Jackman, Mahalia. “They Called It the ‘Abominable Crime’: An Analysis of Heterosexual Support for Anti-Gay Laws in Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.” Sexuality Research & Social Policy: A Journal of the NSRC, vol. 13, no. 2, June 2016, pp. 130-141. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s13178-015-0209-6.

 

The author of this journal conducted a study to investigate and evaluate the current support for anti-gay laws in three Caribbean countries (Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago). As well the study briefly goes into the history of homophobia in these countries, that dates back to British Imperialism where the views of the colonial legislators were enforced onto the natives. Despite gaining independence, these views and types of laws continue to persist today, even though they are largely unenforced. The study looks into at that people supporting these current laws and those that want equality extended to homosexuals by using data from 2013 Attitudes Towards Homosexual Survey done by the Caribbean Development Research Services. This stage found that 55-60% of people wish these laws to remain and to actually be enforced, around 20% felt that laws should be removed or modified and not be enforced and around 20% had no opinion or wished not to answer. The next stage investigated how other factors affect response to the survey. Surprisingly age, gender and education where found to have little effect to how people felt. Religion did play a role, with people across all religious denominations (Christians, Evangelicals, Muslims, Hindus). Religious people were more likely to support these laws and their enforcement with a slight boost if they also identified as actively participating in their religion. People who believed people are born homosexual and people with homosexual friends or associates were less likely to support the laws. This journal and study will be helpful to understand the current held opinions of Caribbean people the factors that can affect these opinions and what should be investigated more closely.

 

Ghanny, CJG. “DWELLING TOGETHER? HOMELAND HOMOPHOBIA HAUNTS THE DIASPORA.” West Indian Critic. West Indian Critic, 10 Sept. 2016. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.

 

This article is about an author telling his experience as being a gay man with Caribbean heritage and how that has affected his identity. When he came out, the author describes how he began identifying less with his Caribbean identity as he felt ostracized from his community and due to how homosexual and non-gender conforming people were treated and sometimes meet with violence. He also describes how gender roles for man and women are enforced in his community, specifically through music. There appears to be a large amount of Caribbean music that contain lyrics that enforce these roles and contain anti-gay or transphobic lyrics reflective of beliefs held by members of the Caribbean music. The article also reminds that the gender roles/binary was imposed onto the native Caribbean people when their land was colonized which has connections to the violent and cultural enforcement of gender roles today in Caribbean nations and amongst the diaspora. The article is helpful as it provides a look into understanding how cultural aspects can reinforce anti-LGBTQ sentiments such as the previously mentioned Caribbean music, not only in the Caribbean, but amongst the diaspora as well. Though like the previous source it also brings attention to influence of imperialism in these beliefs.

 

 

Martinez-Reyes, Consuelo. “Prodigal Daughters: Portraying Lesbians in Hispanic Caribbean Cinema.” Journal of Lesbian Studies, vol. 16, no. 3, July 2012, pp. 291-306. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/10894160.2012.673928.

 

This journal examines the roles lesbians play in Caribbean Cinema, specifically looking into the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The journal examines how lesbians are portrayed and whether it actually promotes lesbian visibility and inclusion. The journal looks at both mainstream films and independent films in its investigation as it is expected the external influence of more open global market (in terms of sexuality) may be responsible for an increase of representation in films. The journal finds that when lesbian and queer women are represented it typically does not go all the way or the character is used in a way that promotes heteronormativity. Love between lesbian characters was often not explored, remained off camera and or used to set up pornographic material for male enjoyment. There were films that had visible lesbian main characters, in which the films explore what it is like to live in heteronormative society, but ultimately is was mostly independent films that had charters like this. As a result, a majority of films reviewed has lesbian representation that felt artificial or used for male fantasies. This journal provides a look into the marginalized representation of lesbians in Caribbean films. It is helpful in showing how the marginalization and discrimination of queer people translates into the media that consumed. Understanding how media in Caribbean countries portrays and represents queer people will provide greater insight into how queer identity is marginalized.

 

Bellot, Gabrielle. “Opinion | On Being Queer in the Caribbean.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 31 Oct. 2015. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.

 

This article describes the experience of immigrants who have had to fled their countries in the Caribbean due to LGBT discrimination. The article describes how LGBTQ people have faced being ostracized and violence, forcing them to leave their country seeking in a form of exile. LGBTQ people still living in their country of origin have felt the need to hide their identity or heavily protect themselves if they come out. Younger people face verbal and physical abuse from their parent as well as the possibility of being kicked out of their homes. This along with protests against the legalization of sodomy and gay marriage and stories of violence committed against LGBT people have made it largely impossible for Caribbean LGBTQ people to be a part of their community in their home country. This article is useful, for it shows how being LGBTQ may not only be a part of someone’s identity but also the catalyst for their migration. As well, it provides further insight into the hostility faced by LGBTQ in the Caribbean.

 

Alessi, Edward J. “Resilience in Sexual and Gender Minority Forced Migrants: A Qualitative Exploration.” Traumatology, vol. 22, no. 3, Sept. 2016, pp. 203-213. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1037/trm0000077.

 

This journal follows people who have fled their country due to being persecuted for being LGBT and the struggles they face and the resilience they develop. The study included participant that were not only from the Caribbean but it still provides useful information. LGBT immigrating due to persuasion often struggle with depression and anxiety, which can worsen when they struggle to find employment and housing in their new country. However, many develop resilience due to having help from support groups, family and peers that strengthen their queer pride. As well, after overcoming some of their difficulties, helping others and giving back to their community also helped in this regard. For African and Caribbean participants, it was noted that religion and faith were very important for their resilience. This is interesting since religion has spread homophobic and transphobic beliefs in their countries but also provides them with strength and relief. This journal was helpful in understanding what the process and experience for people who live their country due to LGBTQ persecution and what helps them become a part of their community. It is interesting how religion has been used as a way to oppress LGBTQ people but also to help with their resilience. This may be something that needs to be researched more.