In Brazil, a transgender woman has been elected to chair the Committee on Women's Affairs.

The deputy Erika Hilton, elected president of the Women's Committee of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, is the first transgender parliamentarian to hold the position in the South American country's Congress. Her appointment marks a symbolic political moment in a parliament currently characterized by a strong presence of conservative forces, including traditional center-right parties, evangelical-inspired groups, and factions close to former President Jair Bolsonaro. A member of the Socialism and Freedom Party (Psol), Hilton describes herself as "a black trans woman from the periphery," claiming a history marked by exclusion and redemption. Raised in the outskirts of São Paulo, she was kicked out of her home at a young age and lived on the streets, supporting herself through prostitution before becoming involved in activism and then politics. A turning point came in 2020 when she became the most voted city councilor in the country. Two years later, she entered Parliament, establishing herself as one of the most recognizable voices on the left. Her direct style, eloquent speech, and fiery rhetoric make her a prominent figure in public debate and a frequent target of attacks and controversies, which have intensified since her appointment. Her election as head of the Committee has reignited the political and cultural debate on the issue of representation. "I will always be a woman," she asserted, responding to criticisms about her legitimacy. Among her priorities are strengthening shelters for victims of violence, combating gender-based political violence, and promoting more inclusive healthcare policies, in a country where the issue of gender-based violence remains central to public debate, with an average of four femicides per day. Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA