1989 / What’s so funny, Mr President


Location: The Cariola Theater, Santiago, Chile

Date: August 21, 1989.

Event: The push by intellectuals and artists to have Patricio Aylwin declared a presidential candidate in the December elections.

Documentation: Enrique Ramírez

Other People/Associations: Nemesio Antúnez, Patricio Aylwin, Guillermo Núñez, Concertación de Partidos por la Democracia (Pact of Parties for Democracy).

Description: In the context of the debates surrounding the “democratic transition,” the Yeguas del Apocalipsis made homosexuality a constant chant in the political space, the activist and militant aspects of their work coming to the forefront. On August 21, 1989, Pedro Lemebel and Francisco Casas intervened in an event taking place in the Cariola Theater, which was billed as an opportunity to learn about the cultural policies that Patricio Aylwin’s future government would promote. The meeting with the presidential candidate from the Pact of Parties for Democracy was titled, “Aylwin Meets with the Artists.” Important politicians and intellectuals were among those who attended, including Carlos Martínez Sotomayor, Enrique Silva Cimma, Guillermo Núñez, Ricardo Lagos, Nemesio Antúnez, Bernardo Subercaseaux, and Radomiro Tomic. The Yeguas del Apocalipsis, wearing coats, heels, and tutus, interrupted the program and unfolded the canvas sign proclaiming, “Homosexuals for Change.”


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