A Strange Queer Body: The Museum of Sexual Diversity in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The Museum of Sexual Diversity in São Paulo was created in 2012 following public demand by LGBTQI+ activists, who wanted to preserve the memory of fallen comrades during the 1980s AIDS epidemic. When Brazil became more democratic after 1989, sexual minorities increasingly advocated for their interests and fought for their rights. One outcome of this change was the creation of the Museum of Sexual Diversity, opened in a busy underground station in the city centre. It promotes queer art, social meetings, and visibility events. It educates the public about sexual identities and fights for human rights. The article offers a general overview of the Museum of Sexual Diversity and its recent history, describing the constant struggle of ‘strange queer bodies’ and their fight for representation and visibility amid repressive political and social contexts in Brazil. The article draws on the personal experiences and observations of the museum’s founder and director.