Renzo Esposito (NYU Gallatin) | Dialogo Diverso | Quito, Ecuador
Working with Dialogo Diverso has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. This organization has not only allowed me to connect with diverse individuals but has also provided me with the opportunity to contribute to their projects and daily activities. Through this work, I’ve gained a profound insight into Ecuador’s migration crisis and the challenges faced by migrants and local communities.
In June, I participated in many events, activities, and campaigns, using my filmmaking skills, communication strategies, and human rights learning to support the organization’s initiatives. Now, in July, I’m starting a new project: directing a documentary in collaboration with Dialogo Diverso.
Our goal is to create a documentary that sheds light on the historical and current context of LGBTQ+ rights in Ecuador. Additionally, the idea is to share the stories of migrant individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the unique challenges they face in Ecuador. Lastly, we aim to document the practices of “dehomosexualization” and torture inflicted upon individuals from this community. These practices, conducted under the guise of rehabilitation centers or religious spaces, aim to “cure” individuals of their “illness” by extracting the “demon” they believe resides within them.
My experience with Dialogo Diverso has been transformative. It has forced me to confront difficult realities while reaffirming my commitment to amplifying voices and advocating for justice. As I continue this journey, I am determined to contribute to positive change and bring attention to the challenges faced by marginalized communities in Ecuador and beyond.