“Adeus Pátria e Família”: the resistance to the repression of homosexuality in Portugal
In 1926, and in a speech that established the “comfort of great certainties”, Salazar affirmed the indisputability of “God” and “virtue”, of “family and its morals”, “of authority and its prestige”. At once, in a text of just over 50 words, the dictator sowed the seed of the trinity “God, Fatherland and Family” that would define his long regime. Almost 10 years after that speech, given in Braga, on May 28, 1926, Portugal has one of the most advanced legislation in the world in terms of equality and non-description based on sexual orientation and gender affirmation. But of these 100 years, only 40 — far fewer than those of democracy — have actually been lived without the decriminalization of homosexuality; and only four with legal consecration of gender self-determination. Democracy against repression is difficult and is not being finished, even in democracy, because the experience of everyday life always respects the rules in legislation.
Defending a family model different from the Catholic, patriarchal model, with power in the male figure, which the dictatorship imposed, and an existence that asserts itself outside the dictates of heteronorm requires an effort that is for the activity of laws. A change of mentality, for which the exhibition “Adeus Pátria e Família” wants to contribute to the path that brought us here. “Revealing, naming and giving visibility” to this long battle against a unique and oppressive model is one of the goals of the curators, Rita Rato, director of the Museu do Aljube, and Joana Alves, from the communication department. Three verbs that aim to facilitate reflection and the promotion of their discussion in society and in small spheres, such as personal, family or professional. In the exhibition that can be seen at the Museu do Aljube, Ricardo Carvalho’s design uses a single device to support the documents presented in a chronological and linear way, a fabric of concealment that signifies the visibility of those who escape the heteronormativity curtain, those who choose to meet what they are.
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