Anti-gay reggae gets some mainstream play over at Time, where journo Christopher Thompson takes a look at the so-called Reggae Compassion Act: an alliance of rasta men and women dedicated to eradicating homophobic lyrics in the historically sunny genre.
Beenie Man and Buju Banton have reportedly signed - and denied signing - the act, but some of Jamaica's music makers ain't about to join the Stop Murder Campaign, which spear headed the act. Britain-based songster Vincent Nap tells Thompson:
In Jamaica we grew up in a homophobic society and the Bible is what we go by. You can't expect us to turn around like our religion doesn't matter.
British activist Peter Tatchell counteracts Nap's assertion, reminding readers - and listeners - "The struggle for lesbian and gay human rights. is a universal one." If only people would pay attention, they could get a good thing going on.
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Japhy Grant Editorial Director
David Hauslaib Publisher
Jossip Initiatives
I don't know why they can't get it right. Jamaicans are not homophobic. A phobia implies an intense fear. We are not in fear of homosexuals. We just don't like them. Some societies claim homosexuality is a sickness. Well in Jamaica, we intend to rid our country of this sickness. There will be no gay rights. I feel inlove everytime I see a beautiful woman. I don't feel I deserve a straight march. I feel it is natural that I am straight which requires no praises. Why is it necessary to have a gay march. Had i been a musical artist, my career would be over because I would not have apologized, even as a political move for future monetary gain.
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