10 Secrets About The Gully Queens, The Mole People Living Underneath Jamaica's Streets

In 2014, a documentary called, "Young And Gay: Jamaica's Gully Queens," was released sharing information about a group of men who identified as either gay or transgender and who go by the name the "Gully Queens." This group has no choice but to live in the filth under the streets of Kingston, Jamaica. The documentary not only shared some of their stories but also shared with the world the hatred and fear they face daily.

Forced out of their homes or shacks they were trying to hole up in, these people must resort to living their lives in the filthy sewers throughout Jamaica, explains the Daily Mail. Almost 80% of the Jamaican population harbors anti-gay sentiment. Some of those living on the streets were even kicked out by their own families. Their lives are in constant danger, yet they refuse to hide who they really are.

Here are 10 facts about the “Gully Queens” who live in the dirty and dangerous areas around Kingston, Jamaica.

10 Jamaica Has Been Portrayed As The Most Hostile Country For The LGBTQ

All around the world, things are changing. When it comes to the LGBTQ community, a lot of people are starting to be more open about them. Laws and regulations are even changing for them. For Jamaica though, they are still living in the old days. International advocacy groups have even called them as being the most hostile country in the Western Hemisphere for gays and transgender people.

9 Those Living In The Sewers Are A Part Of The LGBTQ Community, Who Have Been Thrown Out On The Streets

Nowhere is safe for those who identify as gay or transgender. Some of these young men once had a roof over their heads. They either lived in shacks, run-down buildings, or with family. As soon as word got out about their choice of lifestyle though, they were forced out and had no choice but to seek shelter in the sewers.

8 They Live In Fear Of What Others Could Do Because Of Anti-Gay Sentiment

The Gully Queens live in constant fear that someone will jump down into the sewers and do something horrible to them. Attacks on the LGBTQ community are a common occurrence in Jamaica. The law is rarely on their side though and those who attack them, get away with little to no retribution or justice.

7 They Live & Bathe In Storm Drains Located Under The City

Homeless, living in a sewer, very little means of money and no one to help them, there aren't many options when it comes to hygiene. One of the Gully Queens admitted in the documentary that the only way they can really shower is under a storm drain that is located under a hydrant. It’s the only area that has clear water.

6 They Try To Live As Civilized As They Can

Although they live with cockroaches, rats, mosquitos and more, and have no indoor plumbing or other necessities, the Gully Queens refuse to give up their dignity and try to live the best life they can. They wash their clothes, hang them to dry, shower with the water from the hydrant and sleep on makeshift mattresses made from pallets and carpets.

5 They Refuse To Hide Who They Really Are

The Gully Queens might live in filth and among bugs and vermin, but they are a proud community. They are a family and they believe that the gully acts as a welcome sanctuary for them. They refuse to hide who they are, no matter how much it puts them in danger. They’d rather live the life they want, then live a secret life full of regrets.

4 There Is Still A "Buggery" Law That Will Sentence Someone To 10 Years Of Hard Labor In Jail If Caught Doing A Certain "Act"

Down in Jamaica, there is still a “buggery” law, which goes all the way back to colonial times. The law states that anyone caught doing a certain “act” will face 10 years of hard labor in jail. So being true to yourself isn't illegal, but certain behaviors are.

3 The Police Have A Different Story When It Comes To The Violence Against The Community

Attacks on the Gully Queens are a daily thing. Some even happen in broad daylight and then footage of it is broadcasted online. The Kingston police have a different story though. Christopher Murdoch, commanding officer at the time of the documentary for the New Kingston Police, stated that the Gully Queens use their situation as a crutch to commit crimes and steal items from people by threatening them.

2 They Sell Biscuits & Illegal Items To Try & Make Money

Living on the streets is hard enough but being homeless on top of living as a gay or transgender person in Jamaica is even harder. Income is something that neither of the Gully Queens. To make enough to eat every day, they must resort to selling biscuits, illegal substances, adult beverages, and certain acts.

1 In 2012, The Prime Minister Talked About Removing The "Buggery" Law

Back in 2012, Jamaica’s prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller, tried to help the LGBTQ community by promising to review the buggery law, which as stated above, is a law that sends anyone caught doing a certain act to 10 years of hard labor in jail. Her goal was to show that she supports gay rights. Unfortunately for the LGBTQ community though, she hasn’t followed through with that proposal.

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