Things could change for the local queer community in Chile. Gabriel Boric, a left-wing politician, was recently elected president. He managed to get more than 55.9 percent of the vote and beat José Antonio Kast, a representative of the conservative camp.
Hopes are now high for the new president. Not only because he is the youngest person to hold this important office, but also because he is so open to the LGBTQI+ community.
Gabriel Boric wants to change things in Chile
The goals that Gabriel Boric has set for himself are ambitious, yet realistic, and accordingly all the more beautiful.
In an interview he gave to the Guardian shortly after his election, he stressed the importance of rights being respected as rights. He said he would not allow poor people to pay the price for the inequality that (still) prevails in his country.
The politician is considered very pro-European. He also told the Guardian that he wants to follow Europe's example in some areas, including the development of a social market economy.
The environment will also play a greater role in Boric's government than it did for his predecessor. To ensure that all of his plans can be implemented, a new constitution will of course be needed. This is to be voted on in 2022.
In short, the people of Chile can expect a number of innovations in the future. But what does the election of Gabriel Boric actually mean for the LGBTQI+ community?
More queer-friendly government content in Chile - Gabriel Boric makes his mark
Within the last few years, life has fundamentally changed for many people in the LGBTQI+ community in Chile. However, many details are not (yet) due to Gabriel Boric, but to the general current developments.
A particular milestone in this context was the introduction of same-sex marriage. This can then be built upon in the future. Even though many people in Chile are still discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, the situation has improved in some areas.
Among Boric's many goals is to strengthen queer rights and further advance equality.
How are citizens in Chile reacting to the election results?
For many people living in Chile, Boric's election meant above all that a left-wing, pro-European politician will now represent the country.
However, those who belong to the community and are politically interested see much more in this than "just" an election result, which, among other things, can also point the way forward for the country. Therefore, the election was also welcomed in the scene - not only in Chile, but worldwide.
With Gabriel Boric, the country now has a politician at its helm who has no problem openly addressing problems in the area of inclusion and equality and is apparently not afraid to break completely new ground here.
Of course, there are critical voices here as well. Above all, many supporters from the camp of José Antonio Kast, who had equally ambitious plans for himself, now fear that the country's policies will now develop in the wrong direction (for them). It is now up to Boric to, in the best case, convince his critics as well.
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