In a troubling incident highlighting ongoing issues surrounding gender identity and diplomatic relations, Brazilian Federal Deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) has found herself at the center of a controversy after the U.S. Embassy in Brazil issued her a diplomatic visa that identified her as male. This decision, which Hilton claims is a direct result of transphobic policies enacted by the Trump administration, has sparked outrage and prompted her to seek diplomatic intervention.
Hilton, who was set to speak at the Brazil Conference at Harvard and MIT on April 12, 2025, was shocked to discover that the embassy had disregarded her legally recognized female gender. Despite possessing a rectified birth certificate and a Brazilian diplomatic passport that affirm her identity, the embassy’s visa documentation categorized her as male. This move, she argues, not only undermines her identity but also represents a broader issue of state-sanctioned discrimination against transgender individuals.
“It is absurd that the hatred Donald Trump harbors against trans people has impeded a Brazilian parliamentarian from conducting an official mission on behalf of the Chamber of Deputies,” Hilton lamented during a press conference. She characterized the embassy’s actions as a form of state violence and a violation of her rights, stating, “This is a blatant, perverse, and cruel expression of state transphobia practiced by the American government.”
The incident has raised significant diplomatic concerns, prompting Hilton to send an official letter to Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In her correspondence, she requested a meeting with Minister Mauro Vieira to discuss the implications of this incident and to seek a diplomatic response. The Itamaraty is currently evaluating the possibility of this meeting.
In addition to seeking diplomatic recourse, Hilton's team is preparing to take international legal action against the Trump administration. They argue that the embassy's decision contradicts the protections afforded to her under Brazilian law and international human rights standards.
Documents gathered by Hilton’s team reveal that the U.S. Embassy in Brasília issued her a visa in 2023 that respected her female identity. This recent change, they claim, aligns with a new decree signed by President Trump in January 2025, which stipulates that the U.S. government will only recognize biological sex as immutable from birth. This policy shift has raised alarm among LGBTQ+ advocates, who see it as a regression in rights and recognition for transgender individuals.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy confirmed that visa records are confidential and reiterated its policy of recognizing only two sexes—male and female—under Executive Order 14168. This order has been criticized for failing to acknowledge the complexities of gender identity and for fostering an environment of discrimination.
Hilton’s experience is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern affecting transgender individuals both in the U.S. and abroad. “It is very serious what the United States has been doing to trans people who live there and those who enter. It is a hygienist and inhumane policy that not only affects trans individuals but also disrespects the sovereignty of the Brazilian government in issuing documents that should be respected by the international community,” she stated.
As the situation unfolds, Hilton remains resolute in her commitment to fight against what she describes as an assault on her identity and the rights of transgender people everywhere. “What concerns me is a country ignoring official documents regarding the existence of its own citizens, altering them according to the narrative and desires of the president in power,” she emphasized.
Despite the setback, Hilton's determination to advocate for her rights and the rights of others in the LGBTQ+ community remains strong. She is actively working to raise awareness of this issue, not only within Brazil but on an international stage, seeking solidarity and support from human rights organizations and allies.
As she prepares for potential legal battles and diplomatic discussions, Hilton's situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by transgender individuals globally, particularly in the context of changing political landscapes that seek to undermine their rights and identities.
In the face of adversity, Hilton's story resonates with many who continue to fight for recognition and equality. Her experience underscores the need for continued advocacy and support for marginalized communities, particularly in times of political upheaval.
The outcome of this diplomatic engagement and potential legal action remains to be seen, but Hilton’s commitment to her cause is unwavering. As she navigates this challenging situation, she hopes to not only reclaim her identity but also pave the way for greater acceptance and understanding of transgender rights worldwide.
