Capítulo 3: Mi cuerpo es la verdad. Mujeres y personas LGBTIQ+ en el conflicto armado.

Understanding Violence Against Women and LGBTQ+ Individuals in Armed Conflict

Personal Accounts of Violence

• The speaker recounts a traumatic experience from their hometown, where violence erupted unexpectedly, resulting in the death of their spouse and forcing their child to flee amidst gunfire.

• Emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the specific violence faced by women and LGBTQ+ individuals during armed conflict, aiming for societal empathy towards these experiences.

Resilience and Community Reconstruction

• Highlights the resilience of women and LGBTQ+ individuals who have worked to rebuild social structures and families despite facing severe violence, showcasing their transformative power within society.

• Discusses the chaotic events surrounding the massacre at La Hondura farm, marking a significant point in escalating violence against marginalized groups.

Normalization of Violence

• Addresses how societal prejudices contribute to normalizing violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, calling for a dismantling of these harmful stereotypes that lead to tragic circumstances.

• Shares insights into the exploitation faced by sex workers during military interactions, revealing systemic issues such as extortion that hinder their ability to work freely.

Struggles for Rights and Recognition

• Describes personal struggles with displacement due to advocating for rights after experiencing threats; highlights ongoing fears related to past traumas while striving for equality.

• Reports on findings regarding 369 LGBTQ+ victims who experienced multiple violent events; emphasizes that many were victimized before reaching adulthood, indicating early exposure to violence.

Accountability and Resistance

• Identifies paramilitary groups as primary perpetrators of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, followed by guerrillas and state forces; stresses the need for accountability in addressing these injustices.