Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Argentina on February 1, 2025, to express their outrage over President Javier Milei's recent speech at the World Economic Forum held in Davos. The protests, labeled the "Federal March of Anti-Fascist and Anti-Racist Pride," saw participants clad in rainbow flags and carrying banners proclaiming, "rights are not negotiable." These marches unfolded not only in Buenos Aires, the nation’s capital but also erupted across various provinces including Cordoba, Rosario, and Mar del Plata.
The protests followed comments made by Milei on January 23, where he criticized "sick wokeism," feminism, and what he referred to as the "LGBT agenda," igniting fierce backlash from progressive groups throughout the country. The LGBTQ+ community organized these protests as their response to what they deemed economic violence and political persecution under Milei's government. Protesters denounced the speech as promoting hate and division, rallying together to advocate against the erosion of rights.
Participants gathered under the sweltering summer sun, with temperatures soaring above 32 degrees Celsius. Despite the oppressive heat, they marched toward notable public sites such as the Plaza de Mayo, home to the Casa Rosada, the seat of the government. The event drew not only members of the LGBTQ+ community but also influential trade unions, civil organizations, and opposition politicians, highlighting the widespread dissent against Milei's policies.
"I don’t know if this march can change anything, but if it could put a break on Javier Milei’s remarks which were rather aggressive," said Germán Paladino, a 34-year-old industrial engineer participating in the Buenos Aires protests. His sentiments reflected the feelings of many as they called for the protection of hard-won rights. Another attendee, Milagros, a 33-year-old visual artist, powerfully stated, "I am here to defend our rights, those which we have won and those currently under attack."
At the heart of the protests was Milei's assertion linking homosexuality to pedophilia, comments which sparked outrage among human rights advocates. The president, characterized by his libertarian views and comparisons to controversial figures like Donald Trump, has also faced scrutiny for his decisions to dissolve the Ministry of Women, Gender and Diversity and the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism within his first year of office.
According to reports, the speeches and chants echoed through the streets, chanting slogans against homophobia, transphobia, and fascism, mirroring the sentiments of those who felt threatened by what they perceived as an attack on their identities and rights. The protest's organization was notable as it took shape within just one week following Milei’s divisive address.
Demonstrators expressed their solidarity not just with local issues but also united under the banner of human rights across borders. Similar rallies were reported not only throughout Argentina but also garnered solidarity protests as far as Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil. They brought attention to shared concerns about the erosion of public health services, educational resources, and funding for communal programs.
The organizer's message was clear: they see Milei's remarks as not merely harmful rhetoric but as symptomatic of broader political dynamics. Many argue they reflect attempts to roll back the progress made over the last decades concerning sexual diversity and equal rights. Protesters pointed to Argentina's position as one of nine Latin American countries to acknowledge same-sex marriage, passionately defending the rights they see slipping away under Milei's leadership.
The significance of these protests resonates beyond mere political discourse; they signify the struggle against the normalization of hostility directed at marginalized communities. Following Milei's controversial remarks, numerous voices sprang up, condemning the actions and calling for unity against what many describe as increasing authoritarianism.
While Milei's administration insists his comments had been misinterpreted, the uproar has embedded itself deeply within the national conversation surrounding rights, governance, and representation. The mass mobilization seen on February 1 reiterates the community's determination to safeguard the progress achieved over the years, ensuring rights remain inviolable.
Argentina has witnessed significant strides toward inclusivity, but the current political climate threatens to undermine these advances. With advocacy groups vowing to continue their resistance, the nation stands at a crossroads—a moment where peaceful protest underlines the enduring struggle for equality and continues to resonate within the hearts of many across the nation.