By Latinally

These Latin LGBTQ+ activists are here to show us that Pride Month is more than a moment; it is a movement for equality.

With over 33 million Latin Americans belonging to this community (Statista, 2022), Latin America has witnessed a continuous, vibrant, and fierce movement of LGBTQ+ activism, where individuals and organizations keep emerging to champion the rights and dignity of sexual and gender minorities.

While progress has been made in acknowledging the LGBTQ+ community as a viable consumer segment, there is still work to be done to ensure authentic and inclusive representation. These activists have played a crucial role in challenging societal norms, advocating for legal reforms, and fostering acceptance and inclusion.

This text delves into the remarkable stories of Latin LGBTQ+ activists who have been at the forefront of this transformative movement.

Amaranta Gómez Regalado

Amaranta is a Muxhe indigenous Zapotec activist hailing from the city of Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca, Mexico. With over 19 years of experience, she has been actively engaged in social activism at the local, regional, and international levels, focusing on issues such as health, sexuality, ancestral gender identities, human rights, and cultural promotion.

Amaranta is the founder of Colectivo Binni Laanu A.C., an organization dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of marginalized communities. She made history as the first Muxhe/trans candidate for federal deputy under the former political party Mexico Posible, recognized by the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) with the name Amaranta Gómez Regalado.

Additionally, Amaranta is a member of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Mexico, representing the Muxhe/trans community. She serves as the current regional secretary for Muxhe/trans issues in ILGA-LAC (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association) for Latin America and the Caribbean.

José Parada

José is a historian, writer, LGBTQ+ activist, and Chilean politician. In June 2010, he gained recognition following the publication of an article titled “Gay Marriage in Letters” in the newspaper The Clinic, where a series of email exchanges between him and a family member defending the idea of same-sex marriage were published.

In 2011, Parada began his career as an activist by joining the Movimiento de Integración y Liberación Homosexual (Movilh) and becoming a spokesperson for the organization. He gained significant media attention after the assault on teenager Daniel Zamudio in March 2012, in which Movilh played a crucial role in highlighting the need for stronger laws and harsher punishments regarding hate crimes.

He served as a councilor for the commune of Providencia from 2012 until his resignation in November 2020.

Diane Rodríguez

Diane is a human rights advocate and LGBTQ+ activist whose work focuses on advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2017, she made history by becoming the first transgender alternate assembly member in the National Assembly of Ecuador. She has held leadership positions as the president of the Silueta X Association and the Ecuadorian Federation of LGBTI Organizations, both dedicated to defending the interests of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities.

Diane Rodríguez’s activism and legal battles have had a significant impact on the recognition and protection of transgender rights in Ecuador. Her tireless efforts continue to inspire and advocate for the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.

Erick Iván Ortíz

Erick is an activist from El Salvador who has emerged as one of the most prominent young progressive voices in his country and Central America. He serves as the President of the Youth Council at the United States Embassy in San Salvador and is an avid political commentator in the media.

Erick was formerly a member of the conservative political party, Alianza Republicana Nacionalista. However, he has notably publicly opposed the discriminatory policies of the party, ranging from initiatives that threaten LGBTQ+ rights to attempts to censor content that promotes the visibility of sexual diversity.

Pedro Julio Serrano

Pedro is one of the most visible Latin activists for LGBTQ+ rights on the international stage. Through his work with Puerto Rico Para Tod@s, which he founded in 2003, he has driven significant advancements in public policies for his native Caribbean American colony.

As a leader of Puerto Rico Para Tod@s, in 2014, Serrano joined forces with Lambda Legal in a federal lawsuit alongside same-sex couples to legalize marriage equality. Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in 2015, a federal court ruled in favor of Puerto Rico in the same year.

Pedro’s advocacy and leadership have made a significant impact on the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Puerto Rico and have elevated the visibility and recognition of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, both locally and globally.

These are some of the few names who are actively fighting for community rights, but there are thousands of Latin LGBTQ+ activists who play a major role in reshaping attitudes, challenging discriminatory laws, and fostering inclusive societies. As we celebrate their contributions, it is crucial to recognize the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Latin America and to continue supporting the efforts of activists who tirelessly advocate for a more equitable and accepting future.