I. Introduction: Living in Fear and Silence
For LGBT Nicaraguans, daily life is marked by fear, discrimination, and marginalisation. Although Nicaragua decriminalised same-sex relations in 2008, legal reforms have not translated into genuine protection or acceptance. Instead, LGBT individuals continue to face harassment, violence, and exclusion from both state institutions and society. Under the Ortega-Murillo regime, where authoritarianism thrives and dissent of all forms is punished, LGBT communities find themselves doubly vulnerable—persecuted both for who they are and for daring to speak out.

II. Social Stigma and Cultural Conservatism
Nicaragua remains a deeply conservative society, heavily influenced by religious and cultural norms that stigmatise sexual and gender diversity. LGBT people are often rejected by their families, excluded from schools, and discriminated against in the workplace. This pervasive stigma isolates individuals, forcing many to conceal their identities in order to survive. The lack of public education on gender and sexuality perpetuates cycles of prejudice and misunderstanding.

III. Violence Against LGBT Communities
LGBT Nicaraguans face frequent threats and physical violence. Transgender women, in particular, are targeted by both civilians and police, suffering brutal attacks that often go unpunished. Reports document cases of beatings, sexual violence, and murders motivated by homophobia or transphobia. Impunity for these crimes reinforces the perception that LGBT lives are disposable, leaving victims with no recourse to justice.

IV. Discrimination in Employment and Services
Employment discrimination remains rampant, with LGBT individuals often denied jobs or dismissed due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Access to healthcare is equally problematic, as medical professionals sometimes refuse treatment or subject patients to humiliation. These systemic barriers entrench poverty and vulnerability within LGBT communities, making survival even more precarious.

V. Police Harassment and State Neglect
Police harassment is a daily reality for many LGBT Nicaraguans. Rather than offering protection, law enforcement officers often act as perpetrators of abuse—extorting money, detaining individuals arbitrarily, or subjecting them to verbal and physical violence. Meanwhile, the state has failed to enact comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, leaving LGBT citizens without legal protection or recourse.

VI. Lack of Political Representation
LGBT voices are largely absent from Nicaragua’s political sphere. Activists who attempt to organise face intimidation, surveillance, and restrictions on freedom of assembly. Pride marches and public demonstrations are often banned, limiting visibility and reinforcing the invisibility of LGBT struggles. This absence from political discourse perpetuates marginalisation and silences demands for equality.

VII. Impact of Authoritarianism on LGBT Rights
Authoritarianism exacerbates the vulnerability of LGBT communities. The Ortega regime has shown little interest in addressing LGBT rights, instead prioritising control and silencing dissent. Civil society organisations that once provided support to LGBT people have been dismantled or forced underground, depriving communities of safe spaces and advocacy networks.

VIII. Intersectional Discrimination
LGBT individuals who also belong to other marginalised groups—such as women, indigenous communities, or the poor—experience layered forms of discrimination. For transgender women living in poverty, the risks are especially severe, as they face exclusion from both the formal job market and state protection, pushing many into precarious survival strategies.

IX. Migration as a Means of Survival
Facing violence and exclusion, many LGBT Nicaraguans choose to migrate. Costa Rica, the United States, and Spain have become primary destinations for asylum seekers fleeing persecution. In exile, LGBT individuals often find greater freedom and safety, though they also encounter challenges such as xenophobia and precarious legal status. Despite these difficulties, migration offers a chance to live authentically and without constant fear.

X. Diaspora Activism
Exiled LGBT Nicaraguans continue to fight for visibility and rights from abroad. Diaspora groups document abuses, raise awareness, and advocate for international recognition of
LGBT persecution in Nicaragua. Their activism helps to maintain pressure on the regime while providing solidarity networks for those still inside the country.

XI. International Recognition and Advocacy
International organisations, including Human Rights Watch and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, have highlighted the persecution of LGBT communities in Nicaragua. These reports underscore the urgent need for anti-discrimination laws and protection measures. However, without domestic political will, progress remains unlikely, leaving international advocacy as a critical lifeline.

XII. Conclusion: Exile in Search of Dignity
For LGBT Nicaraguans, life under authoritarianism is marked by violence, exclusion, and fear. Without state protection and facing hostility from society, many are left with no choice but to flee in search of safety and dignity abroad. Their struggle reflects the broader crisis of human rights in Nicaragua, where authoritarian control denies even the most basic recognition of human diversity and equality.