Argentina: fighting daily against discrimination

My name is Pablo Aranda, and I am located in the No.32 Unit of Florencio Varela, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I work for INADI, an association dedicated to fighting discrimination, xenophobia and racism.

In this Unit there are two cell blocks for homosexuals and transsexuals, the majority of whom are in prison for the illegal sale of drugs. After attending a talk by one of the prisoners from the cell block of transsexuals, I realized that homosexuals and transsexuals are really vulnerable. They are always being ridiculed, and are subject of verbal harassment and discrimination.

So, I said to myself, “Enough!”.

As human beings, we are all different, even though we may all be living in the same conditions. That is why I accepted to work for INADI. My job consists of giving talks to create awareness about discrimination and providing people with training. In the photo we can observe a leather workshop which I give to transgender prisoners; they are very skilled and I really enjoy teaching them. I teach two-hour classes twice a week.

This job has given me the opportunity to challenge the obstacle of their discrimination and to fight with them for their rights. I want the world to know that it’s important to help these nice people that are part of this world but who, unfortunately, are barely accepted. Fighting is my thing!