According to final figures released by ABGLT – the Brazilian national umbrella group for LGBT associations – a total of 183 events were held in Brazil around the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in 2014. Actions were held in at least 20 states, and in at least 55 towns and cities. Once again, this makes Brazil (along with the United Kingdom) one of the most significant national mobilisations around May 17.

A full panorama of all actions held is impossible, and this report will continue to be updated in the coming days, to reflect the scale and diversity of this year’s events. Below is a snapshot, divided by state, of just some of the amazing actions which marked the Day this year in Brazil.

A full list of events held in Brazil this year is available for download here (.doc, 46kb, in Portuguese), with thanks to ABGLT, to Toni, and especially to Paulinho for compiling it.

ABGLT’s May 17 media release, comprising a Manifesto and list of Activities is also accessible via this link (.pdf, 600kb, in Portuguese).

Bahia

Actions around May 17 in the North-Eastern state of Bahia, were significantly larger than any other Brazilian state this year. Commemorations around the Day spread into a month of events during the month of May, and were co-ordinated by a state-wide coalition of over a dozen community groups, civil society organisations and state institutions. For the second year running this run of events – the ‘May of Diversity Project’ – was backed by the SJCDH (State Department of Justice, Citizenship and Human Rights).

Activists and officials come together for an open congressional session in Salvador, Bahia. May 19, 2014.

On May 19, in honour of the IDAHOT 2014, the Salvador City Legislature held a packed ceremony and public consultation session on sexual orientation and gender identity in policies to promote human rights. The event addressed the need for a national gender recognition act, as well as the labour rights and public security needs of LGBT communities. The event was proposed by the councilor, Florisvaldo Bittencourt (PT). Read the full Portuguese report here.

In the first week of May, the group Juventude Sem Terra – the youth wing of the country’s Landless Worker’s Movement (MST) – organised a march of 3,000 people, in Salvador (pictured). Young activists at the march, affirmed “I’m gay and I’m landless” and that “homophobia exists in the country and in the city”.

Landless Youth Movement calls for an end to homoohobia during Bahia march. Source: MST

In Salvador’s Pelourinho, the show ‘Soul Transformista’ was shown free of charge in commemoration of the Day, on Saturday the 17th. The popular and critically acclaimed piece explores the world of ‘transformistas’ (drag artists), and the difficulties faced by them in trying to maintain the art form, in a city which doesn’t value it. The show was just one of countless cultural and artist events which marked the Day in Bahia this year.

The ‘Soul Transformista’ show was one of many May 17 events held in Salvador. Source: Genilson Coutinho/Divulgação

Rio de Janeiro

In Rio de Janeiro, ABGLT held its Fifth National Conference in the city of Niterói on May 22-25. A video introducing the event can be found here:

Over 250 people attended the event, representing dozens of organisations from the whole of Brazil. A summary and manifesto from the event – which the organisers called “a historic event in the history of ABGLT” – can be found here (in Portuguese).

To close the event, on the 25th, around 100 participants gathered in Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro city, for a public march and ‘die-in’, to call for the passing of legislation criminalising homophobia.

Die-in and march on Copacabana beach front ends the V National ABGLT Conference. Source: Revista Forum

The exhibition, “Eu te Desafio a me Amar” (I challenge you to love me), by photographer Diana Blok also marked the commemorations in the city, with a special viewing at Amnesty International’s offices. The exhibition – which brings together depictions of LGBT experiences and expressions in contemporary Brazil – was also shown in Brasília. An online catalogue of the exhibition can be found here, and you can find out more about the work of Diana Blok at her website.

Photos from the exhibition “Eu te Desafio a me Amar” by Diana Blok – featured in Rio de Janeiro and Brasília around IDAHOT 2014.

The exhibition in Rio de Janeiro also formed part of a broader set of events embracing film screenings and a roundtable discussion on LGBTI freedom of expression worldwide, on SOGI aspects of international human rights activism, and on the emergence of transmasculine communities, and rights demands, in contemporary Brazil. Speakers included Sonia Corrêa (Sexuality Policy Watch), Claire House (IDAHO Committee), Be Neves (UERJ), and Arjen Uijterlinde (Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Rio de Janeiro). A recording of the debate is available viw twitcasting here.

São Paulo

In São Paulo, where May 17 is officially recognised as State Day in the Fight Against Homophobia (since a law was passed recognising the Day in 2011), various community groups and state departments came together for a day of reflection and cultural events around LGBT rights.

State Secretary of Justice and Defence of Citizenship, Eloisa Arruda, at São Paulo May 17 event. Source: Secretaria de Justiça SP

Co-ordinated by the State Department of Justice and the Defence of Citizenship, the day of events was intended to help promote debate about human dignity, independent of sexual orientation and gender identity. The action was supported by various other actors and institutions including gender and racial equality departments, and the Brazilian Lawyares Association (OAB).

“The date is important to call attention to the need for affirmative policies to confront homophobia and transphobia – discrimination suffered by travestis and transsexuals… The fight against prejudice is a daily struggle, but on this date we get to raise public awareness that we need to have concrete actions which reduce indices of criminality which are still persist against LGBT communities.” – Heloisa Gama Alves, Co-ordinator of Policies of Sexual Diversity in São Paulo.

Minas Gerais

Activists and supporters from the city’s LGBT community came together for a march in the centre of the state capital, Belo Horizonte, on Saturday May 17. Activists called for public policies to guarantee community safety, promote health and education, and a call for laws to promote equal rights. Organisers underscored that on May 10, 2014, two travestis in the Pampulha region of the city were killed in hate motivated attacks. And that, already in 2014, 136 lives have been taken through hate crimes targeting the LGBT community in Brazil – which remains a global “leader” for lethal LGBT hate crimes.

LGBT rights march through the streets of Belo Horizonte on May 17, 2014. Source: Em.com.br

Called a “Protest on Behalf of the Invisible & Against Invisibility”, the act symbolised both the silence and the resilience of LGBTI and human rights defenders who were unable to demonstrate this year on May 17 itself.

Read the interview with organisers, which provides a full overview of the action!

Some activists also painted rainbows around the city in the early hours of May 18, 2014.

Last year, on May 17, 2013, the Square was the set of brutal scenes of violence, as some 40,000 people, mobilised by the leaders of the Georgian Orthodox Church, descended on and many attacked a group of less than a hundred LGBTI and human rights activists who had assembled for a peaceful and silent demonstration to mark the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2013. Shocking scenes showed priests leading the attacks. Amnesty International received reports of an attempted lynching among the crowds. Millions of people heard about these events as international media quickly responded with hundreds of major press and television reports.

IDAHOT 2013: Priests leading the attacks against LGBTI activists in Tbilisi, Georgia.

On May 17 this year, LGBTI activists decided to cancel even private events for the Day. On May 12, leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church had urged thousands to take to the streets on May 17, in a show of “Strength of Family and Respect for Parents”. 4,000 participated in this “counter” protest, which passed without LGBTI communities being attacked – as they stayed clear of the event. That said, reports did surface of demonstrators attacking one another, after appearing to mistake each other for being gay. Members of a TV crew were also attacked on the Day, reports Identoba and Tabula TV Crew.

In the lead up to May 17, 2014, Georgian activists reported that LGBTI communities had become targets of threats and intimidation, including by the Georgian police. They also advised that, despite petitions by LGBTI activists, authorities offered no guarantees as to the safety of those who wished to publicly assemble and express themselves in favour of LGBTI rights on May 17.

IDAHO 2012: A demonstrator being dragged away by Georgian police.

Moreover, local activists from Identoba group report (May 17, 2014) that pro-Russian groups had been organising to stage a “fake gay pride” this May 17, using certain front groups, with the intention of justifying and sparking confrontation on the Day. As they point out, this has also been the case in recent months in Kiev, Ukraine, as well as in certain other countries.

Freedom Square metro station, Tbilisi, May 18, 2014. Source: © Onnik Krikorian Photography

Further information

• Identoba: Statement before May 17, 2014
• Meghan Johnson: Recap of May 17, 2014 in Georgia

In Cote d’Ivoire/Ivory Coast, the group Alternative Cote d’Ivoire commemorated this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) in its new official headquarters in Abidjan, in the Angré-Djibi neighborhood. This was the first public event to be held in the centre, which was only recently re-opened after being ransacked in January 2014.

Particpants organised a community discussion based event, with speakers invited to debate on themes of democracy and homosexuality.

The event was supported financially by the Lesbian Life Foundation, and – reports 76 crimes blog:

“Two human rights defenders also participated in the meeting. Jean Marc Yao of the Ivory Coast League for Human Rights (Ligue Ivoirienne des Droits de l’Homme – LIDHO) who, in turn, invited Antonin Rabecq, representative in Ivory Coast and Guinea to the International Federation of Human Rights (Fédération Internationale des Droits de l’Homme – FIDH).”

For more information see:

• 76 crimes: Ivory Coast LGBT celebrate IDAHO at post-attack HQ

The group Barbados G.L.A.D (B.G.L.A.D) posted a series of messages in commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on social media, including a statement (below), and published here. Some local media also covered the IDAHOT 2014.

May 17 statement from B.G.L.A.D:

“Threats are made by persons, expressing intentions to shoot, burn, or run me over with a vehicle if I were ever seen again (sure enough, if a moving vehicle is near me, some persons do urge the driver to attempt to hit me with the vehicle. Fortunately to date, no such incident has taken place). Some stores in my neighbourhood often have loiterers nearby, awaiting my arrival if I’m on an errand, only to begin a barrage of harassing comments and threats on my life and safety, or demands that I move out of the area (where I have lived for nearly 15 years).”

The above is a direct quote from a twenty year old Barbadian Transgendered woman, depicting a reality faced by a plethora of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Barbadians daily, more so those who outwardly challenge stereotypical gender norms. Today, May 17th being International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), B-GLAD would like to acknowledge that in 2014, the battle to end discrimination against LGBT citizens still remains an uphill battle.

It is constantly perpetuated that because there are not constant instances of beatings and brutalities that homophobia and transphobia do not exist in our society. Many Barbadians uphold the notion that LGBT people are “allowed” to exist without being assaulted and should not expect much more. No citizen in this country should live with the looming fear of having their basic human rights violated. No equal citizen of this state should exist in perpetual fear of losing their means of income, family or housing, justified by the fact that others do not agree with whom they have romantic relationships.

For far too long, members of the LGBT Community have been the victims of unwarranted persecution because of fear and ignorance. The fact that in Barbados homosexuality to is constantly being linked to pedophilia, when over 90% of pedophiles are heterosexuals, is a prime example of severe lack of education and understanding by the greater majority of the population. The time has come where the public needs to be educated about the negative implications of rampant homophobia in a modern society. Repugnant discrimination not only affects those who are being discriminated against but on our already suffering economy.

The unification of not only the LGBT people of Barbados, but also our allies, so that a change can be made when it comes to addressing homophobia and transphobia in Barbados is vital. Public perception, however, cannot be expected to change when our people are governed by discriminatory laws. It is with this in mind that B-GLAD is proud to announce its participation in the movement Generation Change in Trinidad and Tobago on June 7th, 2014. Generation Change, spearheaded by the Silver Lining Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago is an collaborative initiative where representatives of five different Caribbean states (also inclusive of Belize, Jamaica and Guyana) will come together in collaborative efforts calling on regional leaders to commit to their promises for equality and inclusion for LGBT people in their countries.

Despite the hurdles and obstructions faced by the Caribbean LGBT movement, there is progress and there is huge opportunity for change. Instead of becoming despondent, we do need to focus on the education of those whose hatred lies within the constraints of heavy ignorance and those burdened by fear; informing people that in the quest for equality LGBT people are not fighting for an existence of privilege, but for the opportunity to co-exist without persecution of who they are.

Media coverage

• The Barbados Advocate: ‘Think on These Things‘
• The Bajan Reporter: ‘International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia‘
• The European Union in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean also published on their facebook page, an official statement supporting the Day by High Representative Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union.

In Bolivia, a diverse set of community groups, government representatives, artists, musicians and community allies, came together for events in Santa Cruz and La Paz. Highlights included the TransFest festival – to celebrate gender expressions and diversities, and highlight trans* community issues, in Santa Cruz. Government officials also met with activists to develop public policies, on the basis of affirmation of May 17 as an officially recognised National Day Against Homophobia in the country.

The organization Igualdad Bolivia together with the Governor of Santa Cruz and Regional Office of the Ministry of Culture joined forces for the organization of the fifth version of the transgender festival, TransFest Bolivia “TRANSFORMANDONOS”, 2014. Held in the city of Santa Cruz, the event included artistic and live Performances as well as a prize-giving event.

TransFest Bolivia, held around the IDAHOT 2014.

You can watch a full video of the event here:

Press Conference and Government Meeting

On Thursday, May 15, a press conference was held, to draw attention to actions around the Day. These included a meeting between TLGB communities and representatives of the Ministries of Justice, Culture and Education, to elaborate joint actions under the remit of the Presidential Decree (of 2011), which officially recognises May 17 as Bolivian Day Against Homophobia. This action was developed with the support of Colectivo TLGB of Bolivia.

Book Presentation, Vigil and Documentary Launch

On Friday, May 16, a presentation of the book “Freedom to love and feel: Memoirs of gay and lesbian couples in Bolivia” was held as well as a Vigil Against Violence, and the launch of a documentary about homophobia in Bolivia. These actions were also supported by Colectivo TLGB of Bolivia.

Street Parade

A final action coordinated by the Colectivo TLGB of Bolivia, was a street parade on Saturday, 17 May, in which communities and allies came together to promote and defend the rights of sexual and gender minorities.

Photography Exhibition

Finally, the organization ADESPROC FREEDOM GLBT, from La Paz, Bolivia presented a photographic exhibition of artist Andres Palacios called “Sexualidad Paceña”, in one of the most important museums of the city, Musef.

As in previous years, various events marked the IDAHOT in Honduras. Communities came together for a concert, public speeches and films, and also for a street parade against Homo-Lesbo-Transphobia. Activists drew attention to high rates of violence targeted at LGBT people, and took the opportunity to explore local histories of LGBT activism.

The organization Movimiento de Diversidad en Resistencia (MDR, Movement of Diversity in Resistance) organized a landmark concert in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to proclaim and demand respect for the rights of LGBT communities.

Street demonstration against Homo-Lesbo-Transfobia in Honduras, IDAHOT 2014.

The event took place on Saturday, May 31, in the public square known as the Redondel Artisans. It was attended by various public figures such as Honduran artist Coffee Guancasco, and feminist activist and singer songwriter, Karla Lara Nélson “Dog” Pavón, amongst others.

Besides music during the concert, and messages of support and from and for LGBT activists and human rights organizations, films were also screened.

“Homophobia NO, Socialism YES” – Activists take to the streets for IDAHOT 2014 in Honduras.

Another important activity was a street parade against Homophobia, Transphobia and Lesbophobia, in order to demand respect for human rights of all people and encourage LGBT people to denounce human rights abuses.

Another main purpose of the demonstration was for communities to raise their voices to stop violence and discrimination against LGBT people They also denounced the government for failure to address the high rate of homicide against LGBT communities in the country – which is one of the highest in the world, when corrected to population.

You can watch a video of the actions here:

Finally, the Following Rainbow Footsteps activity was another highlight this year, in which both LGBT communities and allies came together. The event was basically an LGBT-themed guided tour through various landmarks in the history of LGBT activism in the country.

Various organizations  from El Salvador organized diverse public actions for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2014. Highlights included a street march and action at the Monumento a la Constitución (Constitution Monument) in the capital, San Salvador. Communities and government representatives also came together to discuss hate crimes against GBLTI communities, as well as the role of faith in constraining and supporting sexual and gender rights in the country.

LGBT rights march at San Salvador’s iconic Constitution Monument, for IDAHOT 2014.

Actions by Fraternidad Gay Sin Fronteras

The group Fraternidad Gay Sin Fronteras (Gay Fraternity Without Borders), organised a series of specific activities around the IDAHOT 2014. Some highlights included:

• A national consultation on government progress on hate crimes against GBLTI communities.
• An event at the LGBT Violence Prevention Center of Nicaragua, in El Salvador.
• Discussion regarding World-MCP Funds (Country Coordinating Mechanism) in relation to GBLTI communities, and the use of Bank funds.
• Event on Fair Faith, Churches and Hate Crimes in El Salvador, sponsored by USAID-ALDES.

Activists and allies come together for a street march through the capital, San Salvador.

Street March in the Capital

A street march, which was organised and attended by a variety of GBLTI and civil society organizations also took place in San Salvador, bringing together hundreds of people.

You can see the full photo gallery, here.

The group Lobby Alliance for LGBT Human Rights marked the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2014, by conducting a protest to pressure Taiwan’s government to approve a bill legalizing same-sex marriage.

The bill has been stalled in the Legislature since last October, and its progress constitutes one of the major priorities of local activists in the country at the moment. The protest also served to remember the victims of hate crimes, and was marked by its creativity and impact – with various photos of the event shared widely on social media, including internationally.

Local activists installed 100 tombstones which were made of cardboard – each engraved with the names of people who had lost their lives due to hatred against LGBTI people, either through being killed or through committing suicide. The protest took place in Ketagalan Boulevard, one of the main avenues in the capital, which leads to Taiwan’s Presidential Building.

Credit: Courtesy of Ketty W. Chen

“Do you know how much I hurt?” | Courtesy of Ketty W. Chen

Russian LGBT activists and allies in 16 cities took action for the IDAHOT 2014 despite considerable social and legal pressure, attacks and threats from opponents. 15 people were detained on May 17, all of whom are now released (June 4, 2014). Two actions were targeted by neo-nazi groups. No serious injuries occurred this year and local groups underscored the bravery and resistant spirit of LGBT communities in the country.

In most Russian cities rainbow flashmob events (coloured balloon releases) went quite well, with a considerable 150 people showing up in St. Petersburg. However, during or because of the flashmobs the police detained activists from Moscow, Murmansk, Perm and Vladimir. Two people in Moscow, 1 person in Murmansk, 11 people in Perm and 1 person in Vladimir were detained on May 17. They are now all released.

While most events in the 16 cities went without any incidents, 4 of these cities witnessed arrests. The organizer of a Rainbow flashmob event in Murmansk, Violetta Grudina, was detained before the event actually started. She was accused of “propaganda of homosexuality”. The police stated that by publishing information about LGBT events in the social network (Vkontakte), she “committed propaganda of homosexuality among minors”.

Russia, image by St Petersburg Times

On May 17 in Perm, several members of the group LGBT-Perm were also detained. An activist of another LGBT group (Raduzhniy dom), Julia Babintseva, who wasn’t detained on May 17th, was not charged with anything yet, however, she got a call from the police. Moreover, representatives of the police visited her parents. All this situation strangely resembles the situation in Samara, where after the Day of Silence LGBT activists started to get calls and then charges, all happening as a form of systematic intimidation.

The National articulation group, Russian LGBT-Network, provided legal support to Violetta Grudina and Julia Babintseva. The Chairman of the Network, Igor Kochetkov, states that “Solidarity was one of the main messages of the May 17th this year and we are ready to support everyone who suffers because of the unlawful actions of the police”.

Further Information

• Russian LGBT Network:Police getting more and more interested in the activity of LGBT activists.
• To see photos from the rainbow flashmob event in St. Petersburg, organized by “Coming Out” Organization: click here.

IDAHOT 2014 in Belize comprised a pathbreaking series of events, featuring a special message of support from Belize’s First Lady, Kim Simplis-Barrow. 150 people, including Belizean Senator Lisa Shoman, and top US and UK diplomats, gathered for events. Actions included prayers, emotional speeches from the community, a candle-light event, exchange of flowers, and an original video release, “Love Conquers Hate”.

Belize is one of the 81 countries in the world in which same sex relationships are still criminalised. Although some voices for change are beginning to break through into the mainstream, major right-wing and Evangelical groups have also been on the rise in Belize, where levels of violence against LGBTI people are high, and frequently go unpunished.

This year, a number of concerned groups and individuals banded together to form the IDAHOT Belize Committee, which organised this year’s events.

The May 19, 2014 media release from IDAHOT Belize now follows in full:

Press Release 19th of May 2014

On the 17th of May 2014, Belize’s LGBT community celebrated The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) along with the rest of the world. More than one hundred and fifty LGBT individuals and their allies gathered at the House of Culture in Belize City, including Chargé d’Affaires Margaret Hawthorne from the USA embassy and Deputy British High Commissioner, Grace Chun. The event opened with prayers, offered by Rev. Karen Turner, who deputised for Bishop Phillip Wright, in remembrance of those who have been lost in the struggle, either as the victims of violence perpetrated because of their gender or sexual orientation or because of stigma and ignorance of HIV/AIDS.

Opening the event was a deeply heartfelt video message of support from Kim Simplis, Special Envoy for Women and Children, who, for the second year running has made her views clear about the need to embrace kindness and end bullying and discrimination against the LGBT community in Belize. Her video presentation can be viewed here:

Kim Simplis Barrow Address May 17 2014 from Seifuddin Munoz on Vimeo.

The very positive spirit of the evening continued when over a dozen speakers from around the country made statements of hope for the future of Belize, one where children would not have to live or die in fear because of who they are or who they love. Senator Lisa Shoman, human rights defender, remembered when she stood at the same location in 1981 to celebrate the independence of Belize and her feelings of elation, but as the years went by she realised that not all Belizeans were truly free and that it was time for that to change so that LGBT people can enjoy the same freedoms and rights that independence promised all Belizeans, without discrimination.

Memorable statements of the evening included Mia Quetzal, who said, “The reality is that transgender persons are frightened to do daily activities, such as: walk to a store, take public transportation or even visit other areas of the country. Most trans persons are unable to access public health services, obtain an education, partake in public activities or lead an optimistic way of life and enjoy a love life.”

Chargé d’Affaires Margaret Hawthorne said, “Diversity is one of the most striking and defining aspects of Belizean society. However, and unfortunately, during my tenure in Belize I also learned that tolerance is not always extended to all Belizeans and not all Belizeans are free to live as they choose. On this day, we acknowledge and remember the incidents of discrimination and acts of violence towards members of the LGBT community and their allies around the world. Despite these dire situations, the implementation of the International Day Against Homophobia should not rest only on a “victimisation” philosophy, but should also be seen as a great opportunity to highlight positive aspects of homosexuality and celebrate the contribution of lesbians and gays to the rich diversity and accomplishments of Belizean society.”

Guadalupe Huitron, of PASMO said, “I’ll never forget the first time someone told me that it was illegal to be gay in Belize. The first time I sat with someone as he cried because others insulted the gender of his significant other. The first time my friends and colleagues reported that their lives were being threatened because of who they loved. The pain I have seen firsthand and the discrimination against those I care about and respect reminds me that hate regardless of who it is directed towards is simply not acceptable.”

During the event a video of an anthem, created by LGBT people in Belize, was launched. ‘Love Conquers Hate’, can be viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp8Sgt98Y5M

The uplifting and celebratory evening was rounded off with a symbolic gathering of attendees, exchanging gifts of flowers and lighting candles.

IDAHOT was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policy makers, opinion leaders, social movements, the media, and the public in general to these issues, and to promote a world of tolerance, respect and freedom regardless of people’s sexual orientations or gender identities.

As much as the event on May 17 was against violence and oppression, it is also a day to promote freedom, diversity and acceptance. The date of May 17 was chosen as an international marker to commemorate the decision taken by the World Health organisation in 1990 to take homosexuality out of the list of mental disorders.

The entire event was sponsored and supported by Belizean individuals, businesses and organisations such as Heineken, Karl H. Menzies Company Ltd., Travellers Liquor, D’s Creations and PASMO all of whom are united in the belief that the time is now for hatred, intolerance, bullying and violence to end.

The event was organised by a committed group of LGBT people in Belize, who formed the IDAHOT 2014 Belize Committee. Committee member Paul Schmidt said “We were delighted and somewhat stunned by the outpouring of support in the community, which enabled this event to be successful, enjoyable and safe for all attendees. We hope that events like this will help young LGBT Belizeans and their loved ones to feel supported and not alone. Belize is one of many countries that continues to permit discrimination against LGBT individuals both legally and societally, through stigma and sadly, often through intimidation and violence. This has had tragic results with individuals and families across the country living in fear or bereavement, having suffered the loss of loved ones unnecessarily. This stigma affects parents, siblings, children and communities. This event allowed Belizean LGBT people and their allies stand united for change.”

Other Actions

The United States embassy in Belize also released a statement in honour of May 17, ahead of the IDAHOT 2014.

Media Coverage

• Belize Channel 7 News: Special Envoy On Human Rights for LBGT
• Gay Star News: First Lady of Belize Calls for End to Anti-Gay Violence
• Mamba Online: BELIZE 1ST LADY BACKS GAY RIGHTS, DESPITE GAY BAN