Visibility is what the Rainbow Fest and the GLBT Citizenship and Pride Parade of Juiz de Fora both propose. Nowadays, these two yearly events organised by the MGM are recognisably an important element of the national events calendar, involving the whole city and bringing thousands of tourists to Juiz de Fora.
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VISIBILITY
In 2006, it has been estimated that as many as 120,000 people have attended some of the activities of the Rainbow Fest, of which 65,000 were on the street parade (source: Minas Gerais State Police). In 2007, two special celebrations are being planned, since the Rainbow Fest reaches its 10th edition and the Citizenship Parade its fifth.
A History of Success
Circa one-thousand-crowd filled the pavement of the Hafeld Street, centre of the “Mineira Manchester” as Juiz de Fora is known in Brazil[1], for the closing event of the 1st Rainbow Fest back in 1998. The Rainbow Fest has as main objective to bring about on the clear the questions that affect the homosexuals, like governmental policies, safe sex and homophobia. Another intention is to promote and distinguish the GLBT culture. During the event, arts exhibitions, film festivals, theatre plays and shows take place. Moreover, all the activities are combined with the exchange of information between the participants, such as questionings, exchange of experiences, and denouncement of violence and injustice.
Without hindsight, nobody could have ever foreseen the strength and prestige that the event would end up achieving in the city. For example, in 2006, 10,000 tourists brought to the Juiz de Fora’s economy the significant amount of R$??????. The figures come from the 5th Research of Tourism Demand, carried out by the MGM in partnership with the UFJF (Federal University of Juiz de Fora).
Nowadays, the Rainbow Fest is:
- The most important GLS[2] event in Brazil
- The largest Brazilian forum on homosexuality
- The largest gay parade of Minas Gerais state, gathering 80,000[3] people in 2006
- The most important tourism event of Juiz de Fora.
Information and citizenship
On the subject of Visibility, Comunicando (Communicating) is the name of the MGM project responsible for the divulgation of the GLBT community’s demands; to give voice to those citizens. Developed since the first quarter of 2005, the MGM Social Communications Office keeps updated the Gay Portal of Minas (www.mgm.org.br), publishes a monthly magazine, and manages the relationship with the press and the media. The Comunicando project is funded with grants from the STD/AIDS State Coordination of Minas Gerais.
Awards
Expocom Brazil 2005 – Winner in the Communications and Citizenship/Journalism category
Expocom Mercosul 2006 – Honorific Mention in the Communications and Citizenship/Journalism category
