Fundación Iguales gained a significant public profile when Luis Larraín assumed the presidency in 2013, succeeding writer Pablo Simonetti. Throughout his tenure at the helm of the organization, he directed efforts toward securing legal recognition for same-sex couples in a nation historically defined by social conservatism and traditional legal structures regarding marriage and domestic partnerships.
Academic and Professional Background
Luis Alberto Larraín Stieb pursued higher education in two distinct fields. He completed his undergraduate studies in civil engineering at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Following his engineering training, he moved to France to obtain a master's degree in international relations from Sciences Po. Beyond these formal disciplines, Larraín also worked as a model, balancing a diverse professional portfolio alongside his engineering practice and advocacy work.
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As the president of Fundación Iguales, Larraín spearheaded campaigns for the implementation of civil union laws. His tenure was marked by personal health challenges, including two separate kidney transplants. Under his leadership, the organization successfully advocated for the legal protections that took effect on 22 October 2015, which extended specific rights to same-sex households. The foundation further broadened its scope during this time by establishing collaborative partnerships with groups representing women and Indigenous populations. His impact on public life was formally recognized in November 2015 when The Economist named him among the top 50 diversity figures.
Political Aspirations
In 2017, Larraín transitioned into electoral politics. He initially announced his candidacy for deputy in the parliamentary elections representing District 10—covering the communes of Santiago, Providencia, La Granja, Macul, Ñuñoa, and San Joaquín—on 12 March 2017. While he originally received backing from the Citizens party and the Future Sense coalition, he shifted his alignment on 21 August 2017. Running as an independent within the centre-right Chile Vamos coalition, with support from the party Evópoli, he secured 8,303 votes. This total did not secure one of the eight available seats.
Death
Luis Larraín died on 17 November 2023 in Santiago. His death at the age of 42 resulted from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Fast facts
- Born: 1980, Santiago, Chile
- Died: 17 November 2023, Santiago, Chile
- Education: Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Sciences Po
- Primary Occupation: Civil engineer, LGBTQ rights activist
- Key Legislative Milestone: Civil union law, 22 October 2015
- 2017 Electoral Performance: 8,303 votes
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the 2015 civil union law?
It provided same-sex couples in Chile with legal protections comparable to opposite-sex married couples, though it stopped short of granting adoption rights or the title of marriage.
Did Larraín hold any political office?
No. Although he ran for deputy in the 2017 parliamentary elections, he was not among the elected candidates.
Achievements
- Trained at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
