The Attorney General’s Office of Mexico City recently confirmed the death of transgender woman and politician Samantha Gómez Fonseca from gunshot wounds. According to Yaaj, an LGBTQ+ human rights organization in Mexico, this murder is part of recent violence against transgender women in Mexico, with activist Miriam Nohemí Ríos also dying in a shooting last week.
While LGBTQ+ rights have progressed in Mexico over the past years, with the Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage and same-sex couple adoptions, and Mexico City outlawing conversion therapy, harassment and violence persist. This is attributed to a perceived sense of impunity for hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. Instances of considerable physical and psychological bullying are seen among Mexican teenagers who identify as part of the community.
In 2023, thousands protested following the discovery of the deaths of prominent LGBTQ+ activist Jesús Ociel Baena and their partner. Baena was Mexico’s first non-binary magistrate. The National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTQ+ in Mexico, a human rights group, reported that at least 43 LGBTQ+ people were murdered in Mexico between January and April 2021.
Following recent violence, LGBTQ+ rights groups held demonstrations. Yaaj’s director, Ivan Tagle, reiterated the call for justice and dignity. Salma Luévano, a legislator and LGBTQ+ activist, also condemned Samantha’s killing and demanded justice.
Despite incidents of violence and discrimination, this wave of transphobia has occurred amidst advancements in LGBTQ+ rights. Previously, Mexican President López Obrador publicly apologized for misgendering Ms. Luévano. Monday’s demonstrations represent the continued determination of activists pushing for full equity and protection under the law.
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