The life expectancy of transgender women in Brazil is only 35 years, largely due to physical violence. However, we cannot overlook the institutional violence that they experience daily. Key issues that continue to be inadequately addressed include the use of women's restrooms, access to quality healthcare (including the disrespect of their social names in the public healthcare system), and limited access to education due to violence. As a result, 90% of this population is underemployed, exacerbating the economic inequities they face.
In addition to responding to the pressing public healthcare problem, the creation of this funnel shaped lingerie seeks to address the lack of awareness around the use of tape and glue to hide the male genital, a precarious and unsafe solution commonly employed by transgender women in Brazil. Our goal is to provide safer and more accessible methods to a larger population and raise awareness of this issue.
In collaboration with the trans community, medical institutions, and fashion professionals, we have designed the first funnel shaped lingerie specifically tailored to the bodies of transgender women. This innovative undergarment is intended to mitigate the harm caused by the practice of concealing sexual organs using tape or glue. The launch of this product in Brazil’s most conservative television station, headed by religious extremists marks the start of a broader movement to distribute these panties through the public healthcare network, thereby increasing access for a population in which 90% of members are underemployed and have limited financial resources. By reducing the need for hemodialysis and kidney transplants, this initiative seeks to alleviate the burden on an already overtaxed healthcare system.
The impact of our campaign was significant, starting with increased discussion and online searches about the topic. This discussion expanded to social media, with people taking sides for or against the inclusion and recognition of the trans population.
As the campaign progressed, it began to shift the conversation towards reducing transphobia in Brazil, highlighting the issues of underemployment, lack of access to quality healthcare, and institutional violence faced by the trans community daily.
The climax of our campaign was the creation of a movement that applied social pressure for the creation of a law that would provide resources to reduce the mortality rate of trans women due to health issues and promote the distribution of lingerie designed specifically for them through the Unified Health System (SUS).