In 2022, the human rights agenda for sexual diversity was marked by the rise of hate speech, which contributes to increased discrimination worldwide, particularly in Latin America, the most unequal region on the planet. In this regard, many governments are failing to contribute to the basic progress that crucial bodies within the international human rights system have recognized for years, and which organizations and collectives have been demanding.

However, just as there was discouraging news, there was also good news, which paves the way to continue demanding and claiming.

These are the main good news stories on human rights that we shared in Presentes in the countries of the region.  

Chili

Equal marriage 

Chile began the year with high hopes for the new government of Gabriel Boric, which took office in March. While progress has been slow, one of its first achievements this year was the legalization of same-sex marriage.

A balanced and diverse cabinet

In addition, the government appointed a gender-balanced and diverse cabinet that, for the first time in history, included representatives of sexual diversity.

First non-binary ID card

In October, activist, social worker and gender studies specialist Shane Cienfuegos received the first non-binary identity card in the country .

Paraguay

Training for LGBTIQ+ protocol in Defense

In Paraguay, the Public Defender's Office trained its staff in the application of the Care Protocol for LGBTQ+ individuals. This initiative aims to curb the tremendous wave of discrimination affecting the country.

Partnerships for diverse work 

In addition, a consortium of companies invited LGBTQ+ organizations to workshops aimed at combating discrimination, improving workplace treatment within their companies, and creating inclusive workspaces for sexual diversity. Since 2022, several companies have begun to equalize rights regarding recognition of partners, maternity and paternity leave, and health insurance.

Argentina

Higui acquitted

In March, Higui de Jesús, attacked for being a lesbian and accused of defending herself by fatally wounding one of her attackers, was acquitted in the San Martín courts. A few days ago, the Court of Cassation upheld the ruling.

New HIV law

After five attempts over six years, in June Congress passed the new law on HIV, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and other STIs.

2022 Census with gender identity

One of the advances in Argentina's 11th Census, conducted this year, was the inclusion of a question within the "Population" section regarding gender identity . When asked about the sex assigned at birth, three options were offered: female/feminine; male/masculine; and/none of the above. A second question focused on how the person identifies according to their gender identity, with eight options: woman; trans woman/transvestite; man; trans man/trans masculinity; non-binary; other identity/none of the above; prefer not to answer; ignored.

Reparation for a teacher discriminated against for being LGBT+

In October, a court ordered that a teacher in Misiones, who had been discriminated against because of his sexual orientation, receive compensation. The young man had been fired from the school where he worked when he revealed he was marrying a man. He said he would donate the money to an LGBT organization.

Mexico

Marriage equality in all states

In 2022, same-sex marriage was legalized in all 32 states of Mexico. This right was already guaranteed in 17 other countries.

Recognition of non-binary people

Three non-binary people have been legally recognized. The most recent was in the state of Hidalgo (where the process will be free and administrative), and the first two were in Guanajuato and Monterrey.

National survey on diversity and gender

National Survey on Sexual and Gender Diversity (ENDISEG, 2021) was conducted to learn about the Mexican LGBTI+ population. According to the results from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), one in 20 Mexicans identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community. This represents approximately 5 million LGBTQ+ individuals.

El Salvador

Ruling in favor of the name change

The context of violence, the state of emergency , and a backlash against human rights caused a significant setback in El Salvador. Among the positive developments, even though Congress has not yet addressed the gender identity law, this year the Supreme Court ruled in favor of legally changing the names and genders of three transgender people: Karl Guevara, Bianka Rodríguez, and Aldo Peña.

Guatemala

Specialized prosecutor's office for hate crimes

Thanks to civil organizations, a great achievement was reached this year: the creation of a specialized prosecutor's office for hate crimes.

Reparation for revealing serological status

On the other hand, it was achieved that, for the first time in this country, a person was reported and prosecuted for disclosing that someone is living with HIV. This redress consisted of the payment of a fine of approximately $6,500 for moral and non-material damages. In this way, a precedent is set in compliance with the penal code, which must also guarantee non-discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.

 Honduras

Apology for the murder of Vicky Hernández

For the first time in Honduran history, the state apologized for the murder of Vicky Hernández. President Xiomara Castro thus assumed Honduran state responsibility for the 2009 murder of the trans activist by police forces.

While this apology represented a historical reparation and a momentous event in 2022, it was not accompanied by concrete actions that the LGBT community has long demanded, such as a gender identity law.