The General Coordination for the Promotion of Human Dignity, of the Public Ministry of the State of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ), presented the booklet on LGBTI+ rights, developed especially to disseminate information about the different types of gender identity and sexual orientation that exist in society. The intention is, using clear and accessible language, to provide material that promotes the fight against prejudice, discrimination and violence.
“The publication organizes the legal advances that brought concreteness to the constitutional principle of equality, inserted in article 5 of the Federal Constitution, for the LGBTI+ community. There is reference to normative acts both at the international level of human rights and at the national and state levels, with a special focus on the legislation of the state of Rio de Janeiro”, indicated the text released by the MPRJ.
The coordinator for the Promotion of Human Dignity, Public Prosecutor Patrícia Carvão, highlighted that the rates of violence committed against people from the LGBTI+ community are frightening. “In addition to the violence arising from the practice of crimes of transphobia and homophobia, there is still the bullying and prejudice that begins early, even at school. The booklet was designed to bring a contribution to these living spaces”, he added.
According to the prosecutor, the booklet also “brings important informative content for a better understanding of the concepts of gender identity and sexual orientation, fundamental for welcoming trans people, for example. Finally, we present to society the reception and listening spaces that exist at MPRJ to investigate rights violations that have occurred.” The publication also includes suggestions for readings, films, series and documentaries.
According to the MPRJ, the booklet has suggestions to make schools safe and inclusive environments for the LGBTI+ community, since educational institutions are essential spaces for building citizenship and awareness of rights and duties. “In addition, it provides a step-by-step guide so that victims of homophobic or transphobic crimes can report what happened,” he added.
Anyone who needs to make complaints can access channels available to the population, such as the MPRJ Ombudsman’s Office, General Coordination for the Promotion of Human Dignity, Human and Minority Rights Coordination and Victim Support Center.
