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Thousands of Argentines took to the streets of Buenos Aires on Saturday, protesting against recent comments by President Javier Milei and defending the progress made in LGBTQ and women’s rights in Argentina. Marchers filled the streets with rainbow flags and placards that read: “Not a step back,” heading toward Plaza de Mayo, the site of the presidency.
The demonstration was organised by women’s and LGBTQ+ rights groups, backed by influential trade unions and opposition politicians, in response to Milei’s comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The president, a self-declared “anarcho-capitalist,” referred to “woke ideology” as a “mental virus” and voiced his opposition to gender inclusivity and feminism. His remarks also included criticism of gender ideology, a term used by conservatives opposed to gender equality.
Despite the government’s insistence that Milei’s comments had been misinterpreted, his words sparked outrage across various sectors of Argentine society. Many expressed that the president’s remarks were disrespectful and harmful. Protester Alicia Gonzalez, an 18-year-old openly gay marcher, expressed that Milei’s words were “attacking” and hurtful.
Milei, a libertarian economist often likened to Donald Trump, took a controversial step during his first year in office by dissolving the Ministry of Women, Gender and Diversity and the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism. His actions and comments have further fueled the protest movement.
Similar marches took place across other Argentine cities, showing widespread support for LGBTQ rights and equality. Argentina, one of nine Latin American countries to allow same-sex marriage, continues to push for greater inclusivity despite opposition from certain political figures.
