Last week, the news of the meeting promoted by businessman André Almada with the candidate for mayor of São Paulo Celso Russomano gained prominence on social media.
The meeting held at The Society club on September 14th, with other businesspeople from the gay scene, caused anger among many. The whole fuss is due to Celso Russomano's party, the PRB, being the political arm of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.
As a protest, a non-partisan demonstration was organized in front of The Society on Saturday night (22). Around 50 activists gathered at the club's door with rainbow flags. The protesters delivered a letter to those who frequented The Society, questioning the meeting between Almada and Russomano.
Protest in front of The Society
Last week, in an interview with Folha de S.Paulo's gay blog, the businessman said that the initiative for the meeting did not come from him. "Deputy Campos Machado's party (PTB) requested a meeting with the candidate. So I invited some people from the LGBT community to have a chat at The Society club. The initiative was not ours. It was the party's request. We accepted, because We think that this debate would be a way of truly exercising democracy, and also an opportunity to hear from the candidate himself his position regarding proposals aimed at homosexuals. Any other candidate who comes to us, we will do the same", said Almada.
The businessman also stated that he does not support the candidate Celso Russomano. "So far I do not support any of the candidates for Mayor of São Paulo. We do not have a political agenda, but I emphasize that we are open to all candidates", Almada told Folha.
Sought on this Monday (24) by The Cape, the businessman's advisor said that they no longer intend to discuss the matter. Below you can see the official statement sent by the club.
"Regarding issues relating to the chat with candidate Celso Russomanno at The Society club, we have come to the public to clarify the main points, observed in social media forums.
Once again, we reiterate that the initiative came from the PTB, from deputy Campos Machado, a party of which businessman André Almada has been a member since October 3, 2009, when he received an invitation to preside over the Diversity Department, without, however, having held the position nor having been active politician. Above all, your social function as an entertainment entrepreneur is to provide all necessary support, regardless of candidate or party, for public policies that meet the interests of society as a whole.
We opened space for the candidate to introduce himself to the LGBT class. Furthermore, his visit to a gay club, with the presence of personalities and businesspeople from the industry, including Almada himself, shows the candidate's commitment to the public, if elected.
Many people have questioned why we do not publicize the proposals presented. At no point was this the objective of the event, which served to bring people closer to the gay public. The invitation itself, made by André Almada, made it clear that it was an informal chat, without a political nature or need for wide publicity in the media.
As for the suggestion that we promote a debate with the presence of all candidates, we consider the idea to be very valid. We believe that this role belongs to the militancy, not to a business group, like ours. However, we make ourselves available as supporters, providing space for the related event to take place.
Thank you for your understanding
The Week Group"
