Jermaine Marshal grew up in a Pentecostal family in St. Catherine, Jamaica, where he grappled with his identity as a gay man in a deeply homophobic society. Although he felt isolated, anxious and fearful, he found solace in singing, dancing, and poetry, which helped him develop resilience. Inspired by figures like James Baldwin and Nina Simone, he embraced his “weirdness” in high school, using art and fiction as outlets. His passion for social justice led him to pursue law, aiming to challenge oppressive systems.
After immigrating to Canada for a master’s degree in the social sciences, he explored new artistic expressions and began working as an Inclusion and Anti-Racism Advisor at Queen’s University. In 2023, he received the Kingston Mayor’s Art Champion Award for his advocacy for equity and diversity. Despite challenges, Jermaine continues to support marginalized communities while reconciling and renegotiating his multifaceted relationship with Jamaica.