Cancún Celebrates Diversity with Festival of the 41

Tonight, the Festival of the 41 is taking place in front of the city hall. This event aims to celebrate the history and ongoing struggle of the LGBT+ community in Mexico. Renata Paulette Moreno Posada, head of the Comprehensive Care and Follow-up Coordination of the Sexual Diversity Directorate, states that the festival is a chance to reflect on the progress the community has made in terms of visibility and rights.

The event's name, Festival of the 41, is derived from the historic Dance of the 41, which took place over 90 years ago during the Porfiriato era. At this time, a covert party was raided by the police, revealing 41 men, some of whom were dressed in women's clothing. The subsequent repression and violence marked a dark period in Mexico's sexual diversity history. This incident became a symbol of resistance, highlighting the challenges the LGBT+ community faced and sparking movements to fight discrimination, explains Moreno Posada.

The festival includes cultural performances, such as folk dances that capture the spirit of the Dance of the 41. Awards will also be presented to distinguished groups who have championed the community's rights. Among the recipients are Unayak, recognized for its work in combating HIV and supporting those affected, and Red Positiva, a collective of lesbian women dedicated to eradicating gender violence and increasing visibility for their community.

Moreno Posada emphasizes that while these events are significant, civil associations continuously strive to promote equality, freedom, and visibility for sexual diversity. The Sexual Diversity Directorate works closely with these organizations to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

The next major event will be the Day of Visibility for People Living with HIV. A lighting ceremony will be held to underscore the importance of the fight against this disease and the stigma associated with it. Moreno Posada concludes, "We are opening doors for associations to be heard and gain more opportunities for visibility."