EDITOR’S NOTE: Living with discrimination is not easy but for Linden Shillingford it is a part of his life.
He told his story at a youth symposium on Tuesday afternoon. The event was a collaborative effort between the United Nations Youth Development Program through the Caribbean Youth Think Tank (CYTT) and the National Youth Council.
Below is Shillingford’s full presentation.
My life consists of discrimination.
Born on 13th March 1993, I am an individual who has been through a lot and still continue to go through as a young person in society.
My name is Linden Shillingford, better known as Mafysel Beltro to the Dominican public.
Discrimination is wrong and as I continue speaking about my situation you will see its disadvantages and advantages. In 1999 at the age of six I was touched by my neighbor. In 2001, at age eight, I questioned my sexuality. In 2003 I was touched by a bus driver. I continued my journey for we all consider life to be. In 2006 I started high school and was bullied a lot in my class, from being called names to papers and other objects being thrown at me.
I then developed an anger that could be considered a hurricane, which I used to stand up for myself after which class mates began to respect me.
In 2009 January 31st I was sexually assaulted by a security guard. I felt like I was cursed or had a spell on me because I was already touched at a tender age.
However I never told no one about this particular incident until it was reported in February by someone who had overseen the act of the guard. At the time I felt that it was too much to handle and I confirmed it was true to the school principle in the presence of my mom and step dad.
The principal discussed this among her staff and then I realized that the staff told students and then the situation got worst. The matter was then taken to the police headquarters and up till this day I never heard anything about the court case although I went to the court on two occasions. My life became sour after the students found out. I was not only the talk of the class or the school, I was the talk of the town
A lot of people threatened me and promised my death. Up until this day I still get the statement thrown at me. That February (2009) I dropped out of school for I couldn’t handle the pressure. I stayed home until April where I started another secondary school for five days.
I was the most popular student until the 5th day when I waited at the school gate. Upon reaching the gate I heard a lot of students saying “look him, all you look him.”
I then understood that they heard the story about the security and then began to act like the students of my old school.
I ran out of the school yard with tears in my eyes. As I took the first bus out, I cried all the way to my house. I never returned to school after the first week. I was truly feeling like giving up I later on in November of that year, I started classes at the Adolescents Skills Training Center.
The story of the guard reoccurred and this time I made up my mind to stand my ground. I was teased a lot but it only lasted for a while.
In 2011 I was homeless for about one month after being put out by my sister’s father who said that he does not want any “chicchy man” in his house.
I stayed everywhere from (Botanic) Gardens to Peebles Bark and the Bayfront.
I went to the welfare office, however I was discriminated against by one of the mcouncilors and one of the big shots who said, “You’re a shillingford you can’t be homeless.” Does it take a person’s surname to determine their homelessness? If so, what a society do we live in?
With nowhere to go and no one to turn to because I’m gay made me feel less than a human though at the time I felt no different from a woman. My family totally turned their back. As for society they could care less about how I felt. To them I was the biggest “buller” in Dominica.
In 2012 I was involved in explicit pictures of me being circulated around Dominica and the world by extension. At that time I was employed an got a lot of pressure by my coworkers. I was called names and was promised my death.
In December of that same year I was terminated on grounds that didn’t make much sense. In my opinion everything leads up to discrimination by employees and certain managers who still up to today call me names. And seeing that I was the issue as they say it was my word against their’s.
I felt like committing suicide after these two situations because it hurt me that now that I was able to make money and live my life by renting my own spot was not gonna continue.
In fact I tried taking my life away several times. I took over 500 pills including antibiotics among other painkilling tablets but nothing happened. There was no need to report to hospital. The tears I cried could maybe full the tank of a vehicle. I felt so rejected by many family members and fake friends. I even tried stabbing myself. I failed for I realized that I didn’t live life yet.
In 2013 I continued my journey as an unemployed individual. I was then homeless in March and April. This time I slept on the grounds of a church I located in a village away from the town for I did not want people to see me nor to see them.
After spending my days and nights on the cold floors of the church I had a lot running through my mind. I felt like I had been through way too much already you would think that I did not go through more well I am still going through.
In July I got a ‘burst head’ on the street that leads to my home as I was walking on the dark road with my light flashing on my phone I saw a scrooter pass me. Then I saw no trace of the bike as I continued. I found this strange. Not even two minutes later I got a lash at the back of my head then I collapsed to the ground with blood dripping from my heads all the way down to the ground.
I ran to a nearby shop where I requested a top up to call my landlord. There was no top up and as I continued walking bottles and stones were being pelted at me from the direction. I made it home where my landlord’s daughter was rejoicing about my burst head. She later on celebrated with the fellers in the area whilst I was rushed to the hospital.
As if that was not enough I got another burst head in August, this time it was in town when someone ran up to me and burst a Carib (beer) bottle on my head. I stayed in shock as I felt it was a dream but it was true.
Later on that night I was promised to be chopped to death. In fact it almost happened but luckily someone nearby noticed and encouraged the person to leave me alone.
Today we are in September and I am still standing. These days I take pleasure in listening to songs of Cindy Lockhart especially “true colors”
As I close I say to everyone show your true colors, be yourself, for you can only be you.
I hope that my story told you more about discrimination and what can be caused by it.
Be free like a bird in the sky. Life is so sweet and I don’t want to die but honestly I can only be me.
feel sorry for you
Typical dominicans. THIS is why the rest of the world is laughing at you.
not the whole world, just dumb people like you !
Oh please, Change!!!
YOUUUU should change, not him
I write my name proudly on this comment and i am sure that i will get quite a few hate mails, but if Linden can be brave and open himself to the world, then i can open myself to him. Young man if you are reading this i want you to know you are not alone.
Part of my life was in Dominica. People called me gay before i Knew what it really meant. As a young man in dominica i too tried taking my own life, i too was rejected, threatened and was attacked. I too was taken advantage of.
i was lucky i left dominica and i lernt to accept me for who i am, turns out i was bi, and today i am in a relationship with two people who love me, a woman i would go to the ends of the earth for and a young beautiful man who will always be by my side.
I do not wish to carry judgement,i just try facing the world with love.
I would simply like to point this out, i hear people talk of the bible and being Christians and its a mortal sin to be gay or bi.
I am not religious, i am(some people will think me blasphemous)like Jesus i have faith.
the pope of the Vatican accepts gays, even among his priests, as the representative of god on earth, do you dominicans know better than him?
the bible that you hold on to so tight, have you read it and understand it? do you know the bible is written by man?
why is it so wrong to love? can you hear yourself? you hate! you attack! you torture! you hurt! you do harm to others with your words! you teach your children to do the same! And you think that as soon as the word god jumps from your lips then all is justified.
You know being a teenager in Dominica you know the one thing i realized? 80% of the people hurting me for being gay, we the same ones sleeping with me in private. And the funniest thing is it was not a sin then, it was not a sin to have sex with me in the church itself! it was not a sin then but once it was done and over i was just a fag, a maco.
i got slapped in the face in front of the whole village of newtown because i dared sleep with the most Manly among them.
the truth is dominica is you are scared! religion made you a coward, you still have the slave mentality where you do not think for yourself but repeat the errors of our ancestors. even your ancestors may be looking down on you in shame.
yes they look down in shame because they fought for freedom for you all and this is what you do with it you enslave others with fear. shame on you all.
I believe the issue here is not weather he is gay or not. He is gay, so what? he was born that way, no one chooses to be gay. think about it if it was a choice do you think he would chose to be treated the way he was treated, think!
people are born the way they were meant to be, and they all have a role to play but they can never reach their full potential when you destroy the very being that they are.
And you want to use god as an agument? if your god is so perfect like you said and he can do no wrong, why on earth would he make gays.
well looks like i wrote more than i planned on writing so i will end here by saying please people for once think, use your mind think for yourselves and learn to see the world with love.
Linden if you ever read this, this is my mail address: [email protected]
if you ever need to talk to someone share your burden don’t hesitate email me.
My name is Luke Vanty Jno Charles jr, i am a proud member of the LGBT community, a bi-sexual and i am sure i would have been killed if i had stayed in Dominica, but the pain i suffered in Dominica has made me stronger. if anyone needs of my strength, email me.
thank you and goodnight
Your story touched me. I am basically in tears. I trust the good Lord will continue to protect and give you the courage to move on. He certainly has kept you through all your trials and tribulation. Be strong my child. my son is older than you and I cannot for a minute wonder of he were to endure that human torture if I would be able to handle it. Anyway be of good courage and be strong.
The ignorance of some Dominicans.
Your story really touched the inner most part of my heart.Am really sorry you had to go through this and still going through.sometimes we see people’s life turn out different but it’s not their fault,sometimes we haveto go deep down into Generational root and thats where the answer’s is.Thats why i will advise us as parents be very careful the things we do to people they do turn around and end up on some memeber of our family.Another thing some Dominican’s are really low minded when it comes to this life style we need to Educate our people.When you see those kind’s of life style it’s a demonic Spirit.Please dont play blind sighted to this things.
Red white gold or blue , never give up God is waiting for u , seeing that u live in a very small country that has no regards for the ‘gay’ after being abused u shudda stand ur grounds seeing that it was not ur fault , but u made it open to the public that u were indeed gay thats the reason y they reacted in the way that they thought is best seeing that they are so narrow minded , ………. u live a Free Spirited life , Only God shud Judge u Thou…
really touched by your story but people fail to see all the hard times you have been through they only see the fact that you are gay and shouldn’t be we all have one life to leave gay lesbian whatever it may be at least some bold enuf to say it wile others hide it I wish u luck in your years to come and I don’t g1f who doesn’t like my comment keep your dirty comments to yourselves hypocritesssssssss
boy, the singer name is Cindy Lauper not Lockhart
smh !!!!!
what u have to do is pray and ask god to remove this nasty ways from u and give ur life to god he is willing and waiting to accept you…..
id put mister in a barell and roll him around town
Why? Hope you feel good about yourself. You are exactly what society should not have. It is people like you who create all this violence that is in Dominica now. Who or what gives you the right to think you can put him in a barrel. Is he an animal? Well I hope you can have your day.
your one of those selfish people out there huh?. so why can’t you just shut it if you don’t have anything nice to say to him !!
I do not support gay lifestyle, but I can say to you….. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Didn’t you read his story? How would you feel is a man raped your little boy?
am so sorry for that but don’t like gay people at all
keep it to yourself then !!
sorry for what u been through, personally I feel like y parents fail u when they were supposed to protect u from these child monsters on this island am sure there are many more victims like u who are suffering silently, why wasn’t this people prosecuted by the law and held accountable even the school too, who were supposed to help secure u while u were in there care, my question is it to late to filed and prosecute these persons my God I sympathize with u thanks for sharing y story to help others who maybe experience the same cruelty from others like these monsters who prey on innocent children like u who have no voice to stand with them.
Linden. I want you to know that the fact that you went through all of this and you are still alive and standing strong, means God has a purpose for you in life. Continue to Hold your head up high. Take courage, obstacles will always be in your way, but with positivity you will make it. Don’t listen to any negative comments, they can only hinder your productivity. Keep strong linden, keep strong.
Lindy boy you do not know me but i feel your pain stay stong
may god bless u and always be on your side Lindon, live your live how u want u are still a human
What kind of mother sees her son go through such struggles and seats aside a do nothing. No matter if your son is gay or straight you should always be his mom first and support him.
How do you know that she has done nothing?
I am not gay or anythinglike that(nor do I condone it) and I was never attacked physically but I have and am experiencing similar forms of discrimination for years.
And all because our society is full of very wicked and jealous people starting with the church!
I sympathize with this young man because I feel the same degree of hurt that he feels now. Those who are supposed to care for you turn their backs but remember Karma is a bitch!
We are a cold and unkind people. And is only when we know somebody story we want to play teary-eyed.
I plan to write mine and I waiting for some people when it come out!!!
Hold strong Linden and do yourself a favor do not try to take your life again instead try to find out God’s plan for your life. All the very best to you.
Linden, no matter what you are a child of God. U didn’t die because God wasn’t ready for you. Each of us has a purpose in life and maybe yours is to help us become a more tolerant nation. Only God can judge you. There are many other sins so readily forgiven; fornication, adultery, selling drugs to our youth, murder, stealing. All sin is sin. Your sins are not greater than anyone else’s. Talk to God Linden. He hates sins but he loves the sinners. He loves you as much as he loves me. Go in peace my brother in Christ.
SOME Dominicans are very wicked people!!!! frankly I am against discrimination…… You all should not discriminate someone because of the way the chose to live!!! IT IS THERE CHOICE OF LIVING!!!! leave them alone!!! As a nation, we should hold hands and stand on firm ground against discrimination. This life story about Linden Shillingford is very sad!!! HE IS A HUMAN!!! even though some of you all may not like the way he is living his life, you all should not make him feel bad!!!!! STOP IT!! AND STOP DISCRIMINATION NOW!!!
As a nation we are to focus on negative stuff people have there right too live there leaves why don’t we discriminate again the drug dealers.
I thought this symposium should have been to encourage the youth to exercise more responsible sexual behaviour….not sure what Mr. Shillingford’s account was meant to achieve….
This is why crime (especially sexual crimes) against children is so diabolic. This can transform and destroy their lives as they become adults. One guy said that he was sexually abused so many times by other men as a child that he was not given a choice. We must protect our children in order to give them a choice – the right choice with Jesus CHrist
doesn’t mean because some body touch you up at a tender age you suppose to be gay or act the part…and because some one molest you that mean you have to turn gay or act gay….seriously dude stop making excuses up for what you engage yourself in…you choose that lifestyle after your encounters
He’s not making excuses. He’s stating what happened to him. Many abused kids grow up to abuse others. Men who were beaten as kids, grow up to abuse their wives and children, etc. It’s a vicious cycle. Please educate yourself on these things instead of passing judgment.
You need to educate your self on that topic before you criticize. Do you know what it feels to be RAPED? Not once but many times. People die from rape, people go crazy because of rape. Go and do some research before you make such statements. I pray for Yahweh blessing and deliverance for this young boy.
This is not about choosing or engaging:Get the facts;
honestly man !! …. for one shuddup because you don’t what he feels, for two just shuddup your full of ….!
I am sending this comment to some friend of mind in new jersey,Holland, I want Dominica to pressure for the new season coming.A new law need to put in place to protect this people. they are humans just like us. I will campaign for this. Remember this man that was killed on the bridge in grandvillia ok.
Might I remind a lot of you that you do not have to CONDONE his lifestyle!! Really and truly who grant you that position?- talking about you dont condone his lifestyle. hypocrites! All sin is sin. In dominica alone them nonsense of beating up this man because he is gay can happen and nobody get charged for it. Give me a damn break! It have gay people all over the world. get over it!! all you crying about Dominica is a christian nation, I guess it wasnt christian when Pastor B.J cheat on his wife but now have a new church. Rubbish! All you want to crucify one set and it seems like right now is the gay community.
Spot on!!
Who are all of us to judge this man or any gay people.
I am as straight as an arrow but I reside in a country in the western world where gay rights is just as prominent as racial rights. Funny that one word is common to both types “minority”. Applies to both race and sexuality.
We really need to get over it. Gay is near enough evolved and gone. Respect people for who they are, not what they are.
Christian Island??? Really??? Itch ok though to rob and commit all matter of crimes.
Live and let live. The authority should be protecting that guy.
The world reading this. I am happyly married. I am not god. Maybe you are god. remember god dealing with these people not you adding fire on your head. united nation i wanted the world to see how back ward you people are. If there isn’t a law put in place to protect this people with there private life. all cruise ships for the new season should be cancel immedaitely. No tourist shouldn’t visit this hostile Island. Remember this gay people are in high places they put bread on some of us table. Let god deal with this issue. respect people choice. get a job fine a better life travel see the world out of Dominica and you will aprecaite life. NOT BUSTING THIS MAN HEAD.IF YOU READ THE BIBLE YOU WILL NOT TOUCH THIS PEOPLE YOU JUST AS WORST AS HIM.YOU ARE A FOOL.
Was this symposium aimed at seeking sympathy for bad behavior? Was anyting else said to demonstrate good behavior? I sincerely hope that the NYC is not on a mission to condone homosexuality and pornography.
It is people like you who encourage child molestation and abuse in Dominica!! You and the 5 people who liked your stupid comment should all go to jail!
I SERIOUSLY AGREE !!
all what you went through
nobody helped you?
no one gave you rescue ?
no one fed you ?
not one person tried to help you ?
This is hurtful…this is sad…I’m speechless and heartbroken from such a tender age his innocence was violated and no one protected him not even today. You see this in movies and never expect that it happens right in your yard. I’m really sorry for all the pain and hurt you have gone and are going through…No one should have to endure such pain. No matter your sexuality…Pray darling pray because you are a child of God and he will see you through…again I am sorry but please keep having faith and courage.
Yes I. Dominicans are really wicked people. They really believe that the biggest sin is the sexual sin. there are so many people who do far worse things than this young man. The people who abused him when he was little, have they paid for their crimes against him. I bet not. So many people say that Dominica is a God-fearing nation, yet so many young people lose their lives, murders here and there. What are the Christians doing? I think it is time to share love and give love to those who need it most because it is only through love you can help someone change their lives. Peace to you young man and may you be looked after by the Lord who has made all things in his own image and likeness.
D man say he stab his self and he doe die!!! hahahaha weyyyyy wolverine
Honestly I am against the discrimination of people. What he has been going through no one deserves it and people should not treat others that way. However, Dominicans need to stop that saying “only God can judge me”. Yes it is true that only God can judge us but what do u think God will say to Linden if he were to die today? Well done good and faithful servant you have been faithful in going against my word and engaging in immoral activities??? Hell no! Linden everyone can change if they want to. If you dont want to then thats your business but you will be judged accordingly after death.. #Just sayin
I hope you’re married.. If not I hope you don’t have sex.. I hope you don’t lie, steal, cheat or swear. I hope you are a good and faithful servant! Hence another dominican saying ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE!!!! Unless you are free from sin you are in no place!
the lord only can judge him but none of you DOMINICANS have that right. so ya’ll should just shut it
it’s just very unfortunate that people support these kind of lifestyles. Those practicing it have to be treated right but the lifestyle cannot be condoned. we have to obey God rather than man. This lifestyle is evil in the sight of God. The bible calls it an unnatural affection and an abomination in the sight of God. This lifestyle is straight from the devil. Everyone involved in this lifestyle needs to cry out to God for deliverance.The bible said that men would glory in their shame and this is what we are seeing these days!
I don’t want to be judgemental, his story is very sad but I hope part it was’nt fabricated.
I know this young man and I assure you, that it was not fabricated.
TIMELY REMINDER OF THE CITIES OF SODOM and GOMORRAH:
12 The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.”
14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry[a] his daughters. He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking….
SO WHY DON’T WE ALL CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS LIGHTLY AND THINK OF IT AS A JOKE!!! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Yes we know this lifestyle is bad, but he was raped, and he did not get help fro anyone, then, so instead of criticizing him, why not meet him and try to help him. We all know about Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah, but did you also know that Lots children got him drunk and had sex with their father so they could get pregnant, because they though there was no other people in the world. Isn’t that a sin also. Most men have affairs all the time, and some of them are the ones who rape the young boys and girls, and when the children go loose on the streets, only the children get the bad name, while the men(SACKWAY BOOWOOZ) sit in church looking prim and proper. A lot of men in high jobs and big businesses molest young boys and people know that, but nothing is done, and the molestation keep going on, and then we blame the victims when they get spoiled, as though they brought it on themselves. I pray for that boy’s deliverance from this, and I pray that the men who do such wicked acts, confess this and stop this insanity. May Yeshua have mercy on us all
Let d boi vive eah., bible say god say. Allu livin in sin so shut up
To dam hypocrite
Why are we so hateful in Da…”Hormophobic” yet if we were to have an anonymous survey done we would realize there are a lot of young people confused about their sexuality: Reasons:
We too saway sevyet as adult parent. we hide to much from our children as adults. we need to approach these topics at home;
2:, Paedophilia is not punished severely enough
3: we have not tackled incest nor child abuse with any real teeth….get off the gay thing for just a moment do you realize at what age he was being abused by “Adults”? the very adults that today maybe condemning him
We building everything to imprison young people where is the infrastructure to empower them, to give them a voice, to stop the abusers? Why don’t the children report it? because what happens after they do? Stand in the door of the court and scream the mother and child name and anybody who wants bef can come and listen to the details of the case, because there is no real counselors who will not bring your business home and the so call psychiatrist will give you quick diagnosis and then a card to come to his private office that you cant afford to pay…I love my country but my country is failing its future leaders…and No Body cares
so doe take pitty on the wicked we do not sopport gay here … stay with your gay peaple on the downlow dont bring it to the town or some ppl will take it offensive and burst ur head again.
so far we have heard two stories from this symposium one from a gay and the other bi sexual. I am curious but I would really like to know what were the objectives of the symposium and who was the target population.
is to further influence our youth to be come by sexual or gay i say put a ban on public display of gay activites like russia even ban the syposium . jail the gays if they protest,
You saying that in joke? Is a new style that there, but doh worry.
You my dear fellow, you are a blasted fool!!!
Black people like to talk about the discrimination we endured from white people. However, some of us can be as intolerant as any racist.
We like to tell people to pray and give their life to God. But we do not practice what we preach.
Love is the only answer!
Let he who has no sin cast the first stone! if u feel thats the way you are then be yourself! Dont be what others want u to be! There are many who are underneath.. You are very brave! stay stron and always remember to pray and ask God to help you. He will understand for our God is the only one who can judge us!! And those who laugh and rejoice at your suffering and pain will be hit with their sorrows soon. if it was someone else they would have been dead by now. You attempted suicide several times but you’re still alive! Cant you see God is not ready for you yet its just his way of saying “Be free, enjoy life and live for YOU!!”
God Bless You young man!
I am going to add this to my, reasons why I hate Dominicans!!!!!
1) They are always asking for things
2) They love to talk about people and have done worse things in their lives
3) They promote religions that they have never studied
4) They think that they are stylish, but are wearing fashions that are ten years old or things that no one else wears, ie, tanks with lace in the back, Lacoste fanny packs, etc.
5) Instead of getting to know someone that dresses or looks different, they call them crazy.
I could go on and on and on
what was the message you were trying to bring across?
u hate yourself
wow…..
U could have used other words to get ur point across. Why would you list reasons u HATE anybody much less your fellow country folk. U could criticize without being a HATER. Remember God is love. We need to be more gentle with ourselves and each other coz im assuming that u r Dominican also.
Pple actually liked ur comment? U sound pretty much like an eeducated dunce…idk why when alu begging living in other people country alu does eventually go on like alu better than people…you mayb well struggling l unh]ppy where you be there. Chupz…..hate us all u want, at the end when you have no place to go, don’t look back on little Dominica that you hate so much
wELL is so da come now? people just beating people and nobody doing anything about that ,my God .i hope you find someone to help you out in live to make it through ,don’t give up ,they wil see you shine ,keep your head up trust god ,he will see you through ,you are human don’t matter what,God love you still.
It’s so sad that we are being judge by our peers who maybe are worst off. Only GOD can judge our actions people.
It really hurts my heart at the level of ignorancy in Dominica. People are going as far as telling the guy to leave the country. He is as much Dominican as any one of us regardless of his sexuality. People are saying God hates gay people and how do you think God feels about people discriminating against gay people? He without sin cast the first stone because the people who are calling gay people disgusting names and throwing stuff at them, you people do worse things. All sin is sin. Linden honey be strong.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.it is with sadness I read this story of a young man.am a born Dominican,fortunately do not live in dominica.i grew up having sexual feelings for guys and women also,but the guys attraction was stronger. as young man i had feminine attributes,i played girls game. I was called all kind of names but not to the extent where I went through things like that..my brothers which were many abused me physically,and I was forced to walk and act differently,but my sexual desires did not change.there are times I cried days and nights asking god if it is wrong,why was I born this way. I found the answer in truly accepting Christ as my savior and I do not mess with guys nor girls but praying to god for complete deliverance. gay people did not choose to be gay but if this is your struggle and your crosses god is the answer,and unless you do that, gay guys will always believe they cant change,but you can because with god all things are possible. I am a true example.nevertheless this young man should not be tormented because of his sexuality..i think is society will embrace him and talk to him instead of castigating.there are young men at home crying out for help with their sexuality but people prefer to ridicule you than to show them love when they figure you have gay tendercies.young man your answer is in JESUS.
If god was real what would he create you gay when he doesn’t like gays?
Is it more probable that man wrote a bible claiming this is what a god said, or that a god can exist and create imperfect beings?
Thanks so much for your testimony – I pray that we will be better people and start treating each other (everyone) with Love, the Love of Christ Jesus.
The Father Loves us because He loves Jesus Christ.
What we Christians have done is not operate in the love of Christ. Every sinner that Jesus met he loved them and showed them compassion, and forgave them, while the religious people hated them. We have failed many times to demonstrate the Love of God to others. Most people who practice homosexuality was not born so, most became that way because of what they experience. Many were sexuality violated many times when they were little. This many mentioned being raped many times. The Loving Heaven Father who called homosexuality /Lesbianism an abomination – will never purposely make someone that way. Romans 1 – 21 -32 The word of the Lord. Let Love
me sure if his father was one of the popular politicians he would be accepted.give him a break
We are so very close minded and hypocritical in this country they call Dominica i cannot bear it sometimes, I’m ashamed anytime I hear we someone say we are “a christian nation”. Christian nation my damn foot, where is the love of self and each other that Jesus taught, all I see is judgment and hate. People like to play holy and spout “we are a christian nation” when it suits their argument i.e Gays in this case. It is never brought up when the porn circulating and all them young sluts whining and shaking on Roseau road doh then is “culture that there” and “young people can have sex before marriage because that is what young people do……..
Get the *** out of here with that koshoneee PLEASE
Its very sad that the only advice some of u can give is 2 relocate where u currently live…I knw linden not personally buh he’s a very nice person from wat I’ve seen nd I’d neva say he has been thru so much buh I jus wanna say 2 u linden continue being the person that u are..you’ve been thru that much yet still ur alive so therefore all u can do is make tings rite wit u and the lord…its shameful that ur own ppl discriminate u buh we really need 2 stop being so hypocrite and be supportive. Dominica is too sweet of a land 2 be putting such pressure on individuals that suicuidal attempts are being made..I dread being in this country 4 that particular reason DISCRIMINATION!! All the best linden..All this coming from a 17 year old sigh you ppl are no role models 2 us based on how u treat ppl gosh
This is a very sad story. I’m wondering how did you survive after drinking 500 pills consider yourself lucky. You are a very brave guy saying your story to the public. I wish you well.
fella the best thing I can tell u is change your gay ways because u were not born gay and maybe migrate….. because this gay business is just nasty. God made Adam and Eve NOT Adam and Steve!
Spoken like a true paro
stay paro…damn idiot
Sorry just can’t promote it! It is not of God and an end to life! Same sex can’t reproduce where is the future! #BeReal
He being gay is not the issue, the issue is DISCRIMINATION and that has to stop.Would you be happy if it was some relative of yours?
This is absolutely crazy! Can’t believe that people are treated this way in Dominica because of their sexuality. People let us wake up! Everyone needs to be treated with love and respect. I am saddened by this young man’s story and also really embarrassed by the behavior of my country people. Be careful people! What goes around comes around!
They all have a story. And a long one at it!
So nowadays all Shillingfords are DARK skinned people? what a shift.
Your Point?
He took his mother’s last name. And that’s being ignorant, can’t it have black Shillingfords?
“He took his mother’s last name” because?……I thought his mother gave him her last name!
Stop the hate and abuse against this young man. His choice in life is no reason for others to brutalize him. Rather, his haters should start beating up on the men who molested him especially at the tender age of six.
Not saying that the way he was treated was ok, but he put his self in situations that are not right in the eyes of the all mighty and society. Be it in this life or in the heir-after he has to pay for his sins.
My advise would be to change your life young man. You have to start somewhere before help comes your way. Being gay is a major sin and you need to move away from such activities despite your past.
does it get any sadder than this reading this youth story? MY God I cannot stop crying. He could be anybodys child. Why why why my people. Come on. All the more reason why you should be compassionate because of what he went through.
Some one commented earlier that you are attacked because of the indiscriminate way you are rubbing your sexuality in people’s faces. I quite agree. This I can say as your former teacher. The security guard that abused you walks goodwill proud. You can still go ahead and fight for prosecution of this individual because the statute of limitation allows it. However, find what works for you and do it successfully. I do not condone all these wanton acts of violence against you and the homophobic perpetrators should be prosecuted and jailed. This ways their homophobias can be humbled out of them. Finally, maybe you should stop calling the names of your influential and powerful lovers because money and ability goes with power and influence and this is most likely why you are attacked. Follow the lead of all the other well known and respected gays in our community. Those who work for the government and private sector and work hard and are very productive.
Pray to God Linden, he will protect you from all the evil powers that want to hurt and kill you.Just call out the name of Jesus and you will see and feel the difference. Dont worry, you will be blessed. God bless you Linden
nonesense it’s all that religious crap that have people so bigoted in the first place
Don’t blame religion for ignorance
i self dont know wat to say. you r who u want to be no who people want u to be. free up on d man people
hmmm not in to gays but i feel sorry for u cause ure in Dominica and we dont allow gays the bible does not accept it so why should we..sorry to tell.. if u feel that way u should leave here and go to a gay right country like the US if not (man give your life to Christ go to church pray change cause boi in heaven i dont think god would want to see two man together maybe hell!! think about it what i say is true..ma name is King peace out..
See the problem with christians is they pick and choose what they want to believe and follow!
Why is homosexuality wrong but it is okay to own slaves (Lev 25:44-46), why is it okay to beat a slave even to death as long as the slave die 2 days after the beating (Exod 21:20; Luk 12:47-48) Why is homosexuality wrong but is it okay to stone an unruly child to death (Deut 21:18-21) Why is homosexuality wrong but it is okay to be happy to dash little babies against rocks (Psalms 137:9), why is homosexuality wrong but it is okay to stone someone to death for not keeping the sabbath (Exod 31:14) why is homosexuality wrong but it is okay to hate your mother, father, sister, brothers and yourself to follow christ (Luk 14:26) I could go on but that is enough for now.
To those of you who claim this is the Old Testament I respond as follows:
A. The bible says god does not change see Malachi 3:6
B. According to the bible, Jesus says he did not come to change the law (i.e. old testament) see Matt 5:17-21
C. I quoted from the new testament, also Jesus had no problem with slavery and Romans agrees with the death sentence.
D. So was god wrong before? If so how do you know?
If someone has a better argument against homosexuality and how it’s harmful I want to hear it, cause I think those of you who go on about homosexuality being wrong are the ones sick in their heads! You are they ones upset because someone out here is not having sex HOW you want them to and with WHO you want them to! That’s all it comes down to, you want to tell people how they should have sex and that is just disturbing!
To save time, I’ve had this argument so many times, and these are the top arguments against homosexuality put forward!
1. It’s unnatural because they can’t have children
2. An ideal family is a man and a woman
3. What if we were all gay?
4. It’s disgusting
5. So why aren’t you gay
6. So bestiality, paedophilia, incest, rape, murder etc okay?
7. The bible say’s it’s wrong.
My responses:
Can’t have children
So, people who are barren / can’t have children should they not have a relationship, should they not get married?
Heterosexual families are the ideal:
Actually, it’s the quality of the family that counts, not the gender of the parents. We are all aware of heterosexual families that abuse their children and should have no business raising children! In fact many homosexual couples raise children and they are doing just fine, so reality makes this point null and void!
What if we were all gay?
But we are not all gay. Look at the animal kingdom, in some species a percentage of their population engage in homosexuality and some of them are only homosexuals, not bisexual! I’ve witness a dog engaging in homosexual act. Not because some people are gay doesn’t mean we automatically become homosexuals, if that were true then there would be no gay people! If we didn’t account for variation in this human experience we would all be the same, I always consider this point silly and grasping at straws.
It’s disgusting!
Well cotton candy disgusts me doesn’t mean eating cotton candy is wrong, so what your point? How is homosexuality harmful?
So why aren’t you gay?
Because I’m not attracted to the girls, and if I was why would that be wrong. Look I also do not like other things, just like “it’s disgusting” above, we are unique, we understand and interact with the world differently, we all have different opinions on many things, but how do we determine what is right or wrong are based on the consequence or harm caused by someone’s action! So who are homosexuals harming?
Bestiality, Paedophilia, etc
Look, in all those cases someone is being harmed, including bestiality as the animal cannot consent. In the case of of incest, a high percentage of offsprings born with severe abnormalities which is harmful to the resulting child. So yes, there is harm caused by incest. So again, if two consenting adults who happen to be of the same sex enters a relationship, WHO ARE THEY HARMING? Why is it wrong?
I’ve answered the bible says so in my previous comment.
i suspect you are gay …. all dem ting u type dere i doe kno if i goin hell or heaven … but surely if or anyone else gay and continue being gay knowing its against the bible u gan go hell for sure. so do not try to justify wrong action its ur body do wa u wanna but in d end it is just plain wrong. nuthn u say goin and change dat fact.
@Dominicastar trying to justify such wrong does not make it right. Neither you nor I are in a position to tell god what is good or bad in his world he has created. At the end of the day, we all have to meet our god on judgment day you may be better off reserving your justifications for that day and try to convince God why homosexuality is right. LOL
the whites used the bible to justify slavery. Would u agree to slavery even if the bible may support it to certain extent?
What the hell u mean,
‘we doh accept gays’?
I do not accept homo, but please Mr Shillingford, when you are in public take it easy, your hair style dressing…etc. D/ca don’t accept such behaviour thou there are many secret ones. You are brave…keep it low… We do have young men coming up. Pray hard to god for he can deliver you. ? You are indeed handsome…. from your deliverance you may get a wife and children with gods grace.
You expressed my thoughts EXACTLY!! I mean I have no problem with him and his sexuality but for God sake keep it clean and private darling…we all know we are a small society and this behavior is something that we have to get used to, don’t just throw it out there and expect us to accept it immediately.. I mean come on I have a young son! he is gonna wonder wether its okay to put weave on and wear leggings and walk with that hip sashaying manner…
Do you keep your sexuality private? Why should he keep his sexuality private? He is doing no harm, he is living his life as the person he is.
I am a christian,and what is happening to this young man is very sad.I don’t condone your lifestyle, i mean being gay and all because by now everyone knows that being gay is a sin, it’s in the bible.I won’t judge you because that’s the Lords job, my advise to you is to turn to the Lord.He can take away all your sins and wash you white as snow.You can become a new man in Christ,accept the Lord into your life earnestly and you will see the difference.Take my advise,and may the good Lord bless you young man.
Why being gay is the issue being discussed here? Why is no one discussing the root of the problem which is actually the abuse which he suffered as a child? I am really saddened by the inhumane way in which this young man has been treated in Dominica which claims to be a christian nation. Shame on us cause if this behavior towards a human being in need of our help is Christlike then we have put the name of Christ to open shame and makes all of us guilty of homosexuality. We never listened, nor cared about this boy child. Alas, this is a story that touches the very core of any Christian soul. But are we really Christians? What would Christ have done? Have we prayed for him? with him? Have we reached out to him in love? if God were to judge us based on our sins none of us would be alive. It is because of the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed. Do we have bowels of mercy toward our helpless, straying brother? Yes he has sinned but the men who violated him when he was a boy are more guilty. What about us who claim to be Christians? We are just as guilty. The fact is we did nothing to help this man. We should just shut up or pray for him.
I don’t think that being gay is right in the sight of God. However people need to be real and do unto others what they would like others to do to them.
First we need to look at ourselves before we hurt others. There are so many macho / young men who are gay underneath, some even married and they go after young men like Linden and nobody knows until a wife gets a photo or they get caught or Linden put their names outside.
The same young men who feel it’s right to burst his head, they things that are wrong in the sight of God. I’m sure they steal, rape, kill etc so is it gay only which is a sin?
Come-on give the guy a break in his life.
Lindel you a-self a-self, you know gay is not our culture, I agree you say you gay but hold your end . You know what i mean, hold your end if you love life and seek God.
So Lindel have you tried God? You named a lot of humans, but have your tried God…eventually when you do, he will guide you away into the man he wants you to be…I understand that your youth was broken by sexual perverted grown people, but don’t let their action curve you into a dissatisfaction. Love yourself, but first trust and please God…
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah wit no pity..Should I have? The bible say that is an abomination, and you shall reap what u sow..Change ur life over my fren, God has a plan for you
he will also destroy Sabbath breakers. adulterers. revelers. liars, thieves, fornicators, swine eaters,idolaters, drunkards, gossipers and the list goes on and on. Which are you listed as/ hypocrites.
You’re right: “God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah..” So let him deal with the sinners.
getting out of the country wont make a difference..in Jamaica these men are killed.we have younger generations coming and that alu want them to see.the little time those gay men come on the boat,it reach headlines
I do not condone homosexuality, but no one should be brutalized like this because of his choice of sexuality. This is totally wrong. No one is thinking of the fact that he became gay because at the tender age of 6 a monster who was his neighbour molested him. So the gangsters out there STOP the violence and cruelty against him.
Amen my brother. Exactly my point. No one is pointing to the fact that his molesters affected the choices he is making today.
getting out of the country wont make a difference..in Jamaica these men are killed,,,
im sorry to hear about your stories;i dont have people that is gay;the only thing i dont like is the way some of them treat or speak to people..acting out your sexuality in public it is very DISTURBING,,thats why he gets beaten.he is not the only gay man in the country,,he makes people feel like being gay is OK..we know to ourselves that being gay is a sin;we are humans and make mistakes..
Most of the comment addressed the person as “Young MAN”. Listen..YOU ARE A MAN!!! BE A MAN!!!! BE A MAN!!!!BE A MAN!!!!! God DO NOT make mistakes…satan does…Are you a mistake?
Regardless of what he is there is no excuse to treat someone like them. For all the religious bigots that claim that the reason they act like this is the bible please note that Jesus would not condone anyone to their death regardless of their actions.
A bit disturbing….I don’t think anyone deserves to be treated like that…nee gay…nee lesbian…nee bisexual…Persons should understand that though they may dislike his/her sexual beliefs and standings, he/her is what he/her is… and he/her is what you are…HUMAN! So i mean..
Linden’s story is heart wrenching. I remember hearing that this little boy is lying, when the story of the security came out and nothing was done to help him am sure. In Dominica Molesters are victims and victims and villains. Linden be who you are and remember only God can judge you.
Once again people trying to use that word “discrimination.” Mr Shillingford, please try to take those who offended you at such a tender age to court. You were molested. That wasn’t your own free will. You maybe get addicted to it so its hard to quit. DELROY, wrong approach. I am very troubled by how you guys look at things. You want the victims to go to schools where there are hundreds of kids. With those stories some children will always feel like its ok because they can relate to. Help those victims get justice through the court system. Punish an offender/molester. Make an example of the older men/women who bring the younger ones into such dirty and sodomy life. Look closer, most people who are involved in that kind of life were introduced at a very early age. Another thing, what does “opinion or freedom of speech” mean?
The young man tells his personal story which is of course a voice for many boys who have been & are silent about being sexually abused in Dominica. The responses are so brutal that I hope they don’t reflect the true Dominican spirit. Its sad that ignorance dominated the comments on DNO.I know that DNO isn’t responsible for the ignorance but hope that they will help educate people about the real issues.
I want to say to Linden there is a twist to his story, Linden your Mother is the first love you have and will always have, and when a mother speaks to her kids and disrespect there mother, its a disobedient to God. Your mother is crying in her heart because you have taken your own path, one she cant control because you have a mind of your own, she can only advice you my friend. I am hoping after all that you have said you will take some advice to better your life and control the way you conduct your self in public. your sex part of your life is not for the road and should be confidential. No one takes your choice not even satan, so be strong and don’t be fooled you Mother loves you.
Children live what they learn!!! I rest my case. So when you want to advise him, or chastise him look into his own background and see why he is the way he is. Some of you are just plain wicked
does this mean he had to go through this cruelty???? she not crying she wicked ….unless my child commits murder let me tell allu i will not turn my back on him ….n if man putting my child to sleep on road put me out to …me dat carry him buhjia …..to the young man you can make it ask god to help n change you ..thats why he kept u thus far…..ah mother cry stupes ….
think of what you are saying. If you have been abuse at such a tender age it’s hard to build the confidence to tell someone what happen.further more speaking about it only making it worst. you were young too.95% of the time parents do not to believe children when they confess to them that they were abused. Even husbands abuse their own kids,even to an extent threaten the kids if they speak out or tell anyone.Parents these days need JESUS. walk a mile in linden shoe and you will understand him.this situation i have experienced it myself. Their is still 5% of the world left you can trust Linden, Pray that God direct you to them and ask him to deliver you my friend.
Sadly when these people seek the assistance of the police they the police take it as a big joke until someone cause their death he is human his sexuality is not a cause for abuse. He definitely should leave the environment for his own safety, young man you also need counselling get some help, we got the concept gay people dont have need they do…..they need of basic living conditions I have a gay child and they are the most loving people you can ever meet for God sakes give him a hand he may be difficult as I read but we treat animals better than that. Where is the Dominican Gay and Lesbian community. Young man my advice is to stay out of the spot light…
What an ignorant bunch we Dominicans are, the hypocrisies you all display on fb makes me gag. This young man chose to be himself and is persecuted for it. Well young man, you are in holy company, you see, Jesus too, was persecuted for being who he was born to be. Now, don’t you narrow minded hypocrites get me wrong… I absolutely do not condone homosexuality or BUGGERERS as you call it. I just believe in these 4 little words,”TO EACH HIS OWN” who are you to judge, that’s up to the good Lord. Most of you persecutors are homos your selves, most of you haven’t the BASKETBALLS ro step out of the closet. What the h€£# should you care how other people chooses to live what God gave to them…their lives!!! If they go to blasted HELL, it’s their choice!!! BACK OFF.
Ummm don’t put Jesus in your thing ehh bon…
junk junk junk
Linden,
I am very sorry to hear all that have happened to you. It is very sad that you’ve been victimized. Your neighbor, the bus driver, the security guard scar you and got away with it. Now you have to undergone all this painful memories plus beatings. You may not even be gay but adopted this lifestyle as a result of your experience. The criticisms from your schoolmates have surely worsened your situation.
Dominica seems to be an environment that tolerates sexual offenders and continues to punish victims.
I commend you for taking a bold step in making your story public. That’s step # 1 to your healing. But you need to get counseling. Your continuity of a gay lifestyle is evidence that your offenders are still controlling your life. Go get help. You are still very young. There is lots of hope for a brighter future but get rid of the baggage these monsters have inflicted on you.
There need to be programs in school to educate children as to how to handle sexual harassment and how to relate to their peers who have been victimize. Principals and teachers should get some kind of training too.
This is a sad story and I pray that the public will be more sympathetic to those who have been victimized. Go after the perpetrators.
Jah knows my yut the sufferings and tribulations you’ve been through, you’ve survived today, just take it day to day and hold on till u see light at the end of this dark tunnel, because ya purpose. It don’t matter if you’re gay or just a victim of sexual abuse or both, the tribulations that you’ve endured is gonna make you much more compassionate than the ones who perpetrate these violence towards ya.
My ppl, generation after the next keep passing on so much intolerance towards ppl we perceive as being gay, even killers, dope slingers, child molesters and rapists snuff their nose at a person for simply being gay.
Prayin for ya kid.
I really feel bad for this young man, I dont currently live in d/a anymore and though I dont fully condone homosexuality I do think that everyone has the right to live their life the way they choose. A few things that I have learnt as I have gotten older and migrated away from Dominica: 1. We all get discriminated against, for the color of our skin, our beliefs or whatever and when it happens to us it doesnt feel good, so we shouldnt be doing it to other people.
2. Someone’s sexuality doesnt affect my life, if they are gay its doesnt matter to me as long as they dont make any advances to me.
3. what goes around comes around, and for everyone in Dominica that is homophobic, what happens if you have a child who is that way, will you treat him the same way the guy in this story was treated? Will you fail your kids the same way?
At the end of the day this young mans story tells us of the pain and struggle that gays go through daily and it is not right for us to make it harder on them.
Finally to end this comment, for all the people talking about the catholic church says this or that, remember we have a new pope and the one lesson he is teaching us again is the main lesson in the bible, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS, DONT JUDGE!!
Though, I feel sorry for the guy….this guy brought a lot of his misery to himself….Do u know the number of people, Mr, has accused slept with him or who do him this or that….I mean with all the so-called big shot and popular lovers he has had…none can rescue him from this sordid state. I question his name dropping!
@ Look Dayba .. Did you see with your naked eyes that the man slept with so many persons? It is high time that we speak about factual things (those we can prove) instead of repeating what we hear others say. Strange but true so many good things happen in our country and to people but none of those never circulate as the “things to bring down others”. Wait until someone says something untruthful about you then you will understand and feel.
Actually the teachers should not have said anything to the students period. Teachers are suppose to be confidential especially to young ones who are sensitive and who may be going thru challenges and who would think that they can speak to their teacher(s). Our Father asks us to love one another. We may not love the action of some persons but God loves us so much that if we do turn from our wicked ways today and come to him, he is not one who will turn us away because of what we did prior. We need to start to love our neigbour as ourself and in love tell them that we love them although their actions are not Godly. Sin is sin and all sins is the same in the eyes of the Father. We do look at some as being worse than the other but nay nay not so. All sin is sin and the wages of sin is death.
Why are you, even now, shielding your molesters? Expose them.
its because he liked it
Shut your mouth, maybe you are in the closet. You must be an ignorant Dominican. All who don’t like gay people, have no dam right to abuse people. Don’t judge no one. Only god can judge us.
That’s cause it was willfull
its sad what happen to the young man.. but he has to realise that acting out only going to make it worse.. the young man needs to humble himself.. I have witnessed it before where his attitude towards other people is what gets him in trouble..
I feel sorry for this young man and all that he has been through. Sounds like he needs to leave the environment in which he is unfortunately……leave Dominica and seek asylum overseas! Sadly I think that that is his best option! May God guide and protect you sir……you deserve peace in your life!
wow!!! this story is heart aching…..why would we treat someone like that because of their sexuality? A man is a man, and let’s not even go into quoting the bible because I tell not one of us can say we have lived up to every single word of the bible. this is crazy!! I feel sorry for this young man. the suicide and murder attempts did not work because you have not yet fulfilled your purpose on earth. oh dear……when will this discrimination end
its not only his sexuallity.lets look at the bigger picture. if his story is true he was molested as a child.i cant even begin to think how or what i would do to a person who molested my child, destroy my child’s life literally. what this child has to live with,to grow up with. sometimes it is the way that the child was treated that makes them out to be what they are as adults especially in their intimate lives. some women who were raped grow up to hate men. in his case he was molested by men however he grew up to love men(intimately) we will never know if he would have grown up to prefer women if he had not been molested. almost seem like his choice was made for him at an early age of 6. it just hurts to hear stories like his. what is even more sad is that these child molesters go on living their lives like nothing is wrong and these young children has to grow up with the pain and memory of their childhood where they had no control over adult predators.imagine being molested,then bullied and ridiculed for being molested.
Not only that, it was brought to the school’s attention, where was the counselling provided to the then student at the time. Instead he was ridiculed. SAD
oh and by the way you didn’t loose your job because of your sexuality! you lost your job because of poor performance if i can remember clearly. I don’t hate you, I hate the way you throw your sexuality in ppls face!!!
I hope your closet clean Kelly Kell
awwww so sad!
you are who you are and nothing is gonna change that. I have no problem with gay people but I have a problem with the way some of them behave. You are gay but you dont need to rub it in ppl faces. I guess thats what irritates some ppl. Be strong and go easy i think that will help. Peace & love my brother.
What does rubbing it in people’s faces mean?
Don’t straight people do the same thing?
Was about to ask the same question. From the comments it is clear that Dominicans just don’t like gay men they prefer lesbians.
My heart cries that we could be so cruel to our own. What has this guy ever done to anyone that he has to suffer like this.
I feel this guy’s pain because I have a son who is gay. And by God.. if I am the only person on this planet that will love and stand by him then I will… to the death.
I cannot imagine my son facing such cruelty. Thank God he is lucky to have been brought up in a more inderstanding environment,
But I could not hold back the tears reading this.
Guys story.
Why cant we let God be the Judge. And give everyone a fair chance at life?
It’s me again, I would try to get out of this country.
many times we never see what is in our rooms but see others many of these people will not show what they are but if their wife or girlfriends don’t let them do what they are fighting against they don’t love them is it not the same thing but with a differt sex. many times that’s what they love so lets look at our self first.be strong young man god is in control they have more problem than you have .we never want to leave judgement for god
its sad to hear your story.. i must say that a man action is not up to the community or the people of Dominica to judge….. i may not agree with the idea of him gay but at the end of the day who am i or even other people to judge… things do happen n we are not god…
To this young man, as I read your story, nothing but tears full my eyes. I have a son the same age as yourself. People need to stop and make this young man live this life. How can these ignorant people want to hurt you because of sexual preference. You are in my prays, I will continue praying for your peace.
Linden I’ve known u through ur former place of employment. I know totally know what u are going through interms of discrimination against your sexuality. It’s not right in God’s site but no one has the right to try taking ur life or hurt u. However, there are things u do which are uncalled for; ex: ur videos on youtube. I know ur mom as well. She is a nice person with a great personality. She struggles a lot to see her kids happy but ur stress was a lot for her. She would cry on her job, stay without money to help u and I over heard u on matt’s show talking bad about her. It really hurt my heart. That day she came to work and couldnt stop crying. She was hurt. And u did lost ur job through u manipulating the system. It was all your fault. U weren’t the only one fired for it. I do feel sorry for the assults u endured but stop telling lies about ur job and mom. Ur mom love u a lot and ppl who knows her can testify so bcuz its d truth.
Mr Shillingford,
sorry to read about your life story. You’re still alive for one reason and it is to give the Lord your all(head to toe), ask him to come into your life and he will definitely make a difference in you. Only God can fill that void and cure the hurts and pains that you feel. please give him a chance in your life. he called young men cause you are strong and do mighty things in his kingdom. try him now before it’s too late.
If i steal , what do you consider me ?
How you portray yourself my boy that’s who you are.
Anyways i hope you get your act together.
One Love
i would consider you a “stealerar” lol
I feel it for you because there are many undecover persons in Dominica who are discriminating people like you until they are found out about. Grace still exists, trust Yahweh and he will see you through, it is only the grace and mercy of him who is keeping you alive.
Very sad story,our people are very ignorant,bc of his sexuality hes being treated like that.shame on his family for not standing up or caring for him.hope many more of you speak out on the ignorance of our people.
Grell, his family does not support that behavoir and thats where they stand. Why should they compromise their beliefs because one individual deside to choose a different path? I don’t agree with people beating him, but I we have the right to show our disagreement with this lifestyle.
very sad.
you have all your right to disagree,what if its your child or family,would you not stand up for him.i used to think like that once,but after working with gays and lesbians my concept of them have changed very much.they are humans being and i respect their sexuality,we are not god to judge anyone.one day you will figure it out.
soooo sad i wish u luck in the rest of ur life ……….. even if ur gay not mean tha u should be livin like a dog….. stay strong….. they didnt break u bad den they cant break u now ……. one of my best fren is gay sooo i no how hard it is 4 u god is good
So sad, and such a heavy load to carry.
At least he is open. What about the people hiding their sexuality behind what they consider ‘normal’ family life?
Honestly, turn to God and he will lead you in the right path!
That “man” (I think he needs to hear this to be reminded of what he is- Creature with a penis) has always been one who likes attention. Mafysel Beltro has been able to gain him the attention that he wants, so he continues this show. Whatever we convince ourselves we are. Linden was never put out for being gay…that is something between his “parents”. He was one a factor in that. When Linden went to court against the security guard the last time, he knows that the court noted how close he and the guard were sitting outside. They judged that Linden was not a victim. I too think he was not a victim. If he is enjoying it so much now, it was an invitation to another. Linden told a student of the encounter and she reported it to the office. Linden was the one spreading stories about his own self.
True, gays are being discriminated against, but Linden is seeking attention and exaggerating incidences in his life. Stop giving that man what he wants. He is lying.
you must have been in linden’s shoes!
doe make mister fool allu, using pity to get acceptance
Stop with the ignorant comments.
You are a fool
very much so smh
Wow, regardless of how this young man chooses to live his life he should be safe. My biggest concern is the fact that he was molested as a child which is probably the reason his life took such a downward spiral in the first and and no one was ever held accountability. All of the adults in his life failed him. And, now he is suffering the consequences of that. Young man I would say to you that you need to find some type of professional help or better yet, use your last name and get out of Dominica.
Will out of Dominica make him better ?
Honestly, we should be ashamed. Nobody deserves this kind of treatment. I pray that we may find the strength and wisdom to treat people with kindness, regardless of who they are and what they are.
Dominicans like to quote scripture and love to judge but we have to remember the most important. Love God with your whole heart and your whole mind and your whole soul and love your neighbor as yourself. Everything in life comes back to love.
Linden, on behalf of society, I apologise.
so much for trusting relatives and close friends with your children. They are the ones who destroy them and the children are the ones who are made to suffer.
my boy call them man name
Very touching! Young man, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am sorry for your pain and suffering. I am a mother and would never turn my back on my children. I love them dearly and no matter their mishaps or achievements I will always be their mom. I am hoping that your family will reach out to you. We need to love our family and be there for them. Seek comfort in the Almighty. He loves us all. Remember the Savior endured alot and never gave up. Do not give up!
oh lord its so sad.
wow regardless of sexuality orientation absolutely no one deserves the treatment this young man is getting
unbelievable! last i checked, God did not put no one in charge to judge anybody
I’m so sorry you live in a place with so little understanding or the ability to empathise with anyone who doesn’t fit their narrow view. Unfortunately, Dominica is that place. If you were to wind and grind at Carnival, making a sexual cartoon of yourself in public, it would be alright. If you were to impregnate numerous women at the same time and make a mockery of the Bible, it would be alright. If you were to walk around with a threatening glare on your face and follow up with blows and the promise to “kill someones Mother”, that would be alright. Unfortunately, Dominica’s mindset is primitive and cruel. I wish you could go somewhere else and see that not everyone is out to destroy you. Your tale makes me ashamed to be human! May God Bless You.
Agree completely, we are very close minded and hypocritical in this country they call Dominica, ashamed anytime I hear we are “a christian nation” being brought up when it suits people’s argument, It never brought up when the porn circulating and all them young sluts whining and shaking on Roseau road doh………
bro, don’t let anyone take your joy! all those who hurt you will someday pay for it!
Your choice should not be an excuse for people to treat like you’re beneath an animal but the day you decide to live contrary to God’s way of life for us don’t expect anything good. With your choice came consequences. The pas is the past there is still time to turn around
To every body who can read this comment i ask to live this young man alone.god say vengance is his please let god god take control r
It is sad that you have had to have this experience and it is sad that we are only sometimes noticed by our faces. People judge us before they know what brings us where we are. We don’t sometimes like our situations and it’s not easy when we are unable to find a friend our professional to sympathize with our plight. I do hope that this article will bring light to the discrimination that is rampant here in Dominica. Our age, our skin colour, the village we come from, our last name, who our parents are and all the negative traits that exist here. It is also sad when some of the people who exercise such discriminating behaviour are themselves coming from one of those many backgrounds. They forget that there was someone to listen and help them through their situation. SO when we so choose to say that my situation is/was different from yours, the personal struggle to overcome it is the same for all, because each person has had to have a moment of wondering how/when is it going to end. Let;s reach out and listen. The vagrants didn’t just arrive on the square they are somebody’s child who lost their way through drugs as coping mechanism, neglect from a parent who didn’t know how best to care for that child, some wicked soul decided that this person presence in the world was a hindrance to their own existence and used obeah practice to bring this person down, or even by our own hands we get to be a vagrant cause we couldn’t handle society pressure. We should care for one another. JESUS mad e the sacrifice so can you.
So Sad
Omg,i just think that dominicans needs to be educated about same sex
wow! interesting. you see someone a particular and never know what their life is about
Best allu take that out from there
SOCIETY NEEDS TO CHANGE A LOT OF THE SENSELESS THINGS HAPPENING IN DOMINICA! ….. Because someone is what they are, does not give people the right to do such things. Ya’ll must look to see whether or not Dominica signed and ratified the UN COMMISSION on the protection of human rights. And if so, these acts must be taken into consideration and the perpetrators should all be faced with a charge for their crimes…. Wondering why most of leave the country when people like that decided to discriminate against us all? There’s why! I WISH YOU GOD’s Blessings son, you are human and you have dignity and you have rights. Right to life, free will and right to equal opportunity. There is more to be said and that’s a lot you are going through. They always say, you should never think too bad of yourself, cause someone somewhere is having it worse than you are. Take care of yourself and take my words for it. DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER To get to somewhere where you feel safe, and will be treated equal like humans should be treated. Don’t worry, those who have done harm to you , their days of sorrow will come. Evil men do, shall follow them and some people never understand that Karma is a queen of allllllll b&&&hes. Continue to be strong for yourself and I pray that something will be done in an effort to present you with a brighter future, one that you couldn’t even dream of! All the best!
All the best to you. May god bless and guide you.