I have been talking about how there have been rumblings of complaints from people about the gay 'takeover' of Parque Duarte. Well this morning there is an article in the Listin Diario newspaper (click here for English translation). It is the lead story, above the fold. Obviously the editors deem this story to be more important than any other facing the country today. There is also an editorial in the paper imploring the authorities to put an end to the shameful acts of 'immorality.' Parque Duarte has always been used by young people to congregate. Ever since I have lived here there have been people drinking and carousing in the park. The difference is that now those people are predominately homosexual. And that simple fact bothers a lot of people. People who have the power to get the story on the front page of Listin Diario. Above the fold, no less. I don't frequent Parque Duarte. Not my thing. But, I know many people who do. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out. Be careful.
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<i am here in Santo Domingo and have noticed a significant police prescence at Duarte park the past three nights. <i have never seen any behavior that <i would not see at any other park that has young people. There is no violence or unusual behavior.
There are some people who, when there is nothing else to do, like to stir up shit to start a witch-hunt.They love to stir up an ants nest and watch to see who will step in it...Yes. Be Careful
Apparently the grand part of the gay community here just doesn't get it. Have some common sense and show some respect and maybe people here will someday become more tolerant! The Zona Colonial with churches and cathedrals at every second corner is surely not the right place to congregate. Like most Latin American countries the influence of the catholic church is strongest in the old town centers and sooner or later this always leads to confrontation. Congregate in the malecon or any other place less in the public eye and nobody will give a damn!
Really? And just where do you (5:44PM) suggest that gays congregate when they feel like it? All kinds of people go to Parque Duarte: tourists and locals, gays and straights, etc. I was there a couple of nights ago and although not many people were out, nothing out of the ordinary happened. People were just chatting and having a few beers. But, please answer my question! Should gays only congregate out in the countryside? Near the Haitian border? On a mountain top? Do tell. Inquiring minds want to know!
From Puerto Rico,
Rafael
From Puerto Rico,
Rafael
To be honest I have been to this Parque Duarte Park many times and at diffeent times of the day and early evening, and to be honest have never seen anything that I would consdier out of the norm or even out of the way.It is a nice place to sit, watch people, enjoy the sites, smell the good foods and chat with freinds, so unless things have changed,I have never wittness a problem with gays or anyone else for that matter,even walking home from the clubs to our Hotel.Your so right, It is near the Cathedral and other churches but Hey ,if you carry your self with respect along with pride/dignity what is the problem?? I like to know?There are police every day right there at the cornor of the park,so what started all this?? (JFHT)
The Cardinal of the Catholic Church in the Dominican Republic lashed out this week against all kinds of sins and vices. However, he made no mention of kicking out and imprisoning pedophile priests! The latest case that has come to light is of a priest who abused more than 200 deaf-mute boys while they were under his charge in a special school. Not a mention from Cardinal Lopez! Does anyone see a double standard here or is it just me?
From Puerto Rico,
Rafael...again
Your so right Rafael,Cardinal Lopez tends to believe what he feels is right in his eyes only and tends to shut out any other negative things going on in the Catholic church. So in this situation and from your perseption of double standards, your right 100%. After saying that,what about what came out this week in all the local newspapers about this current Pope being fully aware of this certain priest who molested all those young deaf boys.From what was noted in our local news-paper,,, there is a paper trail leading directly to this current popes desk,(he had a different title at that time).However given this information,what has Cardinal Lopez said or not said about this revelation or news???Anything?? I bet not??? yet he has the nerve to rake gays over the coals at every opportunity he gets.Yes by all means he has a double standard when he feels like he wants to apply certain laws of the Catholic church or bend the rules has he see fit???This entire news is not a good reflection on the Roman Catholic church in 2010.(JFHT)
It is just a disgrace that an article like this one can make it to the front page of the Listin. It only reveals the type of mentality that my countrymen have when it comes to freedom. Sometimes I feel the Dom. Rep. is walking backwards when it comes to gay rights and acceptance.
From the UK,
A.
To Rafael, TURN IT!!! I too have been to this park, well after the curfew with Grashy... and someone gave me a cocktail from a makeshift bar out of the trunk of a car.... I LIVED!!!
"People who have the power to get the story on the front page of Listin Diario. Above the fold, no less." = The Cardinal...I would bet the road from Santo Domingo to Samaná on it.
I emailed the newspaper and the author at the address provided for reader feedback. I mentioned that the story was totally biased and untrue especially the part where the author wrote that gays and lesbians commit "inmoral acts" in front of children. They probably wiped their collective asses with my comments. However, I did sleep much better that night.
From Puerto Rico,
Rafael
I'm waiting for people to start talking about Church abuses in the DR. That will be coming soon I'm sure. What will the cardinal say then?
I HAVE JUST ARRIVED BACK TO FLORIDA AFTER SPENDING 30 DAYS IN SANTO DOMINGO AND HAVE WENT TO DUARTE PARK ALMOST EVERY NIGHT AND I SEE NOTHING PEOPLE HAVING FUN IT WAS A SYR8 AND GAY ON TWO DIFFRENT SIDES OF THE PARK BUT THEY ALL GO VERY ALONG IN THE MIDDLE NEVER SAW DRUGS/FIGHTS/OR ANY THING OUT OF THE NORMAL OF D/R EVEN ON NIGHT A GUY DRESS UP LIKE MICHEAL JACKSON SING A SONG AND EVERYONE WAS SO FRIEND ( LET THEM HAVE FUN ) BARRY
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