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If a politician uttered these words in Jamaica a few years ago, he would have certainly committed political suicide of the most egregious type. That is clearly not the case today."We should not ignore the cries of those who continue to suffer because we fail to do what is right. It is time to be courageous and to be strong. It is time to usher our country into a new day where justice, liberty, and freedom prevail for all." - Former Minister of Health, Rudyard Spencer - Jamaica"
On Sunday June 29, 2012 Corbin Gordon and Tyler Thomas took to the Sunday Gleaner, Jamaica's tabloid newspaper, to demand more to protect gay rights for Jamaicans throughout 2012, the year of our 50th independence. That these two 'activists' can publicly call for protective measures for the LGBT community is certainly a positive indication that the work of activists like themselves has certainly not gone unnoticed.
The article outlines the various gains that have been made in respect of the community with a clear realisation, of course, that more still needs to be done to promote and protect the human rights of all Jamaicans.
I highlight this article not just for its significance to the Jamaica LGBT community. I highlight this article because at the very core, it underscores the important work that we do as advocates in the various fields whether it be HIV/AIDS, Sexual and Reproductive Health/Contraceptive Access and Social/Racial Inclusion. The achievements highlighted in the article would not have been possible without the many brave youth who identified a cause, created a message and drove it home to the target audience. The sort of thing that we learn at the annual Urban Retreat put on by Advocates for Youth. The article also solidifies our roles as change agents and confirms the suggestion that the youth of today are charting the path for a much brighter and more inclusive tomorrow.
So whenever activism seems arduous and even dangerous, we should always remember that ever ounce of effort expended will make this world a place where our differences are not divisive but are bound together by that common thread of humanity which binds our conscience and reinforces mutual respect among us. Every time we have even the slightest thought of quitting, we must always remember the many disenfranchised people who await patiently for us to exert our youthful exuberance to chance the present and shape the future.
Jermaine Case
iYSO, Jamaica
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Great post!
# Posted By AFY_Nikki
| 1/30/12 10:11 AM
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