Grupo Matizes

Direitos por Inteiro e não pela Metade

Promoting Advocacy for Policies That Uphold LGBTQ Rights

Teresina has repeatedly shown to be a city where laws protecting the LGBTQ population are disregarded. In 2012, organizations working in the sector identified Teresina as the country’s most homophobic capital; in 2014 it ranked 2nd in cities that present great risk of extreme violence to these communities – which is despite Teresina having several laws that recognize LGBTQ rights. Although enacted years ago, these laws have fundamentally failed to be implemented and are still largely unknown to the majority of the population.

Grupo Matizes is a civic organization affiliated with the National Movement for Human Rights whose mission is to defend the rights of the LGBTQ population. This project will promote advocacy in partnership with public sector managers, compelling them to implement procedures that enforce laws recognizing LGBTQ rights.

With support from BrazilFoundation, Grupo Matizes intends to provide:

• Workshops for LGBTQ groups on human rights;
• Lectures on LGBTQ rights for public representatives, educators, and students;
• Meetings with state and municipal leaders to assert the need for effective implementation of existing laws recognizing LGBTQ rights.

Impact

Implementing public policies that defend LGBTQ rights
Promoting awareness of LGBTQ rights
Dialogue with educators, students, and public representatives

“With the effective implementation and enforcement of current laws and other legal norms, we believe prejudice and discrimination can be mitigated.” – Marinalva de Santana Ribeiro, Grupo Matizes