Tactics and tools for the protection
of Human Rights Defenders

This LGBT communication manual (Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, Transvestites and Transsexuals)  is aimed at communication professionals, students and teachers (journalists, broadcasters, publicity agents, public relations professionals, among others). 

It is one of the goals of the current board of directors of the Brazilian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transvestite and Transsexual Association – ABGLT, as well as of activists involved with the LGBT segment in Brazil, to reduce the use of inappropriate and prejudiced terminologies that adversely affect the citizenship and dignity of 20 million Brazilian LGBT people, their families, friends, neighbours and work colleagues. 

Over time, the efforts made by the LGBT Movement in all the Brazilian states have raised the awareness of communicators and brought allies to the cause. The Movement and the Media still have, however, a long way to go to ensure the transmission of information of better quality and more committed to social causes. 

Every day the media is bombarded with information from all sides: press releases, suggestions for coverage, press kits, reports, bulletins, suggestions and complaints. As a result, issues involving the LGBT population are not always given adequate priority or value. 

At the same time, raising this issue requires reliable sources, a spirit of democracy and, principally, freedom from prejudices. Debating new concepts with the LGBT community, as well as with the media, is fundamental for renewing concepts and constantly contributing towards Brazilian democracy. The intention of the Brazilian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transvestite and Transsexual Association (ABGLT), through its “Allies” Project, in investing in this work, is to provide a tool capable of assisting journalistic coverage of LGBT issues. 

Although its focus is journalists, the aim of this LGBT Communication Manual, as its name indicates, is also to be useful for other areas of communication, and that as LGBT issues become constantly discussed with quality, attitudes of respect and comprehension will become more widespread in relation to this expressive segment of the population. 

The manual is directly related to the LGBT Movement’s goals of contributing towards the production of tools capable of educating and informing Brazilian society about its human rights. Furthermore, it aims to reinforce the roles played by each and every citizen in building a fairer, more human society with solidarity and full access to the rights provided for by the Brazilian Constitution. 

May the investment in education be, increasingly, our weapon in combating social injustices. 

http://www.abglt.org.br/port/index.php