Luxo, riqueza e sedução: uma etnografia sobre a sociabilidade e uso da fotografia na formação da identidade travesti em João Pessoa

Abstract

This paper´s goal is to elucidate questions about transvestites which are part of a gender classification that subverts heteronormativity for their performances and social representations. Based on (a) participant observation, I try to show the transvestite forms of sociability, performances and self-image from their picture which has a very important role in the construction of their identities both in the “real” (João Pessoa city) and in the “virtual” (Badoo, Facebook, MSN and Orkut) environment. By virtue of the approach between me and some protagonists via internet, I try to understand that it is in this place where they, being stigmatized, are not required to have a type of behavior expected by society. It is in the “virtual world” they claim to “be” or “appear to be” the “perfect” imitation of a “woman” and/or “diva”. Therefore, they seek to be equal to a female representation, in a mimetic way, dissolving a certain biological and social definition of “man” and “woman”.