Monika: What do you think about the present situation of transgender women in Brazilian society?
Guta: We are respected to the extent that we earn that respect. Unfortunately, for many girls who attract media
attention nowadays, all that matters is being in the spotlight. There was a recent case of a transwoman who dated
a famous soccer player. When he left her, she went to the media and revealed the whole story. The repercussions
were horrible for her because he said it was all lies and that she was just a transvestite desperate to appear in
the media. The worst part is that this reflects on other transwomen who do not behave that way. Brazilian society
is open and ready to receive us, but as women, not in this disastrous way.
Monika: Could transgenderism be the new frontier for human rights?
Guta: I never thought about splitting people into categories to acquire visibility or rights. I think we are all
human, and we must all have rights and duties. If each of us does our part without scandals, everything is perfect
in our lives. Here in Brazil, there is a law called the Maria da Penha Law, which protects Brazilian women against aggression.
Since I am a woman, why would I want a different kind of protection, you see? Human rights are for all, without
distinction.
Monika: Are you active in politics? Do you participate in any lobbying campaigns? Do you think transgender women
can make a difference in politics?
Guta: I have run for a position here in my city independently of being transsexual; I did it as a citizen with the
right to do so. We, transsexuals, have much to add, but not only in politics: in education, sports, fashion,
culinary arts, medicine, etc. We can’t restrict people’s fields of influence based on their sexual condition. I, personally, was never continuously militant for the cause. All I did was say what needed to be said at the
appropriate moments. I was never in a Gay Pride Parade or anything like that. I’m not a person who raises flags;
I’m more the kind who moves forward, always doing the best I can.
|
| Courtesy of Guta Silveira. |
Monika: Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life?
Guta: Love has become more important since I discovered self-love. Depending on another person’s romantic and
sexual love makes us selfish, meaning that we don’t see love as a whole, including the love that comes from
relatives, friends, and the like. Today, I’m not seeing anyone, nor am I restricted to the love of a man, but I’m
very much alone since I love myself and people in general more.
Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or
trends?
Guta: I’m very free-spirited in my choice of clothing. I’m more urban and contemporary; I wear miniskirts, I love
the color pink and Indian clothing. I’m not much for trends or designer labels. I like and wear whatever pleases
me.
Monika: You are the author of two biographical books: "Homens Não Choram" (1994) and "Transexual: A História de
Uma Vida" (2005). Could you say a few words about them?
Guta: Those are very different works. The first one is a romance with several aspects of sexuality in a story full
of adventure and romance. The second one is a didactic account of my story, which serves as a background and
allows the reader to learn about transsexuality effectively. In addition, I was recently featured in my play "Guta's Sake", which is a comedy where I talk about all that I've
lived through in a very funny and surprising way.
Monika: Are you working on any new projects now?
Guta: I’m currently writing the script for a film at the request of a friend. I’m also revising a theatrical play
written by another friend and waiting for an invitation to be a protagonist on stage once again. I’m also
considering the possibility of accepting a segment on a late-night TV talk show as a consultant, provided they
present it in the right context.
Monika: What would you recommend to all transgender girls struggling with gender dysphoria?
Guta: That they don’t struggle. That they accept themselves, with or without SRS. Gender dysphoria doesn’t make us
worse than anybody else, and differences disappear with every step on the way to self-knowledge and the
maintenance of our personalities. We aren’t dysphoric; we’re people with reasons to be cheerful and sad, like
anyone else, and because of that, we must always hold our heads high, ready to defend our ideals.
Monika: Guta, thank you for the interview!
Guta: I’m the one who should thank you for the opportunity to speak my mind. Kisses to you and all other
transsexual girls and boys.
Translation from Portuguese:
Mayra Viamonte
All the photos: courtesy of Guta Silveira.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
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