The massive march that took to the streets of Santiago, Chile, exceeded the organizers' expectations, who had estimated a turnout of one hundred thousand people. Children led the marches, accompanied by their families. “We cannot move forward with the gender identity law or marriage equality if we do not include children.” By Airam Fernández, from Santiago, Chile. Photos: Josean Rivera. The LGBTI Pride march took to the streets of Santiago in a true celebration of diversity. And it was something that permeated the air far beyond the picturesque and vibrant nature of these gatherings. This time, the presence of families was very strong. Children stood out among a multitude of costumes, glitter, makeup, and performances, under the radiant sun of the “Indian Summer.” People of all ages, entire families, mothers with newborns in their arms, fathers with their teenage children, couples with pets, groups of young people dancing and singing to the rhythm of drums and bass drums, Chileans and foreigners. All together they marched this Saturday, July 1st, from Plaza Italia to Plaza Los Héroes, in a tide that far exceeded the expectations of the Integration Movement and Homosexual Liberation (Movilh), before launching the call: they estimate an attendance of 100,000 people , Carabineros estimates about 30,000.

The pride of being yourself

“The pride of being yourself” was the slogan of the demonstration, which also celebrated the 26 years of the LGBTI movement in Chilefocused on the well-being of children. “We cannot move forward with the gender identity law or marriage equality if we do not include children. Fortunately, there are many children at today's march, and we are very happy about that, because it hadn't happened before, not as noticeably as today,” she told Presents The spokesperson for Movilh Joven, Diego Ríos.

Selenna and children at the head of the march

Selenna Paz was one of those children. At eight years old, she is the youngest person recorded in the history of the trans rights movement in Chile. Along with her sisters, her mother, and other trans children, she led the march, holding a sign for the foundation that now bears her name. It was formerly the Transitar Foundation. “Transgender children need to know the origins of the LGBTI movement that allowed them to exist. For us as mothers, fathers, and family, it is important that children begin to understand this from a very young age. They need to know that there was a social struggle long before they existed, and that this struggle has given them the space they have in society today,” said Selenna's mother, Evelyn Silva, as she walked alongside the children and other parents with whom she shares this experience. [caption id="attachment_4069" align="aligncenter" width="870"] Selenna and her mother, Evelyn Silva. [/caption] [READ MORE: Selenna, the trans girl who became a symbol of pride] Evelyn has marched with Selenna ever since she was four years old, when she began her transition. She explained that before, when Selenna was the only child at these marches, the little girl had no idea why she was being brought. Over time, her understanding has changed: “Now she’s older, she understands why we’re here, and she’s happy; she loves being here. She’s a child who is fully aware that this is for her and for everyone who has gone through the same thing.”

Brothers and sisters: "In this transition, he learns and I learn." 

Children entering adolescence also marched alongside them. Lucas, 11, began his transition just three months ago, guided by professionals from the foundation created by Evelyn Silva. He was accompanied to the march by his 19-year-old sister, Marina. It was she who encouraged him to go out into the streets for the first time to demand equality. [caption id="attachment_4070" align="aligncenter" width="896"] Marina and Lucas, siblings at the March in Santiago. “I feel like the only thing I can do is support her,” Marina said before leaving Plaza Italia. But she quickly corrected herself. She looked at Lucas and they smiled at each other: “Sorry, support him. This is something new for my whole family. I still struggle a bit with the whole gender thing, but he knows I don’t do it out of malice, just out of habit. Being here seemed positive and productive, not only for him, but for me too. Because in this transition, he learns and I learn.”

Families: from father to son

At another point in the gathering was Juan Alberto Castro. He is part of the LGBTQ+ community, has a son, and wanted them to march together. His motivation is to raise him without prejudice and with love as the foundation: “Since he was little, I've been explaining to him what all this is about. First, I asked him if he wanted to come, because I'm never going to force my son to do something he doesn't want to do. And he immediately said yes. Here we are, happy surrounded by so many people.”

In condemnation of Pastor Soto

Near the end of the demonstration, a group burned several masks bearing the face of evangelical pastor Javier Soto. A few weeks ago, Soto caused a stir on a television program by stepping on a rainbow flag and referring to it as a "filthy rag." There were plenty of shouted slogans, signs demanding marriage equality and a gender identity law. Many others condemned hate crimes, homophobia, and transphobia. Some even dressed as priests to criticize the Church. The gay Catholic community marched at the front, right behind the children from the Selenna Foundation.

With politics, parties and flags of the world

It was an emblematic and multicultural march. It was also a parade of politicians, with the presence of presidential candidates Alejandro Guillier, Alberto Mayol, and Beatriz Sánchez. Flags from Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela were abundant. The embassies of the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Sweden, Israel, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Guatemala, Belgium, and Canada had official representation. The diplomats, accompanied by their children and relatives, mingled with the crowd.

"Only through education with awareness can a society advance."

Marie-France Russo, political advisor at the Canadian embassy, ​​expressed her amazement and enthusiasm to Presentes. More than a celebration of gay pride, she said she felt it was part of a cry for equal rights and the transformation of education: “That this starts with parents and passes to children is wonderful. Only in this way, by educating with awareness, can a society advance.” Montoya: "We are not as different as they think" Many well-known artists were among the Movilh's rolling caravan, which led the march along the south side of Alameda Avenue. Among them was David Montoya, one of Chile's most famous YouTubers, with over 560,000 subscribers at just 22 years old. Before boarding the truck that hosted the party until nightfall, when the march ended, Montoya told Presents His reasons for being there: “Those who see me are almost all straight, that’s why I came. I think it’s important that they get informed, get to know and share with people like us, who in the end are not so different from them, as many think.” For him, a crowd of that size was to be expected. What he didn't imagine was seeing so many families, so many parents with their children, embracing the main philosophies of sexual diversity: equality, respect, and free love. ]]>