The 16th march of sexual diversity in support of the LGBT community takes place in Guadalajara’s city center on Saturday, June 23.
Although in its early days the march encountered violent opposition – death threats against organizers were common and conservative groups protested vigorously – today it is a tolerant celebration, drawing thousands to the streets to cheer on sexual diversity.
However, the fact that the parade is tolerated does not hide the fact that homophobia is still a latent force in Mexico. A recent study revealed that three out of every four gay students admitted to having been bullied because of their sexual preference during their school years.
Few state governments outside of Mexico City acknowledge the LGBT community and many are openly hostile. Millions of dollars have poured into Puerto Vallarta after the Jalisco resort become a magnet for gay tourism but the state government has conspicuously failed to provide a penny of support, while backing dozens of other tourist-related proejcts.
And right-wing state legislatures around the nation have been trying to outlaw same-sex wedlock by inserting constitutional protections that classify marriage as only between and a man and a woman.
The colorful Marcha de la Diversidad Sexual Guadalajara begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 at the corner of Avenida Hidalgo and Luis Perez Verdia. It will then make its way to the Plaza de la Liberacion in the city center.
For more information on the parade visit www.gaygdl.com.
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