Thousands of people took over the historic streets of Panama City on Saturday for the annual Pride March. The event carried the theme “We Are All Panama“, pushing a message of national unity and respect for diversity. Activists used the gathering to highlight ongoing legal battles for LGBT rights in Panama. The march snaked through the cobblestone paths of Casco Antiguo Panama, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Colorful flags and banners turned the colonial district into a sea of rainbow colors. Participants chanted for equality while tourists and locals watched from balconies and sidewalks. Franklin Robinson, a long-time LGBT activist, spoke directly to the crowd about the country’s current reality. He did not hold back his frustration.
‘Panama is a country that is calm, yes, but we deserve to have the same rights that other people have to live in a free and equal country’ [Translated from Spanish]
Robinson pointed out that while Panama feels safe for many, the legal system still treats LGBT citizens differently. He argued that true safety comes from equal protection under the law. Ivan Chanis, president of the Iguales Foundation, took a harder look at the legislative landscape. He listed specific areas where Panama has fallen short. Chanis mentioned marriage recognition, anti-discrimination protections, and the right for transgender people to change their names.
‘Panama is in debt in matters of human rights, specifically in issues of recognition of the dignity of LGBTIQ+ people and their families, regarding marriage, non-discrimination, and the right of trans people to change their name… but we have an organized civil society’ [Translated from Spanish]
Chanis emphasized that despite political inaction, community groups remain strong and active. He sees this as a source of hope for future change. The fight for Panama marriage equality continues to be a central goal for these organizations. The march comes at a critical time for Panama’s human rights record. International bodies have repeatedly urged the government to update its laws. The country remains one of the few in Central America without full marriage equality for same-sex couples. Activists say the next steps involve pushing for legislative action. They plan to meet with lawmakers in the coming weeks. The goal is to introduce new bills that would grant equal rights to all citizens regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Pride March in Casco Antiguo served as both a celebration and a reminder. Panama’s LGBT community is visible, vocal, and unwilling to wait any longer for the equality they deserve.
