Rio de Janeiro addresses LGBTQ data gaps with new subsecretary

The Grupo Arco-Íris de Cidadania LGBTI+ (GAI) sent an official request on 28 July to Rio de Janeiro's State Civil Police and to the state's Public Prosecutor’s Office, demanding an explanation for the absence of LGBTQ‑related crime statistics in the 2026 Brazilian Public Security Yearbook. Rio is the only state that omitted data on homophobic or transphobic racism, bodily injury, homicide and rape for 2024‑2025. GAI called for permanent mechanisms to collect, consolidate and publish such data and suggested a possible Term of Adjustment of Conduct if violations are found.

Meanwhile, interim governor and judge Ricardo Couto created a Subsecretaria de Políticas LGBTQI+ within the Secretaria de Estado de Desenvolvimento Social e Direitos Humanos. The new office, led by Ernane Alexandre, will coordinate public policies for LGBTQI+ people and incorporate the long‑running Rio Sem LGBTIfobia programme, all without increasing state spending.

Both actions aim to improve transparency and protection for the LGBTQI+ community in Rio de Janeiro.