By Gabriela Zampedri

Photos: Verónica Facchini Two thousand women, lesbians, transvestites, and trans people participated in the 20th Regional Meeting of Women, Lesbians, Transvestites, and Trans People in Merlo (Buenos Aires Province). Under the slogan "Building Resistance, Transforming Realities," self-organized groups, social organizations, and feminist collectives gathered yesterday at the Manuel Belgrano Secondary School No. 16. There were more than 35 workshops and 20 talks, cultural activities, a community fair, and an open radio broadcast featuring Higui de Jesús. The meeting concluded with a massive march through the streets of downtown Merlo.

#NOW At the 20th Regional Women's Meeting, @furiatrava says: "We continue together building resistance and transforming realities" 👊 pic.twitter.com/VcuiuDDs1z

— Presentes Agency (@PresentesLGBT) September 9, 2017

“This is a fundamental gathering for debate, knowledge sharing, and the political organization of the women's and feminist movement in this part of the country,” the organizing committee stated. In their opening remarks, they highlighted the decision made this year, when an assembly voted to change the name of the gathering to the 'Regional Meeting of Women, Lesbians, Transvestites, and Trans People.' This change aimed to unite struggles, include, and give visibility to all forms of femininity. At the opening, the organizing committee demanded justice for the transvestite murders of Diana Sacayán, Laura Moyano, Marcela Chocobar, Pamela Tabares, and so many other women who were victims of violence and hate crimes.

They want us dominated, obedient, and submissive.

The opening document of the meeting analyzed the diverse realities, from the national to the municipal level. "The outlook is not encouraging at the national level with Macri's party at the helm. The setback is not only macroeconomic, but also ideological and cultural, among others. They interfere in our educational curricula, our healthcare, the administration of justice, our homes, and even our beds, indoctrinating us with the most rancid form of ecclesiastical fundamentalism—the kind that never gives up and wants us dominated, obedient, and submissive." "This year the gathering returns to the city of Merlo after 9 years, thanks to the conviction of many women's organizations and feminist groups who are committed to continuing to build networks and strengthen their struggles in the region. This was achieved after much resistance and strategic work by territorial, community, social, and political organizations that never gave up. And they succeeded in removing a corrupt municipal government that had persecuted and harassed them for 24 years." Transgender employment quotas, violence against women, feminism, femicides, abuse, microaggressions, and legal, safe, and free abortion were some of the topics addressed in talks and workshops. Concerns about disappearances at the hands of trafficking networks, the plight of older women, and the separation of church and state also featured prominently on the agenda.

Open radio with Higui de Jesús

An open radio broadcast echoed the various demands and gave a platform to the voices of the feminist movement. Eva Analía de Jesús, Higui –attacked for being a lesbian and charged in a case for killing her attackerShe was one of the interviewees who captivated the audience. She once again thanked the women's movement that fought for her liberation. “They all kicked in the same direction, like in a soccer game. We all went out to win the game.” They won. I'm here, girls.“Thank you for your support, you are all amazing,” Higui said amidst the general emotion. She spoke about her lawyer's work in securing her acquittal and described the fundraising activities she is undertaking to pay the legal fees.

[READ MORE: "#Higuilibre, an achievement of feminisms where we all participate"]

Arts and performances against sexism

Various demands were made visible through art and performances. The Killa Punchay (Moonlight) dance community from Morón performed Andean dances while chanting "Not one less, Santiago Maldonado alive, Legal abortion now and freedom for Milagro Sala." From the feminist collective Arda, coordinated by Clodet Garcia, a group of women raised their purple ribbons as they walked through the school amidst an intense and heartbreaking howl against the patriarchy, which moved everyone.

Women's march in Merlo

🇦🇷 #TODAY This is how the 20th Regional Meeting of Lesbian, Transvestite and Trans Women closed with a massive march through the streets of #Merlo pic.twitter.com/1F23u0mlti

— Presentes Agency (@PresentesLGBT) September 10, 2017

The meeting concluded with a massive march of self-organized women through the streets of downtown Merlo.

Some neighbors watched them from the sidewalk, hesitant. They marched, drawing strength from each other with their powerful chants for the common struggle. A struggle that brings together those who came spontaneously and those who are part of groups, collectives, and political and social organizations, uniting their diverse demands to transform their daily lives. ]]>