In 2010, more than 260 lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transvestites and transsexuals were murdered in Brazil, in attacks classified by the authorities as hate crimes. A society that sells an image of "welcoming" and "diverse" to the rest of the world has its hands covered in blood. We, Brazilians, carry the title of leading country in murders and violence against LGBT people.
More homosexuals are killed here than in Islamic countries where homosexuality is still condemned by law with the death penalty. The similarity between Brazil and nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is that here the death penalty for LGBT people also occurs through faith and religion, which, in theory, have no power to interfere in our constitution, however, in practice, they have systematically governed the much desecrated Law of Men, which should be impartial and egalitarian.
It is undeniable that the achievement of citizenship has advanced for the LGBT population; a merit that not only belongs to the militancy and the organized movement, but also to our society as a whole, which has shown itself to be committed against prejudice and all forms of discrimination.
However, as every action generates a reaction, we observe the resurgence of conservative sectors. Here we see in Brazil the emergence of a mobilization capable of uniting fundamentalists and right-wing extremists, religious and Nazi-fascists, who with a single voice cry out against the human rights of millions of citizens.
Before, our tormentors acted in the dead of night, raping us in alleys in secret, as if, by attacking us individually, they could exterminate us along the edges. Today, they take to the streets, sign petitions, demonstrate on Avenida Paulista and march on the Esplanada dos Ministérios to block the guarantee of our dignity.
It is a Brazilian version of the North American movement "God Hates Fags". The difference is that, here, those who believe that "God hates queers" are many, have strong representation in Congress, receive attention from the press and, unfortunately, gain followers.
In the history of humanity, the name of God has not only been used several times in vain, but has also served to support the violence and death of several minorities. The slavery of black Africans, the condemnation of Jews and the persecution of women during the "witch hunt" period are examples of this. As a cultural heritage, we still have established patriarchy and white sovereignty as the informal rules of our contemporary Western civilization. The Inquisition is still alive when it comes to homophobia, but not just about it.
In modern times, the inquisitors only replaced the torch and bonfire with a fluorescent lamp, but the condemnation still takes place in a public square, consented to and watched by many.
Fifteen years ago, the first LGBT Pride Parade in São Paulo brought together 2 people to say that "there are many of us, we are in all professions". Nowadays, the more than 3 million who accompany us, multiplied by the more than 200 Parades that take place throughout the national territory, reaffirm this and go further.
We are in every profession, family, home, school, sport, and church. Yes, even without you knowing, there has always been and always will be an LGBT person by your side, whom you would never want to know had been a victim of bullying, humiliation, moral aggression, physical or sexual violence or homicide. Wouldn’t including and indiscriminately support all people be the basic principle of religion?
If "he who loves knows God", what would be the religious determination for those who profess hatred and anger? Isn't it reprehensible to raise false testimonies about the understanding of human complexity, as well as about any and all actions that aim to provide recognition of the existence of a common population? If for the credulous, God is no respecter of persons and everyone is equal before Him, why do they insist on keeping us on the sidelines?
Respectfully, we appropriate the phrase "Love one another" to call for an end to the war waged between religion and human rights, financed by Brazilians who give voice to the fundamentalists and extremists who occupy seats in Parliament and space in the media. We, the persecuted, despite being hardened to turn the other cheek, use our beliefs to say: "Forgive each other. They don't know what they're doing."
* This document was released by APOGLBT this Monday (6), during a press conference in São Paulo, and the A Capa website reproduces it in full.
