LGBTI community protests discrimination in Venezuela

Caracas, May 28 (EFE).- Some 300 people marched on the streets of the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday in protest against the sex-based discriminatory practices in the South American nation.

The protesters, mostly young people, walked about 3 km carrying community flags and placards calling for respect and public policies that guarantee their rights.

Activist and human rights defender Yendri Velásquez told EFE that the message was to highlight homophobic practices and discrimination in the country.

“The march gave us a space to meet, to celebrate our diversity, celebrate who we are, whom we love, despite the violence, discrimination against us,” said Velásquez.

Venezuelan civil society activists from organizations like Unión Affirmativa, Uquira, Amnesty International, País Narrado, País Plural and Movimiento Somos participated in the demonstration.

Velásquez said the protesters demanded that the rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary community, among other members of this group, be included in the national policy discussion agenda.

Wanda López, one of the participants, recalled the importance of “dignifying the cause” of the LGBTIQ+ people and defending the rights of the sexual minority.

Venezuelans observed the day against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia on May 17 when they carried out different activities to claim the rights of the LGBTI community and demand their legal recognition. EFE

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