In August 2023, Victoria Rovira Hernández, a prominent advocate for transgender rights, made a significant statement at Costa Rica's fashion week by participating in an unconventional runway presentation. The event showcased a diverse ensemble of models donning long, white dresses adorned with personal declarations, all unified by their support for the bodyright campaign initiated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This campaign seeks to champion the rights of women, girls, and marginalized communities, encompassing LGBTQIA+ individuals like Ms. Rovira Hernández, advocating for bodily autonomy and freedom from online violence.
LGBTQIA+ individuals globally remain exceptionally susceptible to gender-based violence across various spheres of their lives. Reports indicate instances of physical assaults, police hostility, healthcare discrimination, and intimate partner violence among sexual and gender minorities in numerous countries. Moreover, recent research conducted by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) highlights that trans and gender-diverse individuals face the highest risk of technology-mediated abuse.
Ms. Rovira Hernández used her runway appearance to spotlight the rights of sex workers, particularly within trans communities. As a sex worker herself and co-founder of Colectiva Trans-Parencias, an organization aiding these communities, she advocates for their rights amid the ambiguous legal status of sex work in Costa Rica. Addressing the issue, she emphasized the sense of entitlement and increased vulnerability sex workers face, compounded by the absence of industry regulations.
Online violence poses a formidable threat, especially in sex work, where clients intrude into personal devices, leading to severe breaches of privacy. Beyond sex work, trans and gender-diverse individuals contend with disproportionately high rates of technology-facilitated violence, significantly impacting their mental well-being.
Ms. Rovira Hernández, through her activism, confronts attacks on her identity and beliefs, persistently engaging her substantial social media following to amplify her voice and connect with like-minded individuals. Her advocacy focuses on empowering and supporting her community, aiming to combat discrimination and amplify marginalized voices.
In summary, Victoria Rovira Hernández's participation in Costa Rica's fashion week was more than a runway appearance; it served as a powerful statement advocating for bodily autonomy and highlighting the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially within the context of sex work and technology-mediated violence. Her activism emphasizes community empowerment and resilience against online and offline discrimination.