On National Trans Visibility Day, one achievement in particular draws attention. Rafaelly Wiest, 25 years old, assumes the presidency of the Curitiba group Dignidade, one of the most important NGOs defending LGBT rights in the country. A dreamer, she followed in the footsteps of transvestite and activist Marcela Prado, who died in 2004 as a result of the AIDS virus. She has conquered her space and, now, as president of the NGO, she intends to unite the gay community through specific events and meetings.
In an interview with the website The Cape, Rafaelly talks about his life as a militant, where he has worked since 1999, his concern for transvestites and transsexuals and his thousands of dreams. Even though she has already achieved a lot, the transsexual wants to find great love. The hardest dream? Check out the interview.
How long have you been an activist?
Since 1999…
How did you find out about the Dignidade group and how did you join it?
I already knew the group through the media, but it was through a friend, Gilson, and through the best-known transvestite activist in Paraná, Marcela Prado. I became her admirer. She was very special to me and to many trans people in Curitiba and Brazil.
How was your participation as a delegate at the 1st National Youth Conference?
I participated in the 3 stages: Municipal, State and National, being the only transsexual. I worked with the various sectors present and obtained support for the approval of several proposals relating to transvestites and transsexuals and the LGBT movement. The youth movement welcomed me very naturally and this shows that we have to occupy all possible political spaces.
How important is it for a transsexual to lead an NGO? What does this mean for you?
I see it as a great step forward to take on a mixed LGBT organization. We, transvestites and transsexuals, are inserting ourselves more and more into all spaces every day. And I believe that every day that passes, transsexuals and transvestites from all over the world show society that we are not just people of the night. We have a social life, we are part of this society, we are citizens.
What are your steps going forward? What actions will you take as president?
I will work day-to-day for human rights, for the free sexual orientation and gender identity of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transvestites and transsexuals. I will continue with projects that aim to bring the LGBT community closer to society in general, promoting meetings and events. A big step we will take is to intensify STD/HIV/AIDS prevention actions. Our community needs continued action in an attempt to reduce HIV/AIDS infection.
How can transsexuals enforce the SUS ordinance allowing sexual reassignment surgery?
Transsexuals and the LGBT movement must have unity in action. We must organize ourselves even more and take a stand because we are not asking for "no more and no less". We just want to have the same rights as everyone. Let's demand that the proposals of the National LGBT Conference are actually implemented.
Will you campaign with the Dignidade group for transsexuals to use their social names? What type of campaign?
We are already mobilizing here in Curitiba to create an ordinance, as I think the issue of social name is fundamental. We went through a lot of embarrassment because our behavior and appearance did not match our registered name. We have filed several documents and letters with the state and municipal education department, we have sent publications to the state education council, we hope for progress and we will follow up.
What are your dreams nowadays?
This year I set several goals in my life... Firstly, to do the best I can in relation to my work and for LGBT activism. Secondly, go back to studying and thirdly, maybe find great love… My better half
How do you see the participation of transsexuals in the Brazilian gay movement?
I welcome all the work and unity that exists, we fight for the cause and we have that as our principle. With each passing day we are taking a stronger stance and fighting for our recognition and rights. We will act, and as they say we will have "unity in action" with the LGBT movement.
