LGBT: An Abominable Crime

An Abominable Crime: Anti-Gay Violence in Jamaica is a project by Common Good Productions.

What is AN ABOMINABLE CRIME about?   

AN ABOMINABLE CRIME is a documentary that explores the culture of homophobia in Jamaica through the eyes of two gay Jamaicans who are forced to chose between their homeland and their lives -- after their sexual orientations are exposed...

This film tells the stories of…  

Simone Edwards, a young lesbian who survives being shot down outside of her home by anti-gay gunmen and must choose between living in hiding with her daughter in Jamaica or traveling alone to seek safety and asylum abroad. Maurice Tomlinson, a human rights activist and lawyer, who experienced an avalanche of death threats when his marriage to a Canadian man is revealed by a Jamaican Newspaper. Does he dare to return to Jamaica to continue his activism?

Why make a documentary about gay Jamaicans? 

Homophobia is a human rights problem, and the struggle for equal treatment of LBGT people is a global human rights issue. 

In Jamaica being gay is a crime, homophobia is the status quo, and violence against the LGBT community is widely approved and accepted. HIV now infects nearly a third of the gay male community, who must live in the shadows or risk their lives. 

Since filming began in 2009, five characters in AN ABOMINABLE CRIME have fled Jamaica after dealing with gunfire, mob violence, and death threats. Today, people like Simone and Maurice must choose between their lives and their homeland -- exile or death. These stories are well worth telling because the impacts of Jamaican homophobia stretch far beyond the Caribbean as refugees like Simone and Maurice seek asylum and safety in the US, Canada, and Europe. 

AN ABOMINABLE CRIME is not just a film about homophobia and violence, it also demonstrates in a deeply personal and intimate manner how courage and love can transcend violence and fear.

You can pledge as little as $1 (less than 0.65p) to help this film be finished and distributed. It's an incredible cause. It's easy to forget that while we live in such a free society here in the UK, and many other countries around the world, there are LGBT people around the world struggling to survive making it to tomorrow. 

Visit the KICKSTARTER page to read more, and MAKE YOUR PLEDGE.

NEWS: Oscar Pistorius

Pistorius leaving Boshkop police station in Pretoria. Photograph: AFP/Getty

So sad to hear this. Oscar Pistorius was detained this morning for the murder of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, who died of gunshot wounds.

It was alleged earlier that Pistorius had mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder, but this was denied by South African police officials. It was confirmed however that they have responded previously to 'disturbances of a domestic nature' at the home of the Paralympic star.

MUSIC: KOORTWAH

KOORTWAH is a musical and visual project by Jake Courtois. New York based Courtois focuses on 'electronic rock'. As well as being beautiful, he has the most unique voice that works so well over his beats and sounds. 

MUSIC: Laura Mvula

Laura Mvula is a big sound to look out for this year. Born in Birmingham, Mvula is a soul singer-songwriter and is ready to release her debut album Sing To The Moon this March.

Listen to the beautifully addictive song, Green Garden, above.

Soundcloud | Facebook

FASHION: Victoria Beckham for Elle

FASHION: Marc Jacobs w/ Diet Coke

#DietCoke30

Following last years collaboration with Jean Paul Gaultier, Diet Coke have brought the beautiful Marc Jacobs onboard for 2013, and the celebration of three decades in Europe. Jacobs will be the Creative Director for the 'Sparkling for 30 Years' campaign, and will look at the rise of female empowerment through the 80's, 90's and 00's in his designs.

MUSIC: P'Trique

P'Trique is one part of The Platform on Youtube. Before I watched this video, I had no idea what 'The Platform' was, but I just know that P'Trique is hilar-ious.

*tiny hand claps, lose control*

MUSIC: Strange Talk

****

On the opening title track, Cast Away, you can tell this album is going to be crazy-insane. Think Yeasayer, Van She, Passion Pit and The Sound of Arrows - and a bit more.

It seems the Australians really have the whole new wave/synthpop thing locked down - Van She's Idea Of Happiness was one of my favourite albums last year. Cast Away sounds like it'll be a perfect follow up for this summer.

ART: Matthew Riley

tumblr | Flickr

MUSIC VIDEO: Del & Xavier

Above is the just released video for Del Marquis' and Xavier's new single Let Me Tickle Your Fancy. It is a cover of Jermaine Jackson's 1982 track, with a perfectly fitting video.

You can see my previous Del & Xavier post here.