With the thermometers on Avenida Paulista showing 32 degrees, around 1500 people attended the March Against Homophobia this Saturday afternoon (19), organized by the virtual group Ato Anti-Homofobia. The demonstration began at 15pm and ended around 19pm in front of number 777, where young people were attacked with fluorescent lamps in November last year.
The event was attended by the Minister of Human Rights, Maria do Rosário; Senator Marta Suplicy (PT-SP); federal deputies Jean Wyllys (PSOL-RJ) and Ivan Valente (PSOL-SP); and state deputies Simão Pedro (PT-SP) and Carlos Gianazzi (PSOL-SP).
Despite the strong sun, the protesters were not discouraged. Parading alongside a van equipped with a loud sound system, they protested and pulled the participants along Avenida Paulista. Even Minister Maria do Rosário stopped to speak and say that she felt very "happy" to be present, emphasizing that the LGBT community can see President Dilma Rousseff's government as a "permanent partnership".
The participation of a group of skinheads in the event drew attention. Many of them made a point of making it clear that the prejudiced are "the bald ones" and that they, skinheads, have nothing against homosexuals. At one point, Monica, who identified as a "lesbian and skinhead", wanted to emphasize that her group does not discriminate against gays.
Around 18pm, the sound car parked in front of number 777 Avenida Paulista and, at that moment, some people were able to speak. During the demonstration, a war cry was considered the most creative by Marta Suplicy and Jean Wyllys: "If even the dog is secular, why isn't the State?".
Check out some images from the March Against Homophobia below.
