The Civil Police of Pernambuco is currently investigating a case of assault reportedly motivated by homophobia that occurred during the Carnival in Olinda. Architect Augusto Mendonça, aged 40, shared his experience on social media, detailing the events of the night when he was dressed as a drag queen. He was in the Historic Center of the city to meet friends when his encounter with a group of young men escalated to violence.

Mendonça recounted that he was walking down the street when he passed a group of five young men who made derogatory comments about his appearance. Despite their verbal assault, he chose to greet them to avoid confrontation. However, shortly after, a second group of around ten people approached him, and one of them allegedly urged the others to attack him. Following this provocation, he reported being struck, which he believes was either a punch or a slap, impacting his right eye.

This incident raises significant concerns regarding safety and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals during one of Brazil's most famous cultural events. Carnival, while celebrated for its inclusivity and diversity, continues to witness acts of violence against marginalized communities. The investigation by local authorities could provide insights into the prevalence of such incidents and the need for broader societal change to protect the rights of all participants in festive events like Carnival.