In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of Jamaican gays and lesbians seeking asylum in New York City (NYC).

THE STAR understands that a growing number of Jamaican gays and lesbians have been finding refuge in NYC from what they describe as persecution received in Jamaica.

A report published in the New York Daily News on Tuesday noted that, Jamaicans in New York make up nearly a third of the 105 gay and lesbian immigrants, who were granted asylum last year with the help of the legal aid group Immigration Equality.

THE STAR further understand that many gays and lesbians who flee the island usually do so because of verbal and physical abuse, discrimination and persecution by family members.

Many of them are of the view that being gay and living in Jamaica is suicidal.

The report further notes that the danger in Jamaica for gays can be attributed to conservative religious views, anti-gay dancehall culture and the police force.