Costa Rica

Costa Rica was witness to a historic recognition of LGBT rights by its national government when, on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2014, for the first time in history, the rainbow flag was raised by the President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solís, outside of the Presidental House. The raising was met with proclamations of May 17, in Costa Rica, as the “National Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Lesbophobia”.

During the activity, in the main garden of the Presidential House, the President, Luis Guillermo Solís, called on the Costa Rican people to respect the rights of LGBT people, and affirmed that his government will work against all types of discrimination: “We will fight very hard against all forms of discrimination, tirelessly seek a more inclusive and respectful society. That is the commitment of our government.”

In the run up to May 17, 2014, the president called on public institutions, to raise the rainbow flag on their buildings. Many welcomed the request, including: the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the Costa Rican Institute of Fishing and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA), the Mixed Institute for Social Aid (IMAS), the Supreme Electoral Tribunal , the National Institute for Women (INAMU), the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), the Ministry of Interior and Police, the Ministry of Justice and Peace, the Ministry of Health and all public universities.
Additionally the Municipal authorities of Goicoechea hosted an event at Centennial Park. The event was held on Saturday, May 17 and brought together LGBTI communities, their friends and allies, and featured various guest speakers and artistic performances.
You can watch a video of the commemorations here: