Lesbiradas is a public lesbian rights organization in Guatemala. Lesbiradas works towards gaining human rights for lesbians, bisexual women and transgender people. It is run out of Guatemala City and currently has five central organizers. Claudia Acevedo is the co-founder and spokeswoman of Lesbiradas.
Contents
Lesbiradas is a play on the Spanish words for 'liberated lesbians' -lesbianas liberadas. The organization was originally called Lesberadads, but was changed to Lesbiradas at the request of bisexual women.
Direct Action
Lesbiradas works for government reform addressing violence and discrimination against lesbians, femicide, rape, torture and mutilation of women in Guatemala, and violence against women.
The organisation also attempts to educate the public toward the recognition and acceptance of non-heterosexualities, which is difficult in a country that doesn't discuss sexuality.
Lesbiradas also creates support groups and dialog between lesbians, bisexual women and transgender people, for support, referrals and community-building. Many of those served have been rejected or abused by their families due to their gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Affiliations
Most of Lesbirada's affiliations are with other feminist and women's rights organizations. Linking with male gay rights groups has been difficult. Acevedo attributes this to the unique intersection of gender and LGBT issues in Guatemala. Relationships with the Catholic Church and Indigenous movements have similarly been very difficult.