Considered by many in society as “freaks of nature” the travestis’ underworld displays certain characteristics of primitive social movements. Denied the basic human, civil and political rights enjoyed other citizens, their subculture is pre-political.
Bonded together by society’s rejection, their culture is ritualistic, with its own patois and rights of passage. Travestis often live in groups which play the role of an extended family whose leader is referred to as “Godmother” and who provides not only basic living and social conditions but also the value system its members are required to adhere to.
While these leaders in many cases administer prostitution, loan sharking and trafficking activities, in other instances, Godmothers nurture their travestis
and provide significant guidance and emotional support. A Godmother’s character and outlook are crucial in determining whether her workers will be guided toward or away from criminal behavior and drug abuse.
Our Projects
- Direct human rights activism: emergency response to and representation of victims of police torture, beatings, intimidation, abuse of power, etc.
- “Project Silicone”: health project to reduce damage from and combat clandestine medical practices.
- Protection of the victims of human trafficking and slavery.
- Combating human trafficking and slavery through international political and legal action.
- Creation of a multi-disciplinary 24/7 Emergency Helpline and Response Centre for all sex-workers in Sao Paulo.
- Assistance to HIV+ travestis.
- Direct sponsorship of educational projects.
- Projeto Nome Delas – the pursuit of Human Rights by the creation of awareness through Art: Retrieving the dignity of Brazil’s travestis and enhancing their self-esteem while at the same time creating international awareness of their plight.
Our goals
- To protect the victims of exploitation, to raise their self esteem so that they will not fall prey to traffickers and exploiters.
- To do away with clandestine medical practices.
- To sponsor the education of a critical mass of travesti doctors, lawyers and dentists.
- To bring Brazil’s travestis under the full protection of the law and enable them to enjoy the full range or
- rights as citizens.
- To reduce travestis’ vulnerability to DST/AIDS, drug abuse and self destructive behavior in general.
- To combat discrimination.
- To create employment opportunities and prepare travestis for employment outside prostitution.
