Esta publicación también está disponible en: Español
More than 70 LGBT+activists from across Mexico recently gathered in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, to create agendas in health, education, justice, migration, employment, culture, sports and political participation.
Participating in the gathering from Puerto Vallarta included Víctor Espíndola, coordinator of MOVii, and Daniel Estrada Jimenez, president of the Colectivo Vallarta LGBT.
The central objective of this meeting was the consolidation of a national agenda that reflects the collective knowledge and will of the gay and bisexual men’s movement in Mexico. The participants worked together with the intention of defending and promoting their rights, focusing especially on the importance of their causes being reflected in the candidates’ proposals for the 2024 elections.
The first day of the meeting organized by the Latino Gay Network Mexico chapter, was an energetic call to action. With the involvement of prominent gay leaders and the exhaustive analysis of human rights by Simón Cazal, general secretary of the network, the activists’ work began.
The thematic tables reflected the diversity and unity of the gay and bisexual movement, touching on topics from health to culture, including migrant and indigenous communities. In addition, the presentation of the book “Curiosity Killed the Macho” by Russell Manzo highlighted the power of narratives that construct the identities of sexual diversity.
At the end of the day, the panel discussion urged participants to be bold in political and electoral participation.
Espíndola played an active role in this table and announced that as a result of the meeting, he will present the agenda to the candidates of Puerto Vallarta for them to subscribe, thus strengthening the commitment to equality and the rights of the community of gay and bisexual men in Mexico.
The second day of the Meeting in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. The day began with an in-depth panel on the right to health of gay and bisexual men, followed by a critical but optimistic discussion table about the current state of their rights in Mexico.
The focal point was the construction of an agenda on health, education, justice, migration, employment, culture, sports and political participation. This agenda projects the movement’s vision for the next six years and there was extensive debate on how to make it a reality.
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Gay Latino for organizing and conducting the National Meeting for the Platform of the Rights of Gays and Bisexuals Mexico 2024-2030,” Jimenez wrote on her Facebook page. “I appreciate the opportunity to have participated in this important event and hope we can continue to work together to promote and protect human rights. Thanks again for your commitment and dedication in organizing such a meaningful congress… I am full of experience, knowledge and above all all alliances and work for all the LGBT population.”
The most emotional moment was the first National March for the Dignity and Memory of Sexual Diversity, which toured the streets of San Cristóbal de las Casas, marking a firm step towards equality.
The day culminated with the recognitions and medals of Gay Latino, in addition to the closing of the event, which – according to the organizers – not only represented a closure, but also the beginning of a path towards a more just and equitable future.
