According to an article from the Adonde Website, a recent survey revealed that a number of prominent figures and organizations supported homosexual causes in Peru (3 Apr. 2002). The article mentions the Lima Homosexual Movement (Movimiento Homosexual de Lima) and a public campaign called "Recognition of Respect for Sexual Diversity" (El Reconocimiento al Respeto a la Diversidad Sexual), launched by the Action Committee for the Respect of Gays and Lesbians (Comité de Acción por el Respeto Gay Lésbico, CARGAL) (ibid.). The Encuentros Con El Arte 2001 Website also mentions several organizations and activities for homosexuals in Peru (16 Apr. 2002).

The Gay Lima Internet site gives an overview of homosexual life in Lima:

Lima apparently has a relatively small gay community for a city of 8 million people. ... The gay scene is much smaller than Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Bogotá and about the same as Santiago. Also, the gay scene here is so well-hidden that when I first came to Lima in 1997 it appeared there was no gay community here at all.

...

Although Lima has become a little more liberal in the last few years bear in mind that Peru generally still has a macho and conservative culture. ... [H]omosexuality continues to be viewed negatively so adjust your behaviour accordingly and keep a low profile in public. Acceptance will only be achieved slowly and by not provoking reactionary elements (9 May 2002).

The Gay Lima article also explains the dress codes accepted within the gay community, as well as the opening hours of nightclubs and provides other useful information (ibid.).

A recent alert put out by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission mentions the existence of a coalition of non-governmental organizations called FREDIF (Frente por el Derecho a ser Diferente) which seeks the inclusion of sexual orientation as a category deserving to be protected against discrimination under the new Peruvian constitution (29 Apr. 2002).

For further information about the situation of homosexuals in Peru, from the legal and social standpoints, please see PER33936.E of 10 May 2000.

No other information about the current situation of homosexuals in Peru could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Adonde. 3 April 2002. "Evaluan Respeto a la Diversidad Sexual en Perú." http://www.adonde.com/peruhoy/0401gay.htm [Accessed 8 May 2002]

Encuentros Con El Arte 2001. 16 April 2002. "Organizadores." http://www.geocities.com/ecarteperu/2001/organizadores.html [Accessed 8 May 2002]

Gay Lima. 9 May 2002. "About Lima Gay Life." http://gaylimape.tripod.com/about.htm [Accessed 9 May 2002]

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC). 29 April 2002. "Peru: Support Anti-Discrimination Measures in New Constitution." http://www.iglhrc.org/world/southamerica/Peru2002Apr.html [Accessed 8 May 2002]

Additional Sources Consulted

IRB Databases

Unsuccessful attempts to contact the Movimiento Homosexual de Lima.

Internet sites including:

Amnesty International

Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos (APRODEH)

BBC News Online

Clarín [Buenos Aires]. Searchable archives

El Comercio [Lima]. Searchable archives. 1996-2000

Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos

Editora Perú [Lima]

GayLaw Net

Gayperu.com

La Gestion [Lima]

Human Rights Watch

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission

International Lesbian and Gay Association

OneWorld

PeruPost.com

World News Connection

WorldWide GLBT (Gay) News Digest