In Valencia, northern Venezuela, the detention of 33 men at the Avalon Club sauna in July underscores increasing concerns regarding the treatment of the LGBT community by the current administration.
This event is not isolated, with multiple instances pointing towards an intensified stance against the LGBT community.
When taken into custody, the detainees faced charges ranging from indecency to noise pollution.
Their images were publicized on social platforms, leading to public scorn and risking their physical and psychological well-being.
Although released on bail, they remain under legal scrutiny. One detainee, Iván Valera, mentioned that the police provided no clarity on the nature of their alleged crime.
Over 130 NGOs globally have rallied behind these men, demanding “justice and full freedom”.
Their plea emphasizes the importance of safeguarding their rights and well-being.
The NGOs challenge the detention’s legitimacy, considering it to violate the Venezuelan constitution and international human rights treaties that Venezuela has endorsed.
Reports suggest that this is not the first of its kind.
The LGBTIQ+ Violence Observatory, a rights-monitoring NGO, has identified at least four similar incidents since 2021.
In some scenarios, extortion claims have surfaced against the police.
Despite having a sizable LGBT community, Venezuela still grapples with homophobia and discrimination.
The current Venezuelan regime does not legally recognize same-sex unions and has been associated with frequent physical and verbal abuse against the LGBT community, allegedly by groups linked to the government.
Amnesty International, a human rights organization, has been vocal against the challenges the LGBT community faces in Venezuela.
According to their data, many have experienced diverse forms of violence and discrimination, with numbers revealing significant victimization based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Amidst Venezuela’s turbulent political and economic landscape, exacerbated by allegations of human rights violations, election tampering, and social turmoil, many Venezuelans, including the LGBT community, seek refuge in neighboring nations.
The situation underscores the need for international attention and action to protect vulnerable communities.