Love with Pride and live with Pride: Get inspired by 8 powerful LGBTTTIQ+ stories

For a large part of the LGBTTTIQ+ community in Mexico and the world, go out into the streets with complete freedom, apply for a job, go to a hospital, carry out studies or simply live according to their sexual orientation or gender identity with their family and friends. It is not easy, because of discrimination and phobic attitudes. deeply rooted in society.

In many cases there are still atrocious violations of their human rights: They are victims of verbal, physical or sexual attacks, threats, torture or even murder. This situation also affects their mental health, which can increase the risk of suicide, especially among young people.

Added to this is a lack of adequate legal protection. In at least 77 countries, discriminatory laws criminalize consensual private same-sex relationships, for which they can be prosecuted or imprisoned; even, in at least five countriescan be sentenced to the death penalty.

In recent years, many countries have made a real effort to strengthen the protection of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, transvestite, intersexual and queer people (LGBTTTIQ+). Laws have been passed that prohibit discrimination, punish hate crimes, and make it easier for transgender people to obtain official documents. Training programs have also been developed for police, prison, teaching and social staff, and anti-bullying initiatives have been implemented in many schools.

However, Significant challenges remain, so it is necessary to continue fighting for equality and respect in all societies. Without leaving anyone behind.

For this reason, since 2013 the United Nations System has promoted the global campaign Free and equalwhose motto this year is Allies in action.

Within the framework of the International LGBTTTIQ+ Pride Day (June 28) and Pride MonthAt UN Mexico we join this initiative through the campaign* #LoveWithPride #LiveWithPridein which eight members of the LGBTTTIQ+ community and their families and loved ones were brought together, with the aim of sharing their stories, inspiring other people to action, and contributing to transforming society to eradicate discrimination, reclaim pride and the rights of LGBTTTIQ+ people.

Their voices and testimonies confirm the discrimination, fears and phobias that still persist in Mexican society, but also the courage, strength, love and resilience that characterize the LGBTTTIQ+ communitytheir families and allies to defend their rights, break stereotypes and contribute to the construction of freer, more inclusive and diverse societies.

“Show solidarity and promote in your community that people live their sexual orientation and gender identity free from discrimination and hatred”, is the Call to action for this campaign launched on June 12 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

The campaign features a promotional video and eight interviews, one for each representative of LGBTTTIQ+ literature.

Below, UN News presents the stories of Gloria, Frank, Sara, Ramses, Maria Clemente, Sebastian, Lola and Galo.

L, for Lesbian: Gloria

Gloria identified her sexual orientation in her teens. It was difficult to share it with her family because of fears of judgment and rejection, but she preferred to do so because I didn’t want to pretend to be someone I wasn’t.. He has suffered attacks and discrimination in work and social spaces, but The love of her mother and father has helped her build security and strong resilience which she now passes on to her son Demian, a little 5-year-old who radiates happiness with his two mothers and brings great joy to his grandparents.

“I didn’t feel comfortable being someone I’m not,” Gloria says.

G, for gay: Frank

For Frank, identifying as a gay person and sharing it with his family was not difficult, he says. In fact, he considers that it was something very natural and well accepted by those around him, so he feels very lucky. But that confidence is largely due to his greatest protector and ally: his motherwho decided to leave Frank’s father because he did not want to accept his son’s sexual orientation. Today, Frank is a prominent influencer and a great ally of the LGBTTTIQ+ community.

“Coming out changes your life. It makes you feel free,” says Frank.

B, for Bisexual: Sara

Sara didn’t know what was happening to her, but once she found the concept on the internet and defined that she was bisexual began to live with great peace. For her mother it was not so easy at first, because she was afraid that at some point in her life Sara would be attacked or discriminated against for her sexual orientation, but she chose to see it naturally, prioritized love for her and decided to give her support and security. Today, Sara is a prominent journalist and his mother is his greatest ally.

“It’s not easy coming out of the closet,” Sara declares.

T, for transvestite: Deborah the Great

Empowered by the great love of his family, Ramsés began to venture into transvestism for work until he found his taste for it and gave life to the character of Deborah the Great, now a recognized star in the drag world. Always self-confident and fearless, Ramses seeks to break phobias and stereotypes with respect and conviction both on and off stage. His mother, his sister and his niece are his foundation and often accompany him to his shows, showing him great pride and inspiration.

“No one deserves to be judged for who they are,” Ramses teaches.

T, for transsexual: María Clemente

María Clemente identified her sexual orientation and gender identity from childhood, but she was reluctant to accept and share it for fear of being mocked or attacked due to social stigmas and discrimination even within her own family. For decades she had to hide and remain silent. It was not until her father’s death that she was able to come out of the closet and live in freedom. Since then, no one has silenced her. Now She is a federal representative in Mexico and is dedicated to promoting and defending the rights of the trans community with her extended family: her activist friends.

“It’s me and it doesn’t matter who opposes it,” challenges María Clemente.

T, for transgender: Sebastian

Mariana looked at herself in the mirror, but she did not identify as such. She did not feel comfortable with her body. After a long process honesty and self love was that he recognized his gender identity and decided transition Sebastián, a journey that has brought challenges but that he lives with pride and resilience accompanied by his family, his partner and his friends. His example is an inspiration and is helping to revolutionize the environments he inhabits, including the workplace, to enforce the rights of the trans community through empathy and love.

“You have to learn to choose yourself,” Sebastian teaches.

I, from Intersex: Lola

When she was born, doctors determined that Lola’s sex would be that of a man. However, in her teens she began to develop a female body. Years later she discovered that she was an intersex person. This would have caused her many awkward moments, discrimination, attacks and even death threats. All these battles have turned Lola into a exemplary warrior of dignity who is now dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of the LGBTTTIQ+ community: his extended family.

“Let us live how we want to live,” Lola claims.

Q, for queer: Galo

Galo has had to come out of the closet several times to reveal his true identity: a non-binary and queer trans person. The road has not been easy for her, but Her courage has made her gain confidence and empowerment. The love of his friends has been key for Galo, especially because of the listening, affection and understanding they give him to move forward with great resilience. Today, Galo is a great defender and promoter of the rights of the LGBTTTIQ+ community.

“Sharing who I am makes me feel powerful,” says Galo

In accordance with INEGI data of 2021, In Mexico, five million people self-identify with an LGBTTTIQ+ sexual orientation and gender identity.which is equivalent to 5.1% of the population aged 15 and over in the country. Of the people who self-identify as LGBTTTIQ+ due to their sexual orientation, 2.3 million are bisexual, which represents 51.7% of the total population. 34.8% are transgender or transsexual. The State of Mexico is the federal entity with the largest number of people who self-identify as LGBTTTIQ+, with 489,594 inhabitants; followed by Mexico City, with 310,788, and Veracruz, with 307,858. [2].

DEFINITIONS. What is intersexuality? What does it mean to be trans? What is the difference between being gay and being bi? The ABCs of the LGBTTTIQ+ community are easier than you think! Check it out HERE!

*Campaign produced by the United Nations Information Center in Mexico.