Poverty 'Drives' Discrimination in Mexico City Michael K. Lavers - Washington Blade
go to original October 28, 2014

A sign inside El MarraKech, a gay bar in Mexico City, reads it does not discriminate based on sexual orientation, race, physical ability, socioeconomic status or ‘any other reason.’ (Washington Blade/Michael K. Lavers)

MEXICO CITY — The head of the Mexico City Council to Prevent and Eliminate Discrimination on Monday said poverty “drives” discrimination in the Mexican capital.

“It is not the same to be a gay person with means than it is to be a gay person without means,” Jacqueline L’Hoist Tapia told the Washington Blade during an interview in her office in Mexico City’s Popotla neighborhood. “It is not the same being an indigenous gay person than not being an indigenous gay person. So this puts you in a vulnerable situation.”

A survey of 5,200 people the council — known by its Spanish acronym COPRED — conducted in June 2013 found indigenous people, gay men and people of color are the groups who are “most obviously discriminated against in Mexico City.” Lesbians and those with HIV/AIDS are also considered more likely to face discrimination.

Nearly a fifth of respondents said poverty is the most common cause of discrimination. Seventeen percent noted race, while 15 percent said a person’s sexual orientation prompts discrimination.

More than 80 percent of respondents acknowledged discrimination “exists” among cross-dressers. Nearly three quarters of those who took part in the survey acknowledged trans people face discrimination.

Read the rest at Washington Blade

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