A cry of resistance: Colombia celebrates 40 years of Pride with biggest turnout ever

It was the largest LGBTIQ+ demonstration in the history of Colombia and held in the midst of record violence against the community

This week’s Ship’s Log is a photo essay brought to you by our brilliant photographer, Daniela Díaz, who was in the streets for this year’s “Pride” festival in Bogotá. Thank you for being a paid subscriber and supporting indie journalism.

Colombia is a country of contrasts and last Sunday the diverse population demonstrated it—and reaffirmed its resilience in the process. Never before had a 'Pride' march celebrating that reached such record numbers. In Bogota, the Mayor's Office stated that more than 55,000 people marched, in Medellin the figure was similar.

And the contrast? Though the streets of Colombia’s urban centers were filled with rainbows, the numbers of murders of LGBTIQ+ in this predominantly Catholic country continue to rise. And yet, lesbians, gays, trans, and gay Colombians came out to demand a dignified life and basic human rights. The festivities themselves were an act of courage in the face of hatred.

According to the NGO Caribe Afirmativo in 2022, more than 145 LGTBI people were murdered, a figure that amounts to a murder every 2 and a half days. In addition, the organization recorded 5,501 acts of violence against the community, including threats, discrimination, harassment, and even police violence.