René A. Tec-López (they/them) is a social anthropologist and researcher specialising in migration, religion, politics, and sexuality in Latin America. They hold a PhD in American Studies from the University of Santiago, Chile, and are currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Social Research of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (IIS-UNAM).
Their work examines the intersections between evangelical and neo-Pentecostal movements, contemporary right-wing politics, anti-gender mobilisations, and the experiences of LGBTIQ+ migrants and refugees. Their current research explores forced displacement, sexile, and the role of faith-based organisations in migration contexts. They have conducted multi-sited ethnographic research in Guatemala, Chile, and Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, Tapachula, and Tijuana.
In addition to their academic work, René has experience in humanitarian and community-based programs supporting LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum seekers. They currently collaborate with ORAM, where they work on housing, livelihoods, and protection initiatives in Mexico. Their publications include academic articles, edited volumes, and chapters, and practical resources on religion, sexual and gender diversity, migration, and human rights.
