US envoy’s parting shot: 10% of Dominicans are gay

Santo Domingo.- US ambassador James W. Brewsteraffirmed Wednesday that despite many Dominicans turn a blind eye to the LGBTcommunity’s existence, estimates from statistics show that 10% of the Dominicanpopulation form part of that community.

"And make no mistake, there are peoplein this room whom have friends and relatives who are gay and instead ofembracing them for what they represent as people, you are completely ignoringtheir sexual orientation, as if they didn’t exist," Brewster said in hisspeech before the American Chamber of Commerce annual Thanksgiving luncheon.

He called Dominicans’ attitude on that issue amystery that he will never understand.

The diplomat said he becomes stronger whenhe’s the object of insults calling him a "pajaro (bird) (queer), housewifeor imperialist."

"I think that if you are insulted enoughand publicly with words like "bird," or if you are called a "housewifewho should stay in the house because I am a woman, or "imperialist,"your skin strengthens a little bit," Brewster said, and announced hisretirement for Jan. 20.

"I did not throw the first stone, letthe record show, although I have strengthened my skin against these attacks,there are many thousands of Dominicans for whom these words affect and hurt."