Shaquille Romblay
J-FLAG
Jamaica
As I lie in bed watching the short documentary, Young and Gay: Jamaica’s Gully Queens, I think of the millions of queer individuals around the world who are physically, emotionally, spiritually, and sexually abused. I would be lying to myself if I said that conditions haven’t improved drastically for members of the LGBTQ community. However, globally there are many antagonistic beliefs that continue to harm queer individuals.
These dark ideologies are clearly visible in nations such as Jamaica, Uganda, Iran, and Afghanistan. These countries lack socioeconomic development and arguably political advancement. Yet even in the United States, a nation that is socially and politically developed, unfavorable creeds are still being displayed. Recently the US state of Indiana has shown its ugly side with its new “freedom of religion” law.
Thinking about the forms of hate that queer individuals experience puts me in a despondent state. Yet it’s empowering and motivates me. I become inspired to start crafting the various ways I am going to fight for this disenfranchised community. For one, my goal in life first and foremost is to become a talk show host. I want to work in entertainment so that I can use my power to fight against hateful ideologies and macabre practices. I also often have dreams of being rich. Not Oprah rich. Bill Gates rich. I dream of using my wealth and my gift of voice to liberate individuals and end the various forms of mental slavery.
My ultimate goal is to open educational centers and facilities because I believe everyone has the right to learn. But, you see, in school we are taught math, English, science, and history—at least some person’s version of it. We are not taught to love, to feel, and to tolerate.
I am going to Jamaica to understand the island’s roots of dark homophobia, which I one day hope to correct. And to be honest, I am scared. My family is scared, my mentor is scared, and my friends are scared. But what they don’t understand is that my vision is bigger than both them and me. This is a steppingstone to me one day changing the world that we live in. I am not fearful of my haters because ultimately I understand that I am they and they are me. Homophobes don’t fear gays; they just don’t understand them. And the change starts with me.