Introduction
If you’re a minority traveling internationally, you’ve probably searched something along the lines of “is it safe to be (insert marginalized identity) in (insert location)?” Being a minority in any unfamiliar space is never easy. Especially when you don’t know how or IF your identity/identities will be accepted. This is an unfortunate, and often ignored, reality. With that being said, I am here to offer a glimpse into the life of a queer African-American woman in São Paulo, Brazil. Hopefully, this narrative will bring peace and reassurance to any minority person who is hesitant about going abroad.
Queerness in São Paulo
The first thing I noticed when I got to São Paulo was the large number of openly LGBTQIA+ couples in public. It’s not rare to see a queer couple holding hands on the subway, interlocking arms at the park, or making out in the street (like… a lot). These sights inspired me for so many reasons. Coming from a conservative state and going to university in an even more conservative state, I rarely witness such in-your-face queerness. Seeing people unapologetically true to themselves and comfortable in their own identity feels empowering.
There are also references to queer culture and LGBTQIA+ safe spaces all over the city. You can find this at places like Museu da Diversidade Sexual at República Station, which pays homage to the strength and resilience of LGBTQIA+ leaders, organizers, activists, and artists. There are streets in Consolação that are full of queer-friendly clubs, bars, restaurants, and other nightlife. There’s even graffiti throughout the city that advocates for queer liberation.
While all of these are amazing aspects of São Paulo, there is one LGBTQIA+ experience that you can’t pass up: Pride!! If you’re lucky enough to be in São Paulo during Pride month, you have to attend the WORLD’s biggest Pride parade. Having never been to a pride parade beforehand, I don’t have much to compare it to, but trust me when I say you’ll have an amazing time. There is an overwhelming feeling of joy, peace, and acceptance when you’re surrounded by over 2 million people who are down for the cause. 10/10 recommend.
While I could go on and on about how amazing Pride was and how accepted I feel here, I do feel the need to acknowledge some unfortunate truths. Although many people in São Paulo have given me the confidence and empowerment to be myself, there are many drawbacks to being LGBTQIA+ in Brazil. Violence and hate speech are always possible, no matter how progressive a place may seem. In less-urban and conservative areas, it can be unsafe to outwardly express yourself. It is important to keep in mind that Brazil has high rates of crime, especially physical violence, against LGBTQIA+ individuals. With that being said, I haven’t encountered any openly homophobic people or felt unsafe due to my queerness. While it is important to not walk around an unfamiliar place blissfully unaware, São Paulo has many safe places to offer.
Black Womanhood
I knew Brazil had a large Afro-descendant population, but I wasn’t prepared for the sheer visibility of Blackness and Black culture in everyday life. As an African-American woman, this was jarring in the best way possible. Back home, it’s not rare for me to be the only Black woman in a room. I’m used to standing out, even at times when I don’t want to. Here in São Paulo, it’s easier to blend in. I am able to establish myself as more than just the one Black woman in the room.
In São Paulo, I have been able to appreciate and reflect on my Black identity and culture in ways I had not previously considered. This is 100% influenced by my work with Soweto Organização Negra. In working with them, I have seen so many spaces committed to anti-racism work. I’ve been introduced to people and organizations that are putting in the work that I have long advocated for. From grassroots movements to cultural centers to academic seminars, I’ve been immersed in a world of Afro-Brazilian activism that I didn’t even know existed prior to coming here.
Being in these spaces has taught me so much about Brazil and myself. I’ve been exposed to the work of powerful Afro-Brazilian women who’ve led movements, created community, and shaped policy. Just like in the U.S., it’s Black women who are doing much of the labor—organizing, educating, and resisting—without always getting the institutional support they deserve. I’ve also learned about the struggles that many Afro-Brazilians face, and I’ve seen how closely related they are to the African-American experience. In learning about the lived experiences of Brazil’s Afro-descendent population, I’ve noticed how racism shows up here in unique ways, shaped by Brazil’s own history of colonization, slavery, and denial of systemic racism. These parallels and contrasts have deepened my understanding of what global Black resistance looks like.
Conclusion
Traveling as a minority is never simple. There are always questions about safety, acceptance, and whether you’ll be able to show up as your full self. While no place is perfect, my time in São Paulo has shown me that it is possible to find pockets of joy, community, and liberation—even far from home. I’ve felt seen here in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve danced in the streets at Pride, walked through museums dedicated to queer resistance, and sat in rooms full of brilliant Black thinkers and activists.
Of course, there are challenges. Violence and inequality still exist. But there is also so much beauty, resilience, and progress being made—especially by the communities most affected. If you are someone holding multiple marginalized identities and you’re thinking about going abroad, I hope this serves as a sign to take the leap. São Paulo is a city that welcomes difference. It’s a place that has pushed me to grow, made me feel powerful, and reminded me that I deserve to take up space any and everywhere. If you’re looking for a destination that embraces culture, activism, queerness, and Blackness, I wholeheartedly recommend São Paulo, Brazil.