La Mesa de la Diversidad and Practices for Equality from the Global South

The work of Diego Rodríguez, GEC member and Councillor of the Departmental Board of Montevideo and founder of the Diversity Roundtable of Municipality D, demonstrates how local governments can become key actors in advancing LGBT+ rights and building more inclusive communities.

Building Equality Through Local Government

Established in September 2021, la Mesa de la Diversidad was the first space of its kind created by a municipal government in Montevideo. Its aim is to provide a space for dialogue, listening and coordination around issues related to sexual diversity in the local community. The experience of Municipality D highlights the role that local governments can play in developing inclusive policies.

Proximity to communities makes it possible to identify needs that may be overlooked in national debates and to develop responses together with civil society organisations, institutions, and local residents. Rather than viewing communities solely as recipients of public policies, the Roundtable involves them as active participants in identifying challenges and building solutions.

In June 2023, Municipality D also joined Montevideo Arcoíris, a network that recognises public institutions implementing initiatives to promote the inclusion of LGBT+ people. In 2025, the Roundtable organised a tour of different locations across Montevideo connected to the history of the LGBT+ community, incorporating the voices of activists and organisations from the local community.

These experiences demonstrate that equality centred policy can take many forms: from a dialogue roundtable to a workshop, a cultural activity, a community health initiative, or a space dedicated to preserving the memory of LGBT+ struggles.

Local Knowledge and Action from the Global South

As the Diversity Roundtable celebrates its fifth anniversary, Diego Rodríguez highlights precisely this local dimension of equality:

“The Roundtable was created as a space for dialogue, listening and coordination, bringing together members of the Municipal Council, local residents who are leaders in social movements, and representatives from health centres, educational, sports and cultural institutions in the community.

A space to listen to different realities, identify issues related to sexual diversity, and build collective responses from within the community.

Because equality is also built through local governments: by listening, connecting people and institutions, and creating spaces where everyone can participate and be recognised.”

Through his work at the local level in Uruguay, Diego promotes initiatives that contribute to advancing equality, promoting human rights and creating more inclusive spaces. Diego Rodríguez brings to our network experience rooted in local government in Uruguay, strengthening the exchange of knowledge among parliamentarians and political leaders working to advance human rights, LGBT+ equality and more inclusive societies.

We thank all our members for the work they do every day to advance equality, defend human rights and strengthen democracy in their communities. If you are a Global Equality Caucus member interested in sharing your work or a project you are leading, please get in touch at vianey@equalitycaucus.org to help showcase these initiatives.