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John,
Last November, Victory Institute was honored to present Guatemalan Congressman Aldo Dávila with the 2021 Global Trailblazer Award. This award honors the service and perseverance of an international LGBTQ elected official who champions equality on the global stage. And if you know of Aldo’s work, you know he more than fits the criteria – and does so despite intimidation tactics and death threats issued by his own government. You can watch Aldo’s full acceptance speech here.
A longtime activist, Aldo has worked diligently against the persistent stigma against those living with HIV/AIDs in Guatemala and to improve anti-LGBTQ discrimination. Aldo – who was diagnosed with HIV as a young man and was once fired for being gay – has seen the flaws in his country’s system firsthand. But as Aldo himself said to U.S. News after his historic election in 2019, “You cannot be a spectator when your country is falling apart. You have to take a leading role."
And take a leading role he has. Since his victory as the first out gay man and first HIV-positive person elected to the Guatemalan Congress, Aldo has fulfilled his campaign promises to rout out government corruption, increase equal access to healthcare and champion human rights.
Shortly after his election, Aldo faced discrimination and anti-LGBTQ comments from his fellow Congresspeople as well as anonymous threats. Most of the Congress voted against an investigation into the anti-LGBTQ comments, ensuring no action was taken to penalize the bigots.
Aldo had barely begun to fight for his legislative agenda when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. Guatemala was not immune from the virus: as in many other countries, preexisting social troubles were only exacerbated and compounded. Aldo was quick to point out that many of Guatemala’s most vulnerable populations, including indigenous people, LGBTQ people and people living with HIV/AIDS, were not receiving access to care despite increased need. Government corruption and systemic abuse remained rampant. Aldo used his platform to speak out against the government, exposing their greed and neglect.
Needless to say, this has ruffled the feathers of Guatemala’s most powerful. Those already abusing the system do not appreciate Aldo activism – and they have made their anger clear. There have been several attempts to silence Aldo. Formal complaints have been lodged against Aldo by allies of the president. His pet dog was killed and his security team was reduced. He survived an attempted robbery and the investigation has stalled as the authorities delay.
But despite the setbacks, continuous death threats and intimidation, Aldo returned to Guatemala after receiving the Global Trailblazer Award and remains committed to speaking out. His bravery in the face of danger and continued commitment to truth provides a roadmap for the rest of us to follow.
We’ll continue to watch Aldo’s work with pride. If you can make a donation to support our continued work to train and support amazing leaders like Aldo, we appreciate it.
Have a good weekend,
LGBTQ Victory Institute
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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.
LGBTQ Victory Institute is a global organization dedicated to elevating openly LGBTQ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our international and domestic training programs, professional development programs and yearly conferences, 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 now serving around the world. You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today!
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