SAO PAULO, Brazil — The iconic yellow and green of Brazil’s flag mixed with a sea of rainbow-colored tutus, hand fans, and drag queen hairdos at Sunday’s LGBTQ pride parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The annual event along Sao Paulo’s main thoroughfare is among the biggest gay pride celebrations in the world, attracting thousands of people to celebrate sexual diversity in a country synonymous with street partying but where violence and discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community have surged in recent years.

While apparel is mostly optional, this year organizers made a special appeal for participants to wear green and yellow in a pointed rebuke to far-right followers of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who in recent times appropriated Brazil’s national symbols for themselves.

“We will march this afternoon to take back our flag and to show that Brazil will be better, it will be queer, butch, transvestite,” Erika Hilton, who in 2022 became one of two openly transgender people elected to Brazil’s congress, told a cheering crowd of revelers. Hilton's words resonated deeply, reflecting the community's desire to reclaim national symbols and assert their presence in the country's social and political landscape.

Although Brazil has pioneered LGBTQ rights in Latin America — transphobia was made a crime in 2019 — the country still has the largest number of trans and queer people murdered in the world. This paradox highlights the stark contrast between legislative progress and the persistent dangers faced by the LGBTQ community.

In 2023, Brazil was responsible for 31% of all 321 murders of trans and gender-diverse people reported worldwide, according to Transgender Europe, which collects data globally. It was the 16th straight year Brazil led the list. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for stronger protections and societal change to ensure the safety and dignity of LGBTQ individuals.

The parade in Sao Paulo not only served as a vibrant celebration of pride and identity but also as a powerful platform for raising awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by the community. Participants carried signs and banners demanding justice for victims of violence and calling for greater inclusion and acceptance in all spheres of life.

The pride parade featured an array of performances, including music, dance, and theatrical acts, showcasing the rich cultural contributions of the LGBTQ community. Artists and activists took to the stage to share their stories, inspire the crowd, and call for continued advocacy and solidarity.

The event also attracted political figures and allies who voiced their support for LGBTQ rights and pledged to continue fighting against discrimination and violence. Their presence highlighted the importance of political engagement and the role of allies in advancing equality and justice.

Despite the festive atmosphere, the parade was a reminder of the challenges that remain. Participants expressed both joy and determination, celebrating their identities while also acknowledging the work that lies ahead. The collective spirit of the parade demonstrated the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ community in Brazil.

As the day drew to a close, the streets of Sao Paulo were filled with the colors of the rainbow and the echoes of solidarity. The pride parade was not just a celebration but a powerful statement of resistance and hope, reinforcing the community's commitment to creating a more inclusive and just society.

In conclusion, the LGBTQ pride parade in Sao Paulo was a profound display of pride, resistance, and solidarity. It highlighted the progress made in LGBTQ rights while also shedding light on the persistent challenges and violence faced by the community. The event served as both a celebration and a call to action, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy and support for LGBTQ individuals in Brazil and around the world.

The success of the event also underscores the critical role of visibility and community in advancing social change. By coming together in such a public and joyful manner, participants not only celebrated their own identities but also sent a powerful message to the wider society about the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ community. This collective action is crucial for driving forward the agenda for equality and ensuring that the voices of LGBTQ individuals are heard and respected at all levels of society.

Furthermore, the parade's inclusivity and the participation of various community members and allies demonstrated a united front against discrimination and violence. This solidarity is essential for fostering a supportive environment where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live freely and without fear. The continued efforts to raise awareness, advocate for rights, and celebrate diversity are vital steps towards achieving true equality and acceptance.