From sex work to refuge: life story of a Salvadoran trans activist woman

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between the Maras, the forced displacement, and the refuge of Salvadoran lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and other sexual and gender identities (LGBTI+) through the illustrative case of Karla Avelar. The Maras’ actions such as extortion, threat, persecution or murder led to forced mobility as a means of escape and untimely flight from the country. The refuge becomes, in many cases, the only chance to survive for Salvadoran LGBTI+ people escaping from the siege of the Maras.

Keywords
El Salvador; LGBTI; Maras; forced displacement; refuge