A Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro promises to shed light on a harrowing historical tale—highlighting modern-day violence against transgender individuals in Brazil, a country known for having the highest reported trans homicide rate globally.
The story features Xica Manicongo, born Francisco Manicongo in the historical Kingdom of Kongo. After being captured and enslaved in Bahia, Brazil, Xica faced possible execution by the Portuguese Inquisition for dressing as a woman and engaging in same-sex relationships, acts considered heretical by the Catholic Church. Under this immense threat, Xica was forced to deny her identity, don men’s clothing, and use her male birth name to survive.
This haunting narrative has been incorporated into the carnival parade by Paraiso do Tuiuti, one of Rio’s top samba schools competing in the Sambadrome. Scheduled for Tuesday after Carnival’s official start, the event is designed to captivate millions and raise awareness about trans issues through the tale of Xica Manicongo.
Jack Vasconcelos, the creative force behind the parade’s theme, aims to provide visibility and a sense of belonging to younger trans women by sharing their stories. “They are significant figures—educators, lawmakers, artists—not mere statistics,” Vasconcelos highlighted.
In preparation for this grand performance, hundreds of Tuiuti members have been working tirelessly. The parade will feature exquisite costumes and floats, with a groundbreaking inclusion of a section solely comprising trans women—a move advocates call a “historical reparation.”
Alessandra Salazary, a parade participant, emphasized, “Paraiso do Tuiuti offers us a pivotal opportunity to shine in front of the cameras; this moment is truly historic for us.”
Along with Xica Manicongo, the parade will spotlight notable trans figures, such as Brazil’s pioneering trans lawmakers, Duda Salabert and Erika Hilton, as well as other activists. Bruna Benevides will also be featured, an eminent leader in Brazil’s trans advocacy. Manicongo is recognized as a “travesti,” a Latin American identity acknowledged by those assigned male at birth but who live as women.
Despite half a millennium passing, the shadows of violence Xica faced persist in Brazil. Transgender Europe reports that Brazil continues to be the deadliest nation for transgender individuals globally, with 106 murders documented last year alone. This marks the 17th consecutive year the nation has held this grim title. Advocacy groups acknowledge the role of extensive reporting in these statistics, yet transphobia remains deeply entrenched. For example, trans candidates faced death threats during last year’s elections, and many experience barriers to employment and housing.
Bruna Benevides, working with Tuiuti, has been proactive in creating opportunities for trans women and travestis. She has organized samba and costume design classes to foster integration and encourage employment as professional dancers. The current parade serves as a platform to fortify links between the samba community and trans advocates, while addressing pressing political topics.
“We’re witnessing a powerful anti-trans movement globally, challenging our rights and existence,” Benevides expressed.
Samba school parades frequently venture into political commentary. Last year, Tuiuti explored the narrative of João Cândido, who in 1910 revolted against abusive practices in Brazil’s navy. This choice highlighted the ongoing echoes of violence akin to slavery. Notably, federal prosecutors later demanded financial reparations for Cândido’s descendants.
According to Fátima Costa de Lima, a Carnival expert and professor, Rio’s Carnival—broadcasted to audiences nationwide—holds a transformative potential to initiate societal discourse on otherwise taboo subjects. “Carnival acts as an immense megaphone, urging conversations within Brazilian society,” Costa de Lima noted.
