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Affirmation Venezuela is Now Part of REDHEZ

Marcial Fuenmayor, president of Afirmación Venezuela, sharing with members of the Human Rights Network of Zulia State.
Marcial Fuenmayor, president of Afirmación Venezuela, sharing with members of the Human Rights Network of Zulia State.

by Marcial Fuenmayor

March 23, 2023

As human beings, sometimes we take things that come naturally to us for granted. We should be able to enjoy our natural rights just by merely existing. However, this is only the case for some. There are many countries worldwide where millions face horrific oppression by fellow citizens and institutions, and their human rights are violated. Simple things, like the ability to love another person, hold a particular belief, or express their views, can be a death sentence.

It is a harsh truth that all this is contrary to the progress and modernity we equate with the 21st century. However, there is some hope. Millions of conscious people are organizing to defend and promote democratic values and the human rights of all people and seeking to protect those especially vulnerable, including the LGBTQIA+ community.

Throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and especially here in Venezuela, protecting the human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community is incredibly challenging. There is much to be done; however, significant and promising changes are on the horizon. Affirmation Venezuela is supporting these initiatives, like becoming part of the Human Rights Network of the State of Zulia, REDHEZ, hoping that things will soon change. This is a robust network of cooperation between human rights organizations and other nonprofit groups to generate action and be agents of change.

Promoting understanding, acceptance, and self-determination of individuals along the spectrums of spirituality, sexual orientation, and gender identity is the raison d’être of Affirmation. This is also a fundamental part of human rights for LGBTQIA+ people, rights that are violated in many of our countries. These violations undermine personal freedom and prevent the personal development of individuals in our community, including spiritual growth. This is why adding Affirmation Venezuela’s voice is essential and a blessing as we work through positive actions toward change in partnership with REDHEZ. We will continue building a brilliant path along which all colors of creation are recognized.

This article was submitted by an Affirmation community member. The opinions expressed are wholly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Affirmation, our leadership, or our staff. Affirmation welcomes the submission of articles by community members in accordance with our mission, which includes promoting the understanding, acceptance, and self-determination of individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and our vision for Affirmation to be a refuge to land, heal, share, and be authentic.

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