How does Jamaica compare to other severely anti LGBT societies,and to what extent does it merit its extreme reputation?

Psychosocial Theory and Diverse Groups

International icons of Jamaican culture and society have also played a role. For example, in 2015, Marlon James spoke of the difficulty of living in Jamaica as a gay man shortly after he became the first Jamaican author to win the prestigious Man Booker Prize (James, 2015). In his words, he was so desperate to escape that, “Had to leave my home country – whether in a coffin or a plane.” (p. 1). There have also been several international protests blocking the performances of certain Jamaican musical performers (Campbell, 2012; Clunis, 2004b; Walters, 2013) on the grounds that their lyrics encouraged deadly violence against gay men and lesbians (Chin, 1997; Ellis, 2011). Many of these protests were planned and organised by Jamaicans or members of the Jamaican diaspora living abroad.

These efforts were part of the necessary work of raising awareness and have contributed to the international pressure placed on Jamaica to alter some of its anti–gay laws (Rose, 2004). Furthermore, this increased awareness likely created the atmosphere in which much of the subsequent research could be conducted. However, given this widespread reputation, there are important questions that must be factually addressed concerning Jamaica’s sexual prejudice. Specifically, how does Jamaica compare to other severely anti LGBT societies, and to what extent does it merit its extreme reputation? What is currently known about sexual prejudice in Jamaica, and what research supports this knowledge? What
lessons, if any, can be taken from Jamaica to help understand and reduce sexual prejudice in
other societies? By reviewing the available body of relevant research, this article addresses these questions and suggests strategies for tackling sexual prejudice internationally