Maduro makes homophobic remark on TV during Pride Month

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made a homophobic comment on Saturday while broadcasting on national television during Pride Month, when the LGBTQ community comes together to celebrate the freedom to be themselves. 

"Take advantage and put on a little red shirt. I'm going to put on a red shirt too, Victor Clark, because these little pink ones make us both suspicious, especially you," Maduro said laughing, while the governor of Falcon state smiled and said "no" with the index finger of his hand.

Maduro luciéndose con su homofobia en cadena nacional, en pleno mes del #Orgullo pic.twitter.com/z64gGJE6pB

— Gabriel Bastidas 🏳️‍🌈 (@Gbastidas) June 23, 2022

Maduro was widely criticized by social media users, describing his statement as homophobic and demeaning to the LGBTQ community.

The president has used homophobic adjectives in the past to dismiss his opponents. The most famous statement he made was against opposition candidate Henrique Capriles, when he said: "I do like women," during a political rally in the 2013 election campaigns.

Last year, the leader of the Venezuelan regime promised that the new Chavista-controlled Legislative Assembly would cover equal marriage, but Maduro did not mention the issue again after the elections.

During Pride Month, multiple activists and non-governmental organizations prepared for June 24 meetings and educational talks in six cities, including Caracas.

They are also preparing a march for July 1 in which they hope to have meetings with representatives of the governor's office and legislators to demand inclusion when passing laws and regulations in favor of the LGBTQ community.

As part of the celebrations, there will be a movie theater, bicycle wheel, educational meetings, and artistic activities with Drag Queens.