A Brazilian state lawmaker sparked outrage by applying dark makeup to her face and arms during a plenary session, questioning whether she had “become Black” in a stunt protesting a transgender politician’s appointment to lead a women’s rights commission.
The Controversial Protest
Fabiana Bolsonaro, a member of São Paulo state’s legislative assembly, performed the act on Wednesday. Her demonstration targeted Federal Deputy Erika Hilton, Brazil’s first openly transgender woman elected to the National Congress, who was selected to chair the Commission for the Defense of Women’s Rights.
Standing at the lectern, Bolsonaro rubbed foundation over her skin and challenged colleagues: “Have I become Black?” She argued that just as the makeup does not make her Black or grant her the lived experiences of Black people—such as their unique struggles—transgender women who alter their appearance do not truly experience womanhood, including childbirth, breastfeeding, or endometriosis.
Immediate Backlash in the Assembly
Lawmaker Monica Seixas of the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) interrupted the speech, accusing Bolsonaro of transphobia and racism. Seixas demanded an end to the session, but Bolsonaro continued speaking.
PSOL leader in the São Paulo state assembly, Deputy Ediane Maria, condemned the act as a “blatant crime.” In a social media post, she stated: “It’s been 137 years since slavery ended, and we have to witness a white woman, who rarely appears in the plenary to speak in favor of women, painting herself Black to attack Erika Hilton.” Maria added that appropriate measures are underway.
Legal Repercussions and Denials
Seixas filed a police report against Bolsonaro for racial discrimination, while other lawmakers lodged a criminal complaint with federal prosecutors. Brazil enforces strict anti-racism laws, and precedents exist: Federal Deputy Bia Kicis faces an ongoing probe for a 2021 social media video depicting politicians with digitally darkened faces, though parliamentary immunity has stalled progress.
Bolsonaro rejected claims of blackface, insisting her actions showed respect for Black people.
Background on Fabiana Bolsonaro
Fabiana Bolsonaro, unrelated to former President Jair Bolsonaro—who received a 27-year sentence for a coup attempt—adopted his surname ahead of the 2022 elections as a gesture of support. Previously known as Fabiana Barroso, she is the daughter of federal deputy Adilson Barroso.
In 2022, she also shifted her self-identified race from “white” to “brown.” This aligns with a 2021 government rule that boosts public funding for parties based on votes for Black or female candidates—counting those votes double until 2030 to promote diversity. A report revealed that nearly 9% of 2022 candidates altered their ethnicity declarations from 2020 levels to benefit from the policy.
