The anti-homophobia movement has had quite a week in Peru!

On Sunday, a large group congregated in the Plaza de Armas in downtown Lima for a “kisses against homophobia” event.  Participants gathered peacefully in front of the cathedral of the Catholic church, an institution in Peru that has been staunchly against legalizing same-sex unions and marriage. 

(Photo: Villanorrealino Facebook) 

Then on Tuesday, Valentine’s Day, three couples publicly declared their love for one another in a symbolic wedding ceremony in the “Love Park” in Miraflores.  The event began with an explanation of some of the challenges that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) couples face in Peru, including trouble getting a mortgage, adopting children, and even being allowed to be considered a “family member” in a hospital emergency.  This was followed by the ceremony in which one gay and two lesbian couples were able to tie the knot - at least in spirit. And there was cake! Topped appropriately with two female and two male figurines. 

(Photo: Alix Farr)

Both events attracted some curious onlookers and some light media attention, but didn’t seem to stir any major controversy or prompt any serious debate.  This is also not the first year for either event, so the novelty may have worn off a bit.

President Ollanta Humala has previously voiced his opposition to legalizing same-sex unions, and a bill to legalize the unions that passed through Congress in 2010 was shot down in early 2011.

So while the LGBT movement may be slowly gaining steam in Peru, it’s unlikely that any serious (legal) changes will come soon. 

(Photo: Villanorrealino Facebook) 

But there is still a battle to be fought for social acceptance.  One group that is starting to get on board is an association of the parents of LGBT community members.  This association was on hand at both events this week both to show support and to speak about the pride they feel for their children. 

(Photo: Villanorrealino Facebook) 

A 2010 poll conducted by CPI showed that 23.1 percent of all Peruvians approve same-sex marriage, with numbers slightly higher in Lima (24.4 percent) and significantly higher among young people aged 18 - 24 (31.9 percent).  There is clearly a growing change among the younger generation growing up in Lima, where much of the LGBT movement is centered, perhaps because of the many small events and movements that are slowly spreading the message of love and acceptance for LGBT individuals.

(Photo: Villanorrealino Facebook) 

The point most want to make, in the words of one speaker at the symbolic marriage event, is that those in the LGBT community “aren’t hurting anybody.”

 

 

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COMMENTS:

Total coments: 1
Commented By: Mary
On: February 17, 2012. 9:52 pm

Acceptance, tolerance, love, respect. All signs of progress!!! Good for the LGBT community in Lima!