Love makes a family: The fight for LGBTQI+ recognition in Peru

A child named Dakarai (a.k.a Daki) is growing up with two loving mothers, Darling and Jenny. They’re a family.

But the Peruvian government refuses to recognize them as one.

Peru’s national registry that issues identification documents, RENIEC, won’t allow both mothers to be listed on Daki’s ID. This means he can be denied access to basic rights like health care, education and legal protection.

The family has been fighting this injustice for nearly 10 years, winding their way through Peru’s court system. Now, their case is before Peru’s Constitutional Court.
While they await a ruling, the family has turned to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and filed a petition against the Peruvian state for discrimination based on sexual orientation and for violating a half dozen other rights.

Their campaign, Tengo dos mamás (“My two moms”), supported by our local counterpart, DEMUS, is pushing for change. Inter Pares is proud to support DEMUS in this work. DEMUS uses legal action, public education and creative tools—like the comic below—to defend the rights of LGTBQI+ families.

The comic tells Daki’s story and shows how laws are ignoring real families. It also challenges the powerful anti-rights groups trying to erase diverse families from public life.

Through their activism, Darling, Jenny and Daki are helping ensure all children are seen, protected and respected. And showing that love, not paperwork, makes a family.

Read Daki’s story:

Or view the PDF.

El cómic también está disponible en español en el sitio web de DEMUS.

Inter Pares’ support for DEMUS comes in part from the Act Together for Inclusion Fund (ACTIF). ACTIF is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and is managed by Equitas in partnership with Dignity Network Canada.