Uruguay’s LGBTQ community is facing a period of strategic reflection and concerted action in this crucial election year.
As the presidential election approaches, a diverse range of voices from inside and outside of Uruguay’s political circles are calling for greater representation and addressing the challenges the country’s queer population faces in gaining representation in parliament.
Uruguay was one of the first countries in Latin America to introduce laws and public policies that improve the quality of life for LGBTQ people. In fact, Uruguay is considered one of the safest countries in the world for LGBTQ tourists.
But LGBTQ people have been underrepresented in Congress and other political arenas in recent years, and activists see the Oct. 27 election as a chance to seize the space.
Diego Sempor, a prominent Uruguayan political scientist, told the Washington Blade that LGBTQ participation in national politics is important.
“It is vital that the LGBTQ+ community holds positions in Congress and makes their issues visible,” he said. “This not only encourages the advancement of more inclusive legislation, but also challenges existing societal biases.”
“I think running for parliamentary or senatorial positions is important because it will contribute to making LGBTIQ+ people visible at a political level, which is a very good thing, because LGBTIQ+ is still very central to a large part of the population and being voted in at the polling station, where it matters, will confirm whether the societal prejudice against anti-establishment gender identities is moving forward or backward,” Sempole added.
Daniela Buquet, a spokesperson for the Uruguayan advocacy group Colectivo Ovejas Negras, explained how the LGBTQ movement is approaching this election cycle.
“We find ourselves in a situation where the primary political debate still revolves around traditional figures, primarily white, upper-class, cisgender men,” Bucquet said, “but we are moving forward strategically and strengthening our demands as the campaign progresses.”
Recent primary elections have seen a political trend dominated by established figures and debates that don’t necessarily cater to the needs of social movements. Bukey emphasized that while there are “very few LGBTQ+ candidates in high-level office, we are seeing progress at the congressional level as congressional representatives begin to incorporate our concerns.”
The electoral landscape reflects a clear division between the main parties, the Broad Front and the National Party, but parties such as Cabildo Abierto, known for their conservative and homophobic stance, are also part of the scenario.
“We have seen frustrated attempts by sectors such as the Cabildo Abierto, but we have also seen resistance and social mobilization that has prevented major negative changes,” Bucquet said.
The current administration has faced criticism for its lack of compliance and progress on issues important to the LGBTQ community.
“Comprehensive laws for transgender people are yet to be fully implemented, and education and health programs remain inadequate,” Bucquet said.
The debate on inclusion and sexual diversity in Uruguay goes beyond legislative arenas to include the effective implementation of inclusive social and educational policies. LGBTQ activists hope that the next government will take concrete steps to guarantee the rights and improve the quality of life for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
With diversity marches planned for this month, LGBTQ social organizations and associations will continue to push for more equitable representation and effective public policies. The challenge is clear: transform visibility into concrete political action that benefits the entire Uruguayan society.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
