This is the seventh a series reflecting on the highlights of the entertainment scene in 2014.

THE gay community and dancehall/reggae acts have had a tumultuous relationship over the years, and in 2014, there was no improvement in their status.

The most high-profile clash between these two groups occurred in May, when, following a protest by members of the gay community, popular reggae singer Queen Ifrica was pulled from the line-up of a show to be held at Amazura Concert Hall in Queens, New York.

The protest was led by openly gay City Councilman Daniel Dromm who was quoted as saying: “We don’t need homophobic people like her coming to Queens to spread their message of hate.”

The Rastafari entertainer expressed her disapproval of the homosexual lifestyle at the Independence Grand Gala celebrations in August of 2013, which prompted her management team to release a statement that read, in part: “Queen Ifrica expresses that, while she remains grounded in her morals which espouses heterosexuality, she wants to make it abundantly and emphatically clear that she does not condone nor has ever supported or advocated violence against any group or community, whether implicitly or explicitly.”

Queen Ifrica, 39, whose given name is Ventrice Morgan, is known for her strident lyrics, including Keep It To Yourself, Daddy and Times Like These.

— Richard Johnson