In Rio de Janeiro, a group of Brazilian transgender women has been practicing samba over the past months in preparation for their performance at the renowned Carnival parade in March.
These women will lead the final section of the parade for the samba school Paraiso do Tuiuti, which will depict the story of Xica Manicongo, recognized as Brazil's first transgender woman. Manicongo, originally from the Congo Basin, was enslaved in Brazil during the 16th century.
Heading the initiative is Bruna Benevides, the president of the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals and a sergeant in the Brazilian Navy. Tuiuti, she expressed, is standing up for the transgender community.
Describing the project, she stated, "When we proposed this project to the school and Carnival organizers, it was our way of emphasizing the need for special consideration for this group of individuals."
Benevides further shared her sentiment about Carnival, "For me, Carnival has always symbolized a space of freedom, where we can explore beyond our everyday constraints," she remarked while choosing costumes from a vibrant selection at a Carnival outfitter.
Paraiso do Tuiuti is amongst the 12 competing samba schools in Rio's annual Carnival parade, known as "the greatest show on earth." Each school narrates a story through music and attire during the parade, captivating thousands in the stadium and millions through live television broadcast.
This year's event is scheduled from March 2 to March 4.