Thousands March in Buenos Aires for 34th LGBTQ+ Pride, Protesting Government Policies and Rise in Hate Crimes

Buenos Aires Hosts 34th LGBTQ+ Pride March Amidst Political Tensions

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Thousands of individuals converged on the streets of Buenos Aires on Saturday, November 2, 2025, for the 34th annual LGBTQ+ Pride March. The vibrant demonstration, which commenced at Plaza de Mayo and concluded at the National Congress building, served as both a celebration of diversity and a powerful protest against the policies of President Javier Milei's administration and a reported surge in hate crimes against the community.

Under the unifying slogan, 'Against hate and violence: more pride and unity' ('Frente al odio y la violencia: más orgullo y unidad'), participants expressed their concerns over what they describe as an 'accelerated rollback of LGBTI+ rights' in Argentina.

Protest Against Government Policies

A central theme of the march was the strong opposition to the policies implemented by President Milei since he took office in December 2023. Activists specifically condemned several governmental actions, including:

• The dissolution of the Ministry of Women, Genders, and Diversity.
• The elimination of the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI).
• Broader austerity measures and budget cuts impacting gender and sexual rights programs.

These measures, coupled with what critics describe as 'hateful narratives' from government spheres, have been cited as contributing to a climate of increased hostility. President Milei's controversial statements at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he accused LGBTQ+ people of being 'pedophiles' and criticized 'gender ideology,' were also a significant point of contention for protesters.

Alarming Rise in Hate Crimes

The march also drew critical attention to a concerning increase in violence targeting the LGBTQ+ community. According to the National Observatory of LGBT+ Hate Crimes, there was a 70% increase in hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This alarming statistic was underscored by a tragic incident in May 2024, where an attack involving an improvised explosive device in Buenos Aires resulted in the deaths of three lesbian women.

Organizers and human rights groups have directly linked the rise in anti-LGBT sentiment to the government's rhetoric, with some reports accusing President Milei of 'whipping up anti-LGBT sentiment' and depicting the community as a 'social enemy.'

A Call for Justice and Unity

The 34th Pride March, the second to take place under Milei's presidency, featured colorful floats, lively music, and diverse participants ranging from families to activists and international visitors. Signs displayed during the event included messages such as 'There's no pride without justice,' reflecting the community's demand for legal reforms and greater protection. British singer Dua Lipa also sent a supportive video message, which was played during the event. The march underscored the community's determination to resist setbacks and advocate for progress amidst a challenging political landscape, reaffirming the historical significance of the event which first took place in 1992.