Share

Share

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

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Elena Corvalán, from Salta

The Arpías cultural space, home to the first lesbian-feminist library in the province of Salta, was attacked on the night of February 5th by people who drew obscene drawings and wrote an insult. This is the second time in six months that this venue, located at 196 Mariano Boedo Street in the city of Salta, has been targeted with hateful graffiti containing sexist symbols, Gabriela Veleizán, a representative of the Arpías collective, told Presentes.

The first attack occurred in September of last year. It prompted the filing of a report at the Comprehensive Women's Center in Salta, a facility where the provincial government centralizes assistance for women victims of violence. The report also detailed the persistent threatening messages the organization received through digital media, including rape threats, Veleizán stated.

This second attack was reported to the Fifth Police Station. Veleizán said they hope the attackers can be found because there are security cameras on that street.

READ MORE: Salta: Young trans woman dies after three months in a coma following hate attack

The spokesperson reported that, while they have no idea who the aggressors might be, the first attack coincided with a period when members of the collective were more visible "regarding the issue of abortion legalization." This latest attack, in turn, coincides with a complaint filed against anti-rights provincial deputy Andrés Suriani and support for feminist activist Anita Quinteros, who was sued by the legislator over a meme.

“The attack is directed at us, because everyone knows it’s a space for sexual dissidence ,” Veleizán stated. Arpías is a collective formed seven years ago. The cultural space has been operating for two years, hosting readings, workshops, and talks.

The continuation of these attacks generated concern among the members of Arpías: "We are more attentive and also taking care of ourselves for the colleagues who go to the space."

READ MORE: Salta: “Mirna was killed by hate speech”

“ This is a situation that almost all LGBTIQ organizations in the country are experiencing, but this will not silence us, we will not stop taking to the streets, we are not afraid of them, it only makes us more organized ,” she added.

Salta: Hate graffiti on the front of a lesbian-feminist center

For the activist, this is not an isolated incident. "These are events that are being seen throughout the country, especially due to the resurgence of hate speech from anti-rights groups ."

In a statement, the collective declared: “This viciousness isn't just about the graffiti on the door of the venue; it's a much deeper message that takes this form today, but its objective is to silence the voices of those of us who fight for the liberation of lesbians, trans women, sex workers, women, and gay men .” They also pointed to “the lackeys, executioners, and patriarchal judges” as “the same anti-rights groups that cover up all kinds of violence against women and gender non-conforming people.” And they held them responsible “for any attack that our comrades may suffer, and we tell them that they will not intimidate us, they will not silence us; the struggle continues, stronger than ever.”