LGBTQ Brazilians take to the streets after use of 'Gay Cure' is authorised
- Text by Biju Belinky
- Photography by Theo McIness
This Friday afternoon hundreds of members of the LGBTQ community and their allies will be taking the streets of Brazil’s biggest cities to protest a judge’s decision to make legal the usage of the “Gay Cure”.
The usage of “sexual reversion therapy”, which seeks to “turn” LGBTQ individuals straight, has been forbidden in the country since 1999. This new ruling, authorised on 15 of September by judge Waldemar Cláudio de Carvalho, was issued after three “therapists” who vehemently believe in the use of the “cure” and consider homosexuality to be a disease put in a request for the ban to be lifted.
This step backwards accompanies a strong wave of homophobia and hyper-conservative views that are sweeping through Brazil right now. The decision came right after the forced closure of an exhibition about queer identities in art, and was strongly supported by members of the government who hold deeply evangelical views.
Today, the Federal Council of Psychology has requested a reconsideration of the judge’s decision. They are supported by the Brazilian Order of Lawyers, and affirm that the practice of gay cure therapy “represents a violation of human rights and has no scientific basis”.
As well as that, multiple independent LGBTQ rights organisations have organised events, planned for this afternoon. The description of one of the events, based in São Paulo, reads: “We of the LGBTQ movement will occupy the streets with pride to revoke this bizarre decision looking to set back 27 years of achievements by LGBTQ activists.”
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
An intimate window into New York’s ’70s lesbian scene
We Others — An exhibition at The Photographer’s Gallery combines Donna Gottschalk’s unearthed photographs of LGBTQ+ activists and friends, along with Hélène Gianneccini’s written histories.
Written by: Miss Rosen
The Pope has declared holy war on AI
The New Butlerian Jihad — In his first encyclical letter, Pope Leo XIV addressed the increasing pervasiveness of artificial intelligence as a threat to the already fragile structures of society. Newsletter columnist Emma Garland makes sense of it all.
Written by: Emma Garland
On the frontlines of Britain’s ’80s protest movements
Protest and Equality — Against a backdrop of Thatcherism, hospital closures and global conflict, photographer Sarah Saunders was a documentarian of the long decade’s effects on society, as well as the communities actively resisting it.
Written by: Miss Rosen
6 years on from George Floyd, how much more accessible is the outdoors for People of Colour?
Second Nature — A new report by The Mix Global highlights continued barriers that marginalised folks face when exploring nature, despite attempts at greater representation. Phil Young takes stock of how far we’ve come.
Written by: Phil Young
A stark, confronting window into the global cocaine trade
Sangre Blanca — Mads Nissen’s new book is a close-up look at various stages of the drug’s journey, from production to consumption, and the violence that follows wherever it goes.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Venice Biennale will not award artists from Israel & Russia due to war crime accusations
Art Not Genocide — Both countries will still be allowed to exhibit work at their respective pavilions, but be excluded from judging considerations, as they have leaders facing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
Written by: Noah Petersons
