President Gustavo Petro, from the balcony of the Casa de Nariño in the company of his wife Veronica Alcocer and his daughter Antonella, during the speech in which he explains part of his government’s reforms.
Photo: Gustavo Torrijos
A statement from the Presidency and the Ministry of Equality announced that the doors of the Casa de Nariño would open to commemorate International LGBTIQ+ Pride Day. The community’s flag will be raised at the presidential residence and the Plaza de Armas will be illuminated “with the colors that represent sexual and gender diversity.”
In addition, representatives of the LGBTIQ+ population will arrive at the Palace to take part in the commemoration of the community’s struggles. The document indicated that more than being a symbol, they hope that these actions will be “a sign of [su] commitment” to those who are part of it, which has been “stigmatized, discriminated against and excluded, especially in rural areas and ethnic communities.”
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“For the first time in the history of our country, the LGBTIQ+ population, historically excluded from different scenarios, including political ones, will tour the Casa de Nariño as a symbol of progress in guaranteeing their rights and in the construction of public policy,” the text reads.
The Government’s support for “the more than 500 thousand people who recognize themselves based on their gender diversities and sexual orientation” is done through the Directorate for the Guarantee of the Rights of the LGBTIQ+ Population of the Vice Ministry of Diversities of the Ministry of Equality and Equity. The statement indicated that this agency has an investment project aimed at developing the Diversity in Dignity program, which “seeks to contribute to guaranteeing the effective enjoyment of the rights” of this population.
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The construction of a National LGBTIQ+ Public Policy document using the CONPES methodology is also mentioned, as well as the memorandum of understanding that was signed with the government of Brazil, headed by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, “with the aim of creating collaborations and exchanging information regarding regulations, public policies, information gathering and rights of the LGBTIQ+ population.”
“On this Pride Day, we extend an invitation to citizens to generate a transformation in the face of the imaginings and prejudices surrounding diversity that will allow us to advance towards a more just and inclusive society that guarantees life in conditions of dignity for all people,” the text concludes.
