Silvio Santos was a pioneer in putting transvestites on television

For a long time, the LGBTQIAPN+ struggle was invisible on Brazilian television. Even before the discussion spread, there was a safe space for transvestites on one of the most popular channels in the country: the “Show de Calouros” and the “Programa Silvio Santos”, on SBT.

A pioneer, in an era where terms like transsexuality or transphobia were not seriously discussed, Silvio Santos staged the quick-change artists, an expression of the era. However, those who think that they were only presented with an exotic look are wrong. The presenter was always curious about their stories and the preparations for their acts. The result was to see the names of the transvestites published in the nightlife of São Paulo and fill iconic houses like Medieval and Prohibidu’s.

Rather than seeking the easiest way out of criticism, we need to try to understand the context: at the end of the dictatorship and immediately after, in the democratic restart, one of the most powerful men in the country opened the space to listen to the testimony of trans people and treat them as the artists they were.

Silvio’s work to demystify and bring to light a marginalized part of the population is also recognized by Antra, the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals. “His contribution in giving visibility to cross-dressing artists on television is undeniable, at a time when we were often persecuted and represented almost exclusively on police programs”the organization says in a statement. “In that context the situation was even more challenging, but nevertheless we occupied that space every week, showcasing our talents, our bodies and our beauty, with an intensely repressed freedom off the screen. It is essential to analyze these events in perspective. light of the historical context to avoid falling into anachronisms, without losing sight of the widespread discrimination prevalent in society.”

Until the end of his life, Silvio continued to open the doors of his program to LGBT art and beauty. Drag queens and transsexuals were constant presences on his stage. And this recognition, in a historical context, must be recognized. He was brave, pioneering and avant-garde.

Source: Terra

Amanda

I am Amanda Gans, a motivated and ambitious professional in the news writing industry. With over five years of experience in this field, I have developed an eye for detail and an ability to craft stories that captivate readers. I currently write for Gossipify, where I specialize in beauty & celebrities news. My passion lies with exploring the world of beauty through writing, interviewing experts and developing articles that are both informative and entertaining.