Summary
Benny Briolly, a transgender city councilwoman in Brazil, faces significant threats to her safety as she campaigns for re-election. Since entering the public eye, she has received over 700 death threats, some of which included her home address and ominous warnings reminiscent of the assassination of Marielle Franco, an LGBTQ+ rights advocate who was killed in 2018.
The increase in violence against Briolly and other transgender candidates reflects a broader climate of transphobia in Brazil, where nearly 1,000 transgender politicians are running in elections across all 26 states. This surge in candidacies marks a tripling of transgender political representation since the last local elections four years ago. Despite the dangers, candidates like Briolly are determined to continue their political pursuits, viewing their presence in politics as a form of revolutionary defiance against systemic exclusion and violence. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has called for protection for Briolly, highlighting the urgent need for safeguarding the rights and lives of transgender individuals in Brazil.
Context of Political Violence
Briolly’s situation is emblematic of the challenges faced by transgender politicians in Brazil, where transphobia has been exacerbated by political rhetoric and actions from figures associated with the far-right. Candidates such as Leonora Áquilla have reported facing direct threats during their campaigns, with Áquilla narrowly escaping an assassination attempt just days before the elections. The pervasive violence against transgender individuals in Brazil is underscored by alarming statistics; the country recorded more than 100 murders of transgender people last year, a figure that highlights the dangers of political activism for this community.
The Role of Advocacy
Despite the threats, many transgender candidates express a sense of pride and hope in their political engagement. Activists like Indianarae Siqueira emphasize that the visibility of trans individuals in political spaces can inspire others to pursue similar paths, creating a ripple effect that encourages greater representation and advocacy. The resilience shown by candidates like Briolly and Salabert in the face of such adversity underscores the critical intersection between politics and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Brazil, where the struggle for equality continues amidst significant challenges.
Death threats assail Brazil's trailblazing trans candidates as they campaign
Oct. 4 / Gazette / Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by trans candidates, featuring powerful testimonies and statistics that emphasize the urgency of their situation. The narrative effectively captures the resilience and hope within the community. “ RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Benny Briolly beamed as she strode through the concrete favela alleyway in a snow-white dress, volunteers proudly waving campaign flags...
Death threats assail Brazil’s trailblazing trans candidates as they campaign
Oct. 4 / The Seattle Times / Highlights the alarming rise in violence against transgender politicians in Brazil, offering compelling personal accounts that underscore the emotional toll of political engagement amid threats. The detailed context enriches understanding of systemic transphobia. “ RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Benny Briolly beamed as she strode through the concrete favela alleyway in a snow-white dress, volunteers proudly waving campaign flags...