The candidate for São Paulo councilor for PT William De Lucca (13000) wants to transform Largo do Arouche and its surroundings into a territory destined for the LGBT+ public and all people who defend freedom of expression, sexual orientation and gender identities. “It will be a neighborhood where everyone can meet, exchange ideas and participate in events that have to do with respect for diversity”, says De Lucca, who is a journalist and LGBT activist.
The inspiration comes from the Castro, the most famous LGBT+ neighborhood in the world, located in the city of San Francisco, California. The candidate's proposal has as a priority creating spaces in which people dialogue, inform each other and, thus, create an environment of respect and confronting all types of prejudice. And, just as important: that this feeling is taken to other places.
“Objectively, we need to present civil guard training projects to bring security to the location with respect for diversity and human rights. Added to this is the installation of LGBT citizenship centers; incentives for local entrepreneurs and traders; support a periodic fair for LGBT entrepreneurs; cultural and social events on site, bringing fun, information and entertainment to attendees”, explains De Lucca, remembering that the name of the project will be discussed collectively among attendees. “We have already heard suggestions such as 'Arouche Arco-Íris', 'Largo da Diversidade' or 'Largo das Cores', but no one better than the people who are always there to make this decision”, he added.
Another factor is that the area may have the permanent spirit of the São Paulo Diversity Parade, one of the most emblematic in the world, also in terms of the economy. After all, if last year the event generated R$403 million – 40% more than in 2018 – Arouche will be able to benefit from this result.
“The idea is for the Public Power to make the proposal viable within its competence, as an incentive for activities, publicity and 'demarcation' of this future territory as of tourist and economic interest”, he concludes.
