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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Samuel Ritholtz and Kiran Stallone

‘It gives me joy’: the LGBT Colombians embracing visibility in town with a legacy of abuse

Corey, Tito and Edgar walk the streets of El Carmen de Bolívar, Colombia.
Corey, Tito and Edgar walk the streets of El Carmen de Bolívar, Colombia. Photograph: Sam Ritholtz

In a mountain town near the north coast of Colombia, three drag queens strike poses in the blazing sun. Wearing extravagant Caribbean carnival costumes, they place each high heeled step carefully to avoid puddles. Neighbours come out to take photos and cheer.

This impromptu show has unique significance in the streets of El Carmen de Bolívar, representing the remarkable resurgence of a community once brutally victimised by homophobic armed groups.

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