President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) classified as ‘abominable’ the alteration of the genre of Deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) in the US entry visa, which was issued under the guideline of Donald Trump administration. The episode generated strong political and diplomatic repercussion.
During an event at Planalto Palace, Lula charged an official position from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the case and reinforced the importance of respect for gender identity in the international scenario. “It is a lack of respect for human dignity. Brazil cannot be silent in the face of such an episode,” said the president.
Erika Hilton, one of the first two trans women to occupy a chair in the House of Representatives, had her in the American visa-a decision that, according to her, is based on an executive order of President Trump, which is still in effect under her new management.
The parliamentarian defined the act as “state transphobia” and demanded the review of the policy. “This gesture is not a technical error. It is the reflection of an institutionalized decision that denies the existence and identity of trans people in the 21st century,” Erika said in a statement.
Implications
The case reverberates amid the delicate diplomatic scenario between the two countries, especially after Trump’s return to power in the United States, which is marked by conservative postures on customs and civil rights.
The Brazilian Foreign Ministry has not yet officially commented, but diplomatic sources indicate that Itamaraty is preparing a protest note to be sent to the US embassy.
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Human rights organizations in Brazil and abroad also spoke in support of the deputy. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International charged public explanations from the US government, as well as reparatory measures.
Internal pressure
Lula’s reaction is accompanied by an attempt to reposition Brazil as a human rights advocate in the international scene, especially after recent episodes of institutional tension in the country and under pressure from social movements by a more inclusive agenda.
The government also evaluates measures with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the UN Human Rights Council to denounce practices that violate the principle of self -determination of gender identity.
