Religious, political, and secular intertwining in the anti-gender crusade

Abstract

The article analyzes anti-gender campaigns in Latin America, showing how, from patriarchal historical roots, they have evolved into an organized, transnational movement that brings together religious, political, and secular actors. Under the label of “gender ideology,” these narratives function as a “symbolic glue” that brings together social fears around family, sexuality, and childhood, adopting the belligerent language of a crusade. Social media and influencers have fueled its expansion, with massive events such as Derecha Fest. The movement combines secular, religious, and pseudoscientific arguments to construct a total enemy. This phenomenon challenges rights already won and constitutes a process of de-democratization that threatens the pluralistic nature of democratic life.