A defiant, colorful gay pride march in Mérida

Mérida, Yucatán — With the slogan “We are not just feathers and sequins,” more than 500 participants gathered and marched in an LGBTQ-pride celebration on Saturday.

And yes, there were plenty of feathers and sequins, and an air of defiance in light of recent tragedy.

The gathering in the Centro was the 14th Marcha de la Diversidad Sexual. Several civil associations and some gay clubs participated with floats that traveled from Parque Mejorada to the Plaza Grande.

Alfredo Morales Candiani, president of the Association for Cultural Rights and Sexual Diversity, spoke to invoke the recent violence against the LGBTQ community in Orlando, and before that, in Xalapa, Veracruz.

One can not legislate against prejudice, he said, calling on authorities to remember the first article of the Mexican constitution, where the rights of all people are recognized and respected.

Gay rights in Mexico

One sign of progress: in May, the president proposed legalized same-sex marriage. Mexico’s Supreme Court said last year that laws restricting marriage to a man and woman were unconstitutional and a Supreme Court judge urged states to legalize gay marriage.

New generations have shown greater tolerance for sexual diversity in Yucatán, said Morales, but still required are cultural and educational changes to achieve a mature society that respects those differences.

Sources: Diario de Yucatán, agencies, social media

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