Carlos Fernandes (activist)
Carlos Anderson Henriques Fernandes (October 12, 1983 – February 26, 2024) was a prominent LGBT activist as well as the director and a founder of the Iris Angola Association, the first LGBT organization in the country.[1][2] He played a major role in decriminalizing homosexuality in Angola and improving the country's LGBTI rights.[1]
Career and Impact[edit]
Fernandes' career before his time at Iris Angola is not widely documented. According to Fernandes' Instagram, he previous worked a variety of jobs such as advertising distribution in Portugal, construction assistance in Spain, and management of Bar Manda Fama in Luanda.[3]
Fenandes and Paula Sebastião, a fellow activist at Iris Angola, described coming up with the idea of an LGBT organization in 2013 while participating in PSI's PROACTIVO project.[4][2] The foundational objectives were "to contribute to a future in which sexual minorities have space, voice, participation and rights in Angolan society."[4]
Iris Angola, UNAIDS, and other civil groups pushed towards the revision of Angola's penal code to legalize homosexuality in the country.[5]
Death[edit]
Carlos Fernandes was found dead in his home on February 26, 2024. His death is a suspected homicide by asphyxiation. Investigations are still ongoing.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Luanda, U. S. Embassy in (2024-03-04). "Condolences Following the Death of Carlos Fernandes". U.S. Embassy to Angola and Sao Tome and Principe. Retrieved 2024-04-06.
- ^ a b Pimental, Tahila (2017). "Canaries in the Coal Mines". The Other Foundation. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
- ^ Fernandes, Carlos (April 13, 2023). "2001 – Distribuição de publicidade Setubal – Portugal". Instagram. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
- ^ a b ""Queremos a igualdade para todas as minorias sexuais de Angola"". dezanove.pt. Retrieved 2024-04-06.
- ^ "Amplifying Successes Towards Ending AIDS" (PDF). UNAIDS. 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
- ^ Cassell, Heather (March 18, 2024). "Out in the World: Homicide suspected in death of prominent Angolan LGBTQ activist". Bay Area Reporter.
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