On the day that celebrated the 40th anniversary of Stonewall, the city of Campinas, in the interior of São Paulo, held its 28th Gay Parade this Sunday (06/9).
The spirit of transgression, which caused American bargoers to react against the police in 1969, took over the organizers of the Campinas Parade. And this time because of the chemical toilets, which were unable to serve the public present. According to Maria Moreno, one of the organizers, the City Hall had promised 50 bathrooms, but only 12 were made available. In the trio, before the opening, Moreno asked participants not to abuse alcohol, complaining that the City Hall had also not released tents. first aid, also warning that, if there was any type of emergency, they would be attended to "on the ground".
Moreno was emphatic in saying that City Hall "betrayed" the organization by not fulfilling what had been agreed. "They came on Friday night to say that the Parade had suffered some cuts", she denounced, stating that the municipal government "wants to end the Parade". "But the government has a day and time to end it, the Gay Pride doesn't," she highlighted.
At 14pm, people were already buzzing on Avenida Glicério, when Marília Moreno returned to the microphone to once again protest against City Hall. "Guys, we just discovered that the trio that City Hall gave us doesn't play CDs," she said irritably, asking for patience from those present, who were waiting for the National Anthem to be played, which would begin the demonstration.
Before the official opening, local activists spoke. The first to speak was the young pastor Artur Pires, who denounced a pamphlet that said that God did not accept homosexuals. "Jesus is for everyone, anyone who thinks otherwise should study", said the religious man. "If we are children of the devil, then we are grandchildren of God, because the devil is the son of God", joked Moreno.
Who also spoke was the coordinator of the state Cads, Dimitri Sales, for whom the day was a celebration. "It's great to celebrate, but we can't forget our rights", he said, asking the public to vote on the petition for the approval of PLC 122. Lúcia, from the group Aos Brados, said that the Parade would not cease to exist and warned that , if they banned it, the community would invade the avenue.
Sueli Fátima, from CUT (Central Única dos Trabalhadores), said she was happy with the fact that the center had designed the 1st LGBT Center. "Unions have to be present at the Parades," she said. One of the last to speak was Paulo Mariante, from the NGO Identidade. "Kiss a lot and do other things with a condom", asked the activist, before making a demand: "Have fun and also be aware of your rights". Then the National Anthem was played. The song "It's raining men" officially started the Campinas Gay Parade.
The demonstration was attended by six electric trios. Of all, the most excited was the car from Apeoesp (Union of Official Education Teachers of the State of São Paulo). The hottest go-go boys were in the nightclubs' electric trio. Furthermore, the Parade remained calm and fun.
Now, just one caveat: the 12 bathrooms were not enough to serve the 120 people who attended the event, forcing them to relieve themselves on public roads. Another moment that marked the demonstration was an act against homophobia organized by punk groups. A wall with intolerant words was "broken down" by several people.
