Honduras Holds Festival for LGBTI Rights

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Aug. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Honduras recently hosted the Diversity in the Arts and Culture Festival in Tegucigalpa's Parque Central Amphitheater. The festival aimed to showcase talent from the country's Lesbian, Gay, Trans, Bisexual and Intersexual community, and to encourage the public to safeguard LGBTI rights. 

"I am extremely grateful for the artists and organizers who made this event a success," said President Juan Orlando Hernández. "Your stories, poems, plays, and dances are an integral part of Honduras's cultural identity."

In May, the president announced the creation of the Ministry for Human Rights as part of a larger effort to defend and promote human rights in Honduras, as well as boost government protections for vulnerable groups, including LGBTI activists. In its efforts to secure human rights for its citizens, Honduras is working with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the European Union, and Freedom House.

The festival featured live performances from LGBTI artists, as well as information on human rights and sexual health.

Attendees included LGBTI rights organizations, members of the diplomatic community, representatives from international aid organizations, human rights advocates, and Honduran government officials. The Embassy of Chile helped sponsor the event.

"This festival served as an important reminder that our human rights work is not done until every single Honduran citizen feels safe and respected," Hernández said.

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SOURCE Republic of Honduras