LAST Tuesday’s episode of Talk Up Yout focused on the story of an 18-year-old named Ryan, and the role homosexuality plays in his life.

As a child Ryan, thought of himself as quite normal. Like other children, he was an involved and active child, taking part in sports such as football and cricket. However, he still was not being accepted by the other children. He was always teased and called names like ‘girly’, but tried his best to not let these names get to him. Ryan was unaware of the reason for this discrimination.

Ryan had to face this every day whilst struggling to find himself and learn about his sexuality. This continued onwards from primary school into high school. By age 15 he came to the realisation that he was homosexual.

He immediately told his family about his choice of lifestyle and though they did not like this new change, they still accepted him. He is quite comfortable with the choice he has made and has no intention of changing.

Ryan is willing to answer any question asked about his choice in lifestyle and is adamant that he will not allow society’s stereotype to dictate the choices he makes.

Ryan also spoke of some of the older gay men preying on the younger confused males and luring them with money to take part in sexual acts as these younger boys are still confused and don’t know much about their sexuality. He spoke to the fact that some members would be shocked by this reality in Jamaica.

Dr Aril Dailey, a clinical psychologist stated that the reason these younger men are so vulnerable is that they are looking for the father figure and that fatherly love which many of them no longer get.

Thus they fall for these men in hopes of feeling that love and that sense of belonging which they never usually find. She also spoke to youts focusing on education and spending the time to find themselves before getting involved with anyone.

— Toni-Shae Panton