58 Sizzling Photos of Pride in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic's LGBTQ community took pride in fighting for visibility, respect, and human rights at the annual Car Caravan that took place in some of Santo Domingo's marginalized communities and ended at the touristy malecon where kids, adults, and elders gathered to celebrate diversity. The Solidarity Concert featured musicians as well as contemporary and legendary Dominican drag stars.

People in motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) and looking through open windows of buses shouted with joy and respect. Rainbow flags waved throughout the Pride Parade honoring equality -- something that has been historically denied politically and socially.

However, there was a sense of dignity in the air due to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights' January 9 ruling that all its member states, including the Dominican Republic, must recognize same-sex marriage along with the same rights that heterosexual couples enjoy. Gender identity rights were also noted, which opens a big door of opportunity for the transgender people of the Dominican Republic. -- Mery Dorrejo

Longtime Advocate contributor Carlos Rodriguez captured the heart and soul of this feisty Pride celebration. For more of his photography, please check out his website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

About the author
Carlos Rodriguez is a Dominican visual artist with experience in art, commercial and documentary photography and film. His lenses have captured a plethora of fashion weeks, bateyes from the Dominican Republic, editorial and portrait photography sessions; theater, film shoots, advertising campaigns, spiritual celebrations, and social demonstrations. His photographic work has been published in media such as The Advocate, Vogue, Remezcla, AfroPunk, Metro, among others. His photographic and audiovisual projects have been exhibited at various festivals in the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and as educational material in universities such as Harvard, Yale, Brown and New York University.