On 13 December 2024, the Sala do Relógio, at Estação Cultura in Campinas, hosted the 5th Central Region Territorial Forum. Facilitated by Edwin Salas and supported by the youth leaders committee, the gathering has established itself as an essential space for dialogue and the social mobilisation of young people. Under the theme “Connections That Transform”, the event brought together 43 participants to discuss ways of strengthening support networks and solutions to the challenges faced by the trans community.
The plurality of lived experiences shared during the gathering made clear the urgent need to expand the visibility and rights of trans people. The accounts highlighted discrimination in the workplace, difficulties in accessing specialised healthcare and family rejection. Participants put forward concrete solutions, such as:
- Awareness campaigns;
- Anti-discrimination policies;
- Training for healthcare professionals;
- Labour-market inclusion programmes.
The impact of prejudice was identified across many spaces, from education to the media. Young people pointed out that the lack of positive representation on television and in cinema perpetuates harmful stereotypes, while verbal violence and bullying remain barriers in schools. Among the proposals discussed were:
- Teaching about diversity from early childhood;
- Training teachers on gender issues;
- Wider access to free therapy.
Another concern was the economic and social vulnerability of the trans population. Participants reported difficulties in having their identity recognised on official documents, in obtaining housing and in accessing basic public services. The solutions suggested were:
- Making it easier to amend name and gender on documents;
- Expanding specialised centres to support gender transition.
Brazil remains the country that kills the most trans people in the world, for the 15th consecutive year, according to TGEU (Transgender Europe). Most victims in 2023 were travestis and young trans women, aged between 15 and 29, who lived their identity openly and publicly, according to Antra (the National Association of Travestis and Transsexuals) (Conectas, 2024).
The gathering also stressed the need to strengthen community ties in order to counter the social invisibility of trans people. Proposals were raised for:
- Greater inclusion in cultural and sporting events;
- Encouraging respect within communities;
- Fostering dialogue between religious leaders and LGBTQIA+ movements.
The 5th Territorial Forum reaffirmed that social transformation happens through encounter, through sharing lived experience and through building solutions collectively. In Campinas, young people continue to lead a movement of resistance and innovation, strengthening connections that drive inclusion and social justice.
Reference:
Conectas. “Violência contra pessoas trans”. Available at: https://www.conectas.org/noticias/dia-nacional-da-visibilidade-trans. Accessed: 19/02/2025.