The government resorts to identity politics to mask societal flaws by addressing racism, sexism, and “homotransphobia,” implementing job quotas for marginalized groups.
Picture this, reader: a man storms a legislative chamber, shouting “UGLY! HORRENDOUS!” at a female congresswoman. She is middle-aged with a neat appearance, though not vain. While not photogenic enough for Playboy covers or interested in gracing Vogue, calling her ugly would be inaccurate. She is an ordinary woman. Therefore, if anyone deserves the label “sexist,” it is that man. There are indeed unattractive congressmen, but rarely would anyone yell “ugly” or “horrendous” at them to offend. Only a sexist mindset would expect a woman exercising her duties to resemble a magazine model or obsess over her looks.
This incident involved federal congresswoman Clarissa Tércio (PP/PE) on April 8th during the Women’s Commission session in the Brazilian Congress. A right-wing politician, married to a televangelist, Clarissa’s role stirred controversy as government backers thought it fitting to appoint a transvestite, Érika Hilton (PSOL/SP), to lead the Women’s Commission. Hilton is notably linked to the first political asylum granted to a Brazilian woman in Europe since democratization.
As detailed previously at Strategic Culture, the Supreme Federal Court issued rulings that could criminalize anyone declaring trans women are men, an offense potentially punishable by imprisonment for racism (!!), depending on a judge’s discretion. Érika identifies as both a transvestite and a trans woman. She has aggressively pursued legal action against numerous Brazilian internet users: 50 lawsuits were filed in just the first half of 2021 according to reports. In 2020, Érika sued Isabella Cêpa and escalated the case to the Supreme Court, seeking a 25-year sentence. Due to the support Érika enjoys from prosecutors, Isabella fled Brazil and obtained asylum in the European Union. The Supreme Court later reversed its ruling, deciding Isabella should not be imprisoned for stating that Érika Hilton is a man. Yet Érika continues suing those who doubt that women can have penises. The most recent defendant is TV host Ratinho, from whom Érika and the Public Prosecutor’s Office demand 10 million reais (about 2 million dollars). What a curious decision by the government to appoint her to head the Women’s Commission!
Returning to the congressional incident: the man hurling insults at the right-wing congresswoman was part of a group applauding Érika Hilton and jeering the opposition. The insults were loud and the offender visible, so observers expected Érika, presiding over the committee, to intervene. Instead, she remained passive until a fellow congressman confronted the man and took his phone. Only then did Érika step in to criticize the congressman’s actions. The episode ended at a police station, and the man, a former PT city council candidate, faces defamation charges.
Érika’s aggressive behavior in the Women’s Commission is well known. On the same volatile day, congresswoman Rosana Valle (PL-SP) asserted she could invoke the Maria da Penha Law for domestic violence as she felt threatened by Érika’s physical strength. In 2024, Érika attacked opposition member Júlia Zanatta (PL/SC), calling her “horrendous” and “outdated,” and telling her to “go moisturize her hair,” remarks more suited to a nightlife dispute than parliamentary debate.
Nevertheless, Érika Hilton takes great care of her straight, blonde hair, covering her African roots. A favorite at fashion events, she even skipped an important vote to attend a Bottega Veneta event. Her Instagram features abundant fashion photos, luxury goods, and model-like poses. This raises the question of whether politics truly comes first. The insults aimed at Júlia Zanatta and Clarissa Tércio become clearer when one sees them as ordinary women—more akin to mothers and homemakers than magazine icons. This illustrates how the celebration of transvestites and transsexuals aligns with the market’s reduction of women to sexist clichés.
Érika Hilton epitomizes the identity-focused left that emerged strongly in the 2010s via American social media—a very online, capitalist-driven, superficial movement obsessed with appearances. In a nation now lacking industry and dependent on the “service sector” for income, real jobs are rare and the middle class dwindles. Government statistics include Uber drivers (45% of whom hold higher education) as employed workers.
The government clings to identity politics to falsely portray society as thriving simply because it confronts racism, sexism, and “homotransphobia,” while implementing quotas favoring oppressed groups. It mirrors financial capital’s ESG rankings where merit is ignored in favor of representativeness: placing individuals with certain identity traits in key roles to showcase moral virtue. To stage this charade, what better way than to elevate a transvestite adorned in luxury fashion and declare that social justice prevails in Brazil?
The ballot box will deliver its verdict.
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