The LGBTQ community in Brazil is grappling with a disturbing rise in violence, with a series of murders and armed robberies targeting gay men who met their assailants through dating apps. Reuters reported that since March, at least five men have been killed, and dozens more have fallen victim to armed robberies. One recent victim was Leo Nunes, a 24-year-old who arranged a meeting with a man from the dating app Hornet in São Paulo on June 12, Lover’s Day in Brazil. Security footage revealed two men on a motorcycle arriving at the alley where Nunes was waiting, stealing his phone, and fatally shooting him. A suspect has been apprehended. Brazil's large LGBTQ population also faces significant risks, compounded by fears of mistreatment by authorities. According to lawyer Wanderley Montanholi, “Because of structural homophobia, criminals know that LGBT people are vulnerable. They know they will be more easily intimidated.” He is representing the family of Heleno Veggi Dumba, a gay doctor murdered in April after a date arranged through a dating app led to an attempted robbery and his death. Gabriel, another victim, recounted his attack in March near the site of Nunes’s murder - “One man put a gun to my stomach and asked me the password of my phone.” His attackers drained his bank account and maxed out his credit card. After reports and complaints about a fake profile used in these crimes, the app has since increased its review team. Nunes’s parents labeled his murder an antigay hate crime, but legal and societal challenges often prevent such incidents from being officially recognized as homophobic. #Queer Up The World View