persecucion de homosexuales en ecuador

This SOS was sent by a friend in Ecuador to alert us to the climate of persecution which homosexuals in his country are suffering at this very moment. He himself, as someone who fights for gay rights, has been threatened with death.

El Joven Lubbe, condenado por homosexual, en la Alemania nazi.
The young Lubbe, condemned by the Nazis
for being gay.

I really can't think how to help him, but it did occur to me that if we all tell people what's going on then we must achieve something! Please forward his letter to:

Your friends
Gay groups in your country
Organisations which defend Human Rights
International organisations such as UNESCO and the UN
Newspapers and TV stations
Internet Groups
Webmasters of gay sites
Churches
Political parties and politicians
Any other group or person who might have some influence on our society

It's very easy: All you have to do is find these people's e-mail address and forward his letter.

Don't forget to send a few words of sympathy and encouragement to our friend Gonzalo, who certainly needs them at this difficult time.

PLEASE, DO IT NOW!

Thanks,

Henry

Dear Henry,
I write you this letter in some fear, because a torrent of political and homophobic persecution has been unleashed here in Ecuador. As I told you a little while ago, I was president of the Foundation for the Equality of Sexual Minorities [Fundación Equidad para Minorías Sexuales]. I had to give it up because of pressure from homophobic groups, but in spite of them homosexuality isn't a crime yet. But now what's happened is that groups of fascist bigots have taken up this disgraceful cause which they call 'social cleansing,' and their mission is to eliminate gays who they call 'human garbage.'

Amnesty International and other human rights organisations have been alerted to what's happening. My case got mentioned in Vistazo, one of the quality newspapers in this country, which published an interview where I talked about my sexual orientation and my work on behalf of sexual minorities. But the only responses it provoked were negative, and I even received death threats.

I hope this is something you will take up, because I know you help the international gay community. I ask for your help because I'm stuck in a city far away. The authorities haven't offered me protection and I've had to stop my campaign. I've had to change my name and move away from my family, and I'm running out of money.

I fear for my life and my partner's, as well as for my family and friends in the gay community in Ecuador, as there are countless cases of physical violence and some people have simply 'disappeared.'

I am grateful to be able to count on your support. I attach my letter to Amnesty International in which I set out the details.

GONZLES ARMIJOS
(e.mail: gat93@hotmail.com )