Mexico Speaks: Religion is Cause of Homophobia

Homophobia comes from ignorance and prejudices that come from religious beliefs. The gay population is not a population to blame for HIV. It is a sub-group that is suffering most the impact of HIV, according to Jorge Saavedra, the leader of Mexico’s National HIV/AIDS Program, CENSIDA, since 2003.

Jamie Lopez, 45, a lawyer and gay-rights activist in Mexico City, helped compile a book about 10 local gay couples: ‘We asked our friends to come forward to tell their story. Many were afraid to talk openly about it. One couple has three children they look after, but they cannot adopt them officially.’

‘The best way to change society is to make ourselves visible and demand our rights,’ Lopez said. ‘People want you to be in closet. We are a very conservative society. Religion has caused a lot of homophobia.’

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