Diversity Makes Us Stronger

The one thing you can be sure of, about all regimes with absolutist intentions, is that sooner or later they come to an end. They might endure for years, generations, or in the case of European Empires for several centuries, but their demise is inevitable. One of the principal reasons is that singular ideological visions of what makes a good citizen  and nation state, breeds resistance from those who are marginalised, excluded and exploited. Sometimes this can erupt into a full-scale insurrection. But at other historical moments more modest political aims prevail, such as the simple occupation of a space or place. Quiosque do Cris on Itararé beach São Vicente is just such a location. Opened in 1989, four years after the ‘end’ of the dictatorship, the pioneering bar quickly became renowned as a safe place for the gay and alternative community. It’s a great spot to stop of an afternoon for a cold beer or coconut water, and as part of pride month recently hosted FUD the Festival Universo Diverso, literally the Festival of the Diverse Universe. Supported by the local council there was a twelve-hour programme of debates, performances, and music that culminated in a disco-drag show. On a slightly gloomy day, in face of the spewing rage of the evangelical right, it was a defiant celebration of the creativity and infectious madness of the LGBTQIA+ community and a reminder that the spirit of resistance is alive and kicking in the ongoing battle for “respect, human rights and inclusion.”