05/13/2008
Cayman Kisser Sends Island's Bigots into a Gay Panic
The Cayman Island same-sex kiss incident that led to the arrest of 23-year-old Massachusetts resident Aaron Chandler earlier this month has apparently shaken the anti-gay hornet's nest. Chandler was arrested and detained by police after kissing his partner on a dance floor. The island's Tourism Director later apologized. But the whole brouhaha has bigot officials worried that the island's tolerance of the incident will lead pastors to be punished for spewing their hate, and cause same-sex couples to seek it out as a vacation spot.
Said JP Julianna O’Connor–Connolly during her budget debate in the Legislative Assembly: "I must say that the news headlines of this past week…certainly have caused the conservative voters…to be a little bit leery. Assurances were given that these things wouldn’t happen…now we have this test case...What happens when we get an Order in Council saying we have to [legalize gay marriage]? If (visitors) want to see that they can go to Los Angeles or Second Street in New York…is this the kind of tourism we want in the Cayman Islands? Are we just inches away from telling our pastors that they can’t preach about this lifestyle? Or that they have to marry (same sex couples)? Once doubt enters in the equation that we have to pander to these people…then we are diminishing our faith in God. Each time, I get more and more concerned as I see a lack of commitment to these values."
In related news, it appears that the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism PR Officer is responding to letters of concern from potential visitors by cautioning that "while we absolutely do not discriminate against any race, gender or sexual preference we do sometimes feel uncomfortable with overt displays of intimacy."
In other words, be warned you may suffer the consequences should you decide to show any outward affection to your partner.
READ THE LETTER sent to one of our readers, AFTER THE JUMP...
***LETTER from CAYMAN ISLANDS dept. of Tourism***
Dear Mr. XXXXXXX,
Thank you for taking the time to contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism with your concerns. I can attest that since 2001, the Cayman Islands has confirmed a policy of non-discrimination and continues to graciously receive all visitors to our shores. Recently an isolated guest complaint sparked speculation of our policy. This is unfortunate and I wish to confirm contrary to speculation no one was charged with any crime. The Cayman Islands is a hospitable and traditionally very conservative country. While we absolutely do not discriminate against any race, gender or sexual preference we do sometimes feel uncomfortable with overt displays of intimacy. Every year more than a million visitors call on our shores and most are intrigued by and respectful of our cultural differences. I can state with absolute conviction that the Cayman Islands welcomes all visitors to its shores as well as families, divers, single travellers and people from all walks of life, and will continue to do so. I do hope that you will reconsider your decision regarding visiting the Cayman Islands.
With warm regards,
Jo Gammage PR Officer
***END OF LETTER***
Gay kissers raise doubt [cay compass]
Posted 4:25 PM EST by Andy Towle in Cayman Islands, Kiss, News | Permalink
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My friend Gregory Battcock was murdered in Puerto Rico.
Posted by: David Ehrenstein | May 13, 2008 9:59:49 PM
Anyone who think they can change or even affect the inborn hatred of Gays and Lesbians that exists in the Caribbean Islands, especially Jamaica, and now
Cayman, is not being realistic. I grew up in one of the islands mentioned, and there is no way that society will ever even think of us as human. Their bigotry is solidly based on their illiteracy. The best action is to just boycott them, and spend our money elsewhere.
Posted by: Reggie | May 13, 2008 11:18:05 PM
Very easy solution: plenty of other islands in the Carribean...
Anyone know of a Carribean island that has marriage equality and is glbt friendly? I'm due for a nice vacation...
Posted by: Ryan | May 13, 2008 11:27:00 PM
One probably stands a greater chance of experiencing such bigotry in the USA, so I'm boycotting that old testament backwater.
Posted by: Mike | May 13, 2008 11:30:06 PM
Just freaking boycott Cayman Islands! Why bother to go to a place where you're not wanted? Let's face it - overt displays of intimacy is a euphemism they're using for homophobia. If you could just buy them, I'd change the name to Gayman Islands.
Posted by: Donn | May 14, 2008 12:12:08 AM
Gays and Lesbians should pool their resources and just purchase an island.
Rosies ship can stop there and it would have marriage rights and BANKS! The initial investment represents levels of ownership.
100. = lifetime visitation rights
timeshares and residences
Let's do it!!!
Call it Raibovia.
Posted by: Ty Jones | May 14, 2008 1:14:36 AM
Oops I mean Rainbovia.
Posted by: Ty Jones | May 14, 2008 1:20:01 AM
Gregory: why oh why did you have to take it there? There are all these recent stories about middle-class black women behaving crazily toward gays? These are three separate instances. Two of the "perpetrators" are African American. One is Afro-Caribbean. Exactly how are they tied together? Oh, it's because share two traits. Ok, well there have been stories about McCain suggesting a long-term presence for the U.S. in Iraq. Hillary Clinton has suggested bombing Iran. And George Bush recently indicated that war he started in Iraq has been a success. Does that mean that old, well-educated white people are warmongers?
With all due respect, you've created the link between these three individual women. You "noticed" the pattern.
My hope is that no one else mentioned it because they weren't going to tie three individuals together simply because they shared two characteristics: race and gender.
Part of me is glad that I read this blog because I know what people think. But the other part of me is just so sad. It's just too often that an issue involving a black person becomes an albatross for all black people.
No group of people should be made to pay for the sins of one individual irrespective of their race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Before posting, please think about whether you'd want to be grouped with a bunch people because you share a similar characteristic. If not, please don't do it to others.
Posted by: Brandon | May 14, 2008 1:26:29 AM
To say that a group or individual is "ok" with homosexuality, but then in the same breath say that you just "shouldn't show it" or "put it in their face" is a complete joke. That seriously is like saying "I don't have a problem with fat people, but I just don't like to see them in public"...
we have the same right to express ourselves through affection that anyone else does, everywhere. period.
Posted by: mariah spears cosby aguilera barrymore | May 14, 2008 1:47:40 AM
I feel sorry for gays and lesbians who live on this island.
Basic rights are not being enforced on the island. I wish my government, the UK, which this island is an overseas territory off, ensured that, if not gay marriage or civil unions are legal, that basic rights are enforced.
Posted by: EvilEuropean | May 14, 2008 5:25:10 AM
They don't want the fagalas cause we're so evil. but have no problem helping drug dealers and other miscreants launder their drug money.
Posted by: ousslander | May 14, 2008 7:15:45 AM
BTW, what is this 2nd street gay area? Have I been missing something on my way to work? Damn!
I think OutTraveler or some gay rag did a story on GLBT travel in the Caribbean. MOST of the islands didn't fare too well.
Crispy: USVI are NOT gay-friendly. I work with their gov't and many people from my office have traveled there. Fags have a bad habit of thinking everything is wonderful just because it hasn't happened to you. Look at the overall experiences of GLBT people - look at the policies and practices of the governments - don't just look at how many margaritas you drank and how many times you tricked while you were there (though that does tend to make a trip much much better!).
Boots: FU. Have you ever tried to kiss your gf in a "small Southern town in the US?" Based on that ignorant statement, I would say no. And as far as the Rome comment, keep that shit to yourself - if you want to bend to the bigots, feel free.
Brandon: get a life.
Gregory: yes, we noticed, but just because there is a story doesn't make the person or the action particularly outstanding. It could have just as easily been a white woman/man/trannie.
Posted by: Andy | May 14, 2008 7:49:28 AM
She looka like a man.
Posted by: Swan | May 14, 2008 9:00:27 AM
Andy @ 7:49:28 AM,
I've been to the Virgin Islands twice. How many times have you been there? Didn't think so.
On both trips I went with my boyfriend. We stayed in a room with 1 bed, and every night we ate together in restaurants. We experienced nothing but kindness. And no we did not trick with anyone there. Your assumptions about me are as misguided and idiotic as your assumptions about the islands.
Posted by: crispy | May 14, 2008 9:12:32 AM
OK I'M GOING TO START A SHITSTORM HERE BUT I HAVE TO SAY IT.
I WONDER HOW MANY OF THE MOST OUTRAGED BY THIS STUPID INCIDENT ARE MIDDLE INCOME TO UPPER INCOME PRIVILEDGED WHITE GUYS.
A LOT OF THE COMMENTS HAVE A REALLY NASTY ANTI-POOR ("THEY EAT SHIT") OR ANTI-BLACK ("BLACK WOMEN...") BENT TO THEM.
I THINK WHAT THE "CAYMAN KISSER" DID WAS REALLY DISRESPECTFUL OF LOCAL MORES. MORES I DON'T AGREE WITH BUT THEIR MORES NONETHELESS.
I WAS RAISED IN L.A.. I HAVE LIVED IN LAS VEGAS FOR TWO YEARS NOW. I RECENTLY SPENT THE WEEK IN L.A.. I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW REFRESHING IT WAS TO BE IN SUCH A GAY FRIENDLY PLACE. GUYS WERE OPENLY GAY. THAT'S NOT THE CASE IN VEGAS. I BET IT'S NOT THE CASE IN MOST OF THE COUNTRY. WE FORGET WHEN WE LIVE IN OUR GAY GHETTOS THAT THE REST OF THE WORLD MIGHT HAVE DIFFERENT WAYS OF BEING. I'M NOT SAYING THEY'RE RIGHT, JUST DIFFERENT.
MR. "CAYMAN KISSER" WAS ASKED SEVERAL TIMES TO STOP. HE DECIDED AS A TOURIST HE DIDN'T HAVE TO. HE GOT IN TROUBLE, DUH. WHEN EVER I'VE TRAVELED I'VE SEEN THIS BEHAVIOR AMONGST WHITE TOURISTS. DON'T BELIEVE ME? GO TO TIJUANA ANY WEEKEND FOR AN EPISODE OF "WHITE GUYS GO WILD". THE COMMENTS ABOUT "LOCALS" HERE HIT HOME BECAUSE IF YOU GO TO A CLUB HERE IN VEGAS ON A WEEKEND YOU GET A HOARD OF WHITE GUYS HITTING ON THE LOCAL BLACKS AND LATINOS AS IF THEY HAVE ONE WEEKEND TO SCORE SOME COLORED ASS/DICK.
I HOPE NO ONE HERE THINKS I'M A RACIST. I DEPLORE RACISM FROM BLACKS/LATINS/ASIANS ETC. JUST AS MUCH FROM WHITES. I JUST FEEL IT NEEDS TO BE POINTED OUT THAT AS A WHITE MALE YOU ARE USED TO CERTAIN PRIVILEDGES THAT OTHERS ARE NOT AND CAN'T EXPECT EVERYONE TO COME FROM THE SAME PLACE AS YOU.
BTW, HOW MANY OF YOU WOULD GO TO RURAL GEORGIA AND OPENLY KISS YOUR BF? HOW ABOUT POLAND? NIGERIA? CHINA? YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN? JUST TRY TO UNDERSTAND NOT EVERYONE THINKS LIKE WE FROM THE MORE PROGRESSIVE PARTS OF THE U.S..
AND IF THE REST OF OUR COUNTRY WERE AS PROGRESSIVE AS WE SCREAM WE ARE IN COMPARISON TO THE CAYMANS OR ANYWHERE ELSE, HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WINNING ELECTIONS BASED ON FEAR OF GAY MARRIAGE.
I INVITE COMMENTS AND REFLECTIONS ON WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN, HOWEVER, IF YOU'RE GOING TO CALL ME NAMES, PLEASE, BREATHE AND DON'T HIT SEND. HAVE A LITTLE RESPECT FOR ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW.
Posted by: dw314 | May 14, 2008 11:59:54 AM
DW314, thank you for your comments.
Reggie, sorry to tell you this but both my parents are from Jamaica and they do not have a problem with my lifestyle. The same goes for my partner who's family are from Cayman. People can change and I have seen it over the years in Cayman. Forcing people to change does not work. As I said one at a time they come around but at the same time I don't puch it in their faces. I guess I am not a PDA type of person (staight or gay). I beleive there is a time and place for everything. I don't walk around with a gay chip on my shoulder. Cayman is small and I am sure that most people know that my partner and I are a couple and we have never had any problems. We live in a beautiful place and have many friends, straight and gay.
There are ignorant people everywhere, why would Cayman be an exception?
Posted by: Boots | May 14, 2008 12:39:29 PM
DW314,
Genau ( exactly in German ).
Posted by: BBG | May 14, 2008 3:05:41 PM
DW314,
Genau ( exactly in German ).
Posted by: BBG | May 14, 2008 3:06:47 PM
ANDY, I'm sorry but BRANDON was right on the money with regards to GREGORY's statement! How in the world do you associate three "black" women- who, as a matter of fact have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in common- with the rest of that demographic?
I totally agree with "Cayman Kisser", I put my money where my mouth is! Literally! The Cayman Islands may not be tolerant of PDA, gay or straight, mild or not, but in that case, EVERYONE should refrain from displaying affection. Otherwise it's pure homophobia. So in other words, you ain't getting none of my gay dollars, Caymanians!!
As for those shouting MY BACKYARD IS BETTER THAN YOUR BACKYARD! You may have a point to an extent but we gays still have a long way to go be it here in Toronto, war-torn Somalia or Moldavia. So play nice & safe!
Posted by: Shabaka | May 14, 2008 3:07:28 PM
I SINCERELY HOPE THAT ANDY AND ALL OTHERS WHO HAVE READ THIS BLOG FINALLY SEE THE DOUBLE STANDARDS OF THE BLACK MILITANTS WHO POST HERE WICH IS REFLECTIVE OF THE GENERAL AFRICAN AMERICAN POPULATION.
PEOPLE JUST REMEMBER WHEN YOU GO INTO THAT VOTING BOTH WHAT THESE PEOPLE ARE ALL ABOUT.
BECAUSE AS BAD AS SOME WHITES MIGHT BE TIME AND TIME AGAIN BLACKS HAVE SHOWN THEIR VICIOUSNESS WHEN IT COMES TO GAY PEOPLE.
IF YOU VALUE THE FREEDOM YOU HAVE HERE IN THE STATES TO FREELY KISS YOUR PARTNER WITHOUT HARRASMENT AND THE SECURITY IN THAT IF HARRASMENT OCCURS THE POLICE WILL AID YOU UNLIKE IN PLACES CONTROLLED BY THESE PEOPLE INCLUDING PLACES HERE IN THE USA THAT THEY INHABIT, THEN THE CHOICE IS CLEAR COME NOVEMBER. NOT SO MUCH BECAUSE OF OBAMA BUT MORE SO FOR THE TYPE OF PEOPLE HE IS GOING TO BRING TO GOVERNMENT.
NObama!!!
Posted by: CHURCHILL-Y | May 14, 2008 4:18:54 PM
Churchill-y when you do a post like that, you put yourself in the same category as the stupid ignorant gay hating people. You cannot lump groups together by their colour, plus you seem to be assuming that caribbean blacks are the same as american blacks. You are also assuming that anyone from the caribbean is black. Get an education!
Posted by: Boots | May 14, 2008 5:21:51 PM
Churchill-y,
I value the freedom I have here in the States to tell you to freely kiss my ass.
Posted by: 24play | May 14, 2008 5:28:15 PM