Staceyann Chin tells all in "The Other Side of Paradise"

Posted by

on April 14, 2009

I first saw Staceyann Chin my sophomore year of college while covering her poetry reading for the student newspaper. Before attending, I knew little about her aside from her work with Def Poetry Jam, but as she read a poem about having sex with a woman, she had all the hairs on my arms standing straight up. I wanted to learn more.

While poet/activist/performance artists rarely become household names, Chin has been becoming quite well known in recent years. Between her success with the Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam to her appearance on Oprah, Chin — an out lesbian and Jamaican national — decided to write a memoir.

The Other Side of Paradise tells the story of Chin’s premature birth to a mother who did not want her and an absent father in Jamaica on Christmas Day of 1972.

Her grandmother nurtured and protected Chin and her brother early on. But the three were separated due to financial constraints and Chin was forced into a “volatile household” in Paradise, Jamaica.

The story follows Chin through sexual abuse, coming out as a lesbian in the homophobic culture of her youth and her relationships along the way.

The book, which was released today, has been getting rave reviews.

"A completely absorbing account of how a girl born into denial and contempt can grow up resilient, sane, and full of purpose,” said out author and activist Dorothy Allison, “She also shows me a culture I knew far too little about — the everyday life of young people in Jamaica and the threat of violence looming over anyone who might be too independent or queer or outrageous. How wonderful that this outrageous, talented, determined woman has given us her story."

It takes courage to write such a candid tale involving many family members, and according to Chin’s Myspace blog, she plans on taking some heat for it:

Yes, these are the stories about my vagina and my grandmother and my boyfriends and my girlfriends and some cousins and some heartbreaks and some abandonment and some chickens and some orgasms and some homes I lived in — all laid out for the whole bloody world to see, hear, dissect, devour and regurgitate. I'm scared out of my panties, but I'm putting it out there anyways. I believe we have a right to tell our stories — no matter how hard, or how many family members will tar and feather us. (And I am expecting that many of them will.)

Walter Mosley, Russell Simmons and Rebecca Walker also sung their praises for Chin’s book, calling it a “heartbreaking feat of unflinching memory and language,” and “Liberating, beautiful, and life-affirming.”

For those of you looking to be inspired, curious about the still-quite-homophobic nation of Jamaica or just want to read a good story about a talented woman’s struggle and strength, The Other Side of Paradise is sure to be a great read.

Jen Sabella's blog
Login or register to post comments

Disclosure Statement

Tags:

Comments

wow

Posted by

music.is.everything. (203 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 03:15pm

i just recently heard for the first time about the extreme homophobia in jamaica and other nearby islands, and this book seems to put it into a perspective that i can relate to. i can't wait to go out and find a copy of it.

and in our honesty, together we will rise. out of our nightminds and into the light at the end of the fight...

My copy of this book is in

Posted by

Anonymous

on April 14, 2009 at 03:23pm

My copy of this book is in the mail. Can't wait to read it (!). In addition to being extremely inspired/moved/touched by her works, I've the biggest celebgirlcrush on Ms. Chin.

i'm on the verge of bussin' purple nuts

Check On Your Order...

Posted by

Nona J. (353 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 10:07pm

If you ordered it from from Amazon, it may be delayed. : )

" True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united" ~ Wilhelm von Humbolt

yeah i think i might've

Posted by

Anonymous

on April 14, 2009 at 10:36pm

yeah i think i might've spoken too soon about my book being on the way. I ordered it yesterday and it's still "shipping soon." I don't even need to be supporting amazon (it's funny, during that whole "glitch" debacle, I was searching and searching for her book and the only thing that came up was the Kindle version). Blegh. I might just have to go to Books-a-million. Which makes me sad.

[http://thequietnegress.wordpress.com]

Staceyann Chin>>

Posted by

shortypants (741 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 03:27pm

I'm ordering this from my local queer bookstore today! I'm also gonna tell them to stock this book on their shelves.

Reading it NOW!!!

Posted by

Yan (87 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 03:39pm

I just got bk from Barnes and Nobles with my copy. I am on page 88 now and havent put down the book since I picked it off the shelf in the store. Well, I had to eat and write this comment.

I grew up in Jamaica also, so I identify with her stories of growin up on this small island. Playing silly games wit my bossy older brothers just as she did with Delano. This is a great read for any queer Jamaican and anyone who just wants something different to read!

Great review Jen :)

In Response

Posted by

ladylaw81 (10 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 04:32pm

I haven't read it as yet but I have high hopes. I've actually spoken to Staceyanne at a cookout during pride and she wanted to now my experiences growing up Jamaican-American with a very religious mother. Its great that we as women of west Indian descent have a voice out there addressing our point of view. How was your experiences in JA?

re

Posted by

Yan (87 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 04:42pm

It wasnt bad...I came out after leaving. But I was in a small town where the girls were pretty out there, the summer before I moved I was hit on by 2 friends of mine in high school. It was shocking since I know being gay was somthing ive never talked about or heard anyone talk about. I had a friend who killed himself because he had to move back tho. He was here in college and the thought of moving back scared him to the point he just couldnt deal with it. Ive never been back, so I really have no experience as a lesbian there. My family here, tho they dont agree with it, are supportative. My mom actually likes my gf alot. Im still working on one of my older brother tho.

I look up to Stacyann for being out and never hiding the fact that she is also Jamaican. I will be at her book signing in May when she comes to DC :)

Wow, wait, she's coming in

Posted by

ladylaw81 (10 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 04:53pm

Wow, wait, she's coming in May *giggles and smiles* You just made my day. Is this for Pride?

Its funny because I go to Jamaica every year for two weeks and I've never noticed any type of gay scene there either. But then again I'm at the resort. I know that a lot of people say that we shouldn't support the tourism there and buy Jamaican products, but that won't help the situation for the people out there. Its crazy, I've gone on the resort and seen gay men and women, who are clearly gay and there with their partners and they might get looks, but they are treated like everyone else. But then again we have the stories about people being killed for who they are or are perceived to be. That's why what Staceyanne is doing is so great.

P.S. check out Fione Zedde's book Bliss, its lesbian fiction that is partly set in modern day Jamaica.

I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use

-L

yep

Posted by

Yan (87 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 05:35pm

Not for Pride....a book reading and signing I believe. She gonna be at Bus Boys and Poets may 16th @ 4pm.

There is a gay scene down there, trust me. My friend has a cousin thats gay and she goes to gay parties and stuff. I think its just on the DL. No matter how Jamaicans in Jamaica tries to ignore it....there are plenty gay people there. They not going anywhere, and in time, they will have no choice but to accept it. I think its only really bad in Kingston. Cause Mobay and those touristy places arent as bad I think. Even in Port Antonio, where I am from, isnt so bad.

Thanks dor that book, Ill look for it next time Im at borders or barnes and noble. :)

~Yan~

I saw more Gay looking men

Posted by

ladylaw81 (10 posts)

on April 15, 2009 at 12:29pm

I saw more Gay looking men in Kingston than anywhere else on the island. I went to Quad with a cousin and my friends and we were utterly confused. These guys looked and danced so effeminately it was ridiculous. None of the guys asked us to dance (which never happens in the States) and one was even wearing a single glove with glittery rhinestones on it. I don't know about the hypocrisy going on there. You can look and dance like you’re gay, but for heavens sake don't actually BE gay.

And I'm definitely going to the busboys and poets event, I mean STaceyanne is a friend in my head and all

I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use

-L

HYPOCRISY

Posted by

Kidder (332 posts)

on April 15, 2009 at 09:15pm

I still haven't been to Quad... And you are right, the dudes are super metrosexual, their jeans are tighter than mine hahaha and they lighten their skin.

Girl, that ain't

Posted by

ladylaw81 (10 posts)

on April 16, 2009 at 04:49pm

Girl, that ain't metro-nuttin, that's plain old GAY!!!!

I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use

-L

Staceyann>>

Posted by

shortypants (741 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 05:25pm

Whoah- when in may is she coming? Is this for a reading at Lambda or a performance b/c Pride isn't until June.

For Jamaican lesbians, check out The Heart Does Not Bend by Makeda Silvera and Ruby by Rosa Guy.

not for pride

Posted by

Yan (87 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 06:39pm

Not for pride, for a reading on May 16th at Bus Boys and Poets!! I have been wanting to meet her for a long time now...So im all SUPER excited she will be here!! :D

I've actually read Ruby and

Posted by

ladylaw81 (10 posts)

on April 15, 2009 at 12:31pm

I've actually read Ruby and its more like a children's book to me than an adult book (although it deals with things that children should have to deal with). I'll look up the other one, thanks.

I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use

-L

The Courageous Staceyann Chin

Posted by

Anonymous

on April 14, 2009 at 03:48pm

www.myspace.com/lunakiss7.com

I was just contemplating whether or not to go to B&N today. Now I'm motivated to. Miss Chin, you're an inspiration. I've been waiting for this book to comeout. I'm too impatient to wait by mail.

This picture is actress Paula Patton, the R&B/Soul RobinThicke's wife. She played in Deja Vu,Idelwild and Rush Hour 3. So it's not me.

Love, Love, Love, Her

Posted by

Nona J. (353 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 03:59pm

I bought my copy a few hours ago. Today she is doing a reading in NY, and I am very disappointed I'm not there. I was fortunate to see her last year at UIC and if you have never heard her read in person, you are missing out on quite an experience. Iam awaiting her return to Chicago. Till then, check her out on youtube. Incredible!

" True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united" ~ Wilhelm von Humbolt

I've always been a fan of

Posted by

Sash (49 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 04:49pm

I've always been a fan of her ever since I first saw her on Def Jam. I've actually wanted to send poetry too because I heard she lived in NYC like me. My entire family (mother and father side) are Jamaican or Jamaican-American and I see that they are homophobic and have a very old fashion way of thinking that is both hateful and at times hypocritical. Which is why I don't speak to them often. They have a perception of anti-gay pride, at least my father, my mother has this 'tolerate' kind of perception towards homosexuals. It's like having to defend yourself everyday while not really admitting to who you are. (confusing, much?) But I'm a huge fan of Chin and I've always wanted to know more about her life.

I love her

Posted by

Evolving (89 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 06:34pm

I have to go buy this book. I love her poems.

I am Jamaican too and I

Posted by

Ms. Dilly Dally (198 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 06:38pm

I am Jamaican too and I remember being moved to tears watching her on Oprah. I'll definitely be picking up her book this weekend, if not sooner.

Fiona Zedde has another book called, "Hungry for it" which is very raunchy and not my cup of tea at all. "Bliss" sounds interesting. I might pick it up too.

I met Fiona at DC pride a

Posted by

ladylaw81 (10 posts)

on April 15, 2009 at 12:34pm

I met Fiona at DC pride a couple of years ago and she's super nice. I loved Bliss but I never cared for Hungry for It.

I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use

-L

Thanks for the Heads Up

Posted by

pecola (1585 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 10:15pm

I don't know how I missed this book's release date. I adore Staceyann's writing--though I suspect reading her prose will take a while to get used to--so I'm definitely going to have to pick this up.

Amazing poet, great book.

Posted by

Lafitte (21 posts)

on April 14, 2009 at 11:43pm

Staceyann Chin performed at my university earlier this month, and almost sold out of copies of The Other Side of Paradise here! She read from the book while roaming up the aisles of the auditorium or acting out the words. Some of the passages were so heartbreakingly moving you could hear a pin drop in the large auditorium, other parts so funny we were laughing to tears. Afterwards, I got her to sign a copy and went all gushing-fangirl on her. She's one of my favorite spoken word poets, ever since I watched a YouTube video of her doing a poem about being a womanist or a feminist--and then the last piece she performed at the show was that poem!

She is an amazing writer with a strong, honest voice and a sharp ear for dialogue. Though her memoir is written in a very different style from her poetry, I still recommend it highly.

I'm a queer Jamaican woman

Posted by

jamlawgirl (506 posts)

on April 15, 2009 at 01:18am

I'm a queer Jamaican woman - which often feels like saying "I'm a pink unicorn" - so when I first heard about Staceyann Chin I loved her instantly.

She's gorgeous and amazing and I can't wait to get my hands on that book!

I'm loving it!

Posted by

NCSha25 (25 posts)

on April 15, 2009 at 08:28am

Ordered my copy early and got it last week. I'm thoroughly caught up in the story and love the realness Ms Chin is bringing to the pages.

Done!!

Posted by

Yan (87 posts)

on April 15, 2009 at 12:23pm

I read the book in one day and had to come and say it was really AMAZING!!! Her story only made her more beautiful in my eyes. I have a new found respect and admiration for her!!

You should all search

Posted by

flamingredgirl (6 posts)

on April 15, 2009 at 03:16pm

You should all search facebook for "The works of Staceyann Chin" group, her Oprah segment is there as well as a few poems. She allowed us to use one for an event at university and the entire room was speechless at the end of it. She is incredibly talented.