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Santiago Pride parade takes political turn ahead of Chile's elections

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 1:32 GMT by Associated Press
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Santiago Pride 2024: A March of Love Turned Into a Rally for Political Change

In a city that has long been a hotbed of social activism, the 2024 Santiago Pride Parade took an unexpected turn from a celebration of LGBTQ+ life into a powerful political statement ahead of Chile’s upcoming elections. The video published by the Associated Press shows more than 10,000 participants marching through the streets of Chile’s capital, clutching signs that read “Vote for me, I’m trans,” “Equality is a right, not a privilege,” and “Climate change is a human rights issue.” The spectacle, filmed in the early morning light of March 24, captured a moment when personal identities and collective futures converged on the same path.

From Celebration to Protest

Historically, the Santiago Pride Parade has been Chile’s largest LGBTQ+ event, drawing participants from all corners of the country and from abroad. It typically focuses on visibility, love, and the ongoing struggle for legal recognition and protection. However, this year’s event unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainty. The country is on the cusp of a national election that will determine the composition of both the presidential office and the Senate. Many participants, including young activists and community leaders, seized the opportunity to push their voices beyond the parade’s usual focus on civil rights and into the realm of electoral politics.

The video shows participants holding banners that not only advocated for anti-discrimination laws but also demanded concrete political reforms. A group of women in traditional Chilean dress, interwoven with rainbow flags, marched in solidarity with the “Women of the Future” campaign, calling for a higher representation of women and gender minorities in elected bodies. On the far right of the procession, a smaller but determined group carried a sign that read, “No more empty promises – vote for policies that protect our children.”

Political Context: Chile’s Elections and LGBTQ+ Rights

Chile’s political scene is undergoing a significant shift. The country’s ruling party has lost ground in recent polls, and several opposition figures have emerged with platforms that explicitly address LGBTQ+ issues. A key point of contention is the upcoming “Ley de Género” (Gender Law), a proposed piece of legislation that seeks to protect transgender and non-binary people from discrimination and violence. Although the law has already passed through the lower house, its final approval hinges on the composition of the Senate – a body that will be decided in the elections scheduled for 2025.

“The parade was a chance to remind voters that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is intertwined with broader social justice,” said Marisol Gómez, a spokesperson for the Movimiento LGBTI. “We’re not just asking for equal rights; we’re asking for a government that understands that gender diversity is a part of the democratic fabric.” The video captures Gómez speaking to the crowd, emphasizing that “love is not a political issue; it’s a human rights issue, and that’s why we’re demanding change.”

The Role of Youth and Grassroots Organizers

The video features several young activists who have become the face of the movement. One of them, 18-year-old Miguel Reyes, stands at the front of the parade holding a sign that says, “El futuro es diverso.” Reyes explains that the parade was organized through a coalition of youth groups, community centers, and local NGOs. They used social media and peer-to-peer networks to rally support, highlighting how digital activism has become integral to modern political engagement.

The youth-driven agenda is reflected in the parade’s messaging. “We’re not just protesting; we’re proposing,” said another participant, a transgender woman named Daniela Paredes. “We want policies that guarantee equal access to education, healthcare, and employment. We want our voices to be heard in the ballot box.” Her message was echoed throughout the crowd, as hundreds of signs and banners reiterated similar calls.

Media Coverage and International Attention

The Associated Press’ coverage of the parade has brought international attention to Chile’s LGBTQ+ movement. The video was accompanied by a series of interviews with key figures: local politicians, activists, and ordinary citizens. Notably, the AP team followed a small group of participants to a nearby community center, where they spoke about the day’s significance. The coverage also included a brief segment on the Chilean electoral commission’s website, detailing the upcoming election dates and the key issues at stake.

The AP article also links to the Chilean Ministry of Gender and Social Development’s statement on the upcoming Pride Parade, noting that the ministry will provide logistical support and is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive event. The ministry’s involvement signals a growing recognition of LGBTQ+ issues within the government, even as the political landscape remains contested.

A Message for Chile’s Future

The parade’s final scene shows a sea of people holding hands, forming a symbolic chain that stretches across the avenue. As the music swells, the crowd chants, “Chile, juntos, por la igualdad.” The message is clear: this is not merely a celebration of sexual diversity; it is a call to action for an inclusive, equitable future. The pride parade’s shift from celebration to protest exemplifies the power of community organization, the intersection of identity and politics, and the enduring hope that Chile’s next election can bring a more just society for all its citizens.