Costa Rica Costa Rica was witness to a historic recognition of LGBT rights by its national government when, on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2014, for the first time in history, the rainbow flag was raised by the President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solís, outside of the Presidental House. The raising was met with proclamations of May 17, …

Guatemala Actions in Guatemala for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2014 included a March in the capital, Guatemala City, a social media campaign calling for a Guatemala Without Homophobia, and a new LGBT cultural festival – launched on Saturday, May 17. On Saturday May 17th the Third March Against Homophobia and Transphobia took place in Guatemala city. It …

Panama In the week around the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2014, the Association Men and Women of Panama developed various activities, in different cities, to promote equality and human rights for LGBTI communities. The group of the organization, which is based in Chiriqui province, held a public march to celebrate this day under the theme “Leaving Traces”. Meanwhile, …

Paraguay As in previous years, activists organised a Besatón (kiss-in) outside of the National Congress building in commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The initiative was organised by the group SOMOSGAY, at the Plaza de Armas, opposite the Paraguayan Congress, where participants (both LGBT and straight allies) dressed in the colors of the rainbow for this celebration. …

Every year, Brussels pride is organised on the Saturday closest to May 17th, to mark the importance of fighting homophobia, biphobia and transphobia even in contexts which might appear supportive of sexual and gender diversity.