Mexico is a country with a rich and diverse culture, where different expressions of sexuality and gender have been present throughout its history. However, it is also a country where discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people still persist. In this article, we will explore the current situation of same-sex couples in Mexico, their legal rights, their social acceptance, and their challenges.
According to the 2020 census, there are 228,143 same-sex couples living in Mexico, representing 0.7% of all households. This number has increased by 69% since the 2010 census, when there were 135,556 same-sex couples. The majority of these couples are male (63%), and most of them reside in urban areas, especially in Mexico City, which has the highest proportion of same-sex couples (3.5%)
Same-sex couples in Mexico have gained significant legal recognition in recent years, thanks to the efforts of the LGBTIQ movement and the rulings of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation. Since 2015, the Supreme Court has declared that any state law that restricts marriage to heterosexual couples is unconstitutional, and that same-sex couples have the right to adopt children. By the end of 2022, all 32 states in Mexico had legalized same-sex marriage, either by legislation, executive action, or judicial order. However, some states still impose bureaucratic hurdles or charge higher fees for same-sex couples who want to get married, and only 21 states allow them to adopt children.
The social acceptance of same-sex couples in Mexico varies depending on the region, the level of education, the age, and the religious affiliation of the population. According to a 2017 survey by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, 63% of Mexicans support the legalization of same-sex marriage, and 55% believe that society should accept homosexuality However, these percentages are lower in rural areas, among older people, and among those who identify as Catholic or evangelical. Moreover, same-sex couples still face discrimination and hate crimes in their daily lives, especially from conservative groups and authorities.
Same-sex couples in Mexico are a growing and diverse reality, that reflects the plurality and complexity of the Mexican society. They have achieved important legal advances, but they still face social challenges and barriers. They are part of the struggle for human rights and dignity, and they contribute to the cultural richness and development of the country.
Sources: OEM / Milenio / Excelsior
