Grupo Arco-Íris de Conscientização Homossexual

Grupo Arco-Íris de Conscientização Homossexual is Rio de Janeiro's primary LGBTQ+ advocacy and community organization, founded in 1993 and based in the Tijuca neighbourhood. The group has been central to the legal and social progress of LGBTQ+ rights in Rio and in Brazil more broadly: it participated in the legal processes that established same-sex union rights, has run HIV prevention and support programmes, and provides community services including legal advice, psychological support, and resources for LGBTQ+ people experiencing violence or discrimination. The organization played a significant role in establishing and organizing Rio Pride, which it helped to found in the late 1990s. Grupo Arco-Íris maintains relationships with international LGBTQ+ organizations and represents Rio de Janeiro's community in national advocacy coalitions. For visitors to Rio who want to engage with the city's LGBTQ+ civil society, access information about rights and resources, or contribute to community work, Grupo Arco-Íris is the primary contact. The Tijuca location is accessible by metro from the Zona Sul.