Wedding Bells Ring: How One Organization Changed the Face of LGBT Rights in Argentina

Abstract

During the 1970s, Argentina faced a harsh military dictatorship, which suppressed social movements in Argentine society and “disappeared” nearly 30,000 people. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community became a specific target of this dictatorship. In just 40 years, the LGBT movement in Argentina has transformed from a silenced movement into one of the most successful social movements in the country. In 2010, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to pass a law allowing equal marriage. This thesis touches on the reasons the LGBT rights movement in Argentina is progressing so rapidly. In particular, it provides an analysis of the media presented to the public by the leading organization of the LGBT movement in Argentina, the Federación Argentina LGBT (FALGBT) and shows how this organization worked to influence public opinion and ultimately help pass progressive legislation.