Kimberly Luciana Dias is a Brazilian transgender activist, artist, beauty pageant queen, blogger, and creator of Mundo T-Girl – Travestis e Transexuais. Originally from Fernandópolis, in the state of São Paulo, she has dedicated much of her life to promoting the visibility, rights, and dignity of Brazilian transvestites and transgender women. Since the early days of social networking, she has used the internet as a platform for activism, creating influential online communities where trans people could exchange experiences, find information, and discuss issues affecting their lives. Her communities on Orkut, including Mundo T-Girl and Travestis e Transexuais Brasileiras, became important meeting places for the community and helped pioneer online transgender activism in Brazil.
Kimberly’s work extends beyond the internet. She has participated in LGBT rights initiatives and demonstrations against discrimination, supported efforts to enforce anti-discrimination legislation in São Paulo, and contributed to social projects assisting vulnerable trans people with food, clothing, and access to treatment. Her artistic career includes stage performances, modelling, beauty pageants, and a role as a nightclub singer in the film Chance for Love and Truth. Having represented the state of São Paulo at the Miss Brazil pageant, she also competed in the 2005 Miss World America pageant, where she finished as first runner-up. Through her combination of activism, artistic expression, and online publishing, Kimberly has worked to challenge prejudice and promote a more positive representation of Brazil’s trans community.
Monika: Kimberly, welcome, and thank you for joining me today!
Kimberly: Monika, please bear in mind that I am trying to use the social network of my country to spread the visibility of our trans community, especially Brazilian transvestites and transsexuals. I love doing this, so it is a great pleasure when I’m in front of my computer, building a virtual policy and manifesto, trying to use everything I have learned in my life through activism, stage, model catwalk, and my experience as a transgender woman. I am doing this just to show our vision, glamour, and beauty because our community deserves it!
Monika: Tell me a little about yourself, in your own words.
Kimberly: I am a very accomplished person; I have seen many of my dreams come true, though not all of them. It has taken me a lot of years, and although I have a very serious look, I am a very humorous person. I like my independence and I have a few friends. I love my family and my life story, and I really like my solitude, which makes me feel good to be alone!
Monika: Your name is linked to a myriad of causes that touch on transgender rights. Which initiatives have you taken part in?
Kimberly: I am one of the coordinators of the Association of LGBT Pride Parade in Brazil, the largest in the world, linked to the Cordenadoria of Transvestites and Transsexuals, where we conducted surveillance at gay clubs that prohibited us from attending them only because we are transgender. Some charged absurd prices while allowing gay people to enter free of charge. This called for a fight in court, and today those places have to respect us.
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| Courtesy of Kimberly Luciana Dias. |
Monika: Many people are unaware of the legal side of this struggle. Were you involved in putting anti-discrimination legislation into practice?
Kimberly: I participated in many meetings to put into practice Law No. 10,948, fighting against LGBTphobia in the state where I was born. In addition, I was involved in the creation of the special booklet for dissemination.
Monika: Activism seems to fill your everyday life. What does your daily work look like?
Kimberly: I have daily work connected with the social network and blog that I have been running since 2005. I promote the visibility of Brazilian transvestites and transsexuals. I have taken part in several demonstrations, fighting for our rights and achievements as a cultural activist. At the moment, we are working with transvestites and transsexuals on the streets, drug addicts, and homeless people; we provide them with food, clothes, and treatment.
Monika: Performing seems to have been a calling for you. When did you decide to become a stage artist?
Kimberly: As a child, I watched TV spectacles with transvestites, and I told myself that one day I would have the same career. And as a transwoman, I accept many invitations to participate in beauty pageants, during which I meet so many people, and I venture into the glamour of the stage as an artist.
Monika: Tell me about the venues and shows that have been part of your career.
Kimberly: I participated in several special transgender programmes organised in the Brazilian city of São Paulo. For the last two consecutive years, I have been preparing a big show to celebrate the Trans Day of Visibility in my country, with transsexual artists, which is very satisfying and rewarding.
Monika: Has acting ever tempted you?
Kimberly: I’ve done small roles, nothing too big, and ultimately played in the film titled “Chance for Love and Truth”, where I was a singer. However, it is my talent behind the camera and producing that makes me feel more comfortable. This market segment is very closed for us in Brazil and there are too few opportunities for us!
Monika: Beauty pageants are another big chapter of your story. Walk me through the contests you entered and the trophies you won.
Kimberly: I am vain, and I do not hide the pride of having walked with the most beautiful transgender women in the world. I assume that I have always had the “Little Miss Sunshine” in me. Thus, I represented the state of São Paulo to participate in the Miss Brazil pageant and also participated in some international events, including the Miss World America Version, 2005 edition, where I became the 1st Runner-Up.
Monika: What did those years on the pageant circuit give you, and what did they take away?
Kimberly: That period was like a school in my life. The good thing was that I got to know a number of places, people, and parties, and many doors were opened for me. The bad thing was having to leave Brazil in search of opportunities that were not offered to me in my homeland.
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| Courtesy of Kimberly Luciana Dias. |
Monika: Brazilian transgender women are regarded as the most beautiful in the world. What is their secret?
Kimberly: In Brazil, we are all a mixture of the races in our blood, all the races of the world. We have the sensuality of the carnival. My grandparents came from Europe to live in Brazil, so I have a mixture of European and Brazilian blood. I have curves and a salient butt (laughs), and our beauty secret comes from our struggle to conquer femininity, which produces our self-esteem, joy, and charisma, so that we can captivate people more easily. And our natural sensuality makes all the difference.
Monika: How would you describe the present situation of transgender women in Brazilian society?
Kimberly: 95% of transvestite and transsexual women engage in prostitution due to the lack of opportunities! The lack of social understanding exists because these people cannot find a job on the normal market. The alarming news indicates a lack of job opportunities, a high rate of illiteracy, and family problems leading to abuse and maltreatment. Our community expects the authorities to improve the quality of our life and take action against bullying and aggression, which continue to be a problem for younger people who remain silent for fear of reprisals and social misunderstanding.
Monika: At what age did you transition, and was it a difficult process?
Kimberly: Yes, it was difficult. At the age of 16, I suffered from prejudice that locked me in the closet. When I turned 18, I could not use the girls’ bathroom at school and I was discriminated against because of my transgender status, which was one reason I stopped my studies and became a transvestite.
Monika: Being transgender in Brazil can be dangerous. What has your own experience been?
Kimberly: In Brazil, it is like killing a lion! I suffered various physical and emotional assaults for being who I am. Our average life span in Brazil is 28 years. We often fall prey to murderers, and we often commit suicide too. So I have survived for thirty years, which is a great achievement!
Monika: At the time of your transition, did you follow any transgender role models?
Kimberly: I was born in a very small town. I am one of the first to assume gender identity, and it was very difficult, facing the wrath of the entire town. Therefore, I moved to the big city of São Paulo, full of many generations of Ts, where people’s minds are more open. I have never wanted to follow a model. I have always wanted to be myself, with my flaws and qualities.
Monika: If you had to name the hardest part of coming out, what would it be?
Kimberly: The bad thing was that I had to leave Brazil in search of opportunities that were not offered to me there because of my sexual orientation.
Monika: Transgender stories and characters have appeared in Brazilian films, newspapers, and books. What do you make of them so far?
Kimberly: Today we can boast many achievements and victories, but we should not suffer from the lack of employment in show business, art, television, film, and theatre. The art industry does not give us many chances; we are not even offered the chance to play trans characters. Probably this is the reason why we have so few trans actresses.
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| Courtesy of Kimberly Luciana Dias. |
Monika: Have you recently read a book or seen a film or an event about transgenderism that stayed with you?
Kimberly: Recently, I debuted in the film titled “Chance for Love and Truth”, which includes transgender stories and characters, including me as a nightclub singer. I have also received a call about my biography; the writer will be Miss Brazil, who is very famous here in Brazil.
Monika: The transgender cause is usually presented together with the other LGBT communities, and T is the last letter in that abbreviation. Can the trans community promote its own cause within the group?
Kimberly: In my opinion, every year the Parade helps to combat prejudice and transphobia, because it shows our visibility and diversity to a prejudiced society. It is no coincidence that we occupy the streets and show our face, and with each passing year, we have records of more people engaged and willing to participate. Thanks to such manifestations and visibility, we are being listened to and society is no longer ignoring our rights. They see that we exist and that we want the same rights. Each year, our manifesto is announced and the message is passed through the party.
Monika: Does politics play any part in your life? Are you involved in lobbying campaigns, and can transgender women make a difference in that arena?
Kimberly: I have no desire nor talent for a political career. In Brazil, religion plays a vital role in politics. Such politicians take all seats in the National Congress, and our community cannot be elected to represent us there, which is a great danger for us.
Monika: Where do you see Brazilian politics heading in the coming years?
Kimberly: I believe Brazil can turn into another Russia in the coming years. The reason? In the coming elections, evangelicals have doubled their seats in the Congress, and the “Gay Cure” will have a 90% chance of being approved if we are not aware of our political rights and do not elect those who will represent us. We can face a very big setback to everything we have achieved so far.
Monika: Fashion must be a big part of your life. What do you usually wear, and are there any designers, colours, or trends you favour?
Kimberly: I love fashion, I have a classic style, and I love clothing in all shades of pink (laughs). At the bottom of my heart, I have the soul of a Barbie doll.
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| Courtesy of Kimberly Luciana Dias. |
Monika: What place does love have in your life?
Kimberly: “Love does not choose, it just happens.” I love that phrase!
Even so, prejudice can disrupt the courtship of a man with a transwoman. And the worst is when he is afraid of stereotypes and allows this fear to be greater than the feeling he has for us.
Monika: What do you expect from a man who wants to be with you?
Kimberly: I do not accept a boyfriend that does not respect transwomen. We all face such situations every day, at school, with friends, family, and society. They say that they love us, but they do not prove it in real life. 90% of T-lovers regard us as sex objects, and that is why society is so prejudiced against us.
Monika: And how is your love life today?
Kimberly: I have had only two great loves in my life. At the moment, I prefer my work to family and friends. Today, I choose to be alone; I want to love myself because I have so much love to give. In short, I do not want to share my days, achievements, and happiness with any man, in any loving relationship. I’m so happy, enjoying myself.
Monika: Many transgender women write their memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself?
Kimberly: I was approached by one Miss Brazil, a very important woman here in Brazil; she presented to me a project that would cover my career and biography. It would be a great honour to have my life story written by her. She is an icon in my country, and a person whom I greatly admire.
Monika: Are there any new projects on the horizon?
Kimberly: I am very dedicated to helping transvestites and transsexuals on Brazilian streets. In addition, I am working on the next show to celebrate the week of Trans Visibility in Brazil.
Monika: What would you say to transgender girls struggling with gender dysphoria?
Kimberly: I am in favour of quotas for transvestites and transsexuals in the labour market and the creation of projects that will provide employment. We need opportunities today! I was often raped and exposed to many atrocities. For me, having a job is a right to dignity for us, though it is possible to have the right to view prostitution as an option, not as a single choice. We want respect at work, even though normal jobs are not as profitable as prostitution. We are human beings and we need opportunities. Hopefully this new generation, and anyone else who wants to, will learn everything at school, so they will never face the ugly side of the world!
Monika: Kimberly, thank you for this wonderful conversation!
Kimberly: I thank you for this opportunity to present the Brazilian transgender community. It was a great pleasure to share with you some details and thoughts of my life. Thank you very much, and greetings to all of you!
All the photos: courtesy of Kimberly Luciana Dias.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
