in caxias do sul, a city in brazil, a sense of community is blossoming, a testament to the resilience and solidarity of its lgbtq+ residents. this story unfolds, weaving through personal experiences, artistic expression, and the collective quest for acceptance and visibility.
the narrative explores the challenges faced by this community, but more importantly, highlights their triumphs and the establishment of safe havens.
a story of survival and self-discovery
the experiences of individuals within this community shed light on the hurdles they've had to overcome.
cleo's story, marked by early trauma, illustrates the journey of a young person battling abuse and seeking refuge. at a tender age of eleven, she was forced from her home, and her quest for safety led her to a string of perilous encounters. she found herself trapped and exploited, enduring years of abuse before managing a daring escape.
the physical scars, like the stab wound on her neck, serve as constant reminders of her past, but they also symbolize her strength and determination to survive.
cleo's path subsequently took her to a catholic congregation, but her transgender identity was not accepted.
she bravely embraced her true self at the age of seventeen, and that led to new challenges and more struggle. unable to find work, she turned to sex work for survival. she persevered, working by night and studying by day, eventually opening a beauty salon in santa catarina.
later, in caxias do sul, she found a fresh start after marriage. her story exemplifies the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
seeking opportunities and finding acceptance
the city of caxias do sul also offers a path for those seeking better lives.
isaac's experience of growing up in a small town and constantly being compared to his older brother caused him discomfort. his coming out as gay was met with respect, but he felt the environment limited his potential.
caxias do sul offered more opportunities and the freedom to be himself. now, he finds a second family at the local casa de acolhimento (shelter), where he has found support and a sense of belonging.
these safe spaces provide crucial support for the lgbtq+ community.
isaac, though the youngest resident, has already developed maturity beyond his years, driven by a desire to help his family. he envisions a future of completing his studies, achieving financial independence, and giving back to the caxiense shelter that has become his family.
his story is one of finding strength in community.
art as a form of resistance and visibility
in caxias do sul, the lgbtq+ community is using art to foster visibility and promote inclusivity. the city's conservative environment requires creative strategies to fight prejudice.
in response, the anarcoqueer exhibition emerged as an artistic response to societal pressures and discrimination.
the anarcoqueer collective organized an online discussion group that led to an art exhibition to increase visibility of the lgbtq+ community.
the exhibition, initially online, then moved to a physical space called reffugio. bruna turmina, the owner of reffugio, identifies as a lesbian and returned to caxias do sul after living in the northeast, where she experienced less prejudice. the exhibition demonstrates the community's efforts to come together and create positive change.
the anarcoqueer exhibition provides a venue for lgbtq+ artists to display their work, generating dialogue and driving social transformation in caxias do sul.
navigating challenges and advocating for change
the path of transformation has not been easy.
the anarcoqueer collective member rafael dambros highlights the lack of focus on lgbtq+ issues in caxias do sul's cultural dialogue.
he acknowledges that some institutions and spaces are more open to the community's art, while others are less receptive. he emphasizes the absence of public policies designed to support the lgbtq+ population, emphasizing the need for advocacy.
márcie vieira, a transgender woman and artist who also participates in the anarcoqueer exhibition, speaks about the challenges of occupying spaces.
she emphasizes that the mere presence of a transgender or transvestite person can cause judgment before the art itself is assessed. to protect her mental health, she navigates and finds alternative methods to share her art.
the collective understanding within the anarcoqueer group stresses the need for greater unity within the movement.
they acknowledge the presence of competition and advocate for more profound connections among its members. julia webber, through her collages, shows how lgbtq+ individuals can sometimes feel isolated.
the path to a more inclusive future
the path to a more inclusive society requires more than just art exhibitions and the establishment of safe spaces.
joão luís weber, a professor from centro universitário da serra gaúcha fsg, emphasizes the importance of education and public policy consolidation to encourage transformation in social practices and relationships. he envisions a world where diversity is valued, not feared.
caxias do sul is showing the power of community as it provides space for lgbtq+ individuals to come together, share their stories, and build a future where everyone can feel safe, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
it is a story of resilience, hope, and the ongoing struggle for equality.