Santiago de Chile, Nov 11 (EFE).- The Homosexual Integration and Liberation Movement (Movilh) of Chile announced this Monday the XVII version of ‘Orgullo Parade’, a march to promote LGTBI rights due to the “lack of new measures” that protect equality and “the increase in hate speech.”
Scheduled for next Saturday in the center of the Chilean capital, coinciding with National Diversity Day, the march seeks to warn of the danger faced by the rights already achieved by the group, such as the ‘Support Program for boys, girls and adolescents. trans’.
“We are going through one of the harshest and most difficult situations for the promotion of our human rights. It is time to go out into the streets and promote them strongly,” Movilh said in a statement.
The group points out that in recent years those people and institutions that publicly declared themselves in favor of LGTBI rights began to silence their narratives, while those in opposition began “a restructuring process” and increased their hate speech.
“Without a doubt one of the most affected sectors has been trans people, especially children and adolescents,” said Movilh spokesperson Javiera Zúñiga.
“The last year became the worst for the promotion of LGBTIQ+ rights due to a 52.6% increase in discrimination cases; with a total of 1,597 abuses, the highest known number,” he stressed.
The representative also confessed that hate speech has increased by 123%, along with a “stagnation or the weakest progress in the generation or improvement of laws or public policies in favor of LGBTIQ+ rights.”
Movilh specified that during the march informative materials will be disseminated so that LGTBI people know the laws and public policies that protect them.
The organization also announced that it will insist on the need to reform the non-discrimination law – known as the Zamudio Law – and to have a Comprehensive Sexual Education Law, as well as the importance of maintaining the “Support Program for Children.” , Trans Girls and Adolescents”.
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**Interview with Gonzalo Villanueva, Director of Movilh**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Gonzalo. Can you start by telling us a bit more about the ‘Orgullo Parade’ and its significance this year?
**Gonzalo Villanueva:** Thank you for having me. The ‘Orgullo Parade’ is not just a celebration; it’s a vital demonstration advocating for LGTBI rights in Chile. This year marks the seventeenth version of the event, and it comes at a critical time. We are seeing a rise in hate speech and a stagnation in legislative measures that protect our community. This march on National Diversity Day is our way of uniting voices and reminding everyone that equality still needs vigorous defense and support.
**Editor:** You mentioned a lack of new measures protecting equality. Can you elaborate on what specific protections are needed at this time?
**Gonzalo Villanueva:** Certainly. Despite some progress in recent years, many gaps remain in legal protections for the LGTBI community. We are advocating for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, better healthcare access for our community members, and legal recognition for diverse family structures. The lack of progress in these areas is concerning, especially when coupled with rising hate speech, which can lead to violence and discrimination.
**Editor:** Can you share examples of the kind of hate speech or incidents you’ve noticed that have prompted this year’s march?
**Gonzalo Villanueva:** Unfortunately, we have witnessed an increase in hostile rhetoric both online and in public spaces. Instances of verbal harassment and attacks have risen, creating a climate of fear within our community. Social media has played a significant role in spreading misinformation and inflammatory messages, which only serve to embolden discriminatory behaviors. Our parade serves as a direct response to this trend, emphasizing that we will not be silent or passive in the face of intimidation.
**Editor:** As the parade approaches, what message do you want to convey to both supporters and those opposed to LGTBI rights?
**Gonzalo Villanueva:** To our supporters, we urge them to come out in numbers and show solidarity; their presence is vital. To those opposed, we invite them to engage in dialogue rather than division. We believe in the power of compassion and understanding. Everyone deserves equal rights and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Unity is our strength, and we won’t back down from advocating for it.
**Editor:** Thank you, Gonzalo, for sharing these insights. We wish you and the Movilh team a successful ‘Orgullo Parade’ this Saturday.
**Gonzalo Villanueva:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to a day of unity and celebration for all.
