‘No openly gay candidates’ - Equality advocate says LGBTQ+ shut out of politics

Executive Director of the Equality for All Foundation Jamaica, Glenroy Murray, says he is not aware of any openly gay individuals seeking political office in the upcoming parliamentary elections. However, he insists that members of the LGBTQ+ community deserve a place in the political arena.

Speaking with THE STAR yesterday, Murray acknowledged that a person's perceived sexuality continues to influence their political prospects.

"There is nobody currently in the political space that is open. And so I wouldn't be able to speak about existing candidates and whether or not they are part of my community," he said, stressing that inclusion should not be denied based on sexual orientation.

Murray's remarks come in the wake of controversial comments made by Cabinet minister and Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz. While addressing a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) meeting in Clarendon South East, Vaz requested that the selector play Chi Chi Man, a track by T.O.K that has long been criticised for promoting violence against gay people.

His remarks sparked backlash from human rights groups, including Jamaicans for Justice and the Equality for All Foundation Jamaica, both of which have called on Vaz to issue an apology. Up to press time yesterday, none had been issued.

Meanwhile, Murray emphasised the long-standing contributions of LGBTQ+ Jamaicans to national development.

"Many of us have done it quietly, some more openly. Because of that history of standing beside our fellow Jamaicans it shouldn't matter what our sexual orientation is. What should matter is our ability to lead and serve," he said.

He also noted that being openly gay remains a barrier for political aspirants.

"Someone who is openly gay would likely struggle more than a heterosexual candidate," he said.

"And so it would affect their electability to a certain degree. But I also think that it also depends on the history of that candidate in that particular constituency. And there may be certain constituencies where, if a candidate is in that constituency for a longer period of time, is a pillar of the community, for example, and everybody knows him, people may be able to overlook their views on the person's sexuality."

In 2020, a transgender candidate, Rich Richards, declared intentions to contest the general elections in St Andrew North East. However, Richards did not follow through with the plans.

"I hope that in another 20 years, we'll have even more people running openly and proudly as themselves," Murray said.

Meanwhile, former member of Parliament Ronald Thwaites, was asked by THE STAR whether a person's perceived sexuality has a bearing on voting behaviour. He said yes.

"Voters do take a candidate's sexuality into account, often based on stereotypes," Thwaites said.

"Some constituents want a gyalist, they want a man who cuts a dash, you know, and appears to be a ladies' man. [While] Some constituents appreciate a more stable person, perhaps a married man, and there are others who certainly would not favour a person who was obviously homosexual or lesbian," Thwaites added.