The United Nations has recognized that all people have the right to "freedom of peaceful assembly and association." This includes the right to participate in political and civic life without discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. In Latin America, this has been a struggle for many years. Many countries have made great strides toward equality, but there is still much work to be done. Here are some lessons learned from history that could inform contemporary activism, policy, and advocacy strategies.
It is important to remember the diversity within the LGBT community. While all members of the LGBT community share common experiences of oppression and marginalization, they may also face unique challenges depending on factors like race, class, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, and geographic location.
Transgender women in rural areas of Latin America often face more violence than their cisgender counterparts living in urban centers. It is crucial to acknowledge these differences when designing policies and campaigns.
Allies matter! Allies can help amplify the voices of those who are most vulnerable in society and create space for dialogue about difficult issues. They can also provide resources and support when needed. But allies must understand their own privileges and biases before becoming effective agents of change.
White queer men may need to consider how their privilege affects their relationships with women of color in the movement.
Intersectionality matters too! Intersectionality refers to how different identities overlap and interact with one another. When fighting for LGBT rights, we cannot ignore other forms of inequality such as racism, sexism, ableism, or poverty. Rather, we should recognize how these identities intersect and work together towards a more just society.
Indigenous people in Brazil have been particularly affected by homophobic and transphobic discrimination due to both their gender identity and ethnicity. We must address both at once if we want real progress.
International solidarity is key! Activists around the world have fought against similar struggles for decades. Sharing knowledge and experiences across borders has helped many movements succeed. Today, global organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch continue this tradition by advocating for human rights everywhere. By learning from each other's successes and failures, we can make our movements stronger than ever before.