MARCO: I found my way when I was going through a depression. “My teachers used to tell me: ‘Do you dress like a woman? Do you want implants?’ It’s hard to study when you are discriminated. If you take the time to know us, you would realize that there is a human being that is very similar to you. What is wrong with a person who is striving to be who he is?” No one should be a victim of torture, inhuman or humiliating treatment (Art 2.24 Political Constitution of Peru). Photo: Danielle Villasana.
NAIDU: After many years, my family accepted me “The most important thing is what you feel inside your heart and how you accept people or the opportunities you provide for your son or daughter to be happy, without names. The most important thing is what he wants to be and that he feels my support”, said Naidu´s mom. A person has the right of free development of personality (Art. 2.1 Political Constitution of Peru). Photo: Danielle Villasana.
MARINA: I’m the first trans woman taking part in a TV music show. Art helps a lot to cope with problems. Why aren’t we bold enough? Why don’t we decide to follow our dreams, why do we limit ourselves? Why not be one of the first transsexuals to participate in a very important contest that is known internationally? Everyone has the right to participate in Cultural Life. Art. 27.1 (Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Photo: Danielle Villasana.
JOSE: We are a family now. “Having this family was difficult, I consider him my son and he considers me his dad. The laws will never allow me to adopt him because I’m labelled trans. He would like to tell kids who have dads like me not to be ashamed, they are not bad people. The family has the right to be protected by the State and Society. Art. 16.11 (Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Photo: Danielle Villasana.
WOMEN OF THE PROJECT ‘FEMINAS’: We have a community house for trans women “They find a peaceful space.” (Maricielo). “It’s important for a trans woman who has started her transformation to have someone.” (Hally) “The important thing is to feel good wherever you go.” (Alexandra) “We fight for our community.” (Thais) “We are normal people who want to live like everyone else.” (Frida) Everyone has the right to assemble and associate peacefully. Art. 20.1 (Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Photo: Danielle Villasana.
CARUSSO: More information is needed. “They should educate us from an early age. Everything starts there. Some people don’t know how to tell their parents, they are afraid. They are not happy” (Carusso). “I feel proud of my partner, he is a hard worker. We try to move forward together so people see that we aren’t scum, that we have a good life.” (Roxana). Human rights training is mandatory in the education system (Art 14 Political Constitution of Peru). Photo: Danielle Villasana.
ERICA: In spite of everything, I have been working at the hospital for 8 years. “‘Better to work at night, when there are less people.’ ‘You have to come as you are on your identification card,’ they would tell to me. There are many intelligent women who have studied, but it means fighting against the entire system. What is the solution for these girls? Sex work”. Work is a means of personal fulfilment (Art. 22 Political Constitution of Peru). Photo: Danielle Villasana.
GABRIELA: I feel my life is similar to the life of a butterfly. “I thought that by drinking I would forget the pain I had inside. I heard about self-esteem lectures. I found a strong inner force, like a butterfly. You are in your cocoon locked in with your fears and you want to get out. When you get out, you fly! But we are still not free in this society. That’s why I got myself more involved in the fight”. The human being and its dignity is the supreme purpose of Society and the State (Art. 1 Political Constitution of Peru). Photo: Danielle Villasana.

Feature story

“I have rights” photo exhibition depicts the lives of transgender people in Peru

22 February 2016

Transgender people often face violence, unemployment and poverty, owing to ignorance and prejudice. Such stigma and discrimination places transgender women at a higher risk of HIV infection.

All people are equal and no one should be discriminated for any reason. “In our country it will take a lot to make this affirmation a reality,” the Peru’s Ombudsman Eduardo Vega Luna said in response to the situation. However, he called for “more awareness campaigns that encourage citizens to look at the future with hope and without violence and discrimination.”

One such activity was recently organized by United Nations organizations in Peru, including UNAIDS, UNDP, OHCHR and United Nations Information Centre, and civil society organizations, like PROMSEX, IESSDEH, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society of the Cayetano Heredia University, transgender people, the Magnum Foundation and the European Union. An exhibition, “Yo tengo derechos”, meaning “I have rights”, presented photographs taken by Danielle Villasana, an award-winning photojournalist whose work focuses on gender, identity, health and social politics. A recent graduate of the University of Texas, Austin, she has worked with transgender communities since 2012.

The photographs in the exhibition—part of the United Nations Free and Equal campaign, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality—showed transgender people with their colleagues and family members in their daily lives as students, artists, professionals and activists. In their testimonies for the exhibition, transgender people spoke about happiness, love and how they cope with daily struggles.

María del Carmen Sacasa, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Peru, said, “For us, the main human rights theme is non-discrimination. It’s not a minor issue, particularly when it comes to transgender people, who are rejected in many fields.”

The exhibition reminded people of one of the main human rights principles: discrimination is unacceptable. 

Region/country

Campaigns

Free and Equal

Multimedia


Testimonial: Jesse


Testimonial: Almendra

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