Drag is art: ILGA World and ILGALAC in solidarity with activists facing criminalisation in Cusco, Peru

ILGA World and ILGALAC express our deep concern over the criminal proceedings faced by five human rights defenders and LGBTIQ+ activists in Cusco, Peru, including drag artists, following their participation in the Pride March held in July 2025.

The demonstration was peaceful, had been notified to the authorities in advance, and took place in the presence of the police.

However, the following day, a local television programme broadcast images of the march accompanied by stigmatising and discriminatory remarks about its participants and drag artists.

In response, the Public Prosecutor’s Office opened an ex officio investigation against the journalist responsible for discriminationunequal or unfair treatment which can be based on a range of grounds - such as age, ethnic background, disability, and diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions or sex characteristics, amongst others. More and incitement to discrimination, in which the five activists were recognised as aggrieved parties.

Months later, the same journalist filed a criminal complaint against them. They are currently under investigation for the aggravated form of the offence of “public indecency”, which carries penalties of four to six years’ imprisonment and disqualification.

On 4 September, a hearing will be held to determine whether the alleged acts may constitute the offence in question.

The continuation of these proceedings could set a dangerous precedent for the freedoms of artistic expression and peaceful assembly, and for the defence of human rights in Peru. It could also have a chilling effect on those who participate visibly in Pride Marches and publicly express their identities.

Drag is an artistic, cultural and political expression deeply connected to the history and resistance of our communities. It cannot be treated as obscenity or used as grounds for the criminal prosecution of those exercising their rights in public spaces.

ILGA World and ILGALAC express our support for and solidarity with the five activists affected. We call on Peru’s judicial and prosecutorial authorities to ensure that proceedings are free from discrimination and stigmatisation, fully respect their rights, and take into account international standards on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, cultural rights, and the protection of human rights defenders.

We will continue to closely monitor the case and stand with organisations and activists in Peru against any attempt to criminalise sexual and genderrefers to a social construct which places cultural and social expectations on individuals based on their assigned sex. More diversity.