Boa Vista - Information about sexual and reproductive health, violence and migratory regularization and rapid testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The day was full of activities for the Venezuelan refugees and migrants present at the action promoted by the Association of Transvestites, Transsexuals and Transgenders of the State of Roraima (ATERR).

The activities were organized at the end of May at the Reception and Support Post (PRA), in the capital city of Boa Vista, in allusion to the International Day Against LGBTQIA+phobia. The date, celebrated on May 17, aims to raise awareness about diversity and prevent all forms of prejudice. Civil society organizations, the IOM, the UN Migration Agency, and other UN agencies also supported the celebration.

According to ATERR's financial director, Rebecka Marinho, the event was thought with the objective of bringing support to the Venezuelan LGBTQIA+ population that still encounters barriers to access basic services, mainly related to health.

"Many still lack knowledge about rights in Brazil and issues of identity and gender. Our idea in holding events inside the living spaces of refugees and migrants is to break some taboos and talk about how the LGBTQIA+ population is even more vulnerable. We hope that these ties made with our partner organizations will continue and grow stronger so that each one can contribute, as much as possible, to diminish the pain of this group," she added.

In addition to serving the LGBTQIA+ population, the activities extended to everyone present at the PRA. "This is a way for us to show that access to rights for one does not take away from others. This is our idea, to promote information and actions that reinforce reliable information and the reduction of acts that can victimize a group," said Marinho.

During the activities, there was also the possibility of registering the social name, legal assistance from the Public Defender's Office, and haircuts.

For Venezuelans Edwin and Romain, who arrived in the country a month ago, the event allowed them to feel a sense of belonging to the LGBTQIA+ population. "We enjoyed it very much. I did all the exams that were offered! This is important for us, we felt that this event gave us importance that sometimes they don't give in other places. We feel that our lives and the lives of our colleagues matter," they said.

The IOM activities are financially supported by the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) of the United States Department of State.