No Place for Hate
Conversations about the power of allies for LGBTQI+ members within the community
In places where there is much hate and violence, allies are creating safe spaces for their LGBTQI+ family members, students, and friends to thrive as their authentic selves.
In Honduras — a country with one of the highest murder rates against LGBTQI+ persons in Latin America and an estimated 87% impunity rate in 2022 for violence against LGBTQI+ people — USAID is creating space for honest dialogue about acceptance. USAID’s support to the LGBTQI+ community in Honduras includes encouraging political participation, providing leadership training, fostering entrepreneurship in the digital economy, and strengthening advocacy capacity.
To spark dialogue about meaningful inclusivity in Honduras and inspire Hondurans to support the LGBTQI+ community, USAID produced a conversation series called “No Place for Hate” about the power of allyship for LGBTQI+ members within the community. The series was launched with three videos shared via USAID social media platforms and among the LGBTQI+ community and their networks.
One episode is a conversation between a gay man, his father, and his brother; one between two sisters; and another one with a friend.
Encouraging Family Acceptance
“Allies within families are foundational for one’s well being,” says Donny Reyes, a leader of USAID’s local LGBTQI+ partner Asociación Arcoiris, who is featured in one of the videos.
Donny considers himself fortunate to have a family who is open to listening and cares about his experiences and concerns as a gay man. His father, Pedro Reyes, and brother, Emmeth Reyes, seek to educate themselves about the challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community, so they can help create an environment where open and non-judgmental communication is encouraged.
Donny’s father said, “I am proud of my son because he has made great strides in his knowledge. I admire him, I love him. He is my son, and he will always be in my heart.”
Together, Donny’s family speaks out against discrimination and fosters an environment of acceptance and understanding.
“My success is due to their support,” Donny said. “The acceptance of your family, your father, your mother, your sister is very important. As a gay man, to have the support of my father, older brother, and the whole family makes me feel fulfilled, secure, and energized to continue. Things could have been different without them.”
Modeling Respect for Future Generations
Dayana Rodríguez’s support for her sister Katia Aguilera, a lesbian leader from Asociación Arcoiris, is unwavering.
“I become more involved in your activities to teach my daughters that love is love,” Dayana said to her sister.
Katia said her sister’s respect and unconditional love has allowed her to thrive, be her authentic self, and pay it forward by helping others in the community.
Bullying and rejection for the LGBTQI+ community is common in public spaces like schools. However, empowered allies can reject hate in these spaces, amplify marginalized voices, and advocate for equality and justice.
USAID works with Unidad Color Rosa, a Honduran organization supporting the transgender community located in San Pedro Sula, a city with high rates of violence against the LGBTQI+ population, to provide peer support, resources, and a safe space.
Unidad Color Rosa’s director, Gabriela Redondo, was able to finish her high school studies because José Ángel Burdet, the school’s director, fosters a space where all Hondurans can feel accepted.
“What I liked about the school was that it was a safe place,” Gabriela said. “This motivated me to continue studying.”
USAID continues to empower people like Gabriela, who fiercely defend human rights and build a safe environment for people from the LGBTQI+ community to pursue their dreams in Honduras.
Allies for Equality
Although Pedro, Emmeth, Dayana, and José Ángel had never used the label “ally” for themselves before, they have always strived to create safe spaces for LGBTQI+ family members, students, and friends in their workplaces and communities. Their goal is to make everyone feel valued and accepted.
Allies promote inclusivity and respect in daily life, and actively work to stop systems that are based on hate and discrimination. They stand alongside the LGBTQI+ community, raising awareness and celebrating the community’s accomplishments and contributions.
“One’s orientation does not have to affect anyone,” Dayana said to her sister. “I have to support you because you are my sister and because I love you.”
People flourish in places where love and understanding prevails. Our differences should be celebrated, not feared. Allies help create a world where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive and live authentically. Let’s create a future where there is no place for hate.
“There is no place for hate in this family, ever,” said Pedro. “There can be no hatred. There never was, and there never will be.”
About the Author
Claudia Calderon is a Development Outreach and Communications Specialist in USAID’s Mission in Honduras.
