Transgender Brazilians Embrace Hit Soap Opera: 'Now You Can See Us.' - New York Times

The television show dramatizes some of those struggles faced by transgender people. In one scene, Ivan cuts off his long hair, a highly valued sign of femininity in Brazilian culture, and much of the soap opera revolves around Ivan’s strained relationship with his mother, who struggles to let go of the image of her darling little girl with bouncy curls.

Outside of his increasingly uncomfortable home, Ivan also confronts the challenges of a life in transition: Potential employers twist their faces at him, and belligerent strangers taunt and even attack him.

Problems like those are part of the everyday grim reality at Casa Nem. Most of the 30 or so residents were homeless before moving in. Like an estimated 80 percent of transgender Brazilians, nearly all of the residents earn money through prostitution and return at night to double up in triple-stacked bunk beds.

Ms. Siqueira, 22, was kicked out of her home when she was 7 for dressing in women’s clothes.

“I’ve lived through everything the soap opera is showing,” she said while watching an episode. Although the show’s middle-class protagonist Ivan has not had to contend with homelessness or fall back on prostitution to survive, like she has, Ms. Siqueira sees similarities.

“Trans people go through struggles and confront prejudice no matter what color or class or age we are,” she said. “We have all been rejected at different moments.”

The show, she said, has given her hope.

“We’ve always been invisible,” she said, her eyes glued to the television screen. “At least now people have the chance to open their hearts. At least now you can see us.”

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