"Freedom, justice and peace in the world are based on recognition of the inherent dignity of all members of the human family and of the equal and inalienable rights"; This is the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This Declaration has been the basis of many national constitutions in many countries around the world and has allowed as many independent and create new democracies.
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Human rights are essential guarantees for us to live as human beings. Without them we cannot grow or fully exercise our qualities, our intelligence, talent and spirituality. The Declaration states that human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights they are entitled to life, liberty and security of person, freedom of expression, not to be enslaved, to a fair trial and equality before the Law.
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Also freedom of movement, to a nationality, to marry and found a family and a job and equal pay.

<cite class="simple">This Statement has gained great moral weight thanks to its acceptance in countries around the world, but the reality of many of those countries that have adopted it as a basis are totally different. And that is why the GayLatino Network is born.</cite>
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This network consists of Latino gay men, activists, and not by organizations, so their structure is based on the enrichment through ideas and personal experiences of its members. Regional leaders allow a global view on the political and social situation in Latin America that is relative to the backrest that the region gives to gay men, men who have sex with men, transgender and intersex males. So it is possible to analyze and identify regional needs and define advocacy strategies and activities to be performed, both with regard to homophobia, as in the response to HIV at a regional level
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<cite class="simple"> "The Network seeks to advocate for sustainable changes and extensive involvement of people&rdquo; -&nbsp;</cite>Carlos Garcia de Leon, Mexican activist.
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The importance of Red GayLatino lies mainly in the fact that makes visible collective and regional manifestation -Latin-American-, necessary to face oppression and marginalization that go through the bodies, sexualities, languages, spirituality, and forms of socialization, rooted by homophobia and various realities affecting the exercise of the rights of this community in Latin America.
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In this region the situation of the LGBTI community is quite interesting. Issues such as discrimination against gay men, men who have sex with men and transgender and intersex women, have a direct impact in various fields such as health, homophobic crimes, inadequate application of justice, the persistence of laws, policies and discriminatory programs and, on the other hand, the impact of HIV in this population directly demonstrate how the provisions of the Declaration is not respected.
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The "Declaration of Curitiba", made as a result of 1st GayLatino Regional Meeting held in Curitiba, Brazil in December 2015, shows schematically what the Network objectives are and what moves them.
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Based on the Declaration of Human Rights, and when we see how these basic rights that all human beings possess and should be respected without distinction, are first violated by the governments of the countries in the region, and secondly, by society itself, these gay men decide to form a front responsiveness and visibility, "human rights allow us to position ourselves from a universal ethics and international instruments and mechanisms involving" Jaime Parada, Chilean activist.
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Among the focal points that the Curitiba Declaration approaches, the fact that Latin America is a continent which its history shows oppression and marginalization, many of these due to colonization, which sowed in these countries sexual orientation discrimination is highlighted , gender identity and expression, which affects the full exercise of these rights in this community. Also these discriminatory attitudes are held in patriarchy, sexism and religious and ideological fundamentalism, which perpetuates the suffering of this community and their families and prevent access to the full enjoyment of their human rights.
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Construction and experience of a non-binary sexuality is also claimed, to say, limited only to the stereotype of the man or woman and work for respect for sexual and reproductive rights, understanding the question of gender as a crosscutting issue for achieving these objectives. Due to the persistence of conservative fundamentalism hate crimes based on sexual orientation have increased, situations such as imprisonment, harassment, assaults, murders and other violence at the regional level highlight the absolute need to guarantee the secularism of the States, is say, in the political maneuvering of governments not influence religious principles.
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Regarding the secular theme, the Network seeks that other governments, in addition to the Argentine, Brazilian, Mexican and Uruguayan, recognize gay marriage. Governments mentioned have already achieved a major breakthrough in terms of equal rights, it is now necessary that this achievement is extended to other countries in the region to guarantee freedom to form their families and backrests that marriage give couples, "The affective approach, though not very common, can give us a positive outlook &ldquo; Oliver Kornblihtt, Argentine activist. Gay men are still being deprived from the full enjoyment of all human rights and civil liberties, such as protection and equal access to the highest level of health and welfare, decent jobs, justice and education, nutrition, social services and protection from violence and discrimination, "we are not excluded from social problems such as crime and drug trafficking; those makes us even more vulnerable&rdquo; Mr Javier Arellano, a Mexican activist.
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<img height="432" src="/uploads/que_es_gay_latino_1.jpg" width="960" />
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It also being sought to end the absence and attrition at all levels of the education sector as a result of bullying and other forms of stigma, discrimination and homophobia, "A greater visibility, greater vulnerability. Our struggle is not against magical or invisible entities, but against structures, regimes that oppress us "Gustavo Pecoraro, Argentine activist. In most cases, this also affects other aspects such as access to cultural goods and the promotion of healthy habits, including sports and adequate food. And on the other hand, many members of this community are disabled, so they need the infrastructure and policies necessary for full development and respect for their dignity, "We potentiate the GayLatino Network to accompany human rights victories&rdquo; Pablo Fracchia, Argentine activist.
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Finally, it is endorsed by rethinking that financing systems imposed arbitrary conditions with communities, which demonstrates the enormous inequality in the region. Therefore, the adoption of mechanisms to redistribute resources in Latin American countries with a view to sustainability is needed, especially as HIV / AIDS disproportionately affects this community, "What health services are available does not mean that they are accessible "-Dr. Rafael Mazin (OPS). The situation of the pandemic reveals insufficient response has been given so far, the vulnerability that still exposed members of the LGBTI community in all aspects of their lives, which is why access shows clearly need to all technologies HIV prevention and other sexually transmitted infections, "Now we know how to treat the HIV and can make a difference" Cesar Galindo, a Guatemalan activist.
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<img height="432" src="/uploads/que_es_gay_latino_3.jpg" width="960" />
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It is essential that regional leaders are strengthened, with particular emphasis on the youth and ethnic and cultural diversity, with ranges throughout the region and elsewhere in the world where there is presence of Latino gays, "There is a representation of the gay as white and following heteronormativity. Not all of as are white, we are mestizas"-Andr&eacute; Mere, Peruvian activist. Therefore, it is necessary to call this space that can build the precise arrangements to work jointly, identifying the needs of regional advocacy to define strategies and activities to the achievement of local, regional and global goals.
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During the meeting, the secretary of the GayLatino Network, Simon Cazal from SOMOSGAY (Paraguay) said: "What is written on paper is not written in stone. The idea is to enrich each other&rdquo; which speaks well of the ideology behind the Network: A constant discussion group where regional needs and views and realities of these activists will form guarantees that this community needs.
In addition, they shall also be applied to the national constitutions of Latin American countries, as most governments hide behind these roles regardless the abuse they do to the basic human rights of the people of the LGBTI community, therefore, it is calling for a thorough review of the workings currently have certain homophobic governments, and a rethinking of laws and discriminating constitutions as well as the effective exercise of those that support the safety of all social members without any differentiation "the community is not in the disco or on the web: the community is outside, with people in the street. Being gay is a social actor&rdquo; Ronald C&eacute;spedes, Bolivian activist.
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<cite class="simple">"We cannot do things like we did yesterday, we must innovate. We have to think of other things, make alliances with other movements, not looking at our navels"</cite> Toni Reis, a Brazilian activist.
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* All references to Latin American activists were collected during the 1st GayLatino Regional Meeting.

GayLatino Network: What is it and why is it so important?

GayLatino-Network-What-is-it-and-why-is-it-so-important

Following this, taking advantage of the month of love, it is necessary to recall the legal framework that protects you in defending your rights and educating them go to all people. &nbsp; First of all, remember the most important: in Paraguay, even if equal marriage is not yet legal, being a LGBT person is not a crime - unlike countries such as Uganda, for example- and nobody can threaten with reprisals of any kind. &nbsp; Our current Constitution, adopted in 1992, protects us in Article 9 OF LIBERTY AND SECURITY OF THE PEOPLE, who says as follows: &nbsp; <cite class="simple">Everyone has the right to be protected in their freedom and safety. Nobody is forced to do what the law does not order nor deprived of what it does not prohibit. </cite> &nbsp; It applies also expressed in Article 25 EXPRESSION OF PERSONALITY, which guarantees respect for your gender identity and your sexual orientation, among other things, the following: &nbsp; Everyone has the right to free expression of his personality, creativity and the formation of their own identity and image.
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&nbsp; These items come from our Constitution, are quite explicit and beyond dispute. &nbsp; One of other arguments often cited in these cases is the figure of "disturbance of public peace" (Article 234 of the Criminal Code) which does not apply since so you can consider an action as such must be related to violence; the other article, more complex, is the 132 of the Criminal Code: "exhibitionist acts". This article, very vague, reads as follows: &nbsp; "Exhibitionists who perform acts that would produce a substantial disruption or disturb in relevant way to another person, shall be punished by fine (...)" &nbsp; This legal entity is often used to justify censorship constantly and prejudices. The lawyer Maria Jose Rivas said as follows in this regard: &nbsp; <cite class="simple">If being embraced, kissing or holding hands is not considered illegal and is acceptable among heterosexual couples: Why the same act would be considered - the demonstration of affection - punishable for LGBT couples? The application of this double standard is a perfect example of discrimination based on sexual orientation.&nbsp;</cite>
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With these concepts clarified and always present, remember the following: There is no law (contrary to what was said by the guard in the video, for example) that prohibits you give demonstrations of affection to your partner or any person of the same sex.
And above all, always remember this: Expressing love is not a crime. &nbsp; Special thanks to: Frans Cleiton Roman and Patricio Gomez. Photography: Emilio Martinez (<a href="http://artemilio.com/" target="_blank">http://artemilio.com/</a>)

Expressing love is not a crime

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<img height="432" src="/uploads/sergio_1.jpg" width="960" />
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Sergio Lopez, activist member of the SOMOSGAY organization, provided the words that officially gave the opening to the Festival: "This Square summons us again today to celebrate this fight and be here celebrating love and equality is only possible thanks to the commitment, value and even through the lives of many people today are no longer. For Petunia, for Usha and for all those who made this possible, today I ask you to raise our voices to move towards a future with equality, rights and above all: with a lot love ".
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<img height="432" src="/uploads/andrea_valobra.jpg" width="960" />
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Andrea Valobra began the concert with his best songs reaffirming its support and commitment to the LGBT community. With her warm music and all of her charisma.
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Rocio Robledo, accompanied by Gea Caceres shared their romantic ballads with everyone present.
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Then Fabu, renowned singer and dancer, filled the stage with the best electronic music.
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Las Negras, delighted the audience with songs full of a lot of rock and roll.
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&nbsp; Jazz and blues could not miss this celebration, from the hand of the guys from The Walkers.
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&nbsp; To close the festival, Bohemia Urbana, did jump and dance to the present with all its known subjects.
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Historic: Mario Ferreiro, mayor of Asuncion, at the Love Festival. Mario Ferreiro, who since the beginning of SOMOSGAY is supporting actions in favor of love and equality, rose that night on stage to mention the following message: &nbsp; <cite class="simple">"The Squares are of all people, so I think it's a celebration of love and freedom. We will continue to conquer this city with this kind of meeting where we reject all forms of discrimination and opted for love as a revolutionary way to change the world. I want to congratulate you for this beautiful celebration of love and remember, as saying the Beatles: All we need is love "</cite> &nbsp; "It's the first time a village headman participates in an event that vindicates sexual minorities," <a href="http://www.ultimahora.com/mario-ferreiro-primer-intendente-participar-evento-lgbti-n967196.html" target="_blank">says the newspaper Ultima Hora</a>.
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<img height="432" src="/uploads/mario_ferreiro.jpg" width="960" />
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Simon Cazal, director of SOMOSGAY mentioned about it. "It's the first time in the history of Asuncion, and I dare say in our country, a mayor attends an event in our communities. Thank you all and all that we joined us today, our city is finally changing to a more humane, diverse and democratic ".
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SOMOSGAY thanks everyone for being part of this first celebration of many to come throughout 2016, with stronger commitment than ever to build a more egalitarian society free of discrimination and that benefits us all as Paraguayans.

Historic celebration of the diverse love in Paraguay

Historic-celebration-of-the-diverse-love-in-Paraguay

<a href="http://www.paraguay.com/nacionales/nina-de-12-anos-dio-a-luz-y-el-padre-seria-procesado-140367" target="_blank">As often happens in these cases</a>, the urgency overpowers important. Outrageous what each particular case reported in the news often nublarnos of the issue: Lack of sex education.

What does the sex education have to do? When we talk about sex education we refer not only to the genitalia, but the construction of masculinity and femininity in the framework of mutual respect. We speak, therefore, of a sex education free from taboo or prejudice, essential in forming people able to implement the framework of respect in their relationships. It refers not only to condoms or changes in anatomy, but the formation of the image of oneself through self-knowledge, the opportunity to discuss and reflect on attitudes, norms and values in a relationship.
 <cite class="simple">In addition to constant humiliations and inequality faced by women in different areas, ranging from harassment and sexual abuse to lack of access to equal opportunities, it also lies the erroneous and harmful conception of masculinity in men.</cite>
 The excesses that cause traffic accidents, the reluctance to use condoms attitude, carelessness health, constant aggression, contempt for the possibility of diversity, the difference in expectation: of ideas taken wrongly by manly consequences arise life about women. Everything has as an origine the intricate process of deconstructing what is presented as the way to "be a man".
 The Swedish experience. The idea of sex education in response to this complex problem -again, understood as a broad concept that empowers all aspects of sexuality beyond intercourse, but in the relationship and communication between people- is not a concept drawn of nowhere. <a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/FIELD/Havana/pdf/Libro%20Educacion%20de%20la%20sexualidad%203.pdf">It's something even the UNESCO says.</a>
 For early last century, Sweden had a very similar situation to ours: Women had many children, the maternal mortality rate was sky high, poverty is perpetuated because of the lack of information to decide on something as basic and elemental as our body.
 The debate on access to sex education was not based only on family planning, but intend to change the living conditions of the people.<a href="http://sec.es/descargas/1997_Congreso_SEC/pdf/P_017.pdf" target="_blank"> The Swedish government and its people understood very well the influence of this on the formation of values and attitudes in society.</a> Thus, since 1953, sex education became a compulsory subject in schools across the country <a href="http://sociedad.elpais.com/sociedad/2013/06/13/actualidad/1371146967_769123.html" target="_blank">for 11 years</a>.
 <cite class="simple">Today, the legacy of welfare that measure -of which they were pioneers- is indisputable, against the conservative view on the topic. Sweden ranks <a href="https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anexo:Pa%C3%ADses_por_%C3%ADndice_de_desarrollo_humano" target="_blank">15th</a> in the Human Development Index -Measuring that takes into account the comprehensive quality of life of the inhabitants of each country while Paraguay is at number 112.</cite>
 Another illustrative fact is the rate of teenage pregnancies (between 15 and 19 years old)
 While Paraguay has 58 pregnancies per 1,000 women of that age, Sweden has 3 as World Bank data. The, rampant in our country, teenage pregnancy is a social problem that strongly influences access to opportunities and dignified life of the inhabitants.
 A political decision. Very little use reproductive health programs and HIV prevention developed and supported by the Ministry of Health have, which meet international standards even with its limitations, when the rest of the state does the task. The Ministry of Education - the same as with conservative lobby rejected full a Master of Sexual Education Framework - The Ministry of Women and Youth bear full responsibility, in their negligence or omission of the criminal consequences that carry these misperceptions. Of little use awareness campaigns will have if they are not accompanied by information, training and more open about the way we interact with others and with oneself, which afflicts all without respecting economic differences vision, but accentuating the misery of thousands of compatriots, and is a result of the absence of such institutions.
 Only the vision of sex education as an essential tool to improve the way in which we interact with others and with oneself can translate indignation at every sad case that thickens awareness and statistics in real changes. Overcome prejudices and taboos towards eradicating violence generated by these is an imperative step in the goal of creating a more democratic, more empathic more dignified, more humane society.

Sex education and the right to a humane society in Paraguay

Sex-education-and-the-right-to-a-humane-society-in-Paraguay

In a society so far behind in terms of social achievements such as ours, I could not go unnoticed advertising Caf&eacute; Bel&eacute;n inserted into their Facebook fan page on Sunday, on the occasion of Valentine's Day.
&nbsp; It was, I think, the first time we saw an inclusive advertisement in Paraguay. Under the slogan "celebrate love in all its forms", three couples were shown drinking coffee. What is striking case was that, more than heterosexual, added to the table a gay couple and another lesbian. Nothing fancy, say in more advanced societies. But in our Naranjal -as a diplomat friend says- it was a scandal able to lift the harshest sentences.
&nbsp; As far as I'm concerned, the adverse reactions -as there were also favorables ones- did not surprised me in the least.
&nbsp; How would it amaze me if we were always against the development of history. For instance, in Britain, the vote for women was passed in 1928 ago-I recently learned, thanks to the film "Suffragettes" I recommend briskly; in Paraguay we were the last on the continent to incorporate this basic social demands: freshly obtained by our poor grandmothers in 1961, before that, they were mere spectators of the political process.
&nbsp; Another example. In the case of the sanction of the law of absolute divorce (condemned by the Church under any form), Uruguay was the first country in America to do so, in 1907. Paraguay and distant, second to last. Only in 1991 they married accept that not only had the right to secede, but to rebuild their lives to the best minds and understand, without ecclesiastical interference or biblical hermeneutics of any kind. Before that, couples who decided to "legalize" their situation actually going to marry a judge of Clorinda (other, wealthier, and brought the judge to Asuncion).
&nbsp; <cite class="simple">In the case of homosexuals, anyone hopes up. Our legitimate right to marry marital property to add, share or inherit social security, it will crystallize into a number of decades.</cite>
&nbsp; In Argentina, marriage equality was a conquest achieved in 2010; in Paraguay, the historical pace of social "achievements" that we will not be a reality until 2060 or, at best, 2045.
&nbsp; But it is true, rights are won, nobody gives us a graceful manner. So, is much militancy which must be performed to crystallize in our macho society an achievement level of gay marriage. Meanwhile, what good does the spirit and democracy savor advertising with the rich aroma of Caf&eacute; Bel&eacute;n.
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Journalist (*).

Noticias

GayLatino Network: What is it and why is it so important?

29 feb 2016

Expressing love is not a crime

29 feb 2016

Historic celebration of the diverse love in Paraguay

29 feb 2016

Sex education and the right to a humane society in Paraguay

29 feb 2016

Café Belén

29 feb 2016