Name: María Graciela Aristiquis

Identity: Bisexual

Candidacy: National Deputy

Political party: Young Project

List: 94A

Position on the list: second

Why does a person from a diverse sexual/cultural background have to be in Congress or the Legislature?

It would be wonderful to have a voice in Congress that gives us a place in decision-making. I defend diverse people. It's important that we are not discriminated against, that we have access to employment and equal rights. It's important that we can work towards a society without discrimination and hold positions in Congress, in our cities, and even in the Presidency.

When did you decide to run for office and why?

I've always been an activist and worked alongside the people in my neighborhood. So now I thought that by joining a national movement I would be able to have a stronger voice that would allow us to make our demands visible.

How do you think hatred can be combated through politics?

Hate begins as an individual feeling and then becomes a collective one. I believe that by occupying spaces in politics, we can begin to change the way some people view and understand diversity. We want to build a politics that is less petty and more inclusive.

Did you think of any strategies to respond to the smear campaigns and disinformation against LGBT people in the media?

No, we don't think about those strategies. If the media is cruel and publishes anything, what we have to do is keep working and saying what we want to do. Being transparent helps us cope with whatever they might say.

How do we prevent a decline in rights?

We must be truly determined to do what we say. We must resist and commit to the fight for our rights and the things we need.

What is the first project you are going to present?

We have a project for a hospital and veterinary clinics that will provide free care for animals. We also want the Wetlands project to become law. What's happening in the Paraná River is serious, and we have to protect it.

Recommendation

A film, song, book, or cultural experience that politically influenced you?

I love to read, and I read a lot of Paulo Coelho. So I recommend any of his books because they deeply move me.