Shaquille Romblay
J-FLAG
Jamaica
When I was interviewing as a candidate for the Gallatin Global Fellowship in Human Rights, one of the judges said something that stunned me: “All you have spoken about thus far is identity and how this project correlates to identity. What does this project have to do with human rights?” I knew that my project would cover some aspects of human rights, but I became frightened that it wasn’t a large enough dimension. I started to underestimate J-FLAG, the organization I wanted to work for. However, my experience with J-FLAG has erased my previous doubts.
J-FLAG is trying to find ways to fight against the internalized homophobia that many queer individuals suffer. They host informative conferences to combat the negative stigmas associated with the human immunodeficiency virus. They attend human rights sessions to educate other human rights organizations about the complications of being queer in a homophobic society. And they are constantly finding ways to build a community where LGBTQ individuals feel more safe and comfortable on the island.
The work that J-FLAG produces is truly impressive. I initially thought they aimed at serving solely a queer audience, but coming here, I have learned that the NGO is all about intersectionality. They’re constantly looking for ways to serve underdeveloped communities, and the most remarkable thing is that they are also fighting for marginalized communities in other parts of the world. For example, members of J-FLAG attended a conference in the Dominican Republic, where they advocated for Haitians being forced to leave the island.
I am so proud of J-FLAG and all of the human rights work that they do. Most importantly, I am proud to be a part of it.
If someone were to ask me again what my project has to do with human rights, I would respond by saying we are a small organization trying to fight against negative stigmas and biases, to create a more beautiful, safer Jamaica for all. We are ultimately trying to revolutionize the island that some call “paradise.”
