ABSTRACT
In recent decades, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) sexualities and social movements have become increasingly visible throughout Latin America. While research reveals nonheteronormative sexualities and gender identities in earlier periods, emerging cultures and politics around these identities in more recent times have led to greater public awareness. In part, this awareness reflects transnational currents in LGBTQ mobilization, which many times lend support to Latin Americans who are finding a voice and self-expression. Nonetheless, there is growing knowledge that diverse sexualities and gender identities have local histories that do not simply mirror those in the Global North. We now see broad appeals for recognition and social justice across the region, for acknowledgement that sexual rights are human rights, and, in some cases, for rethinking the terms of development so that LGBTQ populations may achieve their right to social inclusion, and to lives free of prejudice and precarity.
