Ring the Alarm with Jasmyne Cannick

Just months after securing the conviction of Democratic donor and serial predator Ed Buck for the crystal meth overdose deaths of two Black gay men, Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean, award-winning journalist Jasmyne Cannick is back to doing what she does best--using her platform to bring her trademark passion for finding and exposing compelling stories that are overlooked, underreported, or just ignored. In her new podcast series "Ring the Alarm" Jasmyne takes you to Jamaica where she speaks directly with lesbian, gay, and trans men and women about living in one of the most homophobic countries in the world. Nowhere else will you hear exclusive interviews from inside a secret safe house that helps to hide queer Jamaicans. Listen as Jasmyne follows lesbian, gay, and trans men and women on their journey using a modern-day underground railroad to seek asylum. In this special series, Jasmyne continues to provide much-needed context while calling attention to the plight of Black people here and abroad. "Ring the Alarm" reminds us all why Jasmyne continues to be a beloved voice for the voiceless.

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Ring the Alarm with Jasmyne Cannick

Keneil

September 08, 2022 • Jasmyne Cannick • Season 1 • Episode 5

In the fifth episode of "Ring the Alarm," a special series in partnership with the Advocate Magazine, award-winning journalist Jasmyne Cannick continues with her exclusive look inside Jamaica, one of the world’s most homophobic and transphobic countries.

18-year-old Keneil grew up in Jamaica, where he was sexually abused at home starting at the age of 8 years old. Because of the isolation and denial he faced from his mother, and narrowly escaping a murder attempt, Keneil tried to commit suicide several times. After being disowned by his mother, Keneil lived in abandoned buildings with no food. He recently found housing at the Unity Fellowship Church Jamaica safe house, where he is receiving support and is now awaiting relocation assistance to another county that is more accepting of LGBTQ people. Through it all, the teenager has managed to smile, remain hopeful, and look forward to living a life where he can be free, even if it means being away from his family and the country he is from.

Please note that this episode contains depictions of suicide and sexual violence that some people may find disturbing. Know your limits, and act accordingly.

Produced and hosted by: Jasmyne Cannick
Associate Producer: Nevin Powell

Featured Music:

Ring the Alarm by Tenor Saw
Welcome to Jamrock by Damian Marley

Sources:

'Dem deal wid dem wicked' - Two men found dead on Maxfield Ave
The Gleaner
August 1, 2022

Resources:

Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI)
Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project (BLMP)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

Episode sponsored in part by The Advocate, your source for LGBTQ+ news, since 1967.

To support Unity Fellowship Church, Jamaica’s safe house, donate through Cash App to $UFJamaica or UFJamaica.com

The Advocate
Your source for LGBTQ+ news, since 1967.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Jasmyne Cannick

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