November’s local elections in Brazil ended with significant yet contradictory results for women and trans candidates: The number of women elected to the city councilor positions in Brazil’s biggest cities has grown, but only one woman was elected mayor of one of Brazil’s 26 capitals — Cinthia Ribeiro, in Palmas, Tocantins. Only 12 percent of mayors elected nationwide were women, but an unprecedented number of trans women were elected to the position of councilors: 30 trans candidates were elected, an increase of 275 percent when compared to the local elections of 2016. Together with several Black women, they are among the most voted in several cities.

But the growth in political representation of Black and trans women has not gone unnoticed by right-wing parties. In addition to their victories in their respective cities, these elected officials also share in common the threats and abuse they’ve received.

Full article at Women Media Center’s website. Date of publication: 08/01/2021.