THE EDITOR, Sir:I HAVE just read with shock and sadness the news of Brian Williamson's murder in today's Gleaner (10 June 2004). Brian was an important spokesperon not only for the gay, bisexual and lesbian community, but for all under-represented and marginalised communities.
Whether his death is officially categorised as a hate crime or not, this tragic event illustrates the devastating and longlasting impacts of a culture in which intolerance, violence, and disrespect are a part of everyday life. We should all pause and ask ourselves: Why was Brian one of the few people to be brave enough to publicly speak out as an advocate?
The answer, of course, is because he recognised the importance of doing this, particularly in a context where a fear of anything "different" or of challenging the status quo has been utilised by various public leaders to foster hostility, anti-intellectualism, and a lack of compassion for our brothers and sisters, time and time again.
I am, etc.,
Dr. SUSAN MAINS
susan.mains@uwimona.edu.jm
Kingston 7
Via Go-Jamaica
