Thousands gathered in Buenos Aires and other cities throughout Argentina to express their discontent following President Javier Milei’s recent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. During his speech, he openly criticized progressive movements, dubbing them “wokeism,” and condemned feminism among other ideals that align with social progress.

Demonstrators displayed rainbow-colored flags and held signs that proclaimed, “rights are not negotiable.” The event, known as the “Federal March of Anti-Fascist and Anti-Racist Pride,” was organized by members of the LGBTQ+ community in reaction to Milei’s comments on January 23. They aimed to stand against what they describe as “the economic violence, political persecution, and sexual repression” propagated by Milei’s administration.

In solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, various rights organizations, labor unions, and political groups also participated in the protest.

During his address in Switzerland, Milei fiercely derided concepts he categorized as “sick wokeism,” alongside social welfare measures, feminism, identity politics, and even climate change initiatives. He went so far as to say that certain extreme manifestations of gender ideology could be equated to child abuse.

One of the protesters, Germán Paladino, an industrial engineer, voiced concerns about the government’s neglect of essential services like healthcare and education. He criticized Milei’s approach, claiming it diverts attention from pressing public issues to intrude on personal lives.

“I don’t know if this march can change anything, but if it could at least diminish the impact of Javier Milei’s particularly aggressive remarks,” Paladino reflected. Milagros, a 33-year-old visual artist, also took a stand, expressing her commitment to defending hard-won rights that she believes are currently under threat.

Argentina has made significant strides in recent years, enacting progressive legislation that champions sexual diversity and marriage equality, among other advancements. Thus, the sentiments expressed during the protest reflect a strong desire to protect these social gains amid mounting opposition.