The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), and the Latin America Working Group (LAWG) invite you to a brown bag discussion with former congressman Jean Wyllys of Brazil. After being re-elected last October, Wyllys gave up his seat due to numerous death threats that intensified after the Presidential electoral campaign. He left Brazil after announcing that the political environment is not safe, especially because of the frequent threats coming from the populist far-right President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters. The former lawmaker is the first congressman to openly embrace his gay identity. As such he is a fierce advocate for LGBT rights in Brazil.
Bolsonaro’s homophobic and racist rhetoric has increased violence against the LGBT community. Brazil has the biggest rates of transphobic death crimes in the world. While the LGBT community in Brazil has endured violent attacks for years we are seeing an exponential increase of such crimes since Bolsonaro entered into the national political scene.
Please join us to learn more about Mr. Wyllys’ experience, advocacy and what you can do to support the rights of LGBT Brazilians and other vulnerable groups affected by the intolerant political climate in Brazil.
Event Details
Thursday, May 2, 2019
12 – 1 p.m. EDT
1666 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20009
Please confirm your assistance by emailing Nicola Worcman, Humphrey Fellow at WOLA, nicolaworcman@gmail.com