Considering our moral stand in this still closed society, it’s probably still only a handful of people who would want to ridicule gays in Barbados.  Generally, I don’t sense the level of persecution they are alluding to.  It seems to me that their departure has more to do with just what the article identifies - flight from their own partners to avoid domestic violence and the ensuing embarrassment.

Sadly, as much as we may not physically abuse the gay community, should they go to Bongo Lights, Club 360, Sheriff’s Place, Liberty, or a dub and dance, kiss or hold hands, that is a whole other story. We don’t want to see it, to see it in our face is to publicly acknowledge that it is going on, we would rather assume and let it happen behind closed doors and whispers from dark corners.

From rocks, to bottles, to being chased with machetes there’s persecution of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transmen and transwomen in Barbados.  That’s if the angry religious replies and comments did not give anyone a clue.  I’ve personally witnessed it for the first 10 years of my life and during on and off visits after I moved.

What everyone fails to notice is that it is not a question of personal opinion about homosexuality, gender identity and gender expression.  All three separate things.  It is about the human right for protection, equality and life that is accorded to every citizen of a nation at birth.  THAT is the moral issue.

If you believe that people should be denied equality, protection and life, that is infringement of individual rights and societal persecution.  You’ve just proven their case as valid.

Danielle sumed it up perfect…“to see it in our face is to publicly acknowledge that it is going on, we would rather assume and let it happen behind closed doors and whispers from dark corners” if Pan need a lesson in HOMOSEXUALITY in bdos i wud happily oblige of her ignorance

Although God loves us all he Hates what Gays are doing. it is a slap in his face because Gays cannot procreate and that is what God initially commanded us to do (be fruitful and multiply). Now if small nations want to become like Sodom and Gomorrah where everyone is gay then that is what we will be if we refuse to keep a righteous code of living. So when America imposes its degraded morals on everyone else and their norms and values go down the drain we will go right down with them unless we stand up for God’s righteous ways. I am using my freedom of speech to write this letter so you can get vex with me for it but when you close your eyes to meet with God you will see that Hell is as real as death and we all have to stand before him one day. God is still watching!

It is time that Barbados and other Caribbean countries realise that gay men and women are not a danger to society but instead have much to contribute as valuable citizens in every aspect of life.  The laws and constitutions need to give equal protection to all citizens regardless of sexual orientation. None of us can say that those who have fled to Canada or other countries did not genuinely fear for their safety as we have not been in their situations.

As a Barbadian, I know how difficult it is as a gay man. I live in Europe now, but come home often. Each time, I am reminded that nothing has changed. It is time Barbadian society start to discuss and confront this issue and realise that there is a gay section of in society that must be recognised. Stop worrying about who someone sleeps with and look at the value everyone can contribute to society.

Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transfolks are not incapable of reproduction as they procreate very well.  Everything is quite functional physically.  Must we bring social infertility into this discussion?  It is a most tired excuse for denying equality.  There are physically infertile couples who are happily experiencing legal marital bliss, social equality and reproductive rights; such as the elderly, sterilised, and impotent couples.  Many gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people have biological children.  Whether by sex from a previous relationship, like many other socially accepted parents, or by a socially accepted reproductive method.  I very rarely get upset in regards to the opinions of others.  I save that energy for equal rights.

The problem I have with gay people is that they can’t accept that there are people who see their way of life as a sin and totally wrong. Most people don’t feel they have a right to tell these gays how to live their lives, but they don’t want your gay business shoved in their faces every time they walk the road. I should be able to walk the road with my young children without having to explain why these two men or women are carrying on in public. When I feel my children are old and mature enough to learn about certain things, I will have discussions with them about these things, but I should not have that time forced on me because you people can’t behave yourselves in public. Keep it to yourself, and you usually won’t have any problems.