CONGRATSSSS Sassy ... I am so freaking happy for you. Least I know there is hopes for ARC and not always negative things that most people keep talking about in other forums.
As for the homophobia thing people, I too am homophobic when I am out in public. I don't necessarily buy the whole scene hen I am around but I support it no matter what. I hate having people touch or hold me so I stay far. I am more conservative when it comes to the whole public attention. After all we are people with different personalities but carry the same color blood and I still support it.
Re to Sheraig's comments, I am fully well aware that most JAs are against homophobia. Heard it many times in the music and have seen it around the culture. It's not only JAs that perceive homophobia as a sin. Maybe it's of a greater capacity in JA but the trend lies among many under-developed nations around the world. Ever wonder why? 90% (just guessing a number here) of it involves the way many of those people in the under-developed world were educated and raised (school and religion) in their society to mainly overcome poverty and bad sanitation so they can better themselves. I too was born and raised in such society but have I fully accepted every part of it? NO. I had the opportunity for 8 years of my teenage life to be exposed to what most of us refer to as the real world and real living (Canada). I have come to learn and accept most of its teachings which I think have made me a stronger and better person to date. Just saying
But you too have to keep in mind that as much as JAs are homophobic there are still gays, bi, and lesbians within the community back in JA. It happens all around the world.
As per this forum is concerned, it's under the category "Kingston, JA" but remember that every single individual is sponsoring from Jamaica to Canada not the other way around, a complete difference in societies. I think with that in mind, some can change their approach and beliefs of what they have attained in their homeland and be willing to accept what they will be exposed to in Canada. You don't have to 100% agree to the norms of that society but least be able to acknowledge it and accept the people around you for who they all are.
Canada has created a very liberal society that accepts people from all walks of life, culture and even sexual orientation and we all should count ourselves lucky to be living in Canada right now or sometime in the future.
It's very small things like these that make diversity a great form of art.