In the last two weeks, the Jardins region, in São Paulo, was the scene of two homophobic attacks with similar characteristics: both happened around 5 am and the attackers were in a group – according to the witnesses' descriptions, they were skinheads. The most recent took place on the 27th on the corner of Rua Peixoto Gomide, next to the nightclub A Lôca, a hot spot for gays.
The report of The Cape spoke with Franco Reinaudo, from Cads (Coordination of Sexual Diversity Affairs), from São Paulo City Hall), who revealed that the body is in a joint action with the Military Police. Regarding actions to contain the spread of homophobia, Reinaudo said that the recently formed Frente Paulista Contra a Homofobia launched this Sunday (30) the campaign "Sampa Contra a Homofobia".
According to the coordinator, the first intervention will be at the opening of Carnival, which takes place on February 26th. Materials against homophobia will be distributed with safety tips for the public. "Our intention is to carry out a strong campaign bringing together public authorities and civil society", declared the coordinator. Reinaudo also said that the campaign will make inroads in the gay blocks of Fuxico and Redondo.
Regarding the issue of security during the night, Reinaudo said that there has already been reinforcement of the Military Police, but, according to him, these attacks are "ambushes" and that, sometimes, the police are unable to be present. "With some results from the Homophobia Map, we can see that these attacks always happen around 4am/5am and are ambushed in deserted streets. The attackers usually wait and it's always the same: they walk in groups and attack from behind."
