Name: Maximiliano Serrano

Identity: Cis Gay Male

Candidacy: National Deputy

Political party: Broad Front for Sovereignty.

List: Popular Sovereignty

Position on the list: First alternate

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

Because we're fed up with others speaking for us. It's important and essential that we take the lead and make our own decisions.

When did you decide to run for office and why?

"I've been politically active for almost 20 years, and it's not something I just started doing now. There were many meetings where we debated and decided who would be on the lists. Everything is decided collectively and democratically. While we're not running for office, it's important to be in positions of power so we can change the reality we live in.".

How do you think hatred can be combated through politics?

-Through public policies, from the State. When the State guarantees rights, society has to abide by them.

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

We didn't think about it much, but comprehensive sexuality education training in the media is extremely important because, whether we like it or not, the media shapes public opinion. And while the major media outlets are controlled by the right wing, which is "anti" sexual diversity, we have to be there, leading the debate. If we're invited, we go, even when there are also dinosaurs in the establishment. But we are capable, and we will make our voices heard.

How do we prevent a decline in rights?

By campaigning, talking with our neighbors, who are the ones who vote. We make progress in rights when progressive people arrive in Congress, who legislate for and on behalf of the community.

What is the first project you are going to present?

There should be a quota for the LGBTIQ+ community on all lists. It's time they stop speaking for us and start making decisions.

Recommendation

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

A movie that really affected me, because I saw it in my teens when I was still in the closet, is Prayers for Bobby. SPOILER ALERT! It's about a boy who comes from a very religious family, and his mother said she would never have a gay son, so she tells him she doesn't have a son. Because he suffered so much, he decides to take his own life. When same-sex marriage is being debated in the United States, his mother, who used to be extremely conservative, decides to become politically active and committed herself to Bobby's memory