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
Inside Parkuir: the art project queering sport, space and our bodies
Lie and play — Founded by Maria Laudes and Guiu Gimeno, it provides a framework for engaging, subverting, and celebrating the small details that make people unique – and queer.
Written by: Molly Lipson
A major Nan Goldin exhibition is coming to London
You Never Did Anything Wrong — Opening at the Hayward Gallery in November, the show will debut a new film from the artist and activist, alongside a slate of recent work.
Written by: Jack Dennison-Thompson
Tender portraits of women serving life sentences in America
Looking Inside — While working as a public defender attorney in New York State, Sara Bennett found dilapidated prisons and forgotten people. Her new photobook harnesses the power of images and shines a humanising light on those imprisoned for serious crimes and their reintegration into society, while asking questions of the USA’s incarceration system.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Activists replace Union Jacks with ‘Tax The Rich’ flags in Farage’s Clacton
Take Back Power — It comes after the Reform UK leader resigned as an MP and triggered a by-election in the constituency, following scrutiny over a £5 million donation that he had not declared.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Tish Murtha’s searing documentation of broken Britain
Vandalism on a Grand Scale — Capturing youth unemployment and poverty in north-east England during the ’80s, the photographer never lived to see her work published. A new photobook by British Culture Archive brings her eye-opening work to light.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Ra’ed Khan and the tireless work of Road to Freedom
Hurriyah — Having been providing frontline aid and support to refugees for over a decade, a new book featuring poetry by Omar Mooro traces the story of the NGO. In this chapter extract, founder and music executive Ra’ed Khan explains its origins.
Written by: Isaac Muk
