Content Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of violence against transgender individuals, which some readers may find distressing.
The arrest of a 16-year-old boy for the brutal murder and dismemberment of his girlfriend, Jullyane Fernandes, a 20-year-old transgender woman, highlights the escalating violence against transgender individuals in Brazil. The horrific crime occurred last Thursday night in Bagé, a city close to the Uruguay border, causing shockwaves within the LGBTQ+ community and prompting calls for immediate action.
A Grisly Discovery
Police Chief André Mendes reported that the teenager confessed to the killing and led authorities to the locations where he had concealed Fernandes’ body parts. Authorities found the victim’s remains in two separate locations within the same neighborhood, Avenida General Malet. They discovered Fernandes’ limbs discarded in a stream, packed inside a suitcase, and the rest of her body in the courtyard of a residence. The suspect allegedly used an axe and kitchen knives to dismember her, painting a gruesome picture of the crime.
Initial investigations suggest that a jealousy-fueled disagreement may have sparked the heinous act. However, the exact motive remains under scrutiny as the Civil Police delve deeper into the case. This tragic event highlights not only the extreme violence faced by transgender women but also the broader issues of domestic violence and hate crimes in Brazil.
A Pattern of Violence
Disturbingly, this is not an isolated incident. Earlier in November, another shocking crime occurred in São Paulo. Authorities arrested Pastor Antônio Lima dos Santos Neto for allegedly strangling a 27-year-old transgender woman, Luane Costa da Silva, in a hotel room. According to reports, Neto had hired Costa da Silva as a call girl. After spending approximately half an hour together, he claimed to have discovered that she was transgender and decided to terminate the encounter.
A police report detailed the ensuing confrontation: “The accused and the victim were going to have a sexual encounter, at which point Antônio realized that the victim was a transsexual woman and, therefore, gave up on the sexual encounter. Given the cancellation of the sexual encounter, the accused and the victim had a trivial argument.”
Neto alleged that after paying Costa da Silva, a physical altercation ensued because she demanded more money and felt humiliated by his actions. In his account, he used a stun gun in self-defense, causing her to faint. He then left the hotel room but returned shortly after realizing he had forgotten his cell phone. Hotel staff detained him upon his return, leading to his arrest.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office emphasized the callous nature of the crime: “After the crime, the defendant abandoned the body in the room and left the hotel as if nothing had happened.”
The Grim Reality in Brazil
These incidents shed light on a disturbing trend in Brazil, which has one of the highest rates of violence against transgender individuals globally. According to Transgender Europe’s Trans Murder Monitoring project, Brazil consistently records the highest number of trans people murdered each year. According to the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals (ANTRA), Brazil killed at least 131 transgender people in 2022 alone, primarily trans women of color.
The violence stems from deep-rooted transphobia, sexism, and racism, exacerbated by societal stigmas and a lack of protective legislation. Despite being the largest country in Latin America with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, Brazil struggles with acceptance and safety for transgender individuals. The marginalization often forces trans women into vulnerable situations, increasing their risk of violence.
Unfortunately, domestic violence is a pervasive issue in Brazil. Sanctuary for Families reports that domestic violence situations in Brazil claim the lives of at least three women every day. LGBTQ+ women, transgender people, and non-binary individuals are equally, if not more, likely than their cisgender and heterosexual peers to experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at some point in their lifetimes.
These alarming statistics highlight the intersectionality of violence faced by transgender women—targeted not only for their gender identity but also subjected to the broader epidemic of gender-based violence.
Calls for Change
The transgender community, along with allies and human rights organizations, is calling for immediate action to address this crisis. There is an urgent need for:
- Stronger Legal Protections: Implementing and enforcing laws that specifically protect transgender individuals from hate crimes and discrimination.
- Education and Awareness: Promoting understanding and acceptance of transgender people through education to dismantle prejudices and stereotypes.
- Support Services: Providing accessible support services for transgender individuals, including safe housing, legal assistance, and mental health resources.
- Accountability: Ensuring that perpetrators of violence against transgender individuals are held accountable to deter future crimes.
The international community has a role to play in supporting Brazil’s transgender population. Global advocacy can pressure governments to prioritize human rights and implement necessary reforms. Sharing stories like those of Jullyane Fernandes and Luane Costa da Silva raises awareness and fosters solidarity among transgender individuals, their families, and allies worldwide.
As the LGBTQ+ community mourns the loss of yet another member, there is a collective grief and a resolute determination to fight for justice and safety. Vigils and memorials are being held to honor the lives of Fernandes and Costa da Silva, serving as poignant reminders of the work that remains to be done.
Community leaders emphasize the importance of coming together to support one another during these challenging times. Mental health professionals and support groups are offering services to help individuals cope with the trauma and fear that such incidents evoke.
The tragic deaths of Fernandes and Costa da Silva are stark reminders of the violence that transgender women face daily in Brazil and around the world. Their stories underscore the need for systemic change to protect the rights and lives of transgender individuals.
For transgender individuals, their families, and allies, these incidents fuel the ongoing fight for equality and safety. Advocacy groups continue to lobby for legal reforms, societal acceptance, and resources that can make a tangible difference in the lives of transgender people.
The Bottom Line
The path to justice and equality is fraught with challenges, but the resilience and solidarity of the transgender community offer hope. By bringing these issues to light, supporting one another, and demanding change, there is potential to create a safer and more inclusive society.
We must not forget the stories of Jullyane Fernandes and Luane Costa da Silva. They should serve as catalysts for action, prompting not only Brazil but the international community to address the violence against transgender individuals with the urgency and commitment it deserves.
