By: Elías El Hage
On June 30, Once Trece in the LGBTQ Pride parade in Caracas.
The demonstration aims to raise awareness of the rights championed by this minority group in Venezuela and around the world.
The rally began at Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Park, where Proyecto Once Trece its first station to offer free HIV testing. From there, the group proceeded to the final stop in the Zona Rental (Plaza Venezuela). At that location, very close to the main stage hosting the closing cultural activities, Once Trece set up its unit Once Trece to continue offering free, voluntary, and completely confidential HIV testing.
We talked about prevention, distributed condoms, and conducted 141 rapid HIV tests, all while spreading a message against stigma and discrimination.
We were joined throughout the event by members of UNAIDS Venezuela, community groups, and Miss Venezuela 2019.