Capital of Amazonas is the sixth most violent for the LGBTQIAPN+ population in Brazil

By Thais Matos – From Cenarium

MANAUS (AM) – Data from the “2024 Violent Deaths of LGBT+ Observatory ” in Brazil, compiled by the Grupo Gay da Bahia (GGB), revealed that Manaus ranks sixth among state capitals in the country most violent for the LGBTQIAPN+ community (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic/Agender, Pan/Poly, Non-Binary, and more), with six deaths recorded over the past year. The ranking places the capital of Amazonas behind only Fortaleza (CE), Maceió (AL), Belo Horizonte (MG), São Paulo (SP), and Salvador (BA).

The survey’s index also show that the most dangerous capitals, Salvador and São Paulo, recorded 14 and 13 deaths, respectively. Together, these two capitals account for over 30% of all cases reported in the other capitals. Below are the data for the 15 most violent capitals:

The study also indicated that capitals in the North Region accounted for 11.68% of cases, corresponding to 34 deaths of LGBTQIAPN+ individuals in 2024. This figure represents a 100% increase compared to the previous year, when the region accounted for 6.61% of cases (17 deaths). The Southeast Region, which also saw a rise in statistics, now shares the lead with the Northeast Region in lethal crimes against the LGBTQIAPN+ population—a position previously dominated by the Northeast and North regions in past decades.

The observatory has been conducted for 45 years, based on news reports and complaints submitted to the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). According to the study, homicides, robberies, suicides and other causes of death were recorded.

Brazil: The deadliest country for LGBTQIAPN+ people

The Observatory’s data also indicates that Brazil remains the country with the highest number of homicides and suicides of LGBTQIAPN+ individuals globally. According to the study, there were 291 violent deaths recorded last year, 34 more than in 2023. This represents an 8.83% increase compared to the previous year, when 257 cases of death were recorded. A violent death of an LGBTQIAPN+ person occurs every 30 hours.

Gay men are the main victims of these crimes, with 165 deaths recorded in 2024. They are followed by trans women and travestis, with 96 deaths, 11 lesbians, seven bisexuals, and six trans men.

Overall, 22.68% of the cases occurred among people aged 26 to 35, followed by 17.87% of deaths in the 36-to-45 age range. The average age of murdered trans women and transgender individuals in 2024 is 24.64 years, highlighting a tragic reality: most of these individuals lose their lives before reaching 35 years old.

A total of 269 murders (93.81%) were recorded in 2024, including 239 homicides, robberies, and femicides. Additionally, there were 18 suicides (6.19%), two fewer than the previous year. However, the study notes underreporting.

“The low number of suicides is explained by the underreporting of these incidents due to the taboo surrounding the issue and restrictions on dissemination, particularly by research sites. Altogether, we have information about 14 gay suicides, three transgender individuals, and one lesbian,” states a section of the report.

Methods of Death

The predominant methods of death among LGBTQIAPN+ people in Brazil include sharp weapons, accounting for 22.36% of cases, followed by firearms (21.65%), as well as beatings, asphyxiation, stoning, dismemberment, and deliberate vehicular assaults.

Violent Deaths in Brazil Between 1963 and 2024

Over the course of 45 years, the GGB has conducted surveys indicating that 7,815 violent deaths of LGBTQIAPN+ individuals were recorded in Brazil between 1963 and 2024. Reviewing the last five governments, the annual average deaths were as follows: 127 under Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995–2002); 163 during Lula’s first two mandates (2003–2010); 360 under the Dilma-Temer administrations (2011–2018); and 251 during Bolsonaro’s mandate (2019–2022), totaling 1,122 deaths.

“Surprisingly, the data reveals that although Bolsonaro was admittedly the most homophobic president in Brazil’s republican history, lethal violence against LGBTQIAPN+ individuals decreased by 30% compared to his predecessors Dilma-Temer. The only explanation for this contradictory reduction in deaths is necessarily linked to the greater isolation of LGBTQIAPN+ individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic and the fear spread among the community due to persistent governmental hate speech, prompting them to avoid high-risk locations and situations“, the report pointed out.

The report also proposed measures to combat violence against the LGBTQIAPN+ community:

1. Implementation of Inclusive Education: Incorporate sexual and gender education at all school levels, promoting respect for human rights and full citizenship for the LGBTQIAPN+ population from an early age.
2. Enforcement and Strengthening of Existing Laws: Ensure the rigorous application of laws protecting LGBTQIAPN+ rights, including the recognition of same-sex marriage and equating homophobia and transphobia to racism.
3. Development of Comprehensive Public Policies: Invest in health, human rights, and educational policies that promote equality and work to eliminate violent deaths in the LGBTQIAPN+ community.
4. Combat Impunity: Demand swift and thorough investigations from police and judicial authorities, ensuring exemplary punishment for crimes motivated by LGBTQIphobia.
5. Self-Protection and Reporting: Raise awareness among the LGBTQIAPN+ community about the importance of avoiding high-risk situations, seeking support networks, and always reporting threats or violence to the appropriate authorities.

Tranlated from Portuguese by Gustô Alves