Drag Queen Culture in Brazil

When we talk about Brazil, soccer, beautiful ladies, beaches, and Carnival come to mind. For many foreigners it is a place where everyone is welcome, no matter your financial status, religion, sexual orientation, or nationality. For some others, Brazil is a tropical paradise where homosexuals are free to express their sensuality and sexuality, a “Gay Paradise” some might say, in other words, Brazil is seen as an inclusive society (McLeod-Roberts, 2005). However, reality is different, and explicit signs of homosexuality has incited homophobia, especially now when you can see the latest pop star sensation, Pabllo Vittar. She might seem as just another girl with a talent. However, Pabllo is a Drag Queen, a subculture that has always been part of Brazilian culture, even if they never had a serious role in the media. That behavior is changing now, and this research will build a foundation for understanding the influence of Pabllo Vittar in shaping the next generation of Drag Queen inclusiveness in Brazil, a country with a strong influence of the government and religion over their population. Pabllo Vittar has become a symbol of resistance for those Brazilians intimidated by the growing influence of the conservative Christian groups, particularly those in the government. Vittar is shaping how Brazilians accept the influence of the LGBTQ community in the country’s culture by gaining space and visibility in the mainstream media recently.