Argentina has granted asylum to a Russian man fleeing persecution for being LGBT. This is the first time that the country has granted such a petition but advocates hope it will not be the last. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Argentine Federation (FALGBT by its initials in Spanish) has been in contact with 'Gene' to help him with the application process. Gene will now join a civil society that on paper boasts many protections for LGBT individuals and families that promote wellbeing, equity, access and justice. Esteban Paulon, President of FALGBT sent out a statement sharing Gene's good news.
"Gene is very happy and relieved with this result, and is already planning to ask for Argentinian citizenship once he has fulfilled the 2 year long requirement. Without a doubt, the difference between living in a society that persecutes sexual diversity and in which the state is an accomplice [to that persecution] as opposed to living in a country that is every day more equal and in which the state protects the rights of all has a huge impact on one's life plan," said Esteban Paulon.
Timeline of Argentinian Advances of LGBT Rights
2010 Argentina becomes the first country in Latin America and the 10th in the world to pass a law allowing marriage equality.
2012 Argentina passes a Gender Identity Law which allows transgender people to change their identity cards and provides for access to operations if so desired.
Advocates in the country say that while the laws have provided LGBT people with tools necessary to achieve equity, access and justice there is still work to do ensure that culturally LGBT people are accepted in the larger society. One cultural warrior is tv host Florencia Trinidad a trans woman who publicly advocated for the 2012 law and hosts a popular program on Argentinian television. Others include advocates at organizations like FALGBT who most recently were part of their own campaign to free local soccer matches of anti-gay slurs often sung by fans as cheers against the opposing team.
While praising his own country Paulon also urged other countries to step up, "While we work to end discrimination and violence all over the world, it is important that we give all people the possibility of enjoying their human rights in our country, and we hope that there will be more countries that open themselves up to those who are discriminated against for their orientation or their gender identity, " said Esteban Paulon, president of FALGBT.
This past summer, a Russian couple Marina Mironova and Oxana Tamofeeba also applied for asylum in the country after they received threats from people back home when they married in Argentina. The two women are still waiting for a resolution for their case.