Northern Mexico marches for diversity despite heat wave
Monterrey, Mexico, Jun 17 (EFE).- Thousands of members of the LGBT+ community participated Saturday in the “March of Diversity,” held in Monterrey, northern Mexico and which this year reached its 22nd edition.
The contingent met at the Arco de la Independencia, at the intersection of Francisco I. Madero and Pino Suarez, from where they left for the Explanada de los Heroes, amid high temperatures caused by an intense heat wave.
Some moved in floats and others on foot, despite temperatures of 40C, with a thermal sensation of 43C.
From an early hour, they began to meet at the starting point, from which they left shortly after 6:15 p.m. (00:15 GMT).
Jhonny Caz, singer and vocalist of the Firme group, was crowned “Prince of the March.”
“I feel happy, I feel honored and I feel safe with all of you,” the artist said in his speech.
The “Movement for Equality” collective led by Jennifer Aguayo ran with the organization of the event, held for the first time in 2001 under the name “Gay Pride March.”
To date, Aguayo said participation has grown a lot and the conquest of rights has also been achieved, such as the recent recognition of equal marriage through reforms to the Penal Code approved by the state Congress of Nuevo Leon.
“The payment of the historical debt was finally settled by congress and well, that will open the door for us to continue unlocking the locks that have the rights of our community,” she said.
In 2019, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation approved equal marriage; however, in Nuevo Leon the pertinent modifications to the Civil Code had not yet been made.
During the event, a minute of applause was also given to the pioneers in the state of the fight for the rights of the diverse community.
“Thanks to all of them, they, especially trans people, we are here,” said “Mama Bree” a renowned drag queen.
Among banners carried by participants, phrases such as “Your chains can no longer stop me”, “Love is love” and “I am proud to be what I am” could be read.
“You have to remember and today we are here for all those who laid the foundations for this fight,” said Armando Cantu, who attended the march along with her husband Rafael Ontiveros.
According to Aguayo, Monterrey is the second city after Mexico City where such a crowded march is held; although the participation of Jalisco also stands out, where the “Pride March” was born. EFE
agc/lds
