It's Still Hell To Be Trans In Honduras

I know we're concerned in the States about the spike in anti-trans violence happening here, but it pales in comparison to what's happening in Honduras.

I wrote a post expressing my concerns back in May 2009 about how our Honduran transsisters were getting killed and their human rights were being abused in that nation and things for our transsisters there were still problematic as the New Year dawned.

Human Rights Watch compiled a May 2009 report during that same period entitled 'Not Worth A Penny'- Human Rights Abuses Against Transgender People In Honduras' .   It was based on two week field visits made in December 2008 and February 2009 and focuses primarily on transwomen.

Some of the key findings of this May 2009 report were:

*Honduras should end violence against transgender people by law enforcement officers and ensure investigations and prosecutions of state and non-state perpetrators of violence against transgender people.

*Honduras should ensure full respect for and protection of the human rights of transgender people in police stations when they are arrested.

*Honduras should enact legislation that provides specific protections on the grounds of sexual orientation, and gender identity and gender expression.

Unfortunately the violence aimed against transpeople in Honduras continues to the point in which the US Embassy in Honduras released a January 19, 2011 statement that expressed its concerns about another spate of gruesome killings aimed at transwomen.

United States Embassy Notes Concern for Recent Killings of Members of the LGBT Community
January 19, 2011

Tegucigalpa - The U.S. Embassy notes with concern the five killings that have been committed against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community since December 18, with the latest being in San Pedro Sula January 17.

The protection of Honduran law extends to all its citizens regardless of sexual orientation and the Lobo Administration has repeatedly expressed its commitment to defend the rights of all Honduran citizens.

It is in this regard that we call upon Honduran law enforcement authorities to vigorously investigate these crimes, bring to justice the perpetrators, and take all necessary steps to protect LGBT persons, who are among the most vulnerable to violence and abuse in Honduras.

The US Embassy concerns were also echoed by the Inter American Commission on Human Rights and the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, who also called on Honduran authorities to investigate the human rights abuses aimed at transwomen in that country and bring to justice those persons who are responsible for them.

TransGriot Note: photo is of slain Honduran trans rights activist Cynthia Nicole Moreno.