What is it like for Queer/Trans people working in Chiapas or Oaxaca?
Difficult. San Cristobal is a small, relatively conservative town whose queer community maintains a low profile and is occasionally subject to attacks and harrassment. Oaxaca City is much bigger and has larger communities of queer/trans people, but discrimination is still common. CASA attempts to create a safe and supportive space, helps folks get connected to friends and allies, and offers mixed gender housing. Awareness is growing (GLBT movement and culture is increasingly open and vocal in large Mexican cities especially Mexico City and Guadalajara) but Chiapas and Oaxaca are somewhat outside of that urban/mainstream culture. Potential volunteers should be aware that being openly queer/trans in Chiapas and Oaxaca could be extremely challenging.
