2023 ELECTIONS LGBT+ Candidates: Esteban Paulón takes another step in activism for diversity
Paulón has a long history as an activist and member of the party. He is currently a candidate for national deputy for his province, Santa Fe.
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At Agencia Presentes, we compiled a survey of LGBT+ candidates running for various positions in the 2023 Argentine elections. Esteban Paulón is one of those we interviewed to learn about his proposals*.
Esteban Paulón will head the Socialist Party's list of candidates for the Chamber of Deputies in the upcoming primary elections (PASO) in Santa Fe. The list will run alongside presidential candidate Juan Schiaretti. Paulón's political activism began in his teens, and his first experience in government came from his role as Undersecretary of Sexual Diversity Policies for the Santa Fe provincial government, where he served from 2015 to 2019.
For Esteban, his candidacy is not only a collective proposal, but also a possibility to "give visibility to the various groups that have been invisible for so long."
We are putting together a special feature on LGBT+ candidates for the 2023 elections in Argentina. If you would like to share other candidates with us, please write to contacto@agenciapresentes.org with the subject line: CANDIDATES ELECTIONS 2023 ARGENTINA. Thank you!
Name: Esteban Paulón
Identity: Cis Gay Male
Candidacy: National Deputy for Santa Fe
Political party: Socialist Party in We Do for Our Country
List: 506
Position on the list: First starter
Why does a person from a diverse sexual/cultural background have to be in Congress or the Legislature?
I believe representation is fundamental. Our presence in decision-making spaces, in person, enriches the debate and gives visibility to the diverse groups that have been invisible for so long. Historically, others have legislated, debated, and decided for us, even though we were always the ones who bore the brunt of it. If progress is to be built upon our histories, suffering, and pain, it is only right that we can participate for ourselves.
When did you decide to run for office and why?
My candidacy is a collective proposal from my fellow party members. I have been a member of the Socialist Party for 30 years, and running for office is as much a possibility as holding an executive position (which I have held in the past). I believe I can contribute, through my activism and my vision, to a more just and equal future. Furthermore, I believe that the LGBT+ movement, in which I have been active for 20 years, embodies many of the values that socialism wants to highlight in this campaign.
How do you think hatred can be combated through politics?
We combat hate with projects, with legislative tools, and by highlighting its impact on daily life. One of the problems is that, as a society, we underestimate the effect of hate, especially hate that comes from people or figures in positions of public responsibility. Hate must also be confronted head-on, by naming its source. Not with naiveté, but with firmness and resolve. History has shown what happens when we fail to act against hate.
Did you think of any strategies to respond to the smear campaigns and disinformation against LGBT people in the media?
I think it's important not to let any of these campaigns go unchallenged. Activism also means adopting an educational approach to inform (based on evidence) and prevent the spread of hate messages that reinforce stigma and discrimination. We need to engage in public debate and discuss ideas. I don't believe the solution to these messages is to cancel them. That ends up being counterproductive because it prevents us from occupying spaces and giving visibility to our message, from persuading people.
How do we prevent a decline in rights?
We have two key tools to prevent backsliding on rights. On the one hand, organization and mobilization. We must not take anything for granted, but remain active. As Pedro Zerolo said, rights are won, enjoyed, and defended. On the other hand, we must make visible the commitments of candidates to human rights, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights, and mobilize voters accordingly. We must prevent, by all means, the entry of anti-rights figures into government and the legislature.
What is the first project you are going to present?
I will be presenting the Comprehensive Trans Law, which is already in parliamentary status, but I want to personally commit to promoting it. I believe we must pursue a comprehensive law that guarantees equal opportunities and rights for the trans and gender non-conforming community and adequate reparations for so much pain, suffering, and violence they have endured. I am also interested in promoting a law related to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and another related to concrete tools for labor inclusion in the private sector for gender and sexual minorities.
Recommendation
A film, song, book, or cultural experience that politically influenced you?
As a teenager, I was deeply affected by "The Night of the Pencils." Even more so in my adult life by "The Lives of Others," a German film that profoundly portrays the human condition and the impact of totalitarianism on our lives.
Name: Esteban Paulón
Identity: Cis Gay Male
Candidacy: National Deputy for Santa Fe
Political party: Socialist Party in We Do for Our Country
List: 506
Position on the list: First starter
Why does a person from a diverse sexual/cultural background have to be in Congress or the Legislature?
I believe representation is fundamental. Our presence in decision-making spaces, in person, enriches the debate and gives visibility to the diverse groups that have been invisible for so long. Historically, others have legislated, debated, and decided for us, even though we were always the ones who bore the brunt of it. If progress is to be built upon our histories, suffering, and pain, it is only right that we can participate for ourselves.
When did you decide to run for office and why?
My candidacy is a collective proposal from my fellow party members. I have been a member of the Socialist Party for 30 years, and running for office is as much a possibility as holding an executive position (which I have held in the past). I believe I can contribute, through my activism and my vision, to a more just and equal future. Furthermore, I believe that the LGBT+ movement, in which I have been active for 20 years, embodies many of the values that socialism wants to highlight in this campaign.
How do you think hatred can be combated through politics?
We combat hate with projects, with legislative tools, and by highlighting its impact on daily life. One of the problems is that, as a society, we underestimate the effect of hate, especially hate that comes from people or figures in positions of public responsibility. Hate must also be confronted head-on, by naming its source. Not with naiveté, but with firmness and resolve. History has shown what happens when we fail to act against hate.
Did you think of any strategies to respond to the smear campaigns and disinformation against LGBT people in the media?
I think it's important not to let any of these campaigns go unchallenged. Activism also means adopting an educational approach to inform (based on evidence) and prevent the spread of hate messages that reinforce stigma and discrimination. We need to engage in public debate and discuss ideas. I don't believe the solution to these messages is to cancel them. That ends up being counterproductive because it prevents us from occupying spaces and giving visibility to our message, from persuading people.
How do we prevent a decline in rights?
We have two key tools to prevent backsliding on rights. On the one hand, organization and mobilization. We must not take anything for granted, but remain active. As Pedro Zerolo said, rights are won, enjoyed, and defended. On the other hand, we must make visible the commitments of candidates to human rights, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights, and mobilize voters accordingly. We must prevent, by all means, the entry of anti-rights figures into government and the legislature.
What is the first project you are going to present?
I will be presenting the Comprehensive Trans Law, which is already in parliamentary status, but I want to personally commit to promoting it. I believe we must pursue a comprehensive law that guarantees equal opportunities and rights for the trans and gender non-conforming community and adequate reparations for so much pain, suffering, and violence they have endured. I am also interested in promoting a law related to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and another related to concrete tools for labor inclusion in the private sector for gender and sexual minorities.
Recommendation
A film, song, book, or cultural experience that politically influenced you?As a teenager, I was deeply affected by "The Night of the Pencils." Even more so in my adult life by "The Lives of Others," a German film that profoundly portrays the human condition and the impact of totalitarianism on our lives.
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