Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 18:57:07 +0200 From: ilga Subject: Focus on ECUADOR ILGA PRESS RELEASE: FOCUS ON ECUADOR (22 Oct 96) *Ecuadorian Lesbian and Gay Magazine: EN DIRECTO* The 6th issue of "En Directo" (May 1996), a Lesbian/Gay Bulletin, contains articles on HIV/AIDS education, international news, the Beijing Women's Conference and more. It's 27 pages, slick and well-designed, and is an important and brave publication in a country where homosexuality is still illegal. The Canadian Kimeta Society and the Belgian group, "Homosexuality and Religion" contributed funds for magazine, which is produced by EN DIRECTO, an organization that has been fighting for lesbian and gay rights in Ecuador for 7 years. They are a cultural and political collective for inspiration and exchange between gays and lesbians. They are also a long-time member of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) who wishes them continued success in their work. E-mail them (preferably in Spanish c/o irene@irenel.ecx.ec Interested in a copy? Maybe you could send a donation ($5USD) by registered mail to EN DIRECTO / Casilla Postal 17-21-1127 / Quito/ ECUADOR *Ecuadorian gay group changes name; still fighting to be legal* The group SOGA (Sociedad de Orientacion General y Ayuda) has announced a name change to the Ecuadorian Foundation of Help, Education and Prevention of AIDS - FEDAEPS (Fundacion Ecuatoriana de Ayuda, Educacion y Prevencion del SIDA). Article 516 of the Penal Code makes homosexuality illegal in Ecuador. As an openly gay organization, they have been constantly harassed and persecuted by the Ecuadorian public, and denied legal status. The members of the group decided by consensus to change the name for a variety of internal reasons. They continue to publicly demand lesbian and gay rights; and will continue to develop their HIV/AIDS work for the homosexual and bisexual population. Contact FEDAEPS at: Casilla Postal 14-21-1404 / Quito / ECUADOR. E-mail: fedaeps@orlando.ecx.ec ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ILGA - International Lesbian and Gay Association 81 Kolenmarkt, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium Phone/Fax +32-2-502-2471, E-mail: ilga@ilga.org A federation of over 300 groups from 75 countries fighting for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We also have over 100 supportive associate and individual members. Will you join us? Contact us for more info!