Mexico's Pride March Draws 100,000 Amid Costa Rica's Minister Ousted

More than 100,000 people gathered in Mexico City on Saturday to rally for LGBTQ rights, as rainbow flags filled the streets and chants for 'sexual freedom' echoed through the crowds. Fighting Discrimination The atmosphere was festive as demonstrators marched towards the central Zocalo square, raising their voices against hate crimes and discrimination. Roberto Arellano, 28, shared his reasons for marching, stating, 'Today I'm marching so that tomorrow we don't have to hide... so that children don't suffer from bullying like I did.' He emphasized that 'Love is not a crime.' Demanding Justice Participants carried a white coffin to symbolize the LGBTQ community members who have been killed in Mexico, calling for 'justice!' Rights advocacy group Letra S reported that 231 community members have been killed between 2001 and 2023, with a majority being transgender individuals. While Pride events unfolded globally throughout June, Costa Rica faced controversy as Culture Minister Nayuribe Guadamuz was dismissed for supporting the country's Pride March without proper authorization. Costa Rica's Minister Ousted The scheduled Pride rally in San Jose was met with turmoil as Guadamuz's official backing of the event led to her dismissal. The government stated that her actions were taken 'without the authorization of the president.' Organizers, however, claim to have followed all proper procedures and have vowed to proceed with the march. Central America Responds Meanwhile, in Guatemala, the constitutional court rejected a legal attempt to cancel the Pride March, allowing the event to continue as planned. The global Pride movement continues to push for equality and acceptance, with events like Mexico's Pride March serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights. bur-jjr-sem-jnd/cpy/rsc/sn