Today was incredible, and it's not over yet!  We started out back at the pre-conference, where we saw a performance by Dance4Life.  This is an international group that inspires, mobilizes, and unites young people to push back against AIDS.  They started in three countries, and are now present in more than twenty countries around the world.  Using satellites, groups can dance together live from all different corners of the globe.  Check out the video, because the dance is awesome!

After, we headed to downtown Mexico City to join the The First International March against Stigma, Discrimination and Homophobia..  In addition to the 300 young people who marched, groups from all over Mexico and the world came together to demonstrate that stigma, hate and discrimination are not ok with us.  Make sure you look at the pictures and videos - it's truly impossible to describe the magnitude of the impact this march had on me, and all the other participants.

It is especially important because next year, conservative groups are meeting in Mexico City trying to take away the reproductive freedom that right now, Mexican citizens enjoy.  They want to outlaw sex education, condoms... scary, right?  Part of the impact of this march was to demonstrate that Mexican citizens are proactive, and empowered to do something about this.  They aren't going to sit silent while their rights are threatened - perhaps we at home have a few things to learn from them??

At the cumulation of the march was a huge stage with music in the middle of the largest square in Mexico City.  Everyone was dancing and singing, celebrating that homophobia is not ok, that discrimation against people because of who they fall in love with just doesn't fly with us.  There were people from all over the world, and from Mexico as well. 

The best part was talking to all of the amazing activists that were there - Miguel from Portugal, Alex from Germany, Patrick from Canada, Dylan from South Africa, Daniel from the US... these individuals are so brilliant and strong and willing to be advocates for sexual rights.  Sexual rights are human rights... and that is a message they were proud to deliver through the streets of Mexico City!

Later tonight we head to a party sponsored by the pre-conference... more to come!

Make sure you look at all of the videos and pictures.  Feel free to join the chants from wherever you are!