Parliamentarians hold a 'protocol' for rights for elderly LGBT+ people

State deputies and city councilors from across Brazil will mobilize, starting this Tuesday, the 15th, to file bills targeting the elderly LGBT+ population. The initiative is coordinated by Federal Deputy Duda Salabert (PDT-MG).

The texts are based on Bill 2670/2025, introduced by Salabert in May of this year to create a national policy to protect members of the LGBT+ community who reach old age. The bill focuses on inclusive housing, professional training, and humanized care in areas such as healthcare.

The “protocolaço” takes place shortly after the 29th edition of the São Paulo LGBT+ Parade , whose theme was the demand to grow old with pride and out of the closet.

Salabert's bill, nicknamed the Sissy Kelly Law (1957-2024), pays homage to the activist and transvestite from Belo Horizonte considered one of the pioneers in the fight for the rights of the elderly LGBT+ population.

In her old age, the lack of social assistance meant that Sissy was taken to long-term public homes, where she did not receive the necessary care and suffered various discriminations due to her gender identity and being HIV-positive.

Violence and exclusion led Sissy to abandon the shelters. She moved to a squat in the city center and spearheaded the fight for rights.

Without any mention in the Elderly Statute and lacking specific policies, the most vulnerable LGBT+ population reaching old age often finds itself forced to hide its identity in exchange for support and assistance.

"Like Sissy, many older LGBT+ people face institutional violence and discrimination in politics, as well as family abandonment. As an atypical mother, I know the importance of care and access to healthcare; it's urgent to create this policy in Natal and other cities," says Thabatta Pimenta, a Natal councilwoman participating in the "protocolaço."