Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2026

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Advisor(s)

Dr. Carl Fischer

Second Advisor

Oliver Murphey, Ph.D.

Abstract

In recent decades, Brazil has seen a large influx of Evangelical identification among its population, and this religious group has become a prominent political group that has occupied different positions of power in government. This Evangelical prominence has led to the blocking of LGBTQ+ legislative protections, the protection of homophobic governmental policies, and the perpetuation of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric that has threatened the well-being of Brazil’s queer community. This thesis analyzes the social media presence of prominent political figures in Brazil to understand the ongoing discourse regarding homosexuality from different perspectives. Three representatives with varying influences and perspectives were chosen and analyzed based on their statements made on X and YouTube, as well as from interviews and other public appearances. This thesis finds that there has been a dominant discourse among influential political figures that perpetuates homophobic ideology, and increases the threat of violence as well as mental health impacts for the LGBTQ+ community in Brazil. This work also finds a counter-narrative from LGBTQ+ political activists that are working to inform the public of injustices made by the government against queer individuals, which provides potential future options for justice and activism in order to protect the LGBTQ+ community in Brazil.

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