Share

Share this

Share on Facebook Share on Facebook Tweet Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on WhatsApp

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

On an afternoon that began with torrential rain in Buenos Aires, thousands of people from organizations for sexual diversity, political parties, and self-organized groups walked, danced, and sang from Plaza de Mayo to Congress. Marking a quarter-century since the first Argentine LGBTI Pride March, Presentes asked: Why are you marching? What is your pride? What are the outstanding battles?  

"We march because it's a custom, because it's the day we feel that society in our area comes together for the same reason: to share with those who feel the same way. We march because we all have the same rights, like the right to play who we want to be. Pride is being able to be who we want to be, to be here together, in the streets. We ask that laws that guarantee equality begin to be enforced, not only for people from the LGBTI community, but for everyone" (Fiorella and Laura).

“I'm a teacher. This is my 21st march. I believe society has evolved because I can now defend my rights. Before, I wore a mask because I was afraid, and neither my family nor my friends knew about my gender identity, how I came across as myself. I'm coming to the march in solidarity with all those who are discriminated against, not just those in the LGBTI community, and to demand everything that is ours.” (Juan Pablo)

"We march for equal rights for all, because there are still people who don't open their minds. Pride is about identity, about not having to hide, about being part of this diverse community. We're concerned about violence and discrimination; we're protesting the lack of safety on the streets for LGBTI people. We'd like society to stop being so homophobic and become more egalitarian." (Priscila and Macarena)

"We march for equal rights and to preserve the rights we've earned. We're proud of who we are, of feeling free, of being able to be wherever we want without being hindered. But we also come because we must continue fighting for the rights we lack, such as the transgender employment quota and the care and respect of trans children."

"I was born in Peru, where discrimination is profound. I arrived in Argentina 10 years ago, fleeing a very sexist society. I march to support the rights of all and, above all, respect. And I celebrate that today is the first day of my life that I'm happy wearing a skirt." (Berlin)

"We are from the Union of Education Workers, and we are marching to highlight diversity in public schools and because we are proud to belong to the public school that shapes children's minds. We are also marching to denounce the fact that under Macri's administration, things are very, very complicated."

"We marched because we must be respected. Because it's our right. And because there are still many battles to be fought, such as recognition for employment, especially for trans people. There's a lot of transphobia in society. We come from Colombia, where all of this is frowned upon. In Argentina, we feel we can walk more calmly on the streets, holding hands. For us, it was like an escape."

"We're marching for equal rights and gender equality. For free love. We're making our debut at the march. Some of us are more open this year... We came out not long ago. Now that I'm 18, I wanted to come and join the bear community."