The vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro is set to host a spectacular Carnival parade that will not only dazzle audiences with its stunning costumes and mesmerizing rhythms but also shed light on a crucial aspect of the city’s history. This year’s parade will tell the story of Xica Manicongo, a trans woman who was nearly burned at the stake in the 16th century. The parade, organized by the Paraiso do Tuiuti samba school, aims to highlight the ongoing violence against transgender people in Brazil, which has the world’s highest reported trans homicide rate.
The story of Xica Manicongo is a powerful reminder of the struggles that transgender people have faced throughout history. Born as Francisco Manicongo, she was captured and enslaved in Brazil’s northeastern Bahia state. When authorities from the Portuguese Inquisition threatened her with execution for cross-dressing and having same-sex relations, she was forced to deny her identity and wear men’s clothing. It wasn’t until 2010 that she was rechristened Xica, a move that sought to right the wrongs of the past.
The parade’s theme is a testament to the progress that has been made in recent years towards recognizing and celebrating the contributions of transgender people. The event will feature a section exclusively comprised of trans women, including Brazil’s first trans lawmakers, Duda Salabert and Erika Hilton, as well as Rio state lawmaker Dani Balbi and Bruna Benevides, who heads Brazil’s trans rights group Antra. This is a significant moment for the trans community, as it provides a platform for them to share their stories and showcase their talents.
The parade’s message is not just about entertainment; it’s also a call to action. Brazil remains the world’s deadliest country for transgender people, with 106 murders last year alone. The statistics are alarming, and it’s clear that more needs to be done to address the violence and discrimination that trans people face. By sharing Xica Manicongo’s story, the parade organizers hope to raise awareness about the issues that affect the trans community and to promote greater understanding and acceptance.
The parade is also an opportunity for the trans community to come together and celebrate their identity. For months, Bruna Benevides has been working with the Paraiso do Tuiuti samba school to provide trans women and travestis with opportunities to learn samba and costume design. The parade has been a chance for them to strengthen bonds between the samba and trans communities while conveying a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity and acceptance.
As the world watches the Rio Carnival parade, it’s a reminder that this event is not just a celebration of music and dance; it’s also a platform for social commentary and activism. The parade’s theme is a testament to the power of art and culture to bring people together and to challenge societal norms. By sharing the story of Xica Manicongo, the parade organizers are helping to promote a more inclusive and accepting society, one that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression.
In a world where transphobia and discrimination are still prevalent, the Rio Carnival parade is a beacon of hope and acceptance. It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in promoting inclusivity and understanding, and that together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. As the parade gets underway, let’s celebrate the diversity and creativity of the trans community and work towards a future where everyone can live without fear of violence or discrimination.