CARIMAC Times 2016: The JREAM Edition Journalists Reviving Awareness of what Matters | Page 33

The flaw in perceptions
Kimberly McDermott is 22 years old and describes
herself as a tomboy.
Before the interview began, McDermott walked
by Rhoden with whom CARIMAC Times had
an interview earlier. There was one major
difference between the two. That difference
was that McDermott walked with her head
held high, unlike Rhoden whose posture was
less upright.
She sported low cut hair with faded sides, similar
to an army cut, wore loose-fitting pants and
spoke in an assertive tone.
McDermott attended a traditional co-educational
high school in St. Andrew and said, while students
would refer to her as a tomboy, that was the
extent of her negative experience.
“I was a Christian at high school. Because I was
so Christian, even though I was a tomboy, they
didn’t see the need to call me a lesbian.”
She said at her high school, the principal gave
regular talks to students on the importance of
respecting the difference in people.
“At [school name withheld], they do not encourage
discrimination. If you’re a boy who acts feminine,
people don’t bully you. People pay attention to
your work and what else you have to offer like
your talent.”
McDermott, who plays football told CARIMAC
Times that she recognises she fits the profile of
a female who would typically be bullied because
of her appearance. She said she did face some

jeering from people on the street, but never
while in school.
“Bullying has no place at [school name withheld].
There, we are focused on doing well in school…
We look at that as barbaric.”
Speaking to me via Skype in the lounge area of his
place of employment, Lee said he has managed
to somewhat let go of the bad experiences he
had. His demeanour supported this. He seemed
relaxed and free to express himself in his own
way.
But, despite his positive outlook on the days
ahead, there is still the impact of his experiences.
“It makes me resent high school. I have limited
friends from high school. So when I hear
others talk about wonderful friends and great
experience[s] in high school, I am just, ‘Ugh,
that was the worst time of my life!’ Absolutely
horrible! So I think if I didn’t have the attitude
I have now, it would affect me more.”
Lee said he is happy he made the decision to
leave Jamaica, but he fears for those who do not
have the opportunity to do the same.
He shared some words of advice:
“If someone is bullying you and you feel
comfortable standing up to that bully, you
should. If you think you need support at your
high school, find someone that can support
you. Be comfortable in who you are.”
*Names changed to protect identities.
The author does not share a relationship with any
subject within this story.

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