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The struggles of the first trans person in the Brazilian Armed Forces

Brasília/Sao Paulo, 5 June, EFE, (Camera: Alex Mirkhan).- Twenty years ago Maria Luiza da Silva became the first trans woman in the Brazilian Armed Forces, but after her gender reassignment, she was forced to join the ranks of the reserve. Since then, the military has continued a tireless battle in the justice system that now seems to be coming to an end.FOOTAGE OF INTERVIEWS WITH MARIA LUIZA DA SILVA AND MAX TELESCA, LAWYER:FOOTAGE INCLUDES SOME ARCHIVAL RESOURCES AND FOOTAGE FROM THE DOCUMENTARY "MARIA LUIZA"MARIA LUIZA DA SILVA: "What I wanted from the beginning was to return to my military activities, but since it was not possible, that I respect my rights, my hierarchy, my promotions because the service and everything I did for the force. I was always a very valued military and I have praise in my record, medals for good service to the force, my record is excellent.""I was the first trans military in the force but from the beginning, I knew that I would not be the only one, many trans men and women would also emerge over time. I think that for me, many women, many people from the force talk to me about the example I am leaving, my struggle for rights. I think that decision is very important for those who are facing similar situations to mine. The decision of the court comes to restore rights to the human person and to say that no one can discriminate because of sexual orientation, gender or anyone else. it's going to be of great value to other trans people."MAX TELESCA, LAWYER:"it's very important that this decision comes at this historical moment because it's when ultra-conservative forces that want to establish a forerunner of civilizational conquests are at their peak. No one can be discriminated against because of sex, colour, origin or religion. This is so old, and it was such a strong conquest that I didn't imagine it would take so long."