Despite the difficulty in obtaining accurate figures from the involved countries’ governments, Amnesty International and others have documented how Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people (LGBTQI) are particularly exposed to violence in the Northern Triangle countries. This violence is related intrinsically to multiple forms of discrimination that LGBTQI people face in different spheres of family and working life and as part of society more widely and institutionally, on the basis of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. 

"Given the lack of options for protecting their lives and physical integrity in their own countries, gay men and trans women choose to flee and seek protection in other countries such as Mexico or the United States. For many of them, however, this path is paved with new acts of violence and discrimination at the hands of criminal gangs and the authorities in the transit and/or destination countries. When detained, they also find themselves in a highly vulnerable situation and may even be deported back to their countries of origin; i.e. to the hell from which they have escaped, and where they will again be attacked. In other words, gay men and trans women are exposed to gender-based violence at every point on their journey in search of protection.
(AMR 01/7258/2017)"

The American political landscape is saturated with images and narratives that depict immigrants and refugees as violent criminals that need to be detained. A greater degree of specificity and
evidence-based journalism is needed to encourage healthier, more productive discourse. There should be profound interest in the eroding Latin American institutions and the increasing numbers of refugees fleeing persecution as Central America and Mexico experience this uptick in violent crimes and murder.

The project manager is currently interviewing lawyers, activist, and asylum recipients to learn more about this extremely complicated topic. If you are interested you can contact Oscar Solis at (646) 660-4997 | [email protected].