Are LGBTQ communities accepted in Mexico? TLC viewers watched while 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way's Armando Rubio became increasingly uncomfortable with Kenneth Niedermeier's desire for PDA while walking through their new town, worrying that it might not be safe for them as a couple.
Kenneth and Armando were the stars the LGBTQ community wanted. Fans were introduced to the couple in the first episode of season two and instantly fell in love. Now, the new season of 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way is fully underway, and fans could not be more excited for the franchise’s first gay couple. Both reality stars left their lives behind so they could live together in a small town in Mexico, but, as Kenneth is already struggling with cultural differences, fans are worried there may be more road bumps ahead for this pair.
The July 27 episode of 90 Day Fiancé shed a whole new light on the plight of being an openly gay couple in Mexico. Kenneth was ready to hold his fiancé's hand in public, but Armando could not shake the feeling that they would be putting themselves in danger. While the American is accustomed to living out in the open, the Mexican is finding it harder to be "out" in public.
While LGBTQ rights have been expanding in Mexico since the influence of the French Revolution in 1871 and the adoption of the Napoleonic Code, there are still laws that are used to prosecute anyone who engages in public immorality. Many of these laws are used against the gay community to this day. The common stereotype of the macho-Mexican also leads many to believe that the country is unsafe for the LGBTQ community. Like most countries, the big cities – such as Mexico City – are a mecca for those looking to feel safe, according to the Washington Blade. But when it comes to smaller, rural areas of the country, many do not feel it would be a good choice to walk around with a same-sex partner. While the gay community rarely experiences violence against them in Mexico, they also keep a purposefully low profile. Therefore, it's difficult to say whether or not an openly gay couple would face threats to their well-being. Fans empathized with Armando on the new episode because they could tell he was truly frightened for his and Kenneth's safety.
Although the majority of Mexico's population claim to be strict Catholics, many are starting to embrace the LGBTQ community. The legalization of gay marriage in Mexico City also helped contribute to the growing gay scene. Puerto Vallarta has even been named the gay beach capital of Mexico! The Supreme Court in Mexico legalized same-sex marriage in a landmark legal ruling that concluded it was unconstitutional for Mexican states to bar gay marriages. While there's still farther to go regarding gay rights, most would say Mexico is moving towards accepting the LGBTQ community with open arms. Hopefully, Armando will start to feel safe within his community so that he and Kenneth can walk around holding hands with no fear of reprisal.
90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way? airs Monday at 9 pm EST on TLC.
Source: Washington Blade
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