OAB-RJ launches guide to guarantee the prerogatives of LGBTQIAPN+ lawyers.
The publication provides guidance on specific rights within the profession, such as the use of a chosen name and gender identity, and reinforces the fight against discrimination.
247 - The Rio de Janeiro branch of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB-RJ) took an unprecedented step in the national OAB system by launching, on Monday (September 1st), the A Guide to the Rights of LGBTQIAPN+ LawyersThe document compiles information on the rights of professionals who belong to sexual and gender minorities, representing a milestone in valuing diversity within the legal profession. The initiative was announced during the First Training Course for Delegates of Diversity Prerogativeswhich had over 100 registered participants, according to information from the OAB-RJ itself.
According to the president of the regional branch, Ana Teresa BasilioThe guide symbolizes more than just the protection of professional prerogatives: it is also an affirmation of respect for differences. "The idea is that, in addition to defending the prerogatives of the legal profession, we have a perspective of diversity, of respect for differences. Our main objective is to ensure that Rio de Janeiro is always a very friendly and welcoming place for everyone, especially for lawyers," he stated.
The publication presents specific guarantees for LGBTQIAPN+ lawyers, such as... use of social name, recognition of gender identity, right to use restrooms and spaces in accordance with that identity and respect for professional attire and expression...provided they are compatible with forensic decorum. Another relevant point is the right to... parentingTransgender men who become pregnant, for example, have the same guarantees as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, adoptive parents, and women who have recently given birth, such as priority in hearings.
Within the training course, the aim was to discuss the correct application of these prerogatives in situations of discrimination, harassment, or violation, always focusing on the protection of professional dignity. The impacts of institutional LGBTphobia and its effects on the practice of law in spaces such as courts, police stations, and public and private institutions were also debated.
The president of the Prerogatives Committee of the OAB-RJ (Brazilian Bar Association, Rio de Janeiro chapter), James WalkerHe highlighted the project's relevance in the current scenario: “We are living through a moment of intense punitivism throughout the country. This spills over onto the individual citizen and often reaches the lawyer defending them. Unfortunately, we know that if this person belongs to a minority, the prejudice is much greater. That's why we're here.”
Along the same lines, the Director of Diversity at the OAB-RJ (Brazilian Bar Association, Rio de Janeiro chapter), Nélio GeorginiShe reinforced the importance of lawyers understanding that violations suffered by colleagues affect everyone. “We are all lawyers. If one of us is disrespected, our entire profession is disrespected. As colleagues, we need to know that some of us have specific needs. There are lawyers whose right to use the restroom is not being respected, or whose right to speak is not being guaranteed simply because they are gay. Therefore, it is essential that we begin to treat these violations as collective problems, because nothing prevents it from happening to us tomorrow,” she stated.