Name: Ornella Infante

Identity: Trans

Candidacy: Provincial Legislator for Río Negro

Political party: Vamos con Todos (Frente de Todxs)

List: 430

Position on the list: 1st place, Alto Valle Oeste Circuit

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

Those who serve in the Legislative and State branches must reflect the people they represent; it is the best way to truly represent them. These are places where decisions are made. Those who make these decisions must be representative of the communities they serve. They must be people who represent the diverse perspectives of gender and diversity, the Indigenous and peasant movements, workers, and many others. My commitment is to continue along this path.

When did you decide to run for office and why?

My decision to run for the Río Negro legislature was not my own. It was a consensus-based initiative within the political organization I've been a member of for over ten years, the Evita Movement, which is part of the Frente de Todos coalition. In the province of Río Negro, this alliance is called Vamos con Todos (Let's Go Together).

How do you think hatred can be combated through politics?

The only way to combat the hatred spread through politics is with more politics. This is done through state policies that promote rights. We often achieve groundbreaking legislation, but we fail to empower the people. It is essential that both go hand in hand to generate the change we desire. This is necessary to combat the problem of hatred. But it is also necessary for political leaders to be aware of the need to eradicate it.

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

We need to be able to devise strategies to counter disinformation and even the media campaigns that often originate from mainstream media outlets. These campaigns generally aim to shift the focus away from the ongoing discussion. On several occasions, we have succeeded in doing so. It is arduous work because this sector has a vast media machine of all kinds that manipulates discourse and spreads disinformation.

How do we prevent a decline in rights?

The way to prevent backsliding on rights is to achieve and maintain national and popular governments that guarantee the full exercise of enshrined rights, promote them, and ensure that the branches of government function properly. For example, initiatives in the National Congress and provincial legislatures must be debated with complete seriousness by their representatives.

What is the first project you are going to present?

Drinking water as a universal right. I live in a province with this essential resource, yet our neighborhoods lack water. Everyone should have access to drinking water.

Recommendation

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

The reason for my life, from my comrade Evita.