For most in the migrant caravans, escaping from parts of Central America to seek asylum isn’t just about finding opportunities, for a large group of LGBTs, it is an act to secure rights that are not afforded for them in their respective countries. This weekend, two gay couples, three lesbian couples, two trans woman/cis man couples, and one straight couple all married at the US-Mexico border in Tijuana. This group is part of nearly 100 LGBTQ people that were the first to arrive at the border seeking asylum.

“This is an act of justice,” said officiant Hugo Cordoba. “The dream of marrying is an illusion for most of them. We are helping them make this a reality. They are fleeing persecution, violence, a number of really heavy things.”