Xica Manicongo: Resistance and Tribute from Acadêmicos do Tuiuti

In the 2025 Carnival, Acadêmicos do Tuiuti will bring a powerful theme to the Marquês de Sapucaí, retracing the story of Xica Manicongo, the first documented transvestite in Brazil. Erika Hilton, from São Paulo, will portray Xica on the avenue, while the trajectory of councilwoman Benny Briolly remains one of the pillars of this narrative. As the first Black trans woman elected and re-elected in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Briolly represents the continuation of the transvestite and Black struggle against the historical oppressions that marked Xica's life.

Xica Manicongo and the Inquisition: Transgression and Resistance

Xica Manicongo was one of the victims of the Holy Inquisition, registered and criminalized in the 16th century for her gender identity and behavior, in one of the first documented records of transphobia in Brazil. Her existence challenged the colonial and religious norms imposed by the Portuguese Crown and the Catholic Church, which repressed any deviation from cisheteronormativity. This story is explored in depth by Luiz Mott in the book *Novas Fronteiras LGBTI+*, organized by professors Renan Quinalha and Paulo Souto, a work for which I had the honor of designing the back cover.

Tuiuti's tribute recounts this silenced history, bringing to light the systematic erasure of dissident bodies throughout history. At the same time, it reinforces the idea that transvestite and trans resistance has always existed, from the colonial period to the present day.

The Congo and Gender Diversity in African Cultures

Xica's story is directly linked to the Kingdom of Kongo, from where many enslaved people were brought to Brazil. Before European colonization, many African cultures recognized multiple forms of gender identity. In Mali, the Dogon recognized the yasigine, men who lived as women. In various Central African societies, ritualistic functions were assigned to gender non-conforming individuals. With the arrival of European colonizers, these gender expressions were repressed, replaced by the binary Christian morality imposed by the Church and colonial states.

Currently, the Republic of Congo does not explicitly criminalize same-sex relationships, but society remains deeply conservative. Local LGBTQIA+ movements continue to struggle against invisibility and stigma.

Benny Briolly: The Ongoing Struggle of Black Transvestites

The choice of Benny Briolly to represent Xica Manicongo in 2023 in Niterói-RJ was no accident. The first Black trans woman elected and re-elected in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Briolly symbolizes the political resistance of the transvestite and trans population in Brazil. Her trajectory resonates with Xica Manicongo's struggle: both faced persecution, erasure, and attempts at silencing, but continued to challenge the structures of power.

Tuiuti and Historical Rescue

Acadêmicos do Tuiuti once again stands out by transforming Carnival into a stage for remembrance, denunciation, and celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture. Neon Cunha, Jonava Baby, Catia Tapety, Tathiane Araújo, Cris Stephany, Fernanda de Morais, Indianarae Siqueira, Sayonara Nogueira, Erika Hilton, Alana Vargas, Duda Salabert, Jacqueline Brasil, Megg Rayara, Cleonice, Eloas, Keilas, and so many others who embody the strength of Xica Manicongo as a representative of the Black transvestite struggle in the present, come together on the avenue to remind us that the history of transvestites and trans people in Brazil is, above all, a history of resistance.

The accident involving Professor Dr. Megg Rayara during preparations for the parade was a worrying incident that has marked the academic and activist community. Professor Dr. Megg Rayara suffered an accident when she fell from a car, which generated great commotion and concern among her colleagues and admirers. An essential figure in the fight for the rights of transgender and transvestite people, Megg Rayara has been an active voice in academia and social movements. Fortunately, after the incident, she received medical attention and is undergoing treatment, out of danger. The incident reinforces the importance of ensuring safe conditions for all people who participate in and contribute to Carnival, especially those who historically face vulnerabilities and structural challenges.

It was through many hands, arms, leaps, and voices that we got here… Hail to all the forces!