When I approached Nina to speak, I saw on her face something that I’ve seen on the faces of almost all of the people who’ve traveled the same journey to the US-Mexico border, regardless of their identity: Fear.

Nina, a transgender woman from Ecuador, had crossed the Darién Gap, the treacherous stretch of jungle between Colombia and Panama. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works across migration routes through the Americas, providing essential medical care to people on the move.

Nina’s fear was justified: Not all faces are friendly on the migration routes. Many migrants get kidnapped or held for ransom by people who initially appear friendly. We spoke for a few more minutes, and I could see Nina starting to breathe easier when it became clear I had no agenda and no probing questions about her identity.

The look on her face had changed: Relief.

In many places where MSF works, LGBTQI+ people can’t live freely or access the medical care they need.

In honor of Pride Month, power our work supporting LGBTQI+ patients and all patients worldwide so we can truly provide care Without Borders. Make a donation now.
 

Nina’s experience is not unique. Across the migration route and around the world, LGBTQI+ people face increased risks and dangers because of their identity. On the migration route, they face violence, verbal and physical abuse, and other traumatic experiences. LGBTQI+ people are also often met with discrimination, stigmatization, verbal harassment, and even physical harassment, while seeking treatment, from both medical staff and other patients. This creates barriers for patients to seek care, leading to higher rates of treatable diseases.

In Choloma, Honduras, through MSF’s LGBTQI+ Inclusion project, staff receive training with the aim of normalizing care for LGBTQI+ patients. The training is designed to help people examine their own biases and also understand the need to provide the unique medical care individuals need.

We provide this training to all of the staff in our Choloma clinic—from our watchman at the gates of our clinics to our nurses in the exam rooms. We work to provide not only comprehensive medical care, but also respect and empathy for all of our patients.

MSF remains guided by one goal: To provide medical care to those in need, regardless of race, religion, politics, or identity.

Help us continue to make safe spaces for all of our patients, including in places where simply being LGBTQI+ is criminalized or puts people in danger. Step up with your gift now.