The gaff was free flowing and the discussions as always went on for about three hours, people had a lot to talk about, but then had to leave early to get ready for Maxi Priest.
Film Festival
We got the lists of some films which are available locally. The idea is to start with these films and then do some other screenings as the films become available. Thanks to the people who came up with the lists.. and to George in NY who came up with some possible donors.
Complaint on homophopbic Lyrics
Everyone agreed that we should go to the Ethnic Relations Commission with the complaint about the homophobic lyrics sung by Beenie Man. This will be done as soon as the procedure is known.
Experiences with discrimination
Stories were told of young people who are experiencing discrimination from parents because of their sexual orientation. This has resulted in destructive behaviour. People at the meeting were sad and some were surprised. There is a case of possible discrimination at a prominent fast food outlet which is going to be investigated. It is alleged that a young woman was told by her employers not to have her 'gay friends visit her at her workplace' . Another woman was 'investigated' by her organisation but then 'cleared' of all wrongdoings - the allegations were of harassment. Another teacher was investigated for 'his behaviour' and was cleared.
Venue for meetings
People were comfortable with Help & Shelter as a venue, but it would not always be convenient. Alternative venues for meetings which were suggested are Club Bistro, Pegasus Poolside. Other ideas are welcome.
Other things were talked about which cannot be written here :)
People agreed that the next meeting should be the third Saturday of the month at 5pm.
The next meeting will be on Saturday 17th September, 2005 at 5pm , different venue, a hangout at Club Bistro on Middle Street.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Report on Meeting of Sat 16 July, 2005
As with all the SASOD meetings, the agenda was free flowing and there was a great deal of discussion on various topics. These are summarised below :-
HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections
People felt that the messages about HIV were not getting through to accomodate the behavioural change. The education messages were targeted at heterosexual couples. The group felt that the following should be done :-
1) Use the pictures of the infected sexual organs to drive home the message to encourage responsible sexual behaviour.
2) Use the local talk show hosts and other personalities who influence public opinion to discuss condom use and to encourage safe sex
3) Lobby for the introduction of free Femidoms and Dental Dams which would help women to protect themselves rather than rely on a man using a condom.
4) Seriously test the ads and the campaigns, some of which still make no sense
5) Develop materials for men who have sex with men; and for heterosexual people who indulge in anal sex
Confronting Homophobia..
We talked about the refugee/asylum cases in the US, for the people who are gay and/or HIV positive. People said that even though there was homophobia in Guyana, it was different for different people and therefore any person would have to make their own case.
The discussion turned to issues related to 'coming out' to family and friends and to identifying 'what sexuality' one has. Two persons spoke of pressures in dealing with their mothers, who they felt were in denial.
Sexuality and child sexual abuseThe question was asked about the relationship between child sexual abuse and whether that makes someone gay. People felt that there was no correlation, though some persons felt that there was a direct linkage between child sexual abuse and determining a sexual identity. This part of the discussion was rough, as we had to come to grips with painful childhood experiences of some of the people. We were glad that people felt comfortable to talk about things which were on their mind..
Film FestivalPeople felt that the idea of showign some films was a good one, though we were all stumped as to how to get the films. There were some other ideas for films and people will try to get their contacts. We are working on a list of possible titles. Some people will check local video stores as well.
The next meeting date will be announced later.
HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections
People felt that the messages about HIV were not getting through to accomodate the behavioural change. The education messages were targeted at heterosexual couples. The group felt that the following should be done :-
1) Use the pictures of the infected sexual organs to drive home the message to encourage responsible sexual behaviour.
2) Use the local talk show hosts and other personalities who influence public opinion to discuss condom use and to encourage safe sex
3) Lobby for the introduction of free Femidoms and Dental Dams which would help women to protect themselves rather than rely on a man using a condom.
4) Seriously test the ads and the campaigns, some of which still make no sense
5) Develop materials for men who have sex with men; and for heterosexual people who indulge in anal sex
Confronting Homophobia..
We talked about the refugee/asylum cases in the US, for the people who are gay and/or HIV positive. People said that even though there was homophobia in Guyana, it was different for different people and therefore any person would have to make their own case.
The discussion turned to issues related to 'coming out' to family and friends and to identifying 'what sexuality' one has. Two persons spoke of pressures in dealing with their mothers, who they felt were in denial.
Sexuality and child sexual abuseThe question was asked about the relationship between child sexual abuse and whether that makes someone gay. People felt that there was no correlation, though some persons felt that there was a direct linkage between child sexual abuse and determining a sexual identity. This part of the discussion was rough, as we had to come to grips with painful childhood experiences of some of the people. We were glad that people felt comfortable to talk about things which were on their mind..
Film FestivalPeople felt that the idea of showign some films was a good one, though we were all stumped as to how to get the films. There were some other ideas for films and people will try to get their contacts. We are working on a list of possible titles. Some people will check local video stores as well.
The next meeting date will be announced later.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Halt in discussions..
There is a lull in the SASOD discussions as some members are busy with other activities and events. These will resume as soon as a venue is confirmed. Watch this space.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Report on SASOD gaff on 16 April, and date for next gaff..
The discussion on 16 April continued along the lines of sexuality and self esteem. Discussion was on the problems of promiscuity and infidelity in Guyana and how HIV continues to spread despite education efforts.
Persons felt that in the search for intimacy, many people just said yes to sex in the hope that a relationship will follow, and this led to other problems of guilt and shame when the partners disappeared after.
There was a discussion on the pros and cons of monogamy (one person at a time) versus having an open relationship with many persons to love.
In addition to the spectre of HIV, it also emerged that persons would not feel safe. It was important for persons to gain enough self esteem to say no to risky sex .
Other points.. UG Berbice campus has a clear statement of non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
There is a group called Rainbow Crew which seeks to gain HIV prevention knowledge for the gay, lesbian and all sexual community. The group could be contacted through Artistes in Direct Support.
The next meeting will be on Saturday 14th May, 2005 at the same venue.
Persons felt that in the search for intimacy, many people just said yes to sex in the hope that a relationship will follow, and this led to other problems of guilt and shame when the partners disappeared after.
There was a discussion on the pros and cons of monogamy (one person at a time) versus having an open relationship with many persons to love.
In addition to the spectre of HIV, it also emerged that persons would not feel safe. It was important for persons to gain enough self esteem to say no to risky sex .
Other points.. UG Berbice campus has a clear statement of non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
There is a group called Rainbow Crew which seeks to gain HIV prevention knowledge for the gay, lesbian and all sexual community. The group could be contacted through Artistes in Direct Support.
The next meeting will be on Saturday 14th May, 2005 at the same venue.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Report of 3 April SASOD discussion and next one..
Hi all
The SASOD discussion on 3 April was free form and around several themes. Homophobia in the workplace was discussed and people realised that there are some places in Guyana where the attitudes towards the gay/lesbian person very often depended on the work performance, and that homophobic attitudes are not displayed. There are some cases where gay/lesbian persons contribute positively and are respected for their contribution and hence the case for rights must take those into consideration.
Persons agreed to the generla principle that the age of consent should be 18 years for both male and female, and would support the GHRA proposal in principle. A letter for all of our signatures or names would be developed for submission before the 15 April.
The next SASOD discussion will take place on Sat 15 April, 2005 at 4pm at Help & Shelter's boardroom. The alternative venues were also discussed.
Peace
Vidya
The SASOD discussion on 3 April was free form and around several themes. Homophobia in the workplace was discussed and people realised that there are some places in Guyana where the attitudes towards the gay/lesbian person very often depended on the work performance, and that homophobic attitudes are not displayed. There are some cases where gay/lesbian persons contribute positively and are respected for their contribution and hence the case for rights must take those into consideration.
Persons agreed to the generla principle that the age of consent should be 18 years for both male and female, and would support the GHRA proposal in principle. A letter for all of our signatures or names would be developed for submission before the 15 April.
The next SASOD discussion will take place on Sat 15 April, 2005 at 4pm at Help & Shelter's boardroom. The alternative venues were also discussed.
Peace
Vidya
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Next SASOD Discussion - Sunday 3 April, 2005
The SASOD discussion on Sunday 20 March focussed on challenges facing persons who are against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. This was part of the discussion on Self Esteem and Sexuality which will continue on Sunday 3 April, 2005 at the same venue.
The meeting indicated that SASOD was needed. It will be a challenge to do outreach to persons who are like minded and everyone agreed that SASOD should also include some group support /counselling type activities, as well as be an activist organisation working against homophobia.
The ground rules of confidentiality were restated, and persons spoke of feeling comfortable to discuss personal issues.
Persons spoke of homophobia on the UG Campus, and of confronting the people who taunt persons they perceive as gay or lesbian. They recognised that there needs to be a space to further discuss issues
The group agreed that a more structured discussions will be held on Sunday 3 April, 2005 at 4pm at Help & Shelter.
Meanwhile, UG students would look into hosting a forum at UG on the rights of sexual minorities.
P
The meeting indicated that SASOD was needed. It will be a challenge to do outreach to persons who are like minded and everyone agreed that SASOD should also include some group support /counselling type activities, as well as be an activist organisation working against homophobia.
The ground rules of confidentiality were restated, and persons spoke of feeling comfortable to discuss personal issues.
Persons spoke of homophobia on the UG Campus, and of confronting the people who taunt persons they perceive as gay or lesbian. They recognised that there needs to be a space to further discuss issues
The group agreed that a more structured discussions will be held on Sunday 3 April, 2005 at 4pm at Help & Shelter.
Meanwhile, UG students would look into hosting a forum at UG on the rights of sexual minorities.
P
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Self Esteem and Sexuality discussion
The next SASOD Discussion will be held on Sunday 20 March, 2005 at Help & Shelter on Home Stretch Avenue at 4pm.
The topic for discussion is Self Esteem and Sexuality. The purpose is to explore the ways in which people's self esteem determine their expression of their sexuality. We plan to explore the ways in which our self esteem is determined, and how persons with a strong sense of self then deal with their sexuality. The discussion will involve topics about infidelity, promiscuity and building strong relationships.
All persons who support the eradication of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation are invited to attend.
The topic for discussion is Self Esteem and Sexuality. The purpose is to explore the ways in which people's self esteem determine their expression of their sexuality. We plan to explore the ways in which our self esteem is determined, and how persons with a strong sense of self then deal with their sexuality. The discussion will involve topics about infidelity, promiscuity and building strong relationships.
All persons who support the eradication of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation are invited to attend.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Report on Spirituality and Sexuality discussion
The SASOD discussion on Spirituality and Sexuality was a forum for aninteresting exchange on views of religion, spirituality and sexuality.
The first challenge was to make the discussion a safe one, and the group started by a grounding meditation, followed by a series of introductionsand a discussion on what the ground rules should be.These ground rules are :-
* participation is voluntary, people will talk when they feel like
* one person speaks at a time
* confidentiality
* respect others's opinion and try to deal with the idea rather than the person
* no side talk
* no prejudices - against persons in or out of the room
* Cell phones turned off, no pictures to be taken
* the ground rules can be reviewed from time to time
The following points were raised :-
* spirituality is about the connection of the spirit and the greater universe
* religion provides the path to spirituality
* religious texts can be misinterpreted, and have been misinterpreted
* some were suspicious of secular humanism ( http://www.secularhumanism.org ) as a creed
* some accepted that they will 'sin' and give repentance
* One person was adamant that homosexuals were responsible for the spread of HIV/AIDS, and for other ills in the society. He felt that homosexuals should turn to the word of God and find a way out from the deviant lifestyle.
* There was strong objection that now heterosexual population in the Caribbean was more at risk from HIV/AIDS and that there was a danger to ignore heterosexual sex as a dangerous.
* Persons said that there were homosexual people who did not indulge in anal sex, or other risky behaviour and that it is not good to stereotype a group.
* The response of the group was that individual persons could find peace with their version of God, and that individual people choose their partners for sex. Every adult has a choice when they consent to any sexual activity.
There was loud discussion on these points, sometimes very emotional,looking at hypocrisy and how in history, homosexuals were sometimesaccepted in society until the 18th Century.
The majority of the group acknowledged that they had reconciled theirsexuality with their spiritual and religious beliefs in one way oranother, some said that they acknowledged that having consensual sex would not be considered a sin (the Hindu person noted that the notion of sin in Hinduism is different from the Judaic religions)should not be a sin when there were other things which were worse.Concern was expressed at the level of internal homophobia which some gayand lesbian people would go through as a result of religious based hatred. This group had people who identified as Bahai, Christian andHindu.The next session will be on Sexuality and Self-Esteem and the venue will be announced later.
In Evaluation, the group felt that the there was good discussion and that persons felt comfortable to disclose or speak personally.
The first challenge was to make the discussion a safe one, and the group started by a grounding meditation, followed by a series of introductionsand a discussion on what the ground rules should be.These ground rules are :-
* participation is voluntary, people will talk when they feel like
* one person speaks at a time
* confidentiality
* respect others's opinion and try to deal with the idea rather than the person
* no side talk
* no prejudices - against persons in or out of the room
* Cell phones turned off, no pictures to be taken
* the ground rules can be reviewed from time to time
The following points were raised :-
* spirituality is about the connection of the spirit and the greater universe
* religion provides the path to spirituality
* religious texts can be misinterpreted, and have been misinterpreted
* some were suspicious of secular humanism ( http://www.secularhumanism.org ) as a creed
* some accepted that they will 'sin' and give repentance
* One person was adamant that homosexuals were responsible for the spread of HIV/AIDS, and for other ills in the society. He felt that homosexuals should turn to the word of God and find a way out from the deviant lifestyle.
* There was strong objection that now heterosexual population in the Caribbean was more at risk from HIV/AIDS and that there was a danger to ignore heterosexual sex as a dangerous.
* Persons said that there were homosexual people who did not indulge in anal sex, or other risky behaviour and that it is not good to stereotype a group.
* The response of the group was that individual persons could find peace with their version of God, and that individual people choose their partners for sex. Every adult has a choice when they consent to any sexual activity.
There was loud discussion on these points, sometimes very emotional,looking at hypocrisy and how in history, homosexuals were sometimesaccepted in society until the 18th Century.
The majority of the group acknowledged that they had reconciled theirsexuality with their spiritual and religious beliefs in one way oranother, some said that they acknowledged that having consensual sex would not be considered a sin (the Hindu person noted that the notion of sin in Hinduism is different from the Judaic religions)should not be a sin when there were other things which were worse.Concern was expressed at the level of internal homophobia which some gayand lesbian people would go through as a result of religious based hatred. This group had people who identified as Bahai, Christian andHindu.The next session will be on Sexuality and Self-Esteem and the venue will be announced later.
In Evaluation, the group felt that the there was good discussion and that persons felt comfortable to disclose or speak personally.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Spirituality and Sexuality Discussion
SASOD, as a part of its programme to eradicate discrimination on the
basis of sexual orientation, will host a discussion on
"Reconciling spirituality and sexuality"
The purpose of this discussion is to raise awareness in persons who
attend of the positive beliefs which contribute to the acceptance of
people regardless of their sexual orientation.
Venue : Help & Shelter Board Room, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown
When : Saturday 5th March, 2004, at 4pm
This discussion is open to persons who support SASOD's objective to
eradicate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Suggested Readings :
Bahai Viewshttp://p087.ezboard.com/fgaybahaifrm1
Christian based
http://www.soulforce.org (very comprehensive site)
http://www.truluck.com
Hindu based
http://www.chakra.org/
http://www.galva108.org/
Islamic views
http://www.safraproject.org/
http://www.well.com/user/queerjhd/sxbadruddin.html
http://www.al-fatiha.org/info.html
And for those who are anti-religion.. but still spiritual
http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/fi/rand_24_6.html
basis of sexual orientation, will host a discussion on
"Reconciling spirituality and sexuality"
The purpose of this discussion is to raise awareness in persons who
attend of the positive beliefs which contribute to the acceptance of
people regardless of their sexual orientation.
Venue : Help & Shelter Board Room, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown
When : Saturday 5th March, 2004, at 4pm
This discussion is open to persons who support SASOD's objective to
eradicate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Suggested Readings :
Bahai Viewshttp://p087.ezboard.com/fgaybahaifrm1
Christian based
http://www.soulforce.org (very comprehensive site)
http://www.truluck.com
Hindu based
http://www.chakra.org/
http://www.galva108.org/
Islamic views
http://www.safraproject.org/
http://www.well.com/user/queerjhd/sxbadruddin.html
http://www.al-fatiha.org/info.html
And for those who are anti-religion.. but still spiritual
http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/fi/rand_24_6.html
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