In a meeting held on Saturday 27th, the management of São Paulo GLBT Pride Parade Association (APOGLBT), accused the mayor of São Paulo, João Dória (PSDB), of wanting to "take over" the organization of the largest march for the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals, held 20 years ago in São Paulo.
According to representatives of the entity, the city hall made a public call opening the event to private companies that want to sponsor the Parade. However, the Organization states that this initiative caused tension between the event's official sponsors, such as Skol and the Uber. Furthermore, they claim that since the beginning of the year they have been trying to contact the city hall, but so far they have not been successful.
With less than a month to go until the 21st edition of the Parade, the meeting should take place this week, after the dispute caused by the initiative of the municipal body.
Speaking to militants and organizing members of the march, it was said that the city hall is outlining an attempt to take over the organization of the Parade, which since its inception has always been the responsibility of militants and supporters of the LGBT cause. The management does not rule out a legal dispute against the city hall.
PUBLIC TRANSFER
The management stated that, of the expected amount of public resources for the Parade, the city hall donated only R$200. For them, this public call is an attempt by the city hall not to transfer the funds.
OTHER SIDE
Questioned by The Cape, the city council denies that it wants to interfere in the organization of the Parade, and claims that this initiative is in line with João Dória's management proposal to reconcile the public agenda with the private sector. The notice aims to raise part of the amount of R$ 1,5 million transferred from the city hall annually, by companies.
The city hall did not comment on APOGLBT's complaint regarding tension with the Parade's official sponsors.
According to the department responsible for the city's LGBT policies, the mayor is in a meeting with the Parada management to reach an agreement.
