Image: Adobe Stock
Sexual and gender diversity is an extremely relevant topic in contemporary society. The community LGBTQIAPN+ has played a fundamental role in the fight for rights and inclusion, facing challenges and achieving significant progress over the years.
It is crucial that we confront the harsh reality that many individuals belonging to this community still face. According to the Dossier of Deaths and Violence against LGBTQIAPN+ in Brazil 2022, every 32 hours an LGBTQIAPN+ person lost their life in our country.
{module Form RD}
Between the years 2000 and 2022, 5,635 deaths resulting from homophobia and transphobia were documented, of which more than 80% were classified as murders. However, it is important to highlight that these numbers only represent the surface of the problem, as many cases are not officially reported.
Furthermore, Brazil has maintained the sad title of world leader in murders of trans people for 14 consecutive years.
These statistics reveal the dark reality in which many LGBTQIAPN+ individuals live, constantly subject to the danger of violence and discrimination simply for being authentic about themselves and loving who they want.
It is our responsibility to build an inclusive society, where diversity is celebrated and all lives are valued. We must understand the importance of safety, respect and dignity for all LGBTQIAPN+ people.
During LGBTQIAPN+ Pride month, Aboissa had the prestige of being able to interview Casa 1, an organization that has played a fundamental role in promoting inclusion and supporting people in the community in vulnerable situations.
Casa 1 is extremely important in the LGBTQIAPN+ scenario in São Paulo, as in addition to offering shelter, the institution also has legal assistance, psychological support and free social assistance.
Check the interview in full:
Aboissa: Tell us a little about the history and mission of Casa 1 and how it has impacted the LGBTQIAPN+ community?
House 1: Founded in 2017, Casa 1 is a civil society project whose purpose is to welcome young people between 18 and 25 years old who were expelled from home due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. The work takes place in parallel with the activities of the Cultural Center and the Social Clinic, offering all services free of charge.
Our mission is to provide a safe space to welcome the community and, since its foundation, Casa 1 has positively impacted the lives of thousands of people, acting on several fronts.
Aboissa: What are the services offered by Casa 1 for LGBTQIAPN+ people in vulnerable situations?
House 1: From donations of clothes and personal hygiene kits to professional courses and cultural activities, Casa 1 offers a variety of services for LGBTQIAPN+ people in vulnerable situations. The goal is for the NGO to become a reference in multidisciplinary care for the LGBTQIAPN+ population and in the fight against structural LGBTphobia and its various manifestations.
Aboissa: How does Casa 1 work to provide a safe and welcoming environment for residents?
House 1: Promoting a safe and welcoming environment is one of our main premises. The promotion of human dignity and the social well-being of all people is a priority, and we work towards this objective through policies to provide the LGBTQIAPN+ community with access to social and economic rights, contributing to the structural transformation of society.
Aboissa: What are the main challenges faced by Casa 1 in the search for solutions and resources to help the LGBTQIAPN+ community?
House 1: Sustainability is the biggest challenge we currently face. The main obstacle is demonstrating to civil society and partner institutions the relevance of our work, in order to guarantee financial resources to continue our actions. It is hard work, as we do not have government support and depend exclusively on donations to maintain the NGO's activities.
Aboissa: We know that LGBTQIAPN+ Pride Day is coming up and we would like to know how relevant this date is for Casa 1 and the LGBTQIAPN+ community in general?
House 1: On Pride Day, we gain visibility to express what we defend all year: that LGBTQIAPN+ people are respected and that all existences and bodies are legitimate. Furthermore, it is important to celebrate, every year, the achievements and advances achieved through the fight in the field of diversity.
Aboissa: What messages would you like to convey to society on that day?
House 1: We would really like the visibility of the LGBTQIAPN+ agenda to not be limited to just the month of June. Therefore, the main message we want to convey is: support the cause throughout the year!
Aboissa: How can companies and individuals support Casa 1 in its mission to welcome and assist the LGBTQIAPN+ community?
House 1: There are several ways to support Casa 1, from contributions through crowdfunding to partnerships with companies. Individuals can make donations via Pix or provide clothes and food, for example. Companies can collaborate through financial contributions and partnerships to promote courses and cultural activities.
Aboissa: What are Casa 1’s future plans? Are there expansion projects or initiatives to reach a greater number of LGBTQIAPN+ people?
House 1: With almost 7 years of existence, we have many plans for Casa 1. However, first and foremost, we need to ensure financial sustainability. Therefore, our main goal for the next few months is to reach at least the first goal of our crowdfunding.
We thank Casa 1 for sharing their story and vision with us. It is essential to remember that the fight for equality and respect should not be limited to a single month. We must always bear in mind that it is necessary to support the cause throughout the year, so that everyone has their rights guaranteed, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Depending exclusively on donations and partnerships, the NGO continues to work hard to demonstrate the relevance of its work and ensure the continuity of its essential actions.
To learn more about how you can help Casa 1, we invite you to visit the site or contribute financially to benfeitoria.com/casa1. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equal future for the LGBTQIAPN+ community.
{module Read Also}
