This past weekend, in coordination with our partners Yaaj; we hosted our very first LBTQI+ Women training in Mexico City, a milestone event that has been a goal of ours since we first expanded our work in Mexico. For years, we’ve listened to the voices of countless cis and trans women who reached out to us, expressing their need for a space that acknowledges and addresses their unique experiences and challenges in the political arena.
The training was a one-day whirlwind of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. We delved into the complexities of political participation, spotlighted innovative efforts dedicated to women across the continent, and facilitated a profoundly moving conversation with various elected officials. These leaders shared their challenges, experiences, and advice, enriching our participants’ understanding of what it means to be a woman in politics today. Among our speakers was Congresswoman Susel Paredes from Peru. She urged our participants, “Participate, and organize, and please don’t think that you are the only ones doing it. The anti-right groups are also organizing, and they will occupy the chairs that we don’t.” It was a powerful reminder of the urgency and importance of our work and of the collective efforts needed to make a difference.
The laughter, the tears, and the shared stories from the day reminded us all why we do what we do. This training arrives at a crucial time for Mexico, as we see an uptick in violence against LGBTQI+ individuals participating in politics and with the upcoming elections in June. I have no doubt we will continue to make significant advancements, one training, one conversation, and one election at a time.
