TransParadise is at the forefront of advocating for transgender migrants in Portugal, addressing systemic discrimination, legal invisibility, and limited access to crucial services. Our mission, deeply rooted in advocacy for comprehensive policy reform and societal awareness, extends emotional, legal, and social support, with a strong emphasis on art and culture as a vehicle for social advocacy.
Vision: We envision a Portugal where transgender migrants are recognized, respected, and have the freedom to express themselves and thrive. Our vision is of a society where gender diversity and the migratory experience are not seen as barriers, but as sources of strength and cultural enrichment.
With a presence that is both a manifesto and a movement, our mission goes beyond mere support – it is a revolution of identities, a call for transgender visibility and rights on a global scale.TransParadise is the collective voice of all of us, a cry that resonates not only in the corridors of power but at the core of humanity. We are a living manifesto, shaping a future where marginalization gives way to the celebration of all transgender identities, in Portugal and beyond. With each action, partnership, and political encounter, we challenge the colonial legacy and the erasure of our existences.
TransParadise is a mobilizing force for the transgender migrant community, focused on dismantling barriers and fostering a world where transgender diversity is synonymous with cultural and social enrichment.
Major meeting with Brazilian Ministers on issues concerning the transgender migrant population
The ministers of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, Márcio Macêdo; of Human Rights and Citizenship, Sílvio Almeida; of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco; and the president of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo, met in Lisbon this Sunday (23/4/23) with representatives of social movements from Brazilian communities in Portugal and various locations in Europe.
Representatives of social movements spoke: Freda Paranhos president of TransParadise , representing migrant travestis in Portugal, discussed the difficulties of entering the job market, the daily exposure to violence and access the agenda for using the chosen name on residence permit documents and changing name and gender on official documents for the trans migrant population.
These changes were only possible after returning to Brazil.
One of TransParadise's struggles in advocating for the rights of the trans migrant population was the correction of name and/or gender on official documents. Until that moment, this action was only possible by returning to Brazil for in-person correction or by appointing a legal representative. Both options were financially incongruent with the reality of a significant portion of the population and also posed security concerns for individuals in asylum situations. In April of 2023, during the visit of the Brazilian presidential delegation to Portugal, we presented this demand to the Honorable Minister of Human Rights, Sílvio de Almeida, who committed to supporting it.
Our demands were heard
Finally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in October 2023, that the correction of name and gender can now be done through consulates and embassies of the respective countries. As provided in the new Brazilian Consular Regulation, it is now possible to initiate the annotation of name and gender on Brazilian documents for transgender individuals abroad through the Brazilian consular network.
To do so, it is necessary to gather some documents to initiate the request, and after this step, schedule an appointment and/or address questions via email.
Our efforts also involved internal entities, such as the State Secretariat for Equality and Migrations, and collaborations with the Casa do Brasil in Lisbon and Opus Diversidades, in conjunction with public bodies related to health, human rights, and justice in Portugal, so that we could at least have the right to use our social names on our residence permits. A letter was also written on behalf of the Casa do Brasil de Lisboa, an association where one of the founders of TransParadise, Freda Paranhos, works and contributes to building agendas related to gender and migration. This letter was addressed to President Luís Inácio Lula da Silva, outlining concerns about the challenges faced in Brazilian consulates in Portugal, obstacles to obtaining recognition of higher education degrees, and issues encountered by the Brazilian community, such as racism, xenophobia, and difficulties in sustaining themselves in Portugal. Among the demands in the letter was: 'It is also essential to develop joint actions to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Learn more
The Power of Words: TransParadise's Preamble in the MigraMyths Report
Immigration and housing discrimination in Portugal
Preface for the TGEU trans media guide
Conference Employability, Migration, and Gender: Challenges and Responses
The conference 'Democracy, Disinformation, and Immigration' on November 30, 2022, took place at Palácio Cabral in Lisbon. This conference featured various speakers from academia, public institutions, and media outlets to discuss hate speech related to immigration, the politicization of immigration, and the impact of disinformation on democracy.
Learn more
This event is part of the #MigraMyths Project - Demystifying Immigration, which aims to debunk myths, stereotypes, and misinformation about immigration in Portugal. Transparadise participated in the panel 'Hate Speech and Immigration in Portugal,' moderated by Ellen Theodoro and featuring anthropologist Pedro Almeida and journalist and creator of the Afrolink project, Paula Cardoso. TransParadise brought reflections on hate speech and immigration from a transfeminist and intersectional perspective.
Event 'Queer Diaspora: Political Participation, Experiences, and Perspectives'
Participation in the event 'Queer Diaspora: Political Participation, Experiences, and Perspectives' was a significant opportunity in the discussion of experiences and forms of activism within the LGBTQIAP+ immigrant community in Portugal. Organized by the @migranteparticipaemsintra project in partnership with the Candomblé terreiro @ilelogunosun and held at the Espaço Tapada Com.Unidade, the event brought together influential and diverse voices from the community, including Rod from the Afrontosas Collective and UNA União Negra das Artes, Flow, researcher and activist, and Pedro Silva, founder of the Sintra Friendly Association. knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the intersections of identity, migration, and LGBTQIAP+ activism. Rod, representing both the Afrontosas Collective and UNA União Negra das Artes, shared insights into the unique experiences of LGBTQIAP+ Black immigrants in Portugal.
These participants brought a wealth of Flow, as a researcher and activist, provided a critical analysis of the social and political dynamics shaping the lives of LGBTQIAP+ immigrants in the country. Pedro Silva, from the Sintra Friendly Association, emphasized the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIAP+ immigrant community.
This event was a valuable opportunity for TransParadise and other participants to not only share their experiences and challenges but also to collaborate in seeking effective strategies to promote equality and inclusion. The convergence of different perspectives and experiences reinforced the need for a more comprehensive and intersectional approach in public policies and community initiatives, aiming for a better understanding and support of LGBTQIAP+ immigrant communities in Portugal.
TransParadise's Participation in the Launch of Opus Diversidades project "Queer Nest"
On December 2023, TransParadise played an active role in the roundtable discussion at the closing event of the Queer Nest project, led by Opus Diversidades. This project, within a European context, aimed to identify the needs and develop intervention policies and measures for young LGBTI+ individuals experiencing homelessness. The event, held at the Bento Martins Space of the Parish Council of Carnide, served as a platform for presenting the results achieved, including a set of social inclusion tools, a prevention manual, and an awareness campaign.
TransParadise's participation in this event stood out for its contribution to the discussion on the issue of transgender homeless populations, a concern often marginalized in public policies and academic research.
The intersection of gender and migratory status in this context was especially relevant, highlighting the complexities associated with the homeless experiences of transgender individuals. The roundtable provided a critical space for reflecting on the existing gaps in institutional responses and the understanding of social dynamics affecting this community.
This interaction with Opus Diversidades and other governmental bodies underscored the need for a more holistic and inclusive approach to homelessness policies. TransParadise, by engaging in this dialogue, emphasized the importance of considering the specificities of transgender experiences in developing effective and humane solutions to homelessness. Collaboration among different entities and the inclusion of diverse voices are essential for a broader understanding and a more effective approach to the challenges faced by marginalized populations."
* Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa - Ms. Marisa Melo
• Com Alma I Clínica Social - Ms. Paula Allen
• TransParadise/Casa do Brasil - Dr. Freda Paranhos
• National Social Emergency Helpline 144 - Ms. Marta Borges
• NPISA de Lisboa - Dr. Paulo Santos
• Crescer - Ary Teixeira
Debate
TransParadise, participated in an enriching live discussion about the cultural market in Portugal, sharing valuable insights on the opportunities and challenges faced by artists and cultural professionals. Our contribution emphasized the importance of inclusion and diversity in the sector, as well as the various available support initiatives, such as grants and funding programs. Our participation not only enriched the discussion but also reinforced TransParadise's commitment to promoting art and culture in inclusive and welcoming environments.
Discussion on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In this event, the president of TransParadise had the honor of sharing the panel with the president of ILGA Portugal, Dani Bento, and the president of the AMPLOS Association, an association of parents of transgender children, António Vale.
Renovar a Mouraria is a grassroots organization with a comprehensive range of activities. In addition to multidisciplinary projects, sometimes with a European basis, their services include integrated social support, regularization of migrants, employability support, free Portuguese language and study support classes, community mediation, guided tours, support for learning Portuguese and integration in schools, agroforestry in a public school, a community composting network, cultural event production, revitalization of local commerce, and community activation
Freda Paranhos, President of TransParadise, participated in an enriching live discussion about the cultural market in Portugal, sharing valuable insights on the opportunities and challenges faced by artists and cultural professionals. Her contribution emphasized the importance of inclusion and diversity in the sector, as well as the various available support initiatives, such as grants and funding programs. Freda's participation not only enriched the discussion but also reinforced TransParadise's commitment to promoting art and culture in inclusive and welcoming environments.