About us
History
The
Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays was founded
in December, 1998 as the first human rights organization
in the country's history to serve the needs of Lesbians,
Gays and All-Sexuals.
Its first major undertaking was a submission to the Joint
Select Committee on the Charter of Rights Bill seeking to
amend the non-discrimination clause of the Constitution
of Jamaica to include 'Sexual Orientation' among its protected
groups. Since that time the organization has expanded its
Legal Reform and Advocacy efforts, and expanded its activities
to include Educational and Social Service Programmes.
Mission
Statement
J-FLAG's
mission is to work towards a Jamaican society in which the
Human Rights and Equality of Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and
Gays are guaranteed. To foster the acceptance and enrichment
of the lives of same-gender-loving persons who have been,
and continue to be, an integral part of society.
J-FLAG
holds the vision to move forward in a spirit of oneness,
love, dignity and respect towards the establishment of a
Jamaica, and world, devoid of prejudice, injustice, discrimination
and oppression. And, furthermore, to ensure the human rights
of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, as set out in the United
Nations' Universal Declaration
of Human Rights.
What
we do
J-FLAG,
among other things:
-
does significant personal development and community building
in the gay community;
-
offers counseling and referral services to gay people
and their families;
-
has consultations and collaborations with noted local
and international figures and human rights/health/political
interest groups, in the process of working for constitutional
and other legislative changes;
-
has made written submissions to the Joint Select Committee
of the Houses of Parliament for the inclusion of "Sexual
Orientation" as a basis on which the Constitution
of Jamaica prohibits discrimination;
-
has provided documentation for asylum cases based on sexual
discrimination and violence in Canada, Great Britain and
the United States;
-
maintains a library and archive of resource for academic
research
If you
have any further questions, please call our office at 876-978-8988.
Where
we are
Although
we provide services and network island-wide, our office
is located in Kingston, Jamaica's Capital and largest city.
Due
to the potential for violent retribution, we cannot publish
the exact location. We do receive mail at Box 1152, Kingston
8.
