Transvestites and Transwomen in Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation: A Study in Brazil bridging Portugal

• In Event: Strain and control across different groups and environments

Abstract

In the present chapter, we present an analysis about a narrowed studied situation in Brazil: the victimization of transvestites and transwomen by the trafficking for sexual exploitation, and bridging Portugal reality. We argue that the major drive of this problem is the discrimination and prejudice that these people suffer because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and the body they construct for the assumed gender. We use the definition of trafficking in persons (or human trafficking) adopted by the Additional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime Concerning the Prevention, Suppression and Punishment of Trafficking in Humans, Especially Women and Children and the current Brazilian definition inserted by Law 13.344/2016. But we intend to further present our analysis over the DIRECTIVE (EU) 2024/1712 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 13 June 2024 amending Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims. We intent to raise questions about the studies and research produced so far that point out to women as the main victims of this crime, considering the identification of a lack or even absence of data on the interviewed public. We also affirm that as long as situations of inequality persist, it will not be possible to adequately address the situation both Brazil, but maybe in Portugal/EU as well.

Authors

• Maria Joao Guia, University of Coimbra, Centre for Legal Research and Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, Ratio Legis

• Andreza do Socorro Pantoja de Oliveira Smith, Federal University of Pará, Faculty of Law, Pará, Brazil