In a joyous celebration, hundreds of same-sex couples and transgender individuals in Mexico City participated in a mass ceremony to celebrate their weddings and the completion of administrative processes to change their gender. The event took place on Friday, a day before the city’s annual gay pride march.
Under the slogan “Hand in hand, we march with pride,” approximately 120 couples fulfilled the requirements to legally marry, as announced by the city government. Marriage not only helps regularize a couple’s civil status but also grants them legal benefits. For Keila Espinoza, a 38-year-old who married her partner Vaneza Garcia, the experience was incredibly emotional, marking a significant milestone in their journey together. She expressed her excitement, stating, “I didn’t think it would happen like this. It’s very exciting.”
One groom, Edgar Mendoza, shared his perspective after tying the knot with his partner of 10 years. He emphasized that the marriage certificate held immense significance, as it represented more than just a piece of paper or a symbol of marriage. To him, it provided security for his family.
Mexico City became a trailblazer in Latin America in 2009 when it became the first jurisdiction to legalize same-sex marriage. However, it took until last year for the rest of the country to follow suit, with Tamaulipas becoming the final state to do so in October. Additionally, the city government reported that another 131 individuals in the capital are expected to complete administrative processes to change their gender. For transgender individuals, obtaining legal documents that reflect their gender identity is crucial but often accompanied by numerous hurdles.
Since a legal reform in 2014, Mexican adults have been able to change their gender on birth certificates and electoral cards if they identify as a different gender from the one assigned at birth. In Mexico City, this process is offered free of charge, providing individuals the opportunity to align their legal documents with their gender identity.
The festivities continued as supporters of LGBTQ+ rights prepared to march down one of Mexico City’s main avenues to the central square on Saturday. The march aimed to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community while advocating for equality. Last year’s march, the first following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attracted hundreds of thousands of participants, according to estimates.
The mass ceremony and the upcoming pride march serve as powerful reminders of the progress made in Mexico City and the country at large in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. They also highlight the ongoing struggles and the collective determination to fight against discrimination and promote inclusivity for all.
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