Film Festival Report - Week 1

“Film is a visceral art form and good films will often spark interest and discussion” advised Guyana born Michelle Mohabeer, one of the featured directors of the films being screened as part of SASOD's film festival at the Sidewalk Cafe. Intense discussion was sparked during the first three days of the film Festival. Under the theme Painting the Spectrum : A celebration of love, the programme presents different films of different sexualities. The film My Beautiful Laundrette introduced ideas of race relations, economic stereotyping and cultural clashes around a love story of a man of Pakistani origins and a fascist skinhead in 1980's London. Some members of the audience felt that the film did not deal with issues on gay and lesbian relationships, but more on racism and class differences. Two women in the audience said they did not know that “..anti men fell in love that way”, and they appreciated that same sex attraction was not only about sex, but could also involve love. One member of the audience admitted that though he has no problem with gay or lesbian people, the scenes of the two men together were unnerving while another man thought that the film was not activist enough in challenging negative perceptions of gay and lesbian people.
Tuesday's film was Nicole Conn's “little man” . This is a biographical documentary of Nicole and her partner Gwen's journey through the birthing of their second child with a surrogate mother. The pregnancy was risky and the couple had fought against a choice of aborting the pregnancy. The “little man” Nicholas was born prematurely, and with several complications which required some surgery. The film deals with the family's coping through the first two years and nine months of Nicholas' life. One woman walked out during the film , saying that the medical scenes of the surgery on the baby were too graphic and that she could not cope with the intense drama of the documentary. Two men also walked out during the same scenes. When the film ended, most members of the audience agreed that the film was good, while two persons thought it was long and boring. The greatest challenge to the group was confronting the issue of abortion, some people during the story felt that the potentially disabled baby should have been aborted, and then at the end of the film changed that view after seeing the success. There was discussion on how much money should be spent to keep a sick child alive, and whether Guyana should invest in that technology to provide those services for free. One man said he was surprised that the film was about the little man and not 'about lesbianism'. He also admitted that a persons sexual orientation had no bearing on their ability to be a good parent. Most people said the story was not what they expected to see at a film festival exploring aspects of gay and lesbian love.
Wednesday's showing When Night is Falling was a love story between two women, one of whom is engaged to be married to a man. This story had a happy ending, and the audience were pleasantly satiated by the film and could not bother with any intense discussion. One man indicated that the film suggested that sexuality is fluid, and that people should be brave enough to ask what their partners are feeling. Another man indicated that the film's message for him was that people regardless of their sexual orientation are worthy just as everyone else of a normal life and right to love, respect and dignity. He however felt that sexual orientation should not be a fundamental human right.

A 56 year old woman, from the East Coast said that the film festival must continue so as to raise consciousness in Guyana. SASOD is encouraged by the response, and with Sidewalk and 3HCD & Video club, the festival contines on Monday October 10th with Deepa Mehta's Fire from India. Tuesday's showing is a comedy “ Touch of Pink and then on Wednesday, Guyana born Michelle Mohabeer's Coconut/Cane and Cutlass, Child-Play, and Mohammed Camara's Dakan will be screened.

SASOD – http://www.geocities.com/sasod_guyana

Report on SASOD Meeting of 17 Sep, 2005

Hi all
We had a good gaff about the film festival, the ERC and many other things. Our condolences were extended to Colleen on the death of her sister.

Film Festival - we discussed idea of theme, the kinds of films to show and the discussion. The theme was agreed on "Painting the Spectrum - a celebration of love" Thanks to Nastassia for coming up with the list of films, and we could change if we get others.
We will be asking for donations to help with advertising - which will be our only costs. Sidewalk has agreed for Monday and Wednesday nights, and we could ask for the Tuesday nights later.

ERC - Colleen and I will file the request with ERC as soon as we confirm the kinds of permits which are given, and how the permits are offered. This is on homophobic lyrics.

The next meeting date will be third Saturday in October - 15 October. We will have a meeting before to discuss the film festival specifically.

Report of SASOD Meeting of 20 August and date for next one.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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