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Mariano Ruiz, Latin American & Caribbean Outreach Communications Officer for the IDAHO Committee, discussed the significance of May 17th, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
While gay pride days occur on different dates throughout the world, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHO) occurs on May 17 - a day to raise awareness to LGBT rights issues across the world. “May 17 is the day where no matter what part of the world you are,” said Mariano Ruiz, “you know that someone is taking action in [over 130] countries today.”
Ruiz, a participant of the most recent Salzburg Global LGBT Forum, Strengthening Communities: LGBT Rights & Social Cohesion, works to create calls to action for LGBT rights on May 17 in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
In this region, he said, things are moving in a progressive direction, with countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Mexico as recent supporters of equal marriage rights. Ruiz touched on his own experiencing moving from a small village to the big city and how he learned the importance of communal pride movements that support LGBT rights. “Pride was the break point that made me change my mind to try and change reality.”
Mariano connects with other activists in the region, maintaining partnerships and campaigning for equal rights for the LGBT community. He also works with the Argentinian Federation for Lesbian, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transexuals (FALGBT) to campaign for passing bills on equal marriage and gender identity.
To see the full interview, check out the clip below.
The Salzburg Global program Strengthening Communities: LGBT Rights & Social Cohesion is part of the Salzburg Global LGBT Forum. The list of our partners for Session 551 can be found here. For more information, please visit: www.salzburgglobal.org/go/551