Thousands of participants gathered in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, for the annual Pride parade, which took place on Sunday. The event was marked by a celebration of the preemptive jailing of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, known for his frequent homophobic remarks. His imprisonment, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, was met with cheers from the LGBTQ+ community, many of whom view Bolsonaro as a significant threat to their rights.
Demonstrators expressed their joy from trucks adorned with rainbow flags, chanting slogans like, “He’s in prison!” and “Out with Bolsonaro!” Revelers, many clad in the colors of the rainbow, celebrated their identities while reflecting on the tumultuous history of LGBTQ+ rights in Brazil. “It’s very gratifying,” said Emy Mateus Santos, a 25-year-old arts professor. She wore a T-shirt featuring the Brazilian flag, a symbol often associated with Bolsonaro. “It shows that fighting hate is worth it and that the future is possible for people like us,” she added.
Bolsonaro, who once infamously stated he would prefer a dead son to a gay son, was sentenced to 27 years in prison in September 2023 for attempting a coup to retain power after losing the 2022 presidential election. Though he had been under house arrest, Justice de Moraes deemed him a flight risk, leading to his recent incarceration. Bolsonaro admitted to damaging his ankle monitor but attributed his actions to a nervous breakdown and hallucinations.
The Pride march in Rio, which has historical significance as the first of its kind in Brazil, was themed “30 years making history: from the first struggles for the right to exist to building sustainable futures.” Organizers highlighted the progress made since the inaugural event, with Cláudio Nascimento, a long-time organizer, recalling the early days when participants created masks to conceal their identities. “Now we use masks to bring joy and to celebrate our existence,” he said.
While the LGBTQ+ community in Brazil has seen improvements over the past three decades, violence remains a critical issue. According to the activist group Gay Group from Bahia, there were at least 291 violent deaths among LGBTQ+ Brazilians in 2024, an increase of 34 from the previous year. “As long as these statistics are still a reality, Pride marches will still be necessary,” remarked Flávio Salgueiro, a lawyer from São Paulo who participated in the celebration.
Activists assert that Bolsonaro’s inflammatory language has exacerbated violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. “As a politician, Bolsonaro greatly reduced public policies aimed at protecting, supporting, and promoting diversity,” said Dani Balbi, the first trans woman elected to Rio’s state assembly. She expressed hope that Bolsonaro’s imprisonment would deter future politicians from adopting similar rhetoric. “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,” she stated.
The Rio Pride parade serves as a poignant reminder of both the progress made and the challenges that persist for the LGBTQ+ community in Brazil. As participants carried a massive rainbow flag and displayed messages advocating for equality, the event underscored the resilience and unity of a community that continues to fight for its rights in the face of adversity.
