For those who think that art and politics don’t mix, the appointment of drag queen Petra Peron as coordinator of regionalization and promotion of LGBTQIAP+ tourism at the Secretariat of Tourism of the State of Bahia (Setur-BA) comes to prove the opposite. Politically evolved at the center of social movements, activist Rafael Pedral never imagined that his artistic work as a drag queen would lead him to head a department at Setur-BA.

Newcomer in the sector, Petra was invited to the mission of mapping, qualifying and promoting the LGBTQIAP+ tourism in the state. In the country that kills the most transsexuals and transvestites for the 14th consecutive year, the challenge is to raise awareness throughout the production chain and to understand the main demands of the segment. Under the brand “Bahia, destination of diversity” – which will be announced at the main fairs in the country – the Arco Íris law appears as a program aimed at accommodation establishments, transport and other commercial establishments to train them in good receptivity to the LGBTQIAP+ tourist.

In partnership with the World Labor Organization and the Public Ministry of Bahia, the project also promotes the professionalization of the transgender population and works alongside the Center for the Promotion and Defense of LGBTQIAP+ Rights with lawyers, social workers and psychologists. Although Salvador is the main reference in Bahia for LGBTQIAP+ tourism, Petra does not hesitate to affirm that destinations such as Porto Seguro, Maraú, Chapada Diamantina, Vitória da Conquista, Itacaré, Mata de São João and Cairu have fallen in love of travelers have LGBT-friendly services, restaurants, bars and parties.

And Bahia is not just LGBTQIAP+ in June. With events and parties throughout the year, across the state, the destination has improved in terms of safety and attractions for different audiences. “We know that tourism is synonymous with employability and monetization. The sector accounts for nearly double digits of Bahia’s GDP and we are working to improve this segment through partnerships and strengthening community rights. LGBTphobia is an aspect of misogyny and toxic masculinity. Salvador is the city with the largest black population outside the African continent and it is necessary to work all these guidelines in synchrony so that our citizens have access to health, education and work, and can be who they are. are,” says Petra.

Petra still believes that the strong potential of LGBTQIAP+ Tourism will be responsible for making Brazil one of the countries that receive the most foreign tourists. The segment is marked by travelers who spend more than the average, plan itineraries in advance, are predominantly political and tend to seek out destinations already established by the community.

“Bahia has a lot to teach, but also to learn. We are a strong point for LGBTQIAP+ travelers and we want to exchange experiences with other destinations. Tourism must train its professionals to welcome local visitors to international tourists,” he adds.

This article is part of the special LGBTtravel edition of PANROTAS magazine: