MEXICO: Mexico City's centre is shut down as thousands of gay pride activities march near the government's National Palace to demand greater equality for the gay community across the country

Record ID: 277678

  • Title: MEXICO: Mexico City's centre is shut down as thousands of gay pride activities march near the government's National Palace to demand greater equality for the gay community across the country
  • Date: 4th June 2012
  • Summary: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (JUNE 02, 2012) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF GAY PRIDE PARTICIPANTS MARCHERS AT MEXICO CITY'S MONUMENTS VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS DANCING ON CARS (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) GAY PRIDE MARCHER, ARIEL, SAYING: "We continue to be the victim of discrimination because unfortunately Mexico is a very macho country. Although we have rights and more, unfortunately it is a c
  • Embargoed: 19th June 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: Domestic Politics,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVAXTN1VO4BKU6S0G0X3VSVYVLO
  • Story Text: Thousands of people took part in a colourful gay pride parade in Mexico City on Saturday (June 02) celebrating the recent strides the community has made towards equality while urging the government to go even further to end gay discrimination across Mexico.
    Brandishing banners and signs thousands of people rode colourful floats and decked themselves out in eye-popping costumes.
    Traffic was at a standstill as the marchers streamed down iconic Reforma boulevard demanding full equality throughout all Mexican states.
    In 2010 Mexico City pushed legislation to become the first Latin American capital to extend to same-sex couples the same marriage and adoption rights as heterosexuals. However, activists say they still suffer discrimination despite the law.
    "We continue to be the victim of discrimination because unfortunately Mexico is a very macho country. Although we have rights and more, unfortunately it is a country with a lot of homophobia, with a lot of discrimination, not just amongst us but also with indigenous people," said marcher Ariel.
    Marchers from Mexico's rural towns also participated in the parade to help challenge traditional stereotypes of the gay community.
    "The fact is that we are here to show the (gay) community to the country, that its not just homosexuals with feathers and glitter but also with boots and hats. People who are very masculine and ride horses, so we are here to show this side," said marcher, Alberto Martinez.
    Mexico City is home to the most visible gay community in the country and couples freely express affection in many parts of the city. However, outside the capital attitudes differ sharply, with an impunity towards discrimination and reports of violence against homosexuals common, activists say.
    Many are hopeful that the recent gay rights legislation in the capital represents part of a sea change in attitudes on homosexuality in much of traditionally conservative Mexico and Latin America.
    Argentina became the first Latin American country to allow gay marriages and adoptions in 2010 and Brazil recognised same-sex partnerships last year.
    LGBTI
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