Fighting for (sexual) rights of LGBTs in Ecuador
Until the late 1990s homosexuality was prohibited in Ecuador. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBTs) who could not hide their sexual orientation were discriminated against and abused, even by the police with whom they filed reports. Public opinion has been changing in recent years, however. One of the instigators of this change is Hivos partner FAMIVIDA.
When they founded FAMIVIDA (Fundación Amigos por la Vida, which literally means ‘Foundation of Friends for Life’) in 1995, they were not in the least deterred by the prohibition on homosexuality. On the contrary, the three founding gays were strengthened in their belief that an organisation such as theirs was necessary. ‘Our organisation is dedicated to upholding the human rights and the constitutional rights of LGBTs,’ says co-founder Neptali Arias.
Because of the anti-gay sentiment in Ecuador, FAMIVIDA initially did not profile itself as a gay foundation but a health organisation for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Arias: ‘It was only when the ban on homosexuality was lifted in 1997 – a move we had been actively lobbying for behind the scenes – that we could openly advocate a better position for LGBTs’. FAMIVIDA’s double focus reflects Hivos’ special emphasis on both HIV/Aids and the position of LGBTs, who are often marginalised.
Hivos staff member Manine Arends applauds FAMIVIDA’s ‘versatility and influence’. She emphasises that FAMIVIDA, which has its roots in the city of Guayaquil, is now a nationally and internationally renowned organisation on account of its knowledge and activities. ‘We provide counselling to people as they work on accepting, appreciating and openly expressing their non-heterosexual orientation,’ says FAMIVIDA director Arias. Many have yet to learn how to love themselves the way they are. ‘They start to value their health more and are motivated to protect themselves better against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.’
The more people confidently ‘come out’, the more positively LGBTs are perceived as a group. To add to this visibility and perception, FAMIVIDA organises an annual award show with an award for the most and the least homophobic person in Ecuador. Thanks to organising these popular initiatives and bringing public charges against cases of discrimination against homosexuals, FAMIVIDA is regarded as an important Ecuadorian knowledge centre on sexual diversity.
The organisation has reinforced this image with studies it uses for its lobby, for instance into the effect of specific AIDS inhibitors. It is not surprising, therefore, that the organisation has been given a key role in rolling out a strategy for Aids prevention among gay men and transsexuals in Ecuador as part of a Global Fund project.
MYHIVOS LOGIN
