Planting Peace President Aaron Jackson and Grace Phelps traveled to Kingston, Jamaica to document the living conditions of LGBT youth who have been forced to live in the sewers of the city because of their sexual orientation. Jamaica is widely known as one of the most homophobic countries in the world, and the images below capture the reality of these young people’s lives in a heartbreakingly poignant way.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
Homophobia is rampant in Jamaican culture, and LGBT youth are often disowned by their parents. With no other place to go, many turn to the sewers.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
Having been cast out of their homes, twenty to forty teens and young adults have ended up in this sewer, seeking refuge from the violence and persecution they face daily in the streets of Kingston.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
There is little comfort and even less privacy for those who escape to live underground.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
Though it provides some safety from would-be attackers, the sewer is a source of other health hazards.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
Constant verbal attacks, threats of physical violence, and the discomfort of sewer life make sleep difficult.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
Though it has cost them dearly, these young people refuse to hide who they are to accommodate the attitudes of their fellow citizens.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
Amongst all the upheaval, maintaining the daily rituals of life is important, though the environment in which they take place has changed so dramatically.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
Living in such close quarters in the “gully” has made close friends of the sewer’s inhabitants.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
Waking up to another day without home or family can be overwhelming, which makes these friends especially thankful for one other.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
The abuse faced by members of Jamaica’s LGBT community leaves both physical and emotional scars.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
When sleep finally comes to these young people, it is a welcome respite.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
Scenes like this are unseen by most Jamaicans, where members of the LGBT community are frequently addressed with harassment and contempt.
Photo by: Planting Peace/ Grace Phelps-Roper
LGBT youth long for acceptance from their community, but fear that reality may never come to Jamaican streets because of the country’s long history of homophobia.
If you would like to join Planting Peace in providing food to the LGBT youth in Jamaica, donate here: