand Anti-Queer Violence In Jamaica Until You Understand Colonialism
Originally published: 02/01/16. Last updated: 11/08/19.
