Standing United Against Government Overreach
In a powerful display of unity and resistance, thousands flooded the streets of Buenos Aires on November 1 as the Pride March sent a bold message against President Javier Milei’s administration. Under the banner “In the face of hate and violence: more pride and unity!”, demonstrators expressed deep concern over the rollback of human rights protections. The protest followed Milei’s success in the midterm elections, which enabled him to fast-track sweeping ultra-libertarian reforms.
Since assuming office in December 2023, Milei has radically restructured Argentina’s approach to anti-discrimination. His administration dismantled critical institutions, including the Ministry of Equality and the National Institute against Discrimination, and slashed 13 Justice Ministry programs focused on combating gender-based violence. María Paula García, Amnesty International’s Equality and Diversity Coordinator, warned that “these dismantlings are happening in an environment increasingly charged with hate speech—even at the highest levels of government.”
Rising Hostility and Dangerous Rhetoric
Criticism of Milei’s administration intensified earlier this year after his controversial appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. There, he labeled progressive movements like “woke culture”, “radical feminism”, and “gender ideology” as dangerous. He went as far as to describe certain forms of queer expression as “child abuse” and accused LGBTQI+ advocates of embracing “perpetual victimhood” to “stifle dissent”. He also condemned global institutions for allegedly promoting these values.
The president’s inflammatory language sparked widespread public outcry in Argentina. By late January, protests had erupted nationwide, calling for dignity, equality, and justice for marginalized communities.
Escalating Violence Against LGBTQI+ People
The ideological shift under Milei’s rule appears to have coincided with a disturbing rise in violence targeting LGBTQI+ communities. Data from the National Observatory on Hate Crimes shows a staggering 70% increase in homophobic and transphobic attacks during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Among the most horrific acts was a violent attack in May 2024, when four lesbian women were targeted with an explosive device in what has since been described as a case of “queericide”. Three of the women lost their lives, while the lone survivor continues to fight for justice. Their story became a central theme at the November 1st march, where thousands chanted, “No Pride Without Justice!”, turning grief into determination and resistance.