River Diversity

We raise the banner of respect, freedom, love, equality, affection, life and pride, which are words rich in meaning for the LGBTI+ movement. They symbolize struggles and reaffirm achievements of those who needed and unfortunately sometimes still need to assert to have their individuality respected. Therefore, in celebration of the LGBTI+ Pride month, the Prefeitura do Rio, through the Riotur, stamped the seven words in an open gallery on the edge of Rio, placing the city again in a scenario of respect for diversity and support for people of different gender identities and/or sexual orientations. Below, the words and their respective colors, which together make up the flag of movement.

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The RIO DIVERSITY project will expose until the end of June to the seven words in the 24 posts of the maritime edge of Rio, from Leme to Pontal, in panels of on average 2 m x 5 m. An information board will also bring the words translated into English, Italian, French, German and Mandarin.

During the month of LGBTI Pride+...

In addition to the open gallery on the edge of the city, the Arcos da Lapa and the City of Arts — headquarters of the Riotur — will be illuminated, from 18h to 01h, with the colors of the LGBTI+ flag between 25 and 28 June. On this date, June 28th, World Pride Day LGBTI+ is celebrated, in honor of the Stonewall Revolt, a representative milestone in the fight for civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual and other gender identities and/or sexual orientation.

On that date, 52 years ago, in 2021, police raided the New York bar The Stonewall Inn, a space considered safe for LGBTI+ people. The agents began arresting the locals, but ended up surprised by a huge reaction of hundreds of angry people with the recurring police oppression against LGBTI+ people.

“The city of Rio is huge in hospitality, including with international recognition. Riotur, city tourism company, lights the light for diversity to shine. We're all rainbow colors. This incredible action on the edge and lighting in sights reaffirm that we are diverse, without prejudice and proud of it! Happy the city that stands as gay friendly!”, celebrates Riotur president Daniela Maia.

The RIO DIVERSITY project has cultural support from TIM and OrlaRio, and has the institutional support of the Executive Coordination of Sexual Diversity (CEDS) of Prefeitura do Rio.

“ It's wonderful to be able to see Rio's postcards reaffirm our diversity city role. We are pioneers in our country regarding the creation of municipal laws that ensure equal treatment for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, in public agencies and commercial establishments. Both our tourists and our citizens deserve to feel welcome and respected, aware that, in case of discrimination, they can count on the government.

The Executive Coordination of Sexual Diversity is standing by to welcome anyone you need, by telephone 21 2976-9138 or by email, andrew coles@yahoo.com” says CEDS coordinator Carlos Tufvesson.

For more project details RIO DIVERSITY, access the Riotur Portal. River and Riotur networks: