In 2019, Brazilian trans activist and internet personality Luísa Marilac, alongside journalist Nana Queiroz, released Eu, Travesti: Memórias de Luísa Marilac. This poignant autobiography, published by Editora Record, presents an unfiltered and deeply moving account of Marilac's life, capturing her struggles, triumphs, and unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.
Luísa Marilac became an internet sensation after a 2010 YouTube video of her enjoying a luxurious poolside moment in Spain went viral. In the clip, she confidently declared, "E disseram que eu estava na pior" (And they said I was at my worst), a phrase that quickly became a meme in Brazilian pop culture. The video was lighthearted, but few knew the difficult past Marilac had endured to get to that moment.
Born in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Marilac identified as a travesti from the age of 17. Her journey was marked by extreme hardships, including childhood abuse, an attempted murder at 16, experiences with human trafficking in Europe before turning 20, and years of survival through prostitution. She endured sexual violence, imprisonment, and countless moments of loss as she saw friends and chosen family fall to drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence. Despite these harrowing experiences, Marilac continually found ways to rebuild her life, forging deep connections and advocating for fellow travestis and trans women.
Beyond the book, Marilac continues to be a voice for trans rights through her YouTube channel, where she shares personal reflections and uses humor to combat prejudice. Her book is a powerful testament to survival and self-acceptance, offering representation for those who rarely see their stories acknowledged in mainstream literature.
Dedicated "to all the travestis who never lived to tell their stories," Eu, Travesti stands as a necessary and urgent contribution to LGBTQ+ literature. With its honest and compelling storytelling, it invites readers to not only witness Marilac’s journey but to reflect on the systemic challenges that continue to affect trans lives worldwide.
Available via Amazon
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