Thursday, March 8th, was International Women’s Day, a holiday celebrated both officially and unofficially in countries across the globe – although, oddly enough, I’ve noticed that it doesn’t seem to be particularly popular in the United States. Here in Colombia, it’s celebrated as a sort o[...]
Posts Tagged ‘human rights’
An Avalanche of Human Rights for Same-Sex Couples
In the United States stereotypes abound regarding Latin America’s strong machista culture (with corresponding levels of homophobia). But recent victories for homosexuals (in Uruguay, Argentina, and Mexico City) should call into question such assumptions given that Latin America appears to be getti[...]
Dreaming of Rainbow Sheep
In May, I attended Uruguay’s first gay marriage. It was an accident: we overshot a restaurant on the Calle Sarandí and found ourselves amidst unfurling pride flags and a loudspeaker declaring “los mismos derechos para los mismos nombres.” It was, admittedly, also a publicity stunt. Urugua[...]
Gay Marriage in Latin America: Is Argentina Ahead of the Curve?
Just last week, two men got married in Buenos Aires, Argentina after 34 years together as partners. The coolest part about this? The official crossed out “man and woman” on the license and instead wrote “contracting parties.” They were able to get married because Argentina just recently pass[...]
Love in the Time of Conflict
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou When I parachuted into Colombia after months of work in environments of modesty and reservation, I was taken aback by the abundance of unbridled affection. A[...]
