Levi (Destiny) Johnson | November 20, 2021
Trans Awareness Week runs from November 13-19, and the day after is Remembrance Day. This is the day that honors the lives of victims of transphobic violence.’
Jamaica, though progressing, is still a very conservative country due to rigid religious principles instilled at every angle. This means that being trans in Jamaica, especially for those who live as their true self can be very difficult and dangerous at times. But even with Jamaica’s conservative views, trans people still find ways to express who they are; and they usually have tons of support!
Dwayne Jones, 16, died at the hands of a mob in Montego Bay, St. James. They attended a party in “women’s” clothing and were identified as “male” and chased as they fled. Their body was later found with multiple stab wounds and a gunshot wound and, like the outcome of other LGBTQ+ hate crimes in Jamaica, no arrests were made.
“The Jamaican government has a poor record of investigating and holding to account those who commit violence because of the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.” -Human Rights Watch
The government should be doing more to keep members of marginalized communities (like the LGBTQ+ community) to stay safe and ensure they are protected under the law.
People deserve respect regardless of their gender identity, or sexuality. Help Transgender Jamaicans keep safe while expressing their true selves.
Zenerations Jamaica 
Leave a comment