Tegucigalpa, Honduras, June 22, 2023 — As many countries around the world commemorate Pride Month, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) highlights the pressing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Honduras.
The IRC has previously warned about challenges that the LGBTQ+ population encounters in Honduras, including the lack of safe spaces and resources to cover basic needs. A recent study conducted by Asociación Kukulcán analyzed the impact of discrimination on the mental health of LGBTQ+ persons living in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. According to the report, 1 of every 3 participants expressed experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of depression. The document also emphasized employment discrimination, as 20% of respondents reported that they have lost their job or had been rejected due to their gender identity.
LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination, mental health issues, and worse, constant threats to their lives. In 2022, 43 LGBTQ+ persons were murdered, including 3 advocates. The CONADEH, Honduras’s National Human Rights Office, reported that almost 90% of crimes against LGBTQ+ persons go unpunished.
Meg Galas, Director for Northern Central America at the International Rescue Committee said:
“The situation for LGBTQ+ persons in Honduras is alarming. The lack of access to employment, education and health services means that LGBTQ+ persons struggle to pay for their basic needs; we know that many LGBTQ+ people migrate to seek economic opportunities and safety. On a daily basis, LGBTQ+ persons face violence and discrimination, even death.
“The IRC is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to LGBTQ+ community in Honduras through our holistic program services. We continue to prioritize and strengthen our collaboration with local partners, such as Colectivo Violeta. The LGBTQ+ community in Honduras needs more inclusion and less stigma.”
During 2022, the IRC reported the importance of providing safe spaces, trustworthy information, and cash relief to LGBTQ+ persons. IRC data revealed that 50% of safe space users were forced to leave their homes due to violence because of their identity, and 40% live away from their family due to discrimination.
In response to their specific needs, the IRC is supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Honduras. In collaboration with the local organization Colectivo Violeta, the IRC is funding a Safe Space that offers non-stigmatizing services, including:
- Access to legal assistance services provided by a qualified lawyer.
- Access to psychological assistance and psychological first aid services.
- Reliable information on human rights and health.
- Building a support network and fostering stronger bonds within the LGBTQ+ community.
Additionally, LGBTQ+ persons can be referred to other services provided by the IRC, such as multi-purpose cash assistance, case management, among others.
The IRC in northern Central America
Today, the IRC serves individuals and families at increased risk of violence and displacement, including internally displaced individuals, returnees, women, girls, youth, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are survivors of gender-based violence. The IRC’s programming in Honduras includes multi-purpose cash transfers to cover basic needs; the creation of safe spaces for women, youth and the LGBTQ+ community; case management and psychosocial support; and CuéntaNos.