Beyond the Land of 'Cordiality': Brazil Kills the Most Trans People in the World

Brazil is known for its LGBTQIA+ and transgender, nonbinary community, but the land of “cordiality” is not what it seems. The biggest South American country kills the most trans people in the world for the 13th year, according to Transgender Europe (TGEU).

In 2020, 175 transgender women were murdered. The increase is 41%, compared to the previous year, when 124 homicides were registered, according to the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals (ANTRA), a local activist organization.

The country doesn't have census about trans people; there is no federal data about their existence, employment rate, or number of deaths. Transgender women face violence for daring to claim their identities. The escalation of violence with this profile is intertwined with the political environment, a campaign labeled "combating gender ideology."

In addition to violence, the report shows that the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened inequalities. According to ANTRA, around 70% of the population of transgender women were unable to access emergency policies for lack of documents and information. The document also highlights the worsening mental health of this group, with an increase in suicides. Trans people can't be proud and free in Brazil; they are being forgotten, excluded, and killed.

This reporting project is relevant for recognizing trans people as legitimate citizens who are part of Brazilian society.

What are their names? Are they included in the labor market? What sort of social policies can be taken to improve their quality of life? What is it to be a transgender person in Brazil?

There are many questions to be answered, and this report aims to start a discussion about and with trans people in defense of human rights in a country that hides its gender cruelty with its “cordiality and open culture” mask.