The Gully Queens of Jamaica

The issue of homelessness is not just one that affects Americans. In Jamaica, a group of people known as "Gully Queens" reside in the sewers to avoid being persecuted by people who might harm them. For the LGBT community, life can be particularly challenging in Jamaica, which is frequently ranked as one of, if not the most, challenging countries in the world for that community.

Violence fueled by prejudice is a real possibility, and it frequently takes the form of families rejecting their children after they come out as homosexual or transgender. As a result, those individuals frequently discover themselves in the sewers, one of the few settings where they are welcomed.

A 2014 documentary followed these Gully Queens' life. According to studies, more than 80% of Jamaicans hold anti-gay sentiments, making acceptance extraordinarily difficult to find. In Jamaica, it is still unlawful for gay males to engage in sexual activity, and offenders risk serving a 10-year prison sentence.