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John,
For the last several years, Peru has experienced an ongoing constitutional crisis. Governments have dissolved, presidents have stepped down and corrupt practices have been exposed. Peruvians have taken to the streets, demanding further freedoms, permanent reforms and an end to the upheaval.
But where there is chaos, there is also opportunity. As with the American political landscape, some political candidates are spreading hate-based beliefs and leaning on extremist ideologies. But another type of leader has also been able to rise. LGBTQ leaders, once considered outsiders, are connecting with a broader audience and reaching voters desperate for change.
One such leader who has found a new platform and audience? Gahela Cari [[link removed]] . She is an indigenous woman of many titles, including Victory Institute trainee. She is only the second out trans woman to run for the Peruvian Congress and cofounder of her political party, Nuevo Peru, which is finding success on the Peruvian campaign trail. Gahela represents a new beginning for trans political power in Peru, where running as an out and proud candidate is one of the bravest things a person can do.
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I spoke with Gahela earlier this year, on topics ranging from the value of proudly claiming your identity, her decision to run for office, the growing global movement for trans liberation and so much more. You can read our full conversation here. [[link removed]]
As Gahela herself points out, running as an out candidate comes with obstacles and dangers. Too often, LGBTQ candidates face threats of violence and discrimination on the campaign trail, including heightened transphobia and transphobic threats. But while she has experienced these difficulties, as so many out elected officials and candidates around the world have, she sees them as reasons to keep fighting, stating:
“With every act of discrimination and transphobia they are proving why it is precisely necessary to push for policies, laws, and norms that guarantee certain fundamental human rights. It is our duty to respond to hate with proposals, with joy, with love.”
Read our full conversation here. [[link removed]]
As Peruvians once again begin the search for stable leadership and prepare to vote on April 11, they have a clear choice between continued corruption and a new brand of leader. But regardless of the outcome, out trans leaders like Gahela are here to stay – and her message will only continue to spread.
Victory Institute is so proud to train international leaders like Gahela as they remake the status quo. Help us continue holding international trainings and boosting out leaders everywhere with a donation today. [[link removed]]
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Hope you enjoy our interview here [[link removed]] . Thanks again,
Mateo de la Torre
Pronouns: he|him|his
International Programs Manager, LGBTQ Victory Institute
P.S. If you’re interested in learning more about Victory Institute’s work, join us, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and more international leaders at Lawmakers for LGBT+ Equality: North America & Caribbean on April 7th at 7pm. Learn more and register here! [[link removed]]
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LGBTQ Victory Institute is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 52-1835268.
Victory Institute is a global organization dedicated to elevating openly LGBTQ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our trainings [[link removed]] , professional development programs [[link removed]] and yearly conferences [[link removed]] , Victory Institute prepares hundreds of out individuals to launch an influential careers in politics, government, business and advocacy. Many of our trainees join the more than 1,000 openly LGBTQ elected and appointed officials [[link removed]] now serving around the world.
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