We do not admit transphobic violence anywhere in the world!
We demand reparation for the case suffered by activist Keila Simpson this Sunday,
May 1, 2022, at the Mexico City airport, when she was prevented from entering the country for her participation in the World Social Forum.
Keila is part of the Brazilian delegation that participates in the international event, which takes place this year in Mexico, and would speak in a panel that debates violence against the trans population on behalf of the Brazilian Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (ABONG), the Brazilian Association of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transvestites, Transsexuals and Intersex (ABGLT), in addition to being president of the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals (ANTRA).
Upon landing at the international airport in Mexico City, Keila was detained at the immigration department and her entry into the country was “inadmissible due to inconsistencies”, and her immediate return was determined on the next flight to Brazil.
During the entire process, for almost ten hours, she was isolated, with no communication and without the right of access to any of the other people of the Brazilian delegation. Activists and local authorities were called, who filed the complaint with the National Human Rights Council of Mexico, which immediately issued a note and precautionary measure. However, when they gained access to the immigration department, there was no more time to prevent Keila’s forced return to Brazil.
The speed of the return process is surprising, especially considering that the activist presented all the necessary documents to enter the country, such as a passport, official invitation to the event, immigration form, proof of hotel reservation in Mexico City (although collective of the delegation).
These were the same documents presented by the rest of the Brazilian delegation and no other person was denied entry to the country. Also, in the immigration queue, Keila pointed out that these documents were not required of any other traveler. Another important factor is that Keila, by her own decision, exercises her right to use her social name, since she did not rectify documents, which we respect for self-determination and gender individuality. However, this right to a social name, at no time, was respected by Mexican immigration officials.
According to information from Mexican activists, the regulations of the country’s National Migration Institute are not harmonized with the highest international human rights principles and parameters. The protocol for the reception of migrants or tourists by air, sea or land does not have regulations for border personnel that indicate priority or adequate treatment in terms of recognition of gender identity.
We reiterate that it is unacceptable that the reception and access to the rights of Trans people is conditioned to their corrected documentary situation, ignoring the right to use the social name, incurring in a violation of fundamental principles that guarantee Trans people to be who they are. We have to respect autonomy and consider that there are personal and subjective issues that must be considered in this process:
1. There are people who cannot rectify due to legal issues and/or inheritance rights,
2. There are those who do not want to rectify; and
3. There are those who cannot because it is not easy or cheap to implement this right.
Regardless of the reason for each person and each case, self-declaration of gender is a human right that does not depend on state consent. Respect for the pronouns, social denomination, expression and gender identity of Trans people must be above any formal norm.
Organizations from around the world, present at the event, stand in solidarity with Keila Simpson and the panel she would attend in person, which will take place on May 4 at 9 a.m. (Mexico time), will maintain her participation virtually and will serve as a demonstration about the episode and collection of withdrawal from the country.
As civil society organizations, we request responses and actions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil and the State of Mexico on the violation of human rights, in addition to mobilizing efforts for reparation actions for what happened.
The institutional, symbolic and psychological violence suffered by Keila must be repaired and the institutional organs of the government must request Mexico’s retraction.
Sign this note:
Brazilian Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (ABONG)
Brazilian Association of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transvestites, Transsexuals and Intersex (ABGLT)
National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals (ANTRA)