Queering legal cultures in the late 20th century Brazil

redemocratization and the struggle for sexual rights

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.1590/2179-8966/2025/82828 

The redemocratization process in Brazil was understood by organized groups as a unique opportunity for demanding social change. The Brazilian Homosexual Movement (MHB) played a pivotal role in the fight for sexual rights, emerging as a pioneer in the struggles for sexual diversity in the country. This article addresses the contributions of MHB to shape law through queering legal cultures in the late 20th century. We conducted a literature review on the movement’s formation and its effort at dialogue with the Legislative branch, highlighting important findings in the issues of the newspaper Lampião da Esquina (1978-1981). From the analysis of these primary and secondary sources, we seek to demonstrate how the work carried out by the MHB was relevant to modify the Brazilian juridical system, overcoming legal stereotypes, and rethinking law. We also present reflections about scholarships on queer theories that seek to transform law in Brazil.