‘It gives me joy’: the LGBT Colombians embracing visibility in town with a legacy of abuse

In El Carmen de Bolivar, LGBTQ+ people want the history of their brutal persecution by police and paramilitaries to be told, but the sense of safety is fragile and many still face prejudice

• Photography by Sam Ritholtz

In a mountain town near the north coast of Colombia, three drag queens strike poses in the blazing sun. Wearing extravagant Caribbean carnival costumes, they place each high heeled step carefully to avoid puddles. Neighbours come out to take photos and cheer.

This impromptu show has unique significance in the streets of El Carmen de Bolivar, representing the remarkable resurgence of a community once brutally victimised by homophobic armed groups.