Urgent: Culiacán Collective Creates Safe Havens for Lesbian & Bisexual Women Facing Violence
CULIACÁN, MEXICO – In a city grappling with pervasive sexist violence, a grassroots collective is offering a lifeline to lesbian and bisexual women. Bisibles, born from a need for dedicated spaces free from judgment and harassment, is rapidly becoming a beacon of hope in Culiacán, Sinaloa. This breaking news highlights a critical response to a growing societal issue and underscores the importance of community-led initiatives for LGBTQ+ safety and visibility. This article is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and reach.
Addressing a Gap in LGBTQ+ Inclusion
While the broader LGBTQ+ movement gains momentum, Bisibles founder Korina Cervantes, a human rights defender and advocate for abortion access, recognized a significant disparity. “We realized that within the acronym LGBT+ there are always more visible letters than others,” Cervantes explains. “G and T usually occupy the focus, while lesbian and bisexual women are relegated. We decided to make our own spaces.” The collective began as a social media page during the pandemic, evolving into a vibrant community hosting cinema-debates, karaoke nights, parties, and zine workshops over the past two years.
The Power of “Pure Morras”: A Space of Peace and Harmony
The core philosophy behind Bisibles is simple yet profound: creating environments where women can simply *be*. Co-founder Emma Zermeño, a feminist and lesbian activist, emphasizes the transformative effect of these spaces. “When we are pure morras [a colloquial term for girls/women], the atmosphere is different, there is peace and harmony. It is enough that a man for everything to change, even if he has no bad intention.” This observation speaks to the everyday experiences of many women who navigate public spaces with a constant awareness of potential harassment or discomfort. The collective isn’t just about recreation; it’s about reclaiming space and fostering a sense of belonging.
Combating Lesbophobia and Internalized Bias
Bisibles goes beyond providing a safe social outlet. Through facilitated discussions, film screenings, and interactive workshops, members actively address lesbophobia, biphobia, and the harmful stereotypes that continue to plague Saphic women. The goal is to dismantle internalized biases and empower individuals to embrace their identities without fear. “Many prefer not to show themselves out of fear or internalized lesbophobia,” Cervantes adds. “We want them to know that they are not alone and that there is a diverse community here, but with common experiences.”
The Challenge of Visibility and the Need for Growth
Despite a growing online following of over a thousand, Bisibles events typically attract around thirty women. This disparity, according to members, reflects both the genuine need for such spaces and the very real fear of being visible in a city marked by gender-based violence. This hesitancy underscores the importance of continued advocacy and the creation of more accessible and widely publicized safe spaces. Understanding the context of Culiacán is crucial; Sinaloa consistently faces challenges related to cartel activity and gender-based violence, making the need for safe havens even more acute.
The work of Bisibles is a powerful example of how community-led initiatives can address systemic issues and create tangible change. Their dedication to fostering a horizontal, judgment-free environment offers a vital space for lesbian and bisexual women in Culiacán to connect, reflect, and thrive. For those seeking support or wishing to connect with the collective, reach out via Instagram @bis.ib.les or email El Correo at [email protected].
This initiative serves as a crucial reminder that inclusivity requires intentionality and a commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. As Bisibles continues to grow, it offers a model for other cities facing similar challenges, demonstrating the power of collective action in building a more equitable and safe world for all.
