LGBTQI Elders in Portugal: Between Memory of Repression and Fear of the Future

At Público, we believe in the vital role of an informed citizenry in a healthy democracy. Our reporting on the LGBTQI community in Portugal, particularly our elders, underscores the persistent anxieties that shadow even hard-won freedoms. These individuals, who lived through periods of intense state-sanctioned discrimination, now find themselves looking towards the future with a palpable sense of unease.

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Freedom is not an acquired right and things can change at any time.

The fear of neofascism is not an abstract concern; it is a lived reality for those who have experienced the sharp end of societal prejudice. The constant flux in rights, where protections can seemingly vanish overnight, breeds a deep-seated insecurity. This is not just about legal battles; it's about the fundamental human dignity and the right to exist without fear of persecution for one's identity.

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I am afraid of neofascism, which has a lot to do with sexuality.

As one reader poignantly asks, "Because why? Are we less than you? I pay taxes." This sentiment cuts to the core of the issue: the demand for equal treatment and recognition within the society they contribute to. Our coverage aims to amplify these voices, reminding our readers that the fight for equality is an ongoing one, and that vigilance is essential to safeguard the progress made.

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This constant change regarding rights scares me; one day you have rights, the next you don't, because you are different.