Thousands of participants gathered on the Copacabana boardwalk in Rio de Janeiro on March 3, 2024, for the city’s annual Pride parade. The event took place just a day after the preemptive jailing of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, known for his homophobic comments, sparking celebrations among many attendees.
Revelers expressed their joy with chants such as “He’s in prison!” and “Out with Bolsonaro!” as they donned colorful clothing that represented the LGBTQ+ community. Among the crowd was Emy Mateus Santos, a 25-year-old arts professor, who wore a T-shirt featuring the Brazilian flag’s colors, a symbol often appropriated by Bolsonaro’s supporters. “It shows that fighting hate is worth it and that the future is possible for people like us,” she stated, emphasizing her reclaiming of the national colors.
Bolsonaro, who once labeled himself a “proud homophobe,” is currently serving a sentence of 27 years in prison for attempting to overturn the results of the 2022 elections. He had been under house arrest until Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered his preemptive jailing, citing him as a flight risk. On the day of his imprisonment, Bolsonaro admitted to tampering with his ankle monitor, later attributing his actions to a nervous breakdown and hallucinations.
Messages of Resilience and Resistance at the Parade
Participants at the Pride march carried large rainbow flags and displayed messages advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Some bore stickers reading “No amnesty!” in response to a proposed bill by Bolsonaro’s allies aimed at reducing sentences for those convicted of coup attempts. The event’s theme, “30 years making history: from the first struggles for the right to exist to building sustainable futures,” highlighted the progress made since the inaugural Pride march in Brazil three decades ago.
Cláudio Nascimento, a long-time organizer of the parade, reflected on the past, recalling how participants used to hide their identities for fear of losing their jobs or being rejected by their families. “Now we use masks to bring joy and to celebrate our existence,” he said, noting the significant shift in societal attitudes.
While advancements have been made for the LGBTQ+ community in Brazil, challenges remain. According to the activist group Gay Group from Bahia, at least 291 LGBTQ+ Brazilians were victims of violent deaths in 2024, an increase of 34 from the previous year. In light of this ongoing violence, Flávio Salgueiro, a 34-year-old lawyer at the march, stated, “As long as these statistics are still a reality, Pride marches will still be necessary.”
Impact of Bolsonaro’s Rhetoric on LGBTQ+ Rights
Activists assert that Bolsonaro’s rhetoric has exacerbated violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Dani Balbi, the first trans woman elected to Rio’s state assembly, remarked on the significance of Bolsonaro’s imprisonment, saying, “Seeing Bolsonaro imprisoned and then immediately having LGBT trucks out on the street is a celebration in the hope that politicians like him never return.”
As the parade unfolded, it served not only as a celebration of identity and resilience but also as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance within Brazilian society. The presence of festive energy amidst serious political developments highlighted the community’s determination to combat hatred and advocate for their rights.
Rio’s vibrant Pride parade continues to be a vital platform for expression, resistance, and celebration, affirming the rights and existence of the LGBTQ+ community in Brazil.
