LGBT rights in Latin America have been a subject of controversy for decades. Throughout history, the region has struggled to reconcile its conservative Catholic values with progressive attitudes towards gender and sexuality. This struggle is reflected in the varied experiences of LGBT people across different countries, regions, and historical periods. From Mexico's long tradition of accepting same-sex love to Brazil's recent legalization of gay marriage, the region's LGBT community has faced numerous challenges, triumphs, setbacks, and victories. In this article, I will explore the lessons from the history of LGBT rights in Latin America that can inform contemporary advocacy, activism, and policy-making.
The history of LGBT rights in Latin America dates back centuries. The Aztecs, Mayas, and Incas all had their own traditions regarding sexuality and gender.
The Aztec culture recognized three genders: male, female, and xanith, which was neither male nor female but somewhere in between.
Spanish colonizers brought Christian values that condemned homosexuality as sinful and punished it with death or exile. After independence from Spain, many countries adopted Catholic beliefs, which still shape public opinion today.
In the early 20th century, several Latin American countries began to challenge these values by enacting progressive laws. Argentina passed a law in 1865 allowing unmarried women to initiate divorce proceedings, paving the way for other reforms such as abolishing polygamy and banning child marriage. By the mid-century, Chile and Uruguay decriminalized sodomy and allowed same-sex partnerships, while Colombia and Brazil permitted transgender individuals to change their legal sex status. But it wasn't until the 1970s and '80s that the region saw a surge in LGBT rights activism.
One notable figure was Mario de Andrade Santos, who founded Brazil's first gay rights organization in 1971. He fought for equal treatment under the law, including the right to adopt children and serve openly in the military. Another activist, José María Córdova Vianello, campaigned against discrimination in Mexico City's labor market, where he worked as an engineer. His efforts led to the creation of the National Council for Sex Education (CONES) in 1989, which promoted sexual health education and advocated for LGBT rights.
Despite these gains, Latin America remains one of the most conservative regions in the world when it comes to LGBT issues. Many countries still criminalize homosexuality, and violence against LGBT people is widespread. In Mexico, 43% of LGBT people report experiencing physical or verbal abuse due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In Peru, transgender individuals are often denied employment, housing, and medical care.
There have been some positive developments, such as Argentina's recognition of non-binary gender identities and Mexico's recent legalization of same-sex marriage.
What lessons can we learn from this history? First, progress takes time. It took decades for Latin American countries to move beyond Catholic values and embrace more inclusive laws and policies. Second, grassroots activism has been key. Without the work of individuals like de Andrade Santos and Córdova Vianello, many advances would not have been possible. Third, allies must be engaged. Governments and corporations that support LGBT rights can help create a safer environment for all people, regardless of their gender or sexuality.
We should acknowledge the complexity of LGBT experiences across Latin America. Each country has its own unique political and cultural context, so solutions must be tailored accordingly.
Colombia may need different strategies than Brazil or Chile to combat discrimination. By understanding our past, we can better inform our present and future advocacy efforts for LGBT rights in Latin America.