Heloisa Teixeira, a prominent figure in Brazilian feminism and an immortal member of the Academia Brasileira de Letras, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 85. Her death was attributed to complications from pneumonia, which led to acute respiratory failure, as confirmed by the Academia Brasileira de Letras and her book publisher.
Teixeira, who was known until recently as Heloisa Buarque de Hollanda, made headlines in July 2023 when she announced her decision to retire her married surname in favor of her maternal surname, Teixeira. This change was not just a personal milestone but also a powerful statement of identity and independence. Just eleven days later, she took office at the Academia Brasileira de Letras, marking a significant moment in her illustrious career.
Born on July 26, 1939, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Heloisa graduated in Classical Letters from PUC-Rio in 1961. Her academic journey was marked by a commitment to literature, gender issues, and marginalized cultures. She began her teaching career at UFRJ in 1964 and quickly rose to prominence, becoming a full professor in 1969. Her scholarly pursuits included a master's and doctorate in Brazilian Literature from UFRJ, as well as a post-doctorate in Sociology of Culture at Columbia University in New York.
Throughout her career, Teixeira focused on the intersections of culture and development, often emphasizing poetry, gender relations, and the experiences of marginalized communities. Between 1983 and 1984, she served as the director of the Museu da Imagem e do Som in Rio de Janeiro and founded the Coordenação Interdisciplinar de Estudos Culturais (CIEC) at UFRJ in 1986. This initiative was pivotal in shifting the focus of literary research toward issues of race and gender.
Teixeira's literary contributions are vast and significant. She authored and edited numerous works, including the influential anthology "26 Poetas Hoje," published in 1976, which showcased a generation of marginal poets who challenged the literary norms of the time. This anthology was particularly notable as it emerged during Brazil's military dictatorship, creating a stir in the cultural landscape.
In her later years, Teixeira continued to produce impactful works, including "Rebeldes e Marginais: Cultura nos Anos de Chumbo (1960-1970)," which she published in 2024 under her new name, Heloisa Teixeira. This book reflects her ongoing engagement with contemporary cultural issues and her commitment to the feminist movement. She was deeply invested in the dialogues surrounding the new generation of feminists, often referring to them as her "granddaughters" and recognizing their unique perspectives and strategies.
Teixeira's house in Jardim Botânico was not only a personal residence but also a cultural hub, hosting significant events, including the famous Réveillon of 1968, which was attended by notable figures such as Glauber Rocha and Millôr Fernandes. This gathering was marked by its celebratory atmosphere and the dramatic backdrop of political upheaval in Brazil, where 17 marriages reportedly ended that night.
In a poignant reflection of her life and work, Teixeira once stated, "Feminism is a lens that alters your worldview. And when that lens becomes subcutaneous, it’s over for you." This statement encapsulates her belief in the transformative power of feminism, which she championed throughout her life.
Beyond her academic and literary achievements, Teixeira was recognized for her vibrant personality and her ability to connect with younger generations. She maintained an active presence in cultural discussions, often using her platform to advocate for women's rights and the importance of inclusivity within the feminist movement. Her recent works aimed to bridge the gap between established feminist thought and the emerging voices of contemporary activists.
In April 2023, Teixeira was elected to occupy the 30th chair of the Academia Brasileira de Letras, becoming the tenth woman to hold this prestigious position. This achievement was a testament to her enduring legacy and the impact she had on Brazilian literature and culture.
Teixeira leaves behind her three sons, André, Pedro, and Luiz, known as Lula, from her marriage to Buarque de Hollanda. Her death marks the end of an era for Brazilian feminism, as she was not only a scholar and writer but also a mentor and inspiration to many.
As Brazil mourns the loss of Heloisa Teixeira, her contributions to literature, feminism, and cultural discourse will undoubtedly continue to resonate, inspiring future generations to engage with the vital issues she championed.
