Argentina is witnessing rising tensions and fears among its LGBTQIA+ community, following violent incidents closely linked to the controversial policies and rhetoric of President Javier Milei. The alarming situation escalated with the arson attack on January 24, 2025, targeting the home of a lesbian couple, which was set ablaze by a neighbor who had been harassing them. Thankfully, Agui and their partner, along with their five-year-old daughter, escaped unharmed since they had moved out due to the threatening environment. "We had to leave from one day to the next. We were being threatened, he was coming for us and nobody was paying us any attention — not the prosecutor, not the authorities, not the police," Agui lamented during their interview with Radio con Vos.
These attacks resonate deeply with the broader societal impact of Milei's presidency, particularly his speech at the World Economic Forum on January 18, 2025, where he made incendiary links between LGBTQIA+ rights and pedophilia. During this speech, he also referred to gender ideology as akin to child abuse, stating, "They are pedophiles... healthy children are being irreversibly harmed through hormone treatments and mutilation.” His statements have drawn ire from activists, who allege such rhetoric emboldens violence against vulnerable groups.
The Cañuelas fire is reminiscent of past tragedies, such as the Barracas arson incident last May, where three women lost their lives to another act of homophobic violence. LGBTQIA+ activists are increasingly worried about the climate of hatred stirred by Milei's government and his administration's broader tactical moves to dismantle protective laws. Following Milei’s comments, the Security Ministry of Buenos Aires province remained silent when approached for comments about the recent attack.
Not only are the victims bearing the brunt, but the broader community is also feeling the pinch as Milei's government pushes forward with plans to reframe existing protections. He has vowed to eradicate the concept of femicide from legal definitions, asserting, "the life of a woman is worth more than the life of a man," framing the discourse around gender violence as unjust. Néstor “Yuyo” García, whose daughter was murdered, voiced concern, stating, "This is a very dangerous issue … to promote these policies against the gender perspective, which are, in my opinion, in breach of the constitution of our country.”
Milei, echoing sentiments from the far-right of global politics, has managed to garner support from controversial international figures, positioning himself as part of a movement aimed at dismantling what he calls “the woke agenda.” He categorically described these progressives as linked to the various societal ills including feminism and gender rights, stating, "Feminism, equality, gender ideology, climate change, abortion and immigration are all heads of the same monster..." His sweeping statements about gender identity have caused widespread backlash, with significant global conversations ignited around human rights, sociology, and gender ideology.
Agui, reflecting on the attack against their home and concerned for the safety of those still within the reach of Milei's influence, urged citizens to participate in anti-fascist marches, stating, “I have no doubt... the attitude of the person who’s in power right now fuels these acts of violence.”
The backdrop against which these events are occurring highlights Milei’s attempts to consolidate power and alter Argentina's social fabric. While he aims to strip protections for historically marginalized groups, societal unrest appears only to be ramping up. With nearly 300 femicides reported last year, there is apprehension around how legislative changes may prevent justice from being served.
This combination of increasingly anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment and threats against women’s rights underlines the challenges faced by marginalized communities since Milei ascended to the presidency amid slogans promoting freedom and libertarian principles. The latest developments have sparked fears of regression, leaving many to question the path forward under this administration.
Despite these challenges, LGBTQIA+ activists and allies are rallying against hate and call for solidarity against rising threats. The events will likely continue to provoke actions as communities unite to oppose policies they see as regressive and harmful.
The situation remains tightrope-walking as the Milei administration promises sweeping changes, all the whilst many fear for their lives, pressuring citizens to both engage collectively and individually to combat growing hostility. Something must give — and many hope it is toward justice and dignity for all rather than raw hatred.