Statement from Bolsonaro’s Office via CNBC: “…in light of the resistance and deliberate attacks from the NYC Mayor and pressure from interest groups and institutions that organize…”

ICYMI: Delta, Bain and the Financial Times pull out of ceremony honoring Brazil’s far-right president  

NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, this evening celebrated the victory for the LGBTQ community in Brazil after GLAAD joined New York State Senator Brad Hoylman and many other LGBTQ Americans and allies in a public campaign that forced Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a long-time anti-LGBTQ activist, to cancel his upcoming trip to the United States. Bolsonaro was scheduled to receive the “Person of the Year” award from the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce on May 14.

“President Jair Bolsonaro’s cancelled trip to the United States is a victory for LGBTQ Brazilians,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD. “Despite our own President’s anti-LGBTQ record and actions, this news proves advocacy organizations, businesses, and local officials can still affect real change. As LGBTQ Americans and allies prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, this successful campaign is an important reminder that in order to gain acceptance, LGBTQ people across the globe must continue to be visible, stand together, and do everything possible to protect the hard-fought progress we’ve earned.”

Prior to Bolsonaro’s cancellation, Delta Airlines, Bain & Company, and The Financial Times pulled their sponsorships for the upcoming event, and the American Museum of Natural History canceled the original location of the Chamber’s gala following massive outcry from State Senator Brad Hoylman and LGBTQ Americans and allies – including actor Debra Messing. Both GLAAD and State Senator Hoylman urged the Chamber and New York Marriott Marquis, the event’s new location, to cancel the event that’s scheduled for May 14 earlier this week. As of this release, about 60,000 individuals have signed onto a petition call for the cancelation of the Chamber’s “Person of the Year” event.

Brazilian President has a horrific and barbaric anti-LGBTQ record, and since his election last year, President Bolsonaro – like the Trump Administration – has systematically tried to erase LGBTQ families from the fabric of Brazil. Just recently, President Bolsonaro even praised the anti-LGBTQ efforts made by President Trump and his administration since taking office in 2017 – a total of 105 attacks on LGBTQ Americans overall.