By Lilian Ambar*
I've been dealing with difference for as long as I can remember. I was born into a black, middle-class family, I studied in public school and in my adolescence I came across a great revelation: my best friend had decided to admit his homosexuality.
It was in this environment of differences, but also of great pride, that I charted my path here. I learned to respect and value people for who they are, regardless of their skin color, race, creed, nationality, financial status or sexual orientation.
I never suffered discrimination because I was black, but the fact that I began to live more closely with homosexuals made me become a kind of "defender" of the cause. That's why I suffer when one of my gay friends is a victim of discrimination, especially because I respect them and have enormous affection for them. They are people I wouldn't know how to live without: incredible human beings, great company, excellent professionals and people of unspeakable intelligence.
It is not surprising, therefore, that following the recent decision of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) was for me like watching a World Cup final. I embraced the cause with pride, I cheered and cheered with every vote in favor of recognizing same-sex unions in Brazil.
But let it be clear that it is not just the possibility of "marrying" that the measure brings. It means much more than that, as it guarantees homosexual couples fundamental rights, which were previously denied to them. However, despite the recent achievement, there is still a long way to go, as, unfortunately, we have thousands of "Bolsonaros" spread around. Just look at the number of homosexuals who are attacked in Brazil – a sad and absurd reality that needs to be changed.
To punish those who commit this type of barbarity, it is essential that PLC 122, which criminalizes homophobia in the national territory, is approved. Not that the law will prevent homophobes, but it will at least make them think better before hurling their insults around.
As a black woman, I know the importance of having a law that protects us and punishes those who indiscriminately express their prejudice. The most difficult thing, however, is to put an end to intolerance and the retrograde thinking of a large part of society. Unfortunately, not everyone can see that we are all equal, and that the greatest value of a human being is knowing how to love, respect others and accept differences – something that is more than present in our country.
* Lilian Ambar is 32 years old, is a journalist and is part of those “differentiated people” that have been talked about so much in recent days. She respects differences and fights a daily fight against intolerance and any type of discrimination. She is an incorrigible optimist, who idealizes a world of equality, love and respect for people, because she believes that only then will society be better.
