Brazilian cities boost LGBTQ+ inclusion in health services and entrepreneurship

In Atibaia, São Paulo, the Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento partnered with local health professionals, collectives and NGOs to hold a Pride Month event at the Dr. Lourenço Quilici Health Center. The program offered lectures, group dynamics and debates on human rights, gender identity and psychosocial well‑being, aiming to strengthen inclusive care within the public health system (SUS) for the regional population.

In Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, the International LGBTQ+ Pride Day was marked by highlighting how diversity fuels the local economy. A Sebrae study reported that 55 % of Brazil’s LGBTQ+ community are entrepreneurs or have entrepreneurial potential, with 24 % already owning a business and 70 % of trans and travesti individuals active in entrepreneurship. The report estimated 3.7 million LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs nationwide, noting that 40 % say their sexual orientation or gender identity directly shaped their business decisions, turning exclusion into market opportunity.