LGBT Pride Parade Attendees Protest Against Temer Administration

06/20/2017 - 08h37

Excited by the attractions at the 21st LGBT Pride Parade in São Paulo, youth made their way to Paulista Avenue in large numbers on Sunday (18). Mayor João Doria (PSDB) did not make an appearance and shouts of "Fora, Temer" emanated from the crowd.

For veterans of the celebration, which this year championed the defense of the secular state, this year's parade seemed bigger than previous ones. The event's organizers, who predicted a crowd of 3 million people, did not release numbers at the end; neither did the Military Police.

This Sunday, the public quarreled over the "LGBT without Temer" pamphlets being distributed on the avenue. When there was silence after a performance at Roosevelt Square, shouts calling for the president's removal erupted spontaneously.

Represented by the vice mayor Bruno Covas, Doria did not attend, he was in Puerto Rico for his daughter's 15th birthday. The event's organizers said his absence was understandable.

The singer Anitta appeared for a brief 20 minute performance, and apologized for the early departure. "It was just a teaser, folks," she said. According to the organizers, she had to catch a flight at 16h30. Earlier, on Twitter, Anitta had already announced that she would make a quick appearance.

Her presence was a magnet for many of the funky youth and fashionistas who paraded gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transvestite, and queer pride for the first time. Others explained their participation as the fruit of ever-growing tolerance for a sector of society.

Translated by SUGHEY RAMIREZ

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