Manuela Picq

A Peruvian-French anthropologist advancing LGBTQ+ and indigenous rights in Latin America

Manuela Picq (born 1977) is a pioneering anthropologist and activist whose work bridges indigenous rights, gender studies, and decolonial theory. As a professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, she has documented the struggles of Quechua communities in the Andes while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights across Latin America. Her research on gendered violence and environmental justice has influenced policy debates in Bolivia and Ecuador. Picq gained international attention for her role in the 2019 Yellow Vest protests in France, where she analyzed the gender dynamics of grassroots movements. She has authored influential books like 《Indigenous Rights in the Andes》, and her blog Decoloniality provides critical analysis of colonial legacies. Picq's work with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has positioned her as a leading voice in global human rights discourse.