News
2022 May 18 The current government disregards a valid executive order and doesn’t commemorate International day against homophobia, lesbophobia and transphobia for the first time in 14 years. Personnel received explicit orders not to do any celebration regarding that day, or put any rainbow flags. News article in Spanish:
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2022 April 7 How he is a radical change from the previous two governments, promoting right-wing values, similar to Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro. Evoking an “authoritarian tone and a really dangerous, traditional, masculine representation”. News article in English: Costa Rica’s new president, Rodrigo Chaves, threatens rightsRodrigo Chaves, accused
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2022 March 25 Then candidate, now president, committed with evangelical pastors to remove “gender ideology” from school system. Also allowed the christian sector to nominate candidates to leadership positions in Education, Health and International Affairs. Reference in Spanish: Chaves se compromete con pastores a eliminar ‘ideología de género’ en educaciónAcuerdo
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2022 February 6 Immigrant gay waiter burned alive. Authorities deny it is a hate crime. References (both in Spanish): Inducen a coma a salonero quemado vivo - Diario ExtraUn nicaragüense identificado como Genaro Antonio Vega Pérez de 34 años de edad se encuentra internado enDiario ExtraEl crimen de odio contra
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2021 December 27 Interview in Spanish with Julia Bohemia. Reference: Mujer trans perdió a su familia y el trabajo cuando cambió de sexo hace siete mesesJulia Bohemia Roberts contó todo lo que tuvo que sacrificar para poder sentirse plena.La TejaFranklin Arroyo
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2021 November 24 Saying “only a sadistic God would create a gay person”, and the government refuses to ban conversion therapy. Reference: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/therapists-costa-ricans-homosexuality-wrong/
News
2020 December 8 Tati Quirós was murdered by gunshot near a tourist area. News coverage for shock value, disrespecting her privacy or identity. Violence agains trans people is not recognized in Costa Rica. These cases are treated as generic murder. This happened in 2020 but legality has not changed. Original
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2020 A police officer launched a series of insulting and homophobic remarks towards a male couple. Reference: Homophobic Remarks by Police in Costa Rica Under Investigation - Costa Rica Star NewsA complaint that unfolded in social media circles has caught the attention of the media and the Ministry of Public
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2020 March 3 News article in Spanish. Two women were verbally and physically attacked. Video recordings show the men were recording themselves from a nearby car, while they yelled, touched, hit and kicked the women, all while laughing and placing bets. Reference: https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/video-sujetos-atacaron-brutalmente-a-mujeres-trans-en-el-centro-de-san-jose/
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2019 October 30 News article in Spanish. Downtown San Jose, 2pm. Police officer violates trans woman’s rights and threatens further violent action. Reference: https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/acusan-a-oficial-de-fuerza-publica-de-quebrar-cedula-a-mujer-trans/
News
2019 March 5 María was murdered while working. After her death the commissioner of LGBTI Affairs of the Presidential House called for trans people to be respected in society. Note the figure of Commissioner of LGBTI Affairs was removed by the following government in June of 2022. Link in English:
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2018 June 19 News article (in Spanish), describing the murder of Kenisha, its aftermath and how the government dealt with it. It narrates how the government never recognized her identity, and misgendered her in all official reports. Reflects on how the lack of public policy and apathy are two of