“Transradioativa: Você me conhece porque tem medo ou tem medo porque me conhece?” by Valéria Barcellos is a powerful and deeply personal work that transcends conventional autobiographical writing. In this book, Valéria, a black trans woman, singer, actress, DJ, performer, writer, and visual artist, shares her lived experiences with unflinching honesty and artistry.
Her life story is inseparable from the broader struggles of trans and Black communities in Brazil, and her work embodies transnegritude and transfeminism with an intensity that challenges readers to confront their own assumptions and fears. Valéria’s recognition as a Mulher Cidadã, the highest honor awarded to women in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, underscores her role as a trailblazer not only in the arts but in social advocacy, making her story one of resistance, resilience, and radical affirmation of identity.
The genesis of the book coincided with a period of profound personal challenge, when Valéria faced a cancer diagnosis. Rather than retreating into despair, she turned to writing as a form of testimony, recording not only her battles with illness but also her reflections on the persistent epistemic violence inflicted upon Black and LGBTQ+ populations. Her narrative is at once intimate and political, revealing the intersections of personal pain, social injustice, and the unwavering pursuit of visibility and dignity. Through her words, the reader experiences the weight of history, the scars of discrimination, and the triumph of survival and self-assertion.
The book is a declaration of resistance, a refusal to be silenced, and a celebration of life in all its complexity, beauty, and struggle.
Jean Willys, a close observer of Valéria’s career, captures the essence of her presence in his preface, recounting the unforgettable first encounter at Galeria Café in Ipanema. Valéria’s performance of “Como nossos pais” by Belchior was not merely a musical rendition but a display of charisma, intelligence, and courage. While the audience applauded her, her gaze challenged them, silently declaring that appearances were not enough to comprehend the depth of her experience. She carried the knowledge of battles fought and victories won over racism, homophobia, and transfobia, and she understood that the war for equality and recognition is far from over. Her voice in that moment became a symbol of defiance, a luminous assertion that life and artistry can persist despite systemic oppression.
Valéria Barcellos’ artistic career, which began in childhood, spans music, theatre, performance, and visual art. She became a pioneer of the MPBTRANS movement, bringing a trans and Black perspective to Brazilian popular music. Her multi-faceted career exemplifies her relentless pursuit of creative freedom and social justice, and the book serves as a bridge between her art and activism. Every chapter, every reflection, every anecdote in Transradioativa is imbued with a sense of urgency, insistence, and humanity. Readers are drawn into a world where survival and art are inseparable, where laughter and sorrow coexist, and where every sentence pulses with the defiance and brilliance of a life lived fully, unapologetically, and with unwavering self-respect.
Transradioativa is not simply a memoir or a chronicle of a personal battle with illness; it is a manifesto. It asks difficult questions about fear, recognition, and empathy. The title itself challenges the reader to consider whether our perceptions of others are rooted in ignorance, prejudice, or genuine understanding. Valéria’s writing compels a confrontation with these dynamics, offering a mirror to society and an invitation to greater awareness. Through her story, readers are reminded that identity is both personal and political, and that the act of claiming one’s name, voice, and space is a revolutionary gesture. The book leaves an indelible impression, a testament to the transformative power of resilience, courage, and art.
In holding this book, the reader is invited to witness Valéria Barcellos’ journey, to feel the resonance of her voice, and to confront the societal structures that seek to marginalize and erase. It is a call to empathy, an affirmation of life, and a celebration of the human spirit. Transradioativa is a radiant statement of defiance, survival, and affirmation, and it establishes Valéria as not only a singular artist but a vital voice in the ongoing struggle for justice, recognition, and equality. Her story reminds us that while battles may persist, the strength of a single life can illuminate paths for countless others.
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