General Information :: Alternative Lifestyle Travel

We are very sorry to say that Jamaica is an adamantly homophobic nation. You will however find that most Jamaicans have had some exposure to the world through traveling and have learnt to be tolerant of the various life choices of visitors to the island. Privacy is respected, however should you be mingling with the locals, please be mindful of their reaction to your sexual orientation.

There are some small hotels in Jamaica that caters to gay and lesbian travellers. If you are interested in gay travel you will find that your privacy will be respected especially in the tourist area of Negril. No one will overtly raise an eyebrow if two persons of the same sex share a room. This is generally taken in the light that the couple is sharing room cost while on vacation.

Please note that in Jamaica homosexual intercourse between men is illegal, and anti-gay hysteria is a staple of musical lyrics, such as Buju Banton's Boom Bye Bye. Homosexuality is a subject that evokes extreme reactions among Jamaicans, and it is difficult to hold a serious discussion on the topic. However it is now slowly becoming accepted for women to declare themselves lesbians. Again do expect to get some reaction should you declare this fact about your personal life.

For more on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights in Jamaica, visit this informative link at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Jamaica