Transsexualism is a condition in which individuals identify with a physical sex different from the one with which they were born. Transsexualism is stigmatized in many parts of the world but has become more widely known in Western cultures in the mid to late 20th century, concurrently with the sexual revolution and the development of sexual reassignment surgeries. It remains controversial, however. Discrimination and negative attitudes towards transsexualism often accompany certain religious beliefs or cultural values. There are other cultures, however, that has not only held a place for transsexuals but even culturally sanction them, such as the two-spirit people in some Native American tribes.
The transgender population in Jamaica is small with most people within that community resolving to drag attires other than sexual reassignment surgeries.
In September 2008, the countries leading gay and lesbian human rights organization JFLAG ran a story on a transgender woman who was attack in Kingston.
According to the report on there site, the woman was at a bus stop when she was confronted by two men who befriended her, after which they began assaulting her, when they found out that she was a guy, they slash her throat, robbed her of cash and a cell phone. She was assisted by a CSW who called the police to take her to the hospital.
OUTWEEKLY interviewed members form the LGBT community to find out about Jamaica and transsexual.
Andrew * ( a university student) – Jamaica is not ready to accept transgender and I don’t think that it will, well not in my life time at least, the issue of gay rights and the homosexual lifestyle is just being put on the table, and already many deaths, the countries is struggling with so much problems right now. Before the issue of transgender can be confronted, the issue of gay rights will have been death with.
Michael* (a bisexual) – I didn’t even knew that existed in Jamaica. I don’t think I will ever be.
David (a gay man that is out to family and friends) – as a gay man I definitely think it will cause a much bigger uproar within the country. Heterosexual will not approve of this lifestyle and all its deceptions. It’s a much tougher fight for them.
Maria* ( lesbian) – since there are not many known transgender in the island the stress level here is not focus on them, so for now until the population become more aware of them, they will me seen as gays.
Many persons thought that the transgender lifestyle is something that Jamaica is not ready for at this time alone with homosexuality. Only 10% of the persons interviewed said that transgender should be able to live there lives without the fear of discrimination and been killed.
* The names of the persons mention above have been change upon there request.
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