Practicing a Politics of Artistic and Communicative Trans Care: Casa Chama and Transvestigender Rights in Brazil

Transgender, transsexual, transvestite, nonbinary, and gender fluid—or transvestigender1—individuals in Brazil constitute the most marginalized population in terms of human rights, social policy, and cultural acceptance. In public discourse and media, trans individuals are often portrayed as gender nonconforming and are culturally and politically stigmatized. Casa Chama is a non-governmental organization (hereafter NGO) based in São Paulo, Brazil, that functions as both a shelter and a network for trans individuals. Based in principles of organizational mutual aid (Spade, 2020) and an ethics of care, the “casa” [house] provides a safe working environment and space for cultural events. In embracing a “family” philosophy guided by Casa Chama’s motto “quem acolhe é acolhido, quem é acolhido acolhe” (those who care are cared for, those who are taken care of, provide care) (Casa Chama, 2021), the NGO connects social change networks and provides a platform to amplify trans voices and promote political participation.