An election that could be decided by homophobia.

By Moisés Mendes, for 247

They always said that João Doria was a closet Bolsonaro supporter, until he proclaimed himself "Bolsodoria" in 2018. They said the same about Eduardo Leite. But both were opportunists, not Bolsonaro supporters.

They had no history of being Bolsonaro supporters, nor the inclination or inclination to be one. In the election four years ago, they threw themselves into Bolsonaro's arms, even though they didn't perceive any reciprocity.

They were elected, guided by polls and marketing experts, as if they were allies of Bolsonaro.

Leite went further and brought together leaders and figures from the far right to get elected and to govern. During the pandemic, they had the chance to leave.

Doria, in Bolsonaro's words, became the "tight pants" and fell by the wayside as a presidential candidate.

Eduardo Leite, who angered Bolsonaro supporters with his protective measures against Covid, is now the gay man being attacked by Onyx Lorenzoni, the state governor's opponent who claims to offer the people of Rio Grande do Sul the chance to have a "real first lady."

While still in the closet, Leite courted the same organized and openly homophobic and racist group. Out of the closet, he became an enemy and is now attacked for being gay.

This is the level of the campaign in Rio Grande do Sul, where Daniel Krieger, Tarso Dutra, Sinval Guazzelli, and other right-wing leaders maintained cordial relations with their adversaries during the dictatorship – even before the opening up of the country – for external consumption.

Fascism has come to dominate the European immigration zones of the State and now electorally supports unimaginable radical behaviors.

Leite is attacked on what Onyx considers his weak point: he has a boyfriend, not a wife he can present as first lady.

The politics of Rio Grande do Sul, so exalted in the 20th century as a model for the whole world, is playing house. Damares Alves' school has infiltrated a false debate about customs and religious fundamentalism into a state of traditionalism and boastful heroism.

Onyx induces the gauchos, in their boots and bombachas (traditional gaucho trousers), to reject any politician who doesn't have a gift to show visitors.

A female boss serving her husband, as dictated by the hierarchy of the Gaucho Tradition Centers, long since transformed into strongholds of reactionary and militaristic machismo. A helper, in Michelle Bolsonaro's definition.

To ensure his macho performance was flawless, Onyx perfected his image this Friday. After a debate on Rádio Gaúcha, Leite extended his hand for a farewell.

Onyx refused to shake his hand. The handshake, so dear to politics and diplomacy, which gains importance when practiced by adversaries, is a gesture celebrated in prose and verse by the people of Rio Grande do Sul.

Why did Onyx refuse to shake hands with Eduardo Leite, if that's not a common affront in state politics?

Was Leite refused a handshake because he is gay? It's an inevitable question.

Since Thursday, there has been an increase in demonstrations by left-wing activists on social media, who have abandoned neutrality and will support Leite.

Homophobia could help decide, for either side, the second round in Rio Grande do Sul.

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