Marina M Segatti

MARINA SEGATTI, then a graduate student at University of California, Santa Cruz, California, was granted funding in October 2021 to aid research on “Queer and Trans Digital Activism: Sexuality and Democracy in Brazil,” supervised by Dr. Marcia Ochoa. This dissertation research examines the intricate dynamics of gender, political activism, and resistance in the face of Brazil’s rising far-right movement. This ethnographic study spans various regions of Brazil, where the grantee engaged with queer, trans, and feminist politicians, activists, and leaders within the Black women’s movement. The work critically examines how these communities utilize social media and other platforms to counteract the far-right’s moralistic narratives on gender and sexuality. Drawing from queer and trans studies, digital anthropology, transnational feminism, and political theory, the grantee discusses the creative strategies employed by activists to navigate and resist the encroaching tide of neoconservatism. Through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and the study of digital content, this work provides a comprehensive view of the resilience and creativity of marginalized groups in challenging oppressive and harmful discourses. Findings emphasize how these virtual spaces facilitate the dissemination of counter-narratives and the formation of solidarity networks, providing key insights into the mechanics of online activism. This research contributes to academic discourse and underscores the critical role of activism in sustaining democratic processes in the digital age.