Mexico City’s Catrinas March Masks a Grim Reality of LGBTQ+ Violence

Every year, Mexico City hosts the colorful Catrinas parade, a festive tribute to death’s cultural symbolism. But beneath the costumes and celebration lies a darker story few dare to tell: the brutal violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in Mexico, particularly transgender women.

How Are Tradition and Tragedy Intertwined in This Parade?

Drag artist Ángel Arumir and his collective, Exóticas, transform Mexican folk art into a vibrant spectacle during this event. Their effort to claim space within traditional celebrations is commendable but underscores a painful reality. Despite their visibility and artistry, these communities face unprecedented threats. More than 80 LGBTQ+ people were murdered last year in Mexico alone, with transgender women bearing nearly two-thirds of these killings.

This surge in violence coincides with increased public exposure—a double-edged sword where fighting for rights invites danger rather than protection. While such marches aim to uplift and normalize LGBTQ+ culture, they unintentionally highlight how far Mexico remains from safeguarding its citizens’ fundamental freedoms.

What Does This Mean for American Interests and Borders?

The chaos south of our border is not just a foreign concern—it directly impacts national security and sovereignty here at home. Unchecked violence and discrimination fuel migration pressures as vulnerable populations seek refuge in the United States. Yet Washington’s often soft approach to border enforcement only exacerbates these problems.

Moreover, this parade illustrates how cultural events can be co-opted by narratives ignoring basic human rights realities. While celebrating heritage is vital, turning a blind eye to systemic violence betrays common-sense conservatism that champions individual liberty and law and order.

It’s worth asking: How long will governments tolerate this deadly neglect? How long will international observers glamorize cultural displays without demanding real protections for those endangered within them?

The America First principle demands protecting vulnerable populations by securing borders and promoting law enforcement cooperation—not romanticizing cultural pageantry that masks lawlessness.

As we observe Mexico’s struggles from afar, it’s clear that freedom requires more than colorful costumes; it requires courage to confront harsh truths head-on.