XVII Congress of the Brazilian Studies Association

"Let's put an end to this nonsense": Trans/Travesti Memories of the Brazilian Civil-Military Dictatorship in the Regular Testimonial Collection Program at Memorial da Resistência (São Paulo)

• In Event: Race, Gender, Sexuality, and Memory in Brazil

Abstract

This paper explores five testimonies recorded and transcribed during the program "Curatorial Pathway: Gender & Dictatorship", a project carried out by Acervo Bajubá, an LGBT+ archive, at the invitation of the Memorial da Resistência, both based in São Paulo. Focusing on the reflections of Neon Cunha––a Black trans activist––in her testimony at the Memorial da Resistencia (São Paulo, 2022), this paper positions her words as a critical introduction to LGBTQIA+ memories following the National Truth Commission in response to Brazil's civil-military dictatorship. As a curatorial examination of gender developed by Acervo Bajubá at the Reference Center of the Memorial da Resistência (2022-23), this initiative had, and continues to have, a dual purpose: 1) to bring the audience closer to the collection of documentary, testimonial, iconographic, and bibliographic resources at the Reference Center, and 2) to delve into the historical discourse surrounding gender within this institution. This exploration leads to a critical analysis and expansion of the category of 'women' and their experiences during the dictatorship period. Within this context, the project involved the documentation of testimonies by travesti and trans women: Marcinha do Corintho, Neon Cunha, Kelly Cunha, Jacque Chanel, and Thais de Azevedo. This article delves into their perspectives on the dictatorship, providing insights into the everyday challenges and experiences faced by individuals who diverge from official and consecrated LGBT+ histories.

Author

• Yuri Fraccaroli, University of California, Santa Barbara