Perceptions of LGBT+ Political Representation in Latin America

The inequalities in Latin America affect LGBT+ people in a particular and profound way. On a daily basis, people in this community face persecution, violence, and discrimination. As an example, in 2022 the region accounted for 68 percent of all reported transgender assassinations globally.

Expanding the LGBT+ population’s civic and political participation is essential to safeguarding access to those spaces where the decisions that directly impact their lives are made. With broader political representation, people of sexual and gender diversity can break the pervasive cycles of discrimination they face, while also contributing to public policies that result in better living conditions for them and for society as a whole.

While there is a long road ahead, representation of the LGBT+ community in public office has risen in recent years, fostering a transformative and vibrant movement for democracy in the region. As we mark Pride month, Luminate presents Perceptions of LGBT+ Political Representation in Latin America, an opinion poll that maps public support for LGBT+ people in positions of power in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. 

The study shows that a majority of the surveyed voters believes in the importance of LGBT+ political representation and advocates for its increase. A majority also perceives diversity as an inherent value of democracy. In general, there is an understanding that LGBT+ people should participate in institutional politics because they are individuals equal to any other. A low rate of respondents identified the unique value that LGBT+ people bring to spaces of power.