Like so many other indignant bigots, they want to change the subject from common-place violence against LGBT folks (which is at record levels in Brazil) to the terrible inconvenience of actually discussing diversity and tolerance in a civil society. They are so unhappy about having their “freedom” to impose their ignorance and blatant discrimination (often coded into law) over LGBT folks limited that they are taking to the streets.
And the São Paulo government has just co-signed their tirade, issuing a permit for the “parade”.
The good news is that the LGBT pride parade in São Paulo is the largest in the world, attracting something like 3 million participants every year. I’m pretty confident that, in spite of the news coverage, this effort by small-minded straight folks will not get much traction (even though the so-called Evangelicals are the fastest growing organized religious dogma in the country).
On the flip side - don’t forget that the Niterói Gay Pride March is August 21st and the Rio Dyke March is Sunday, August 28th.
History tells us that justice and freedom will win in the end. I just hope I get to see it. It is tiring to be always pushing back against the bigoted majority…
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15 comments:
Hey there! I was curious about the state of LGBT matters in Brazil, was ready to click on the 'Gay' tag below this post to see what else you had written on the subject, but... no 'Gay' tag! :'-(
It's a shame, that "Straight Pride" thing...
oh good grief, seriously?! I'm sorry on behalf of all the normal not bigoty straight people here.
If it cheers you, it's the first I've heard of it. But then, I don't watch local news.
Like you, I hope for justice and equality. In our lifetimes.
I'm in the majority and disgusted by this move. I read it this AM in the NY Times and thought 'there really are bigger fish to fry.' It Get's Better Project is working in the USA, but here in Brazil we need it, too. Especially with those jacktards pulling a stunt to do a straight parade. I want tot tell him "Hey, papa! I got news for you! Every day is straight day! We have all the rights and freedoms, while LGBTQI are fighting a long slow battle." One day this will all be a memory. I've got Evangelicals in my family here, and they are always pointing out who is satanically driven. The more they do that, the more I think THEY are the culprit. OK. Long but I guess it needed to be said.
Cassie - click the "queer" tag.
Reader & Jennifer - thanks. Sorry to say I am used to the abuse... and I do believe we will get there in my lifetime. Hell or high water!
Thank you for SPEAKING OUT when friends and family say ignorant things. We need your voice!
EXACTLY, Jim. We are in this together. WHen one person is suffering, it affects all of us. I was weeping at photos from the NY weddings- I mean little old ladies using their walkers to finally get married and have all the rights heteros have. My husband doesn't always get it, but when I talked about how when we were in the states and I go ton his health insurance the second we got married, it made sense to him why I was weeping. That basic benefit, a right really, denied. And for what? Who you love.
I'm sad to hear you are 'used to the abuse.':-(
Thank you Jennifer -- and imagine those same little old ladies having to pay tens of thousands of dollars in taxes when their wife dies and their house is in the balance. When you are a straigh married couple the estate transfers without tax -- when you are a gay/lesbian couple -- you must pay inheritance tax.
It makes a difference!
Equality for all -- please, already.
I know, Jim, I know. The hetero privilege makes most people not even notice these legal benefits. We have domestic partnership in CA, so many are protected, but some still are not, especially in smaller areas. A friend was not allowed into the 7th Day Adventist hospital room of her 'wife' of 25+ years about 5 years ago...man that ticked me off.
Trying to be braver about speaking out, Jim. In real life -- I don't stay quiet ;-) On my blog, on this issue....I'm too chicken and worried about offending the, umm, more conservative right who follow me.
But know that in real life, it's an issue I definitely take a stand on. Everything Jennifer's said is so true. Equality, for all. I want it changed in time for my kids, ya know? Just in case.
Reader - surprise your followers with an inspired and enthused commentary. Provide leadership. Offer a reasoned alternative.
Your more conservative readers are regularly voting to limit the rights of a whole class of people. That's real - not just casual restrictions.
Speak up - ask about their thoughts on equal rights.
They are teaching their children some pretty narrow ideas.
Dare to speak up! Your voice is important.
It's not easy -- but that is real life!
Read all of it, and added your blog to my feeds! Thanks! :)
Wow how disgraceful. People really need to stop being afraid of differences.
I was incredibly upset about this and saw this morning they mayor passed it. I see it basically as a march against the LGBT community, its sick and disgusting that it was supported. I am so sorry!
One powerful action you can take is to SPEAK UP to your family and friends when they talk sh*t about LGBT folks.
I will never forget when I was just coming out and chose not to tell my grand parents -- and a gay friend asked me -- do they vote?
I had to speak up.
Jim, you challenge me. In a good way. You are right, of course; we all need to work together to make this a world where the next, or even the current up & coming, generation won't have to be afraid to tell their grandparents, aunts, uncles, loved ones, etc.
You're right that it takes all of our voices. I'll work on finding mine......
That is pretty pathetic - and it sounds like a boring parade too!
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