In a nation once hailed as a leader in LGBTQ rights, Argentina is grappling with a shocking hate crime that underscores a disturbing rise in intolerance. On May 6, four lesbian women—Pamela Fabiana Cobas, Mercedes Roxana Figueroa, Andrea Amarante, and Sofía Castro Riglo—were set on fire in Buenos Aires. Only Sofía survived, thanks to Andrea’s heroic act of shielding her from the flames. This heinous attack, occurring in a boarding house in the Barracas neighborhood, is viewed by LGBTQ advocates as a hate crime, though the authorities have not yet classified it as such.

The attack has amplified concerns among LGBTQ groups, who see it as an extreme manifestation of increasing hostility since Javier Milei’s government took power. Milei, a far-right leader, has been criticized for making derogatory remarks about LGBTQ individuals, which many believe have emboldened discrimination and violence. During his presidential campaign, Milei compared homosexuality to bestiality in a YouTube interview, a statement that drew widespread condemnation from LGBTQ communities.

Since taking office, Milei has implemented policies perceived as undermining LGBTQ protections. He banned gender-inclusive language in government, downgraded the Ministry of Women, Gender, and Diversity, and effectively closed the national anti-discrimination agency. Critics argue that these actions have normalized discriminatory attitudes, leading to a rise in violence. Esteban Paulón, a former president of the Argentine LGBT Federation (FALGBT), and other activists claim that hate speech from government officials has legitimized such attacks.

The National Observatory of LGBTQ Hate Crimes reported 133 crimes in 2023 related to victims’ sexual orientation or gender identity, up from 129 in 2022 and 120 in 2021. Activists like Maria Rachid, head of the Institute Against Discrimination of the Ombudsman’s Office, believe the true numbers are much higher, given that many incidents go unreported.

Despite these troubling trends, public opinion in Argentina remains largely supportive of LGBTQ rights. A May survey by the University of San Andrés found that 72% of respondents favored marriage equality, and 70% supported protections for transgender individuals. However, the government’s response to the attack has been criticized. Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni dismissed the notion that the arson was a hate crime, prompting backlash from progressives.

LGBTQ activists are pushing for stronger protections and legal reforms. Congressman Paulón and other lawmakers are working on legislation to punish discriminatory acts, prevent school harassment, and ban conversion therapies. Advocacy groups emphasize the need to amplify LGBTQ voices and combat hate speech. Jesi Hernández, a member of Lesbianxs Autoconvocadxs por la masacre de Barracas, urges the community to resist discriminatory narratives and embrace their identities proudly.

The attack on the four women in Barracas serves as a tragic reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights and safety in Argentina. As activists rally to commemorate the victims and push for change, they continue to fight for a society where such violence is not tolerated and where LGBTQ individuals can live freely and safely