In the month of LGBTQI+ Pride celebrations, it is important to remember an important milestone in the struggle faced by the people who make up this group, established by the Supreme Federal Court in the judgment of the Direct Action of Unconstitutionality by Omission and the Injunction Order that dealt with the matter.
The Supreme Federal Court (STF) ruled that the legislature failed to enact a law criminalizing homophobia and transphobia, classifying it as part of the Racism Law. According to the Supreme Court, “hateful aversion to someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity” constitutes an expression of racism and should be punished as such.
Despite the decision criminalizing such acts, Brazil still faces a growing number of violence against the LGBTQI+ community. According to a Bulletin published by the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals, in 2020 it was possible to map 175 murders against transvestites and trans women, while the United States recorded 44 cases in the same period. In the first four months of 2021, the number of murders in Brazil reached 56.
Despite the recent strengthening of this community, there is still a long way to go to eradicate prejudice and sow respect. And one way to make progress is by providing information to raise awareness.
