Renzo Esposito

Renzo Esposito (NYU Gallatin) | Dialogo Diverso | Quito, Ecuador

As I look back on my time in Ecuador, I realize that the outcomes of my work exceeded anything I could have anticipated. Living alone in a foreign country, far from my partner, home, pets, and the comforts of everyday life, was a profound experience that allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined.

Working with Dialogo Diverso was nothing short of amazing. I had the chance to use my filmmaking skills to support an organization dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of LGBTQ+ migrants, like myself, in Latin America. The warmth and acceptance I received were overwhelming. People welcomed me with open arms and even expressed their desire for me to stay longer and continue working alongside them.

What started as a small side project—a documentary—quickly transformed into something much bigger. I conducted over 30 interviews with activists, migrants, ambassadors, NGOs, and even Ecuador’s Chief of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This documentary, which I had initially planned to be a modest project, has now become a significant endeavor. It captures the memory of LGBTQ+ rights and history in Ecuador while amplifying new voices to highlight the challenges faced by the country and the region. The project’s scope has grown so much that I’ll likely spend the next year editing and preparing it to screen worldwide at film festivals, the US, and Latam.

This experience was not just about professional growth but about giving back to my region. Combining my passion for filmmaking with human rights work allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the causes I care about. I arrived in Ecuador to expand horizons, both my own and those of others, by bringing visibility to the challenges and achievements in the region.

I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity. This fellowship has been a transformative experience, one that has allowed me to grow personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the community I hold dear. Thank you to everyone who made this journey possible.

Renzo Esposito (Left), Jose Ivan Davalos, chief of mission IOM Ecuador (Center), and Alexander Guano, lawyer expert in diversity, gender and human rights, former under secretary of Diversity in Ecuador. (Right) after filming Davalos’ interview at the UN Migration office in Ecuador.

 

Filming interview in Guayaquil, Ecuador

 

With Porter Illi, U.S. Foreign Service Officer in Ecuador, after filming his interview

 

At Dialogo Diverso’s office.

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.

Renzo Esposito (NYU Gallatin) | Dialogo Diverso | Quito, Ecuador

I arrived in Quito, Ecuador on June 1st, just as the city prepared for Pride Month. It’s an exciting time here, and I couldn’t have picked a better moment to start my internship with Dialogo Diverso. This organization plays a crucial role in the local LGBTQ+ community, organizing the Pride march and a series of related events. I felt like I arrived at the heart of the action.

The communications team at Dialogo Diverso, though small, is a powerhouse of dedication and purpose. With just two full-time staff members and some part time volunteers, we achieved remarkable results. I’ve dived right in, assisting with filming, editing, and producing videos for the diverse activities. Moreover, I’ve been crafting graphics and providing on-the-ground support at events. Each day presents a new challenge, and I love the dynamic nature of the work. 

The warmth and friendliness of the people here have been nothing short of amazing. I’ve been embraced with open arms since I set foot in this city. My colleagues have taken me out to try the local cuisine, and I’m already forging friendships that I’m confident will endure beyond my time here. 

Today, we hosted a massive picnic in the context of the pride events that attracted over 1,000 attendees. It was an all-day event filled with laughter, music, and a palpable sense of community. I was responsible for capturing the event on video, documenting everything from candid moments to vibrant performances.

My initial impressions of Quito and my work with Dialogo Diverso are overwhelmingly positive. The energy, the stories, and the community spirit have already made this a transformative experience. I’m eager to dive deeper into the projects and continue contributing to such meaningful work.

Renzo Esposito (NYU Gallatin) | Dialogo Diverso | Quito, Ecuador

In just a few days, I will embark on an exciting journey to Ecuador, a country I have never visited before. As a queer individual, the more I delved into its rich culture, history, and the warmth of its people during my semester studies, the more intrigued I became. This summer, I am fortunate enough to immerse myself fully in this vibrant environment through a project close to my heart.

During my 10-week stay, I’ll be working with Dialogo Diverso, an organization deeply committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, tackling democracy corruption, preventing gender violence, and educating LGBTQ+ migrant and refugee populations, offers a holistic approach to addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the region today. My primary focus will be on utilizing my filmmaking skills to create videos and short documentaries that capture the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ migrants and refugees, as well as to bring awareness of the issues in Latin America.

This summer is not just an opportunity for professional and personal growth but a chance to contribute meaningfully to a community navigating significant challenges. Through collaboration, dialogue, and empowerment, I aim to facilitate positive change and help advance human rights for all individuals involved. As I pack my bags for Quito, I am filled with anticipation and determination, ready to make the most of this incredible opportunity.