Written by: Diane Marie Zambrano Rodríguez
Abstract: In this article, I describe Asociación Silueta X and highlight three of it current virtual campaigns: BESOS LGBTI (Kisses LGBTI), Tiempo de Iqualdad (Time for Equality), and Campana Mi Genero en Mi Cedula (My Gender Identity in my ID Card). I specifically outline how Asociación Silueta X uses information, communication technologies ICTs to support advocacy for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) communities in Ecuador. I also outline and describe how Asociación Silueta X engaged in research and advocacy to lobby the Ecuadorian Government to establish the country’s first LGBTI counseling and medical center in Guayaquil, Ecuador. This medical center was created not only to meet the needs of LGBTI individuals, but also to improve access to healthcare among Ecuadorian transgender individuals specifically, due to data showing that this population has particularly low levels of access to services.
Keywords: Transgender, LGBTI, Ecuador, social inclusion, transgender friendly medical center