Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ assertion that gender is limited to male and female has sparked a firestorm of debate, with critics contending that his remark points to a shifting negative global climate directed towards the LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming communities.

Antoinette Aiken, a prominent Jamaican sign language interpreter and a prominent advocate for the deaf community, has waded into those dangerous shifting currents and encountered a steady torrent of abuse from some social media users for appearing to endorse the prime minister’s stance.

“Prime Minister say “Man a Man and Woman a woman” it’s not a LIE! Birth determines your sex (biologically), not how you feel when you wake up. You don’t have to agree, just have to understand social constructs and CULTURE…,” she wrote on X, under her @toniterp handle.

One X user hit back immediately: “A very good example of a transphobic masculine presenting (seemingly) cis-woman.”

The prime minister made the comments Thursday during his contribution to the 2026/2027 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives as he outlined that the country’s core national values on gender will not change.

Aiken is known for her role in acting as a primary interpreter for Jamaican Parliament, national press briefings, and political debates. She is also known for her passionate advocacy for the deaf community and for promoting Jamaican Sign Language (JSL).

However, Aiken seemed unprepared for the backlash on social media.

“I didn’t know freedom of speech and thought would Mek me get bully… Jah, I’ll give you some history, I grew up in a time where Deafness was considered as retarded and mi did hafi stand up for my community, SO WHEN I SPEAK IM NOT AFRAID, a longtime me a do this, nuh NOW!” she responded in a subsequent tweet.

The unexpected criticism seemed to have got Aiken’s hackles up and her tweets became even more impassioned.

“Access is all I Desire, and when ostracized and neglected from all aspects of life, you realize sexual intimacy and relationships are last on your list. You just want equal access and accommodation like the rest of society. #Deaf #CODA #Deafness uno nuh know cause uno nuh Deaf!” Aiken railed in yet another tweet.

Another user chided Aiken for alleged lack of self-awareness and empathy for the gay community, tweeting: “And what do queer people want? It’s a little unfortunate how you have reduced the queer experience to sex.”

Most users appeared to be angry that Aiken had endorsed the idea that identity is a “rigid binary”.

Other users appeared to jeer Aiken, summing up her remarks as a a result of some heartbreak.

“Speak your mind Toni. Every heart knows its own bitterness,” a user wrote.

Human rights groups have also weighed in on the debate, suggesting that the prime minister has dismissed the lived realities of many Jamaicans and deepened the marginalisation of communities who already face significant barriers in terms of identity, access and discrimination.