Luíza Eduarda dos Santos investigates hate speech and transphobia in her academic research
Luíza Eduarda dos Santos, graduated in Social Communication with a specialization in Journalism from Unisinos and a master’s degree in Cultural Processes and Manifestations, became the first trans woman to complete a master’s degree at Feevale University, in Novo Hamburgo (RS), expanding LGBTQIA+ perspectives in Academia.
Her research focused on hate attacks directed at the NGO Minha Criança Trans after its participation in the 2023 São Paulo LGBT+ Pride Parade. The study, funded by CAPES, focused on analyzing Instagram posts, classifying them into two main categories: children and ideology.
Luíza used three central concepts for her analysis: “trans panic,” a hate speech directed at trans people; “abjection,” according to Judith Butler; and “space invasion,” from sociologist Nirmal Puwar, which addresses the entry of bodies that do not fit into the established social norm. These concepts were fundamental to understanding the negative reactions when trans people, including children, occupy spaces that are traditionally denied to them.
The researcher highlights the originality of her study, noting that there is a lack of similar research in Brazil. She believes that her analysis contributes to society by promoting reflection on reactionism, hate speech and lack of empathy. For Luíza, denying the existence of trans children does not make them disappear; on the contrary, this denial often leads to coordinated attacks, such as those she investigated.
During her academic career, Luíza faced significant challenges, especially at the beginning of her master’s degree, when she returned to classes just 18 days after surgery. Despite her fear of facing transphobia, she found support among her colleagues and professors. However, when her thesis defense was publicized in the local press, she faced a wave of transphobic comments on social media, although she received support from friends and colleagues.
Luíza expresses gratitude to CAPES for funding her education, highlighting the importance of the scholarship for completing her master’s degree. She also recognizes the crucial role of the SUS in her journey, stating that without this support she would not have gotten where she is now. She is already an LGBT+ icon!
By Ezatamentchy
Source: Maxima
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