Gay swimmer focuses on representing Jamaica at the Olympics - Outsports
Give Feedback External Websites. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article requires login. External Websites. Official Site of Usain Bolt Olympic. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Top Questions.
Usain Bolt holding the Jamaican flag after setting a world record in the metre race at the Beijing Olympics, August Get exclusive access to content from our First Edition with your subscription. Subscribe today. Learn More in these related Britannica articles:. After returning from a short-lived retirement, Phelps expanded his Olympic record totals for overall medals 28 and gold medals On the track, Bolt won the metre and metre races for the third consecutive Olympic Games, becoming the first person to accomplish that….
Because in Jamaica, it's a very homophobic country. By law, being gay is illegal. You can go to prison for 10 years maximum with hard labor," Newman recalled in an interview. The scariest part is the community in which you live, in which you invested, in which you helped to develop, if those people find out that you're gay, they themselves will try to kill you and that's exactly what happened to me. Newman, 26, said Jamaican police saw him in his car with another man. It led to a chase, where Newman said he was able to evade police. With his sexual orientation now known, Newman avoided work the day after police discovered the truth.
Loop market
When he returned to work the following day, he saw a large crowd gathering and he knew authorities were after him, Newman recalled. He was certain he would be sent to jail and was worried he might even be killed.
- most popular dating sites for Hartford USA gay.
- BBC World Service!
- Gay swimmer Michael Gunning remains determined to represent Jamaica at the Olympics.
But luckily, he was able to get away. We don't want you around. Don't come back to us,'" Newman said.
After fleeing violence in Jamaica, gay man seeks refuge in America
I knew I just had to leave. He stayed with a friend overnight and then fled Jamaica. Newman already had a visiting visa to come to the United States, he said. Discovering the task force changed everything. Newman was able to find legal resources and get a roof over his head. But, most importantly, the task force showed him acceptance and made him a part of a new community. A ministry of the Hadwen Park Congregational Church, the task force raises money to help LGBTQ people who are seeking asylum in the United States and are there legally, likely on work, student or visiting visas. The task force provides housing, food, a small monthly stipend, a connection to pro bono attorneys, health care providers and mental health support to asylum seekers.
The task force also provides workshops that help asylum seekers acquire bank accounts and teaches what their rights are as asylum seekers, immigrants and tenants. About 1 million people seek asylum worldwide every year, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In Uganda, being gay is punishable by up to life in prison.
So, Michael, who only wanted to be referred to by his first name to protect his identity and safety, knew he could never come out to his family, he recalled in an interview. He didn't support what I am, he didn't support that, but just like a father, he came and saved me when these people attacked me," Michael said. He actually died in the hospital. I didn't know all about this until months later.
Welcome to Jamaica – no longer ‘the most homophobic place on Earth’
Michael went to the western part of Uganda to stay with a friend there. He was outed again and fired from his job. Then, Michael hid in the eastern part of the country, living in a small room with financial support from his sister. Michael remembered an old friend. He didn't have a phone number or street address but knew the friend lived in Burlington, Massachusetts. After arriving at the airport, Michael took a taxi to Burlington, hoping he could knock on doors until he could find his friend.
He grew tired and sat down to rest in a random driveway, he said. When a Burlington resident returned home and saw Michael in her driveway, he shared his story out of desperation, Michael recalled. New releases. Add to Wishlist. Tired of hunting GUYS? We are very proud to present to you, Grizzly Gay Men App, the hottest gay dating app ever made!
Express your feelings through your finger tip! Get a chance to meet new friends, groups, and partners, in the LGBT community! But, if you are really into dating, make sure to complete your profile information before starting your search. Write something about yourself, describe what you are looking for, and set your relationship status, even your body built to create a perfect match!