LGBTQ rights in Ecuador#Gender identity and expression

Conquest by the Spanish from the mid-16 century onwards introduced Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism, and religious mores condemning homosexuality as "sinful" and "immoral" to the region now known as Ecuador. As such, society has typically viewed homosexuality pejoratively. However, this is, or at least was, not the case for many of the indigenous peoples, including the Shuar. While the Europeans and the West have typically regarded anal intercourse as a sign of effeminacy, the Shuar perceived it as a sign of trickery. The "passive" partner ({{lang|jiv|chiminiamnijikratin}}) and the "active" partner ({{lang|jiv|chiminiamnijitiai}}) were not regarded as feminine. A Shuar myth, known as the story of the fox and the jaguar, involves the fox deceiving the jaguar into having anal sex, but after having discovered the trickery the jaguar chases the fox and bites him.{{cite journal|last=Cova|first=Victor|date=2018|title=Nicole, reina de Macas: el impacto del trabajo asalariado sobre el activismo trans en la Amazonia ecuatoriana|url=https://www.academia.edu/37824672|journal=Academia.edu}}

The Inca Empire's perception of homosexuality is unclear and is the subject of ongoing debate. Most modern-day documentation about the Incas stems from the Spanish Inquisition. These reports suggest that male homosexuality was punished in the south and centre of the Inca Empire, possibly by death, but was tolerated in the north. According to certain sources, homosexuality and cross-dressing were tolerated "acts of worship", commonly practised in religious rituals and temples. {{lang|qu|Quariwarmi}} were cross-dressing shamans, tasked with performing rituals in honour of Chuqui Hinchay, a jaguar dual-gender god.Horswell, Michael J. (2006). Transculturating Tropes of Sexuality, Tinkuy, and Third Gender in the Andes, introduction to "Decolonizing the Sodomite: Queer Tropes of Sexuality in Colonial Andean Culture". {{ISBN|0-292-71267-7}}. [http://www.utexas.edu/utpress/excerpts/exhordec.html Article online]. Effeminate men were called {{lang|qu|hualmishcu}} or {{lang|qu|warminchu}} by the Incas. Lesbian relationships seem to have been highly regarded by Inca society. Lesbians (known as {{lang|qu|holjoshta}}) enjoyed many privileges and could even participate in combats and were given the possibility of maintaining promiscuous relations between themselves.{{Cite web |url=https://sinetiquetas.org/2015/02/23/la-homosexualidad-en-las-culturas-antiguas/ |title=La homosexualidad en las culturas antiguas |language=Spanish |date=February 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317002210/https://sinetiquetas.org/2015/02/23/la-homosexualidad-en-las-culturas-antiguas/ |archive-date=March 17, 2015}}

{{Main|Decriminalization of homosexuality in Ecuador}}

Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Ecuador since 1997 when the Constitutional Tribunal, in Case No. 111-97-TC, overturned the first paragraph of Article 516 of the Penal Code, which criminalized sexual activities between persons of the same sex.{{Cite web |url=http://hrbrief.org/2011/11/shutting-down-clinics-that-%E2%80%9Ccure-homosexuality%E2%80%9D-in-ecuador |title=Shutting Down Clinics that 'Cure Homosexuality' in Ecuador |last=Fetterhoff |first=Christina |date=November 28, 2011 |website=The Human Rights Brief |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102014920/http://hrbrief.org/2011/11/shutting-down-clinics-that-%e2%80%9ccure-homosexuality%e2%80%9d-in-ecuador/ |archive-date=January 2, 2013}} In 2014, a new Organic Integral Penal Code (2014) entered into force, which did not include the criminalising provisions previously struck down by the Constitutional Court.{{Cite web |title=Criminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual acts |url=https://database.ilga.org/criminalisation-consensual-same-sex-sexual-acts |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=database.ilga.org}}

The age of consent in Ecuador is 14, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.{{Cite web |url=http://www.miliarium.com/Paginas/Leyes/Internacional/Ecuador/General/cp.pdf |title=Codigo Penal Ecuador |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040517134105/http://www.miliarium.com/Paginas/Leyes/Internacional/Ecuador/General/cp.pdf |archive-date=17 May 2004}}

{{main|Same-sex marriage in Ecuador}}

Article 67 of the Ecuadorian Constitution adopted in 2008 limited marriage to the union of a man and a woman.{{Cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/28/AR2008092802644.html|title=Voters in Ecuador Approve Constitution|first=Joshua Partlow and Stephan|last=Küffner|date=29 September 2008|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Ecuador/english08.html|title=Ecuador: 2008 Constitution in English|website=pdba.georgetown.edu}} However, article 68 provides that same-sex couples in stable and monogamous unions shall enjoy the same rights and obligations as married couples, except for adoption.

The stable and monogamous union between two persons without any other marriage ties who have a common-law home, for the lapse of time and under the conditions and circumstances provided for by law, shall enjoy the same rights and obligations of those families bound by formal marriage ties.

On 9 January 2018, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) issued an advisory opinion that parties to the American Convention on Human Rights should grant same-sex couples "accession to all existing domestic legal systems of family registration, including marriage, along with all rights that derive from marriage".{{cite web|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/38550305/inter-american-court-endorses-same-sex-marriage/|title=Inter-American Court endorses same-sex marriage|work=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Yahoo7|date=9 January 2018|accessdate=9 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109235924/https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/38550305/inter-american-court-endorses-same-sex-marriage/|archive-date=9 January 2018|url-status=dead}}

Following the IACHR advisory opinion, which held that same-sex marriage is a human right, two same-sex couples went to the Civil Registry in Cuenca, applying for marriage licenses. After both were rejected for not being a different-sex couple, they filed suit in court arguing that the refusal to recognise their marriage was discriminatory, unconstitutional and a violation of the American Convention on Human Rights. Relying on the IACHR advisory opinion, two family judges ruled in the couples' favour on 29 June 2018. The judges ordered the Civil Registry to immediately begin registering same-sex marriages. However, the Civil Registry appealed the decision to the Constitutional Court.{{cite web |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/in-historic-move-court-rules-ecuadors-same-sex-marriage-ban-is-illegal/ |title=In historic move, court rules Ecuador's same-sex marriage ban is illegal |website=Gay Star News |date=4 July 2018 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401154100/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/in-historic-move-court-rules-ecuadors-same-sex-marriage-ban-is-illegal/ |url-status=dead }} On 12 June 2019, the court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, making it legal throughout the country.

Article 68 of the Ecuador Constitution states: "La adopción corresponderá sólo a parejas de distinto sexo".{{Cite web|url=https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Ecuador/ecuador08.html|title=Ecuador: Constitution, 2008|website=pdba.georgetown.edu}} An unofficial English language translation of this provision states: "Adoption shall only be permitted for different-sex couples." The Constitution is silent about adoptions by single individuals.

Under Ecuadorian statutory law, however, a single person is allowed to adopt a child, although a legally constituted heterosexual couple has priority over the single person.{{cite web |url=http://www.law.yale.edu/rcw/rcw/jurisdictions/ams/ecuador/Ecuador_Code.htm |title=Código de la Niñez y Adolescencia |quote=priorizará la adopción por parte de parejas heterosexuales constituidas legalmente, sobre la adopción por parte de personas solas |language=Spanish |date=January 3, 2003 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110110015/http://www.law.yale.edu/rcw/rcw/jurisdictions/ams/ecuador/Ecuador_Code.htm |archive-date=January 10, 2015}}

In May 2018, the Constitutional Court of Ecuador ordered the Civil Registry to register a seven-year-old girl as the daughter of a lesbian couple. The case, filed in September 2012, sought to have the daughter registered with the surnames of both her mothers. The Court ruled that failing to register the daughter is a violation of children's rights.{{cite web |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/05/31/gay-family-recognised-by-state-in-ecuador-in-historic-decision/ |title=Gay family recognised by state in Ecuador in historic decision |last=Smith |first=Lydia |website=PinkNews |date=31 May 2018 |access-date=April 9, 2021}} The vote was 5 to 3, with one abstention.{{cite web |url=https://globalvoices.org/2018/06/21/in-ecuador-a-young-girl-wins-the-right-to-have-the-surnames-of-both-her-mothers/ |title=In Ecuador, a Young Girl Wins the Right to Have the Surnames of Both Her Mothers |last1=Villagomez |first1=Cristina |last2=Vidal |first2=Laura |date=June 21, 2018 |website=Global Voices |access-date=April 9, 2021}}

In 1998, Ecuador became the first country in the Americas (and only the third worldwide after South Africa and Fiji) to include sexual orientation as a protected category in its Constitution. An unofficial English language translation of Article 11(2) states:

All persons are equal and shall enjoy the same rights, duties and opportunities. No one shall be discriminated against for reasons of ethnic belonging, place of birth, age, sex, gender identity, cultural identity, civil status, language, religion, ideology, political affiliation, legal record, socio-economic condition, migratory status, sexual orientation, health status, HIV carrier, disability, physical difference or any other distinguishing feature, whether personal or collective, temporary or permanent, which might be aimed at or result in the diminishment or annulment of recognition, enjoyment or exercise of rights. All forms of discrimination are punishable by law. The State shall adopt affirmative action measures that promote real equality for the benefit of the rights-bearers who are in a situation of inequality.

In 2015, a labor law reform made it illegal for employers to discriminate against people due to their sexual orientation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.asambleanacional.gob.ec/es/system/files/ro_ley_organica_para_la_justicia_laboral_y_reconocimiento_del_trabajo_en_el_hogar_ro_3er_supl_20-04-2015.pdf|title=LEY ORGÁNICA PARA LA JUSTICIA LABORAL Y RECONOCIMIENTO DEL TRABAJO EN EL HOGAR}}

In June 2018, the Justice Ministry approved a new policy concerning the rights of LGBT people. The policy aims to guarantee and strengthen their rights in relation to health, education, work, security, social protection and justice.{{cite web |url=https://www.justicia.gob.ec/gobierno-nacional-presenta-la-politica-publica-para-la-garantia-de-derechos-de-las-personas-lgbti-2/ |title=Gobierno Nacional presenta la política pública para la garantía de derechos de las personas LGBTI |language=Spanish |website=Ministerio de Justicia, Derechos Humanos y Cultos |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507003640/https://www.justicia.gob.ec/gobierno-nacional-presenta-la-politica-publica-para-la-garantia-de-derechos-de-las-personas-lgbti-2/ |archive-date=7 May 2019}}

The Gender Identity Law ({{langx|es|Ley Orgánica de Gestión de la Identidad y Datos Civiles}}), approved in 2016, allows Ecuadorians to state their gender identity instead of the sex assigned at birth. The law distributes new legal ID cards to those wishing to change their gender and birth name.{{cite web|url=http://www.ecuadortimes.net/2016/01/29/change-of-gender-in-identity-card-will-require-two-witnesses/|title=Change of 'gender' in identity card will require two witnesses – EcuadorTimes.net – Breaking News, Ecuador News, World, Sports, Entertainment|accessdate=26 June 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160609001954/http://www.ecuadortimes.net/2016/01/29/change-of-gender-in-identity-card-will-require-two-witnesses/|archive-date=9 June 2016|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.asambleanacional.gob.ec/es/system/files/ro_ley_organica_de_gestion_de_la_identidad_y_datos_civiles_ro_684_2do_supl_04-02-2015.pdf|title=LEY ORGÁNICA DE GESTIÓN DE LA IDENTIDAD Y DATOS CIVILES.}}

In November 2011, an Ecuadorean activist group, called Fundación Causana, began a petition on Change.org to entreat the Ecuadorean Minister of Health to close down more than 200 "ex-gay clinics". The group claimed that the clinics abuse and torture patients in an effort to "cure homosexuality".

The clinics primarily targeted lesbians and operated under the guise of being drug rehabilitation centers.{{cite web | title=Lesbian Torture Clinics in Ecuador- Claiming to "Cure" Them | work=Hispanically Speaking News | publisher=Hispanically Speaking News | url=http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/notitas-de-noticias/details/lesbian-torture-clinics-in-ecuador-claiming-to-cure-them/11469/ | date=5 November 2011 | accessdate=17 January 2013 | url-status=usurped | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212001139/http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/notitas-de-noticias/details/lesbian-torture-clinics-in-ecuador-claiming-to-cure-them/11469/ | archivedate=12 December 2011}}{{cite web | title=Why 200 Lesbian Torture Clinics Are Still Operating in Ecuador| work=The Huffington Post | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/emilia-gutierrez/ecuador-lesbian-torture-clinics_b_1087533.html | date =11 November 2011 | accessdate=17 January 2013}} At least one pair of parents discovered the abuse and asked for the clinic to release their daughter, Paola Ziritti, but were denied. Ziritti was eventually released after two years of confinement and was the first to press a formal complaint against the clinics.

Activists consequently called on the Government to close down the clinics, but by August 2011, only 27 had been closed, while a reported 207 clinics remained open.{{cite web | title=Lesbians Escape From Ecuador's "Ex-Gay" Torture Centers | work=The Advocate | publisher=The Advocate | url=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/10/07/Lesbians_Escape_From_Ecuadors_ExGay_Torture_Centers | date=7 October 2011 | accessdate=17 January 2013}} On 23 January 2012, the Change.org petition was closed and marked as a success with 113,761 international signatures. The petition also was updated with a statement from Fundacion Causana reading,

After ten years of outcry, the nation of Ecuador – through the Ministry of Public Health – has entered into a commitment with civic organizations and society in general to deconstruct the belief that homosexuality is an illness and root out the use of torture in these clinics. We extend our thanks to all the men and women who signed our petition. It has been invaluable to have this support in starting to change this reality.

Minister of Health Carina Vance Mafla ordered shortly thereafter three clinics to be raided in the vicinity of Quito and rescued dozens of women.{{Cite news | publisher=MSNBC | date=25 January 2012 | url=http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/25/10237126-rights-groups-hail-ecuadors-crackdown-on-lesbian-torture-clinics | title=Rights groups hail Ecuador's crackdown on lesbian 'torture clinics' | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610071713/http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/25/10237126-rights-groups-hail-ecuadors-crackdown-on-lesbian-torture-clinics | archivedate=10 June 2012}}

Consequently, Article 151 of the Penal Code was changed in 2014 to prohibit conversion therapy, equating it to torture. People who undertake the pseudoscientific practice are punished with seven to ten years imprisonment.{{Cite web |url=https://www.justicia.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/c%C3%B3digo_org%C3%A1nico_integral_penal_-_coip_ed._sdn-mjdhc.pdf |title=Código Orgánico Integral Penal |access-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219062146/http://www.justicia.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/c%C3%B3digo_org%C3%A1nico_integral_penal_-_coip_ed._sdn-mjdhc.pdf |archive-date=19 February 2018 |url-status=dead }}

File:Marcha del orgullo LGBTI en Ecuador (2013).jpg in Guayaquil (2013)]]{{main|LGBT literature in Ecuador}}

A fairly large gay scene has developed in Quito and Guayaquil.{{cite web | title=Gay Ecuador | work=Gay Guide | publisher=Gay Times | url=http://www.gaytimes.co.uk/Hotspots/GayGuide-action-Country-countryid-344.html | accessdate=26 December 2012 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019122740/http://www.gaytimes.co.uk/Hotspots/GayGuide-action-Country-countryid-344.html | archivedate=19 October 2012}} The first gay pride in Ecuador took place in Quito in 1998, following the Constitutional Court ruling that overturned the law which prohibited sexual acts between people of the same sex.{{cite web |website=El Universo |url=http://www.eluniverso.com/2013/04/21/1/1447/derechos-ellos-reclaman.html |title=El GLBTI, colectivo que gana espacios |date=April 21, 2013 |language=Spanish |access-date=April 9, 2021}} Nevertheless, Ecuador has a conservative and macho culture, and homosexuality tends to be viewed negatively by society.

Since the last decade, many gay pride marches have been organized in all major cities, with the authorization of authorities and police protection, in addition to their participation. In Guayaquil's gay pride march of 2011, for instance, among those present were Guayas Province's Vice Prefect Luzmila Nicolaide, Guayaquil City Council member Gino Molinari, and member of the National Assembly Gina Godoy, while the police band played traditional songs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2011/07/02/1/1447/comunidad-glbti-ecuador-celebro-dia-orgullo-gay.html|title=Comunidad Glbti del Ecuador celebró Día del Orgullo Gay|date=2 July 2011|website=El Universo}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gayecuador.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=571:desfile-del-orgullo-2011&catid=1:latest&Itemid=116 |title=Desfile del orgullo 2011 en Guayaquil |language=Spanish |access-date=April 9, 2021 |website=Gay Ecuador |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223043303/http://www.gayecuador.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=571:desfile-del-orgullo-2011&catid=1:latest&Itemid=116 |archive-date=December 23, 2011}}

There have also been LGBT film festivals organized in the major cities.{{Cite web|url=http://www.inthecloset.cl/index.php|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120803071024/http://www.inthecloset.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2861%3Aes-ecuador-sede-de-festival-de-cine-lgbt-en-latinoamerica&catid=71%3Acine&Itemid=514|url-status=dead|title=Es Ecuador sede de festival de cine LGBT en Latinoamérica - Es Ecuador sede de festival de cine LGBT en Latinoamérica Miércoles, 12 de Octubre de 2011 15:12 Rolo. Toro Hits: 443 Para conmemorar la|archive-date = 3 August 2012}}

The U.S. Department of State's 2011 Human Rights Report found that,

The constitution includes the principle of nondiscrimination and establishes choice of sexual orientation as a right. Although the law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gay, lesbian, and transgender persons continued to suffer discrimination from both public and private bodies. LGBT organizations reported that transgender persons suffered more discrimination because they were more visible. LGBT groups claimed that police and prosecutors did not thoroughly investigate deaths of LGBT individuals, including when there was suspicion that the killing was because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBT organizations and credible media sources reported that LGBT persons were interned against their will in private treatment centers to "cure" or "dehomosexualize" them, although such treatment is illegal. The clinics reportedly used cruel treatments, including rape, in an attempt to change LGBT persons' sexual orientation. In August[,] the government reported that it closed 30 such centers, but LGBT organizations reported that other illegal clinics continued to operate. Members of the LGBT community continued to report that their right of equal access to formal education was frequently violated. The LGBT population involved in the commercial sex trade reported abusive situations, extortion, and mistreatment by security forces.{{Cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/186722.pdf|title=2011 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Ecuador, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State, p. 25}}

In 2012, President Rafael Correa appointed Carina Vance Mafla, a lesbian activist, as the country's Health Minister.{{Cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/news/daily-news/2012/01/24/ecuador-lesbian-activist-appointed-presidential-cabinet|title=Ecuador Lesbian Activist Appointed to Presidential Cabinet|date=24 January 2012|website=www.advocate.com}}

In 2017, approximately 20,000 people marched in the Guayaquil Gay Pride parade. For the first time, the municipality of Guayaquil agreed to light up the Bolivar and San Martin Monument with the colors of the rainbow in support of LGBT rights.{{Cite web |url=https://www.euromundoglobal.com/noticia/412936/america-/matrimonio-igualitario-y-registro-de-ninos:-pedidos-ciudadanos-en-la-marcha-del-orgullo-lgtbi.html |title=Matrimonio igualitario y registro de niños: pedidos ciudadanos en la marcha del Orgullo LGTBI |date=July 5, 2017 |language=Spanish |website=EMG |access-date=April 9, 2021}} In June 2017, the Presidential House was illuminated in rainbow colors.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Presidencia_Ec/status/880269994172575744|title=El Palacio de #Carondelet se ilumina al recordar el Día Internacional del Orgullo LGBTIpic.twitter.com/HMwYzNLNoA|first=Presidencia|last=ECU|date=28 June 2017}} In 2018, more than 18,000 people participated in the Quito Pride march.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/18000-people-hit-the-streets-to-celebrate-pride-in-ecuador/|title=18,000 people hit the streets to celebrate Pride in Ecuador|first=Shannon|last=Power|date=4 July 2018|website=Gay Star News|access-date=6 July 2018|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715214229/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/18000-people-hit-the-streets-to-celebrate-pride-in-ecuador/|url-status=dead}}

File:Reunión Histórica entre Representantes activistas LGBTI TILGB GLBTI Silueta X Diane Rodriguez con el Presidente de Ecuador Rafael Correa 11.jpg

After the 2013 Ecuadorian general election, Nelson Zavala, an evangelical preacher and the presidential candidate who finished last out of the eight candidates, was sentenced by an election court to pay more than $3,000 in fines for his homophobic remarks. The court also prohibited him for a year from standing as a candidate or from affiliating himself or being involved with a political party or movement. During the campaign, he called gay people "sinners" and "immoral" and said they suffered from "severe deviation of conduct." LGBT activists applauded the ruling as "landmark".{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-21750105|title=Ecuador sentence for homophobia|work=BBC News|date=12 March 2013}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nelson-zavala-preacher-homophobic_n_2863169|title=Preacher Sentenced For Homophobic Comments|first=Zuania|last=Ramos|date=12 March 2013|website=HuffPost}} Zavala appealed the verdict, but the ruling was ratified in the last instance on 19 March 2013.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2013/03/19/1/1355/tce-ratifica-sentencia-contra-excandidato-presidencial-nelson-zavala.html|title=TCE ratifica sentencia contra excandidato presidencial Nelson Zavala - MAR. 19, 2013 - 16:46 - Política - Noticias de Ecuador y del mundo | El Universo|website=www.eluniverso.com|date=19 March 2013 }}

In the 2013 elections, LGBTI activist Diane Marie Rodríguez Zambrano of the Silueta X Association (Asociación Silueta X) became the first openly transgender candidate to run for public office.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djtACUNrqjs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/djtACUNrqjs |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Diane Rodriguez: primera transexual en postularse a asambleista en Ecuador |language=Spanish |website=YouTube |date=November 15, 2012 |publisher=Canal Ecuavisa |access-date=April 9, 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=http://www.elcomercio.ec/politica/Ruptura-impulsa-candidata-transexual-Guayas-Guayaquil_0_810519101.html |title=Ruptura impulsa una candidata transexual en Guayas |language=Spanish |website=El Comercio |date=November 14, 2012 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424080846/http://www.elcomercio.ec/politica/Ruptura-impulsa-candidata-transexual-Guayas-Guayaquil_0_810519101.html |archive-date=April 24, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.extra.ec/ediciones/2012/12/17/especial/supero-el-discrimen-y-ahora-lucha-por-la-inclusion-social/ |title=¡Superó el discrimen y ahora lucha por la inclusión social! |website=Extra |language=Spanish |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424075637/http://www.extra.ec/ediciones/2012/12/17/especial/supero-el-discrimen-y-ahora-lucha-por-la-inclusion-social/ |archive-date=24 April 2014}} At the conclusion of her candidacy, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa Delgado declared his respect and admiration for Rodriquez on Twitter.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/MashiRafael/status/314194899677351936 |website=Twitter |author=Rafael Correa |language=Spanish |date=March 19, 2013 |title=DianeRodriguezZ Estimada Diane: sólo quería decirle que la admiro y respeto profundamente, aunque no comparta todos sus postulados |access-date=April 9, 2021}}{{cite web |url=http://es.socialpromises.com/quote/176416 |language=Spanish |date=March 19, 2013 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |website=Twitter |title=DianeRodriguezZ Estimada Diane: sólo quería decirle que la admiro y respeto profundamente, aunque no comparta todos sus postulados |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221622/http://es.socialpromises.com/quote/176416 |archive-date=12 May 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.elcomercio.com/pais/debate_gay-homosexualidad-igualdad-derechos_gay-homosexual_0_890310975.html |title=Un Espacio para el Debate de los Gais |date=March 27, 2013 |language=Spanish |website=El Comercio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512224407/http://www.elcomercio.com/pais/debate_gay-homosexualidad-igualdad-derechos_gay-homosexual_0_890310975.html |archive-date=May 12, 2014}} Months later, Rodriguez was invited to change the Presidential Guard.[http://mx.groups.yahoo.com/group/redestudiosgeneropm/attachments/folder/1220209393/item/1355352660/view Gender Studies Network – In Spanish] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626103557/http://mx.groups.yahoo.com/group/redestudiosgeneropm/attachments/folder/1220209393/item/1355352660/view |date=26 June 2020 }} President Rafael Correa invites presidential change of guard transsexual activist Diane Rodriguez. Retrieved 11 August 2013. In December 2013, she led the first LGBTI group meeting with President Rafael Correa.{{cite web |url=http://www.andes.info.ec/en/news/historic-meeting-between-president-ecuador-and-glbti-community-allow-moving-forward-claiming |title=Historic meeting between the President of Ecuador and the GLBTI community to allow moving forward in claiming rights |date=December 16, 2013 |website=Andes |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512220117/http://www.andes.info.ec/en/news/historic-meeting-between-president-ecuador-and-glbti-community-allow-moving-forward-claiming |archive-date=May 12, 2014}} The meeting concluded with several agreements.{{cite web |url=http://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2013/12/18/nota/1931151/15-asesinatos-glbti-investigara-gobierno |title=15 asesinatos de GLBTI investigara el Gobierno |date=December 18, 2013 |website=El Universo |language=Spanish |access-date=April 9, 2021}} In 2017, she was elected to the National Assembly, becoming the country's first transgender lawmaker.{{cite web |url=https://hiplatina.com/transgender-latinas-empowering-lgbtqia-community/ |title=11 Transgender Latinas Empowering the LGBTQIA Community |last=Isaad |first=Virginia |date=April 2, 2019 |website=Hiplatina |access-date=April 9, 2021}}

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{{Portal|Ecuador|LGBTQ}}

• Case No. 111-97-TC
• LGBT rights in the Americas
• Same-sex marriage in Ecuador
• Decriminalization of homosexuality in Ecuador
• Bar Abanicos police raid
• LGBT literature in Ecuador
• Timeline of LGBT history in Ecuador

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{{South America topic|LGBT rights in}}