The first subway station in Buenos Aires to bear the name of a historical figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights was inaugurated. The Carlos Jáuregui station, named after the founder of the Argentine Homosexual Community (CHA), is located at a corner emblematic of the LGBTQ+ movement: Santa Fe and Pueyrredón. Photos: Ariel Gutraich. It wasn't rush hour, but the subway station at the corner of Pueyrredón and Santa Fe was packed to celebrate its new name: Carlos Jáuregui. From today onward, this corner, emblematic of the LGBTQ+ struggles, bears the name of the first founder of the Argentine Homosexual Community (CHA). "We are here to bear witness, not only to the importance of the name of Carlos Jáuregui, but also to the importance of building a society with diversity, equality, and inclusion," said César Cigliutti, president of the organization and one of the speakers at the ceremony where the Line H station was formally inaugurated, shortly after noon. Cigliutti recalled that Jáuregui, in addition to being the first president of the CHA, "gave visibility to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transvestite, trans, and intersex (LGBTTI) community during one of its most challenging periods." She also noted that he was the first to publicly identify as LGBTI in Argentina in the pursuit of equality, "to frame our demands within the context of human rights."

The "cross-cutting and collective" campaign

The project to make the station the first in the world to bear the name of an LGBTI activist was presented in the Buenos Aires City Legislature by Maximiliano Ferraro (Civic Coalition/ARI), Pablo Ferreyra, and Carlos Tomada (Front for Victory). It was unanimously approved as Law No. 5778. "We were able to work with legislators from various parties in a cross-party and collective manner," Ferraro emphasized. He thanked the organizations that promoted the project, especially CHA, La Fulana, ATTA, and 100% Diversity. He also thanked human rights leaders who joined the "I support the Carlos Jáuregui station" campaign, including Estela de Carlotto, president of the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo; Nora Cortiñas of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo; Adolfo Pérez Esquivel; and Ilse Fukova. “From today onward, this station will serve as a space for the visibility of the LGBTI community. We celebrate diversity and a polyphonic approach. We envisioned it with both political and educational significance,” said Ferraro. He emphasized that Jáuregui “finally occupies the well-deserved place that redefines the public space he occupied through his civic engagement and fight for rights.”. [READ MORE Carlos Jáuregui as told by his friends ] Ferraro acknowledged: “Pride remains a political response. I know that comprehensive laws and policies are lacking, especially for the trans population. I am redoubling my commitment as a legislator to address this.”

Spaces to conquer

In turn, Cigliutti emphasized the need to "pass laws establishing quotas for transgender people in employment and to stop the repression against the LGBTI community in the City of Buenos Aires and throughout the country." She also expressed the urgency of enacting an anti-discrimination law "that will allow us to change the foundations of discrimination by including diversity in public education." The event, hosted by activist Vida Morant, was also attended by the Mayor of Buenos Aires, Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, Deputy Mayor Diego Santilli, and the team from the City's Undersecretariat of Human Rights and Cultural Pluralism, which worked on this initiative. The Mayor stated that "we need to continue working to ensure everyone has rights," and for a more inclusive and equitable labor policy. He announced that the City will open a Trans Center in a month and mentioned that he has received several proposals he is currently reviewing, including the possibility of creating a Diversity Walkway. In addition to city government officials, those present included María Rachid, director of the Buenos Aires City Institute Against Discrimination, representatives from the organizations Cien por Ciento Diversidad, CHA, ILGA, La Fulana, the LGBTI Ombudsman's Office, and the Argentine Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Trans (FALGBT). The station was also filled with activists and people who came spontaneously. "I'm very moved; I think it's an important gesture. When people pass by here, at least they'll wonder who Carlos was and what he did," he told Presents Diego Vauxhall, who came to the opening ceremony with friends.

Freedom for Higui

Lisa Kerner, from Casa Brandon, arrived at the inauguration with a sign that read: "Freedom for Higui." "This recognition has symbolic and educational value. I think it's important that the State, in addition to building a beautiful subway station, guarantees citizens' rights. That's why we're also here to say 'Stop the murders of trans women,' freedom and justice for Higui, who is imprisoned for defending herself against ten men who tried to rape her, while they remain free. Honoring Carlos Jáuregui is also a way of demanding justice from the State for her and so many others." The station features stairs and over 400 meters decorated with the colors of the LGBTQ+ flag, signage bearing the name Jáuregui, and a mural by Venezuelan artist Daniel Arzola. He explained the symbolism of his work, inspired by The Wizard of Oz. "The brides represent marriage equality, the angel represents those murdered for being who they were. The trans woman with the flag symbolizes the trans struggle in Argentina; it's the struggle that's coming, and here it's very advanced," the artist said. Two years ago, he recalled, when he had just arrived in Argentina and felt disoriented, he saw Jáuregui's face on a poster and it caught his attention. The mural also includes a quote from Jáuregui that still resonates: "In a society that educates us to be ashamed, pride is a political response." At the close of the event, Karen Bennet sang a song written by Gustavo Pecoraro - recognized among those present as another crucial promoter of the station being named after Jáuregui - included in the documentary "The Unforgettable Faggot" by Lucas Santa Ana. [TO READ MORE: Carlos Jáuregui, the unforgettable faggot ] Those present also included their anthem: "Respect, respect for the gays and lesbians who walk the streets of Argentina."

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