We are not who they say we are

'We are not who they say we are' tells the story of Arcoiris, a group of LGBTQI+ human rights defenders in Honduras. In recent years the organisation has faced mounting attacks and threats following relentless public abuse and stigmatisation. Prejudice from the police and judiciary means that these attacks go largely unpunished, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be an LGBT+ human rights defender. Our interviews reveal both the severity of the risks they face and their determination to further their struggle.

  • Manu Valcarce
    Director
    The Transit Workers of Singapore, The Other Side of Rio, The Search, The Life Beyond
  • Susi Bascon
    Producer
    The Defenders, La Busqueda, Media Freedom in Honduras
  • PBI Honduras
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Human Rights
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 20, 2020
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Honduras
  • Language:
    Spanish
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Manu Valcarce

Manu is a documentary photographer and filmmaker based in London. He has worked on projects ranging from the lives of Muslim transsexuals living in Jakarta, Indonesia, to those affected by austerity in rural Spain.

His work has been screened in the Tate Modern as part of the Uniglo Tate Lates and exhibited in solo and collective shows as well as photography festivals. He has been shortlisted for Travel Photographer of the Year, AOP Open Awards, Portrait Salon UK and National Geographic Travel Photo Contest.

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Director Statement

As a gay man growing up in 1990s Spain - when attitudes were not as open-minded as they are today - I can relate to the pain suffered by the LGBT+ community in countries yet to experience that transformation. Growing up with repression at home, glares and verbal abuse in the streets, and negative representation in the media persist all over the world.

However, the situation in Honduras went beyond anything I could have experienced or even imagined. The LGBT+ community often talks of posttraumatic growth, and I saw in these incredible human rights defenders an example of how to direct your pain to fight passionately for your rights, and to help others going through similar experiences. I learned so much about the resilience and solidarity of my community, which I found deeply inspiring.