Life and dignity: standing up against homophobia

Octavio Acuña a soft-spoken gay man who worked for AQUESEX - a non-governmental organisation in Mexico, was murdered in 2005.

He was a well-known and committed gay, HIV/AIDS and human rights activist in Querétaro, a beautiful but homophobic city in the heart of conservative Mexico. Many of his colleagues, friends and others fighting for similar issues believe that this commitment and activism led him to his death. The legal battle is still on to prove that Octavio was indeed murdered because he was gay and was involved in HIV issues. Popular belief is that his murder cannot be interpreted in any other way.

AQUESEX, its local partners and the state HIV/AIDS programme called for action which inspired a national wave of protests to denounce this hate crime and demand justice.

Several organisations joined hands: Letra S, the National Commission to Prevent Discrimination, Colectivo Sol, Amnesty International, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, the National HIV/AIDS control programme and many other civil society organisations, intellectuals and gay and HIV leaders launched a campaign demanding justice and to stop homophobic crime and stigma. Gay HIV activists led this strong social response and brought into public focus the intolerable situation of homophobia, violence and repression.

An ongoing battle

Where homophobia is deep-rooted, as it is in Querétaro, it is difficult to say concrete changes happened as a result of the protests. The inertia, silence and unwillingness to talk openly about homophobia and discrimination have changed to some extent. We hope for changes in the way homosexuality is addressed in the local media. AQUESEX monitors the print media for reports to respond to homophobic comments on homosexuality and gay men.

People involved in denouncing the murder and action for justice, however, continue to receive threats and have been shadowed by unidentified vehicles and people. Octavio's partner, was summoned to court under the pretext of recording his testimony for indicting a murder suspect, but it really was an attempt to harass and frighten him.

Local people have become indifferent to this issue as the case has no relevance for them anymore. After the initial action the national and international pressure died down and the local authorities withdrew.

Changing attitudes and fighting stigma continue to be a major challenge. However, by standing up to defend their rights, protect their lives, and fight and condemn homophobia and discrimination, gays have shown what vulnerable people can do to stand up for their dignity.

Juan Jacobo Hernández
Colectivo Sol, México, Cerrada Cuauhnochtli 11, Pueblo Quieto, Tlalpan 14040 México, DF, Mexico
T +52 (0)55 56067216
juanjacoboh@yahoo.com

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