Dr Kreimild Saunders speaks on ‘Black Bahamian Subject Formation: From Non-Subject to Subject Part II” at a forum at the University of The Bahamas yesterday, which is one among several being hosted this month in celebration of LGBT pride. Photo: Moise Amisial
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
ALL was calm when a sociologist delivered a lecture at a University of The Bahamas LGBT-related forum yesterday until officials opened the floor for questions and answers.
Then, the event became chaotic, with Christian Council members and supporters challenging the panellists who struggled to regain control.
The event –– a lecture by Dr Kreimild Saunders on ‘Black Bahamian Subject Formation: From Non-Subject to Subject Part II” –– is among several being hosted this month in celebration of LGBT pride.
Several Christian Council supporters attended the forum days after UB refused their demand to cancel the event.
More police officers than usual were present to provide security.
During the Q&A, a Christian Council supporter complained about the Bahamian flag being next to the LGBT flag.
Another person quoted a Scripture verse about sexual impurity.
Pastor Mario Moxey mentioned the American Psychiatric Association’s 1952 assessment of homosexuality as a “sexual deviation”.
“One of the key tenants of academia is we can be wrong, but we can evolve,” panellist Joey Gaskins said in response. “It is not unusual for scientists, social scientists in particular, to move from one position to the next in history as we learn more about things.”
At one point, Erin Greene, a panellist and LGBT advocate, asked Bishop Delton Fernander to control those with him.
“They have been disrespectful,” she said, prompting even greater commotion from the crowd. “You represent religious communities. Don’t be childish.”
After the event, Bishop Fernander told reporters: “What was clear to me was that the lecture was adjusted to lecture the church.”
Only a few UB students were on campus.
Some students who did not attend the event decried what they said was the Christian Council’s effort to meddle in the university’s affairs.
“I just feel like they overstep their boundaries with that, but I mean, if you want to do stuff for God, do it in the right way,” said R Hanna, a freshman.
Duvall Davis said the council had no reason to protest a university event.
“This is a learning environment, and we are not restricted on what we’re able to learn,” he said. “We can learn about whatever the university offers, mind it being controversial or not.”
Starr Jones, a third-year student, disapproved of the forum being held on campus and of the Christian Council’s approach to opposing it.
“I feel like it showed that it gave kind of the wrong example because as Christians, we shouldn’t hate people and we shouldn’t show hate toward whatever, however people want to live their lifestyle,” she said.
“So I feel like coming on campus, all that was unnecessary and people are gonna live their life regardless.”
More like this story
- CHURCH PROTESTS PRIDE EVENT AT UB...but the university declares it is free of ‘undue influence’
- FRONT PORCH – Bahamas Christian Council: an object lesson on intolerence
- FRONT PORCH: Ignorant fundamentalists showing homophobic, undemocratic colours
- Forum held on responsible drinking
- CW Sawyer moving to UB campus
Comments
bahamianson 1 year, 1 month ago
I have a big problem with their theme, a Black Bahamian Subject Formation. Please stop with the crap. It is a Bahamian forum. Stop being intolerant and divisive with that talk!! We're is the White Bahamian Subject Forum? Stop with the Divisiveness!
ExposedU2C 1 year, 1 month ago
Blame the woke editorial staff of The Tribune for allowing their reporters to cover such a ridiculous event when there are so many other much important matters they should be bringing to their readership's attention. Small wonder the readership population of The Tribune today is a mere sliver of what it once was.
FreeportFreddy 1 year, 1 month ago
They had to go back to when people were given electric shock and holes drilled in their heads as 'treatments' and quote from that same time period??? Good work you lazy homophobes!!
"Pastor Mario Moxey mentioned the American Psychiatric Association’s 1952 assessment of homosexuality as a “sexual deviation”."
Zero credibility and made yourselves look stupid by quoting a 70 year old study/opinion. Congrats!!!
ohdrap4 1 year, 1 month ago
The pastors are vile. Gives the village people a reason d'etre.
Porcupine 1 year, 1 month ago
These so-called Christians are not Christians. Delton Fernander is an imbecile, not a Christian.
AnObserver 1 year, 1 month ago
I'm still waiting on one of these neanderthal pastors to point out where Jesus ever said you shouldn't be gay.
moncurcool 1 year, 1 month ago
How does he know that?
I really expected better of these religious leaders. They clearly are not representing Jesus or showing His Spirit.
Observer 1 year, 1 month ago
The sampling of students' take on the matter is inadequate. How many students attended and how many were approached for an honest opinion?
TalRussell 1 year, 1 month ago
Sounds like some the Preachermans' have unwillingly invited the ‘LGBT Community' to show-up to challenge from the pews, their prosperity sermons Pulpits. --- Yes?
AnObserver 1 year, 1 month ago
Yes, exactly. If the church is going to show up and protest LGBT events, the LGBT community should show up and protest church services. Turnaround is fair play.
TalRussell 1 year, 1 month ago
@ComradeAnObserver, the ‘LGBT Community', can begin by challenging, from the Pews, the Pulpits, --- Sermons on Prosperity Gospel, --- If the bulk of money from passing around of the collection plates, --- Is then passed on to support the 'Prosperity Lifestyle of the Church's head Preachermans'. --- Yes?
killemwitdakno 1 year, 1 month ago
Do you want gay groups to egg your churches each Sunday?
Stop intimidating.
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