My name is Gisele Adão from the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores na Indústrias da Alimentação de Criciúma e Região (SINTIACR), which is affiliated with the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations (IUF).

What have we already achieved in Brazil and are enforcing on the shop floor?

1. Harassment on the grounds of being LGBTI is a criminal offence

Since 2019, the law has treated homophobia and transphobia as racism. In the factory, harassment is not tolerated.

2. Your chosen name is respected

Since 2016, by decree. You use the changing room and toilet that corresponds to your identity. Full stop.

3. Equal marriage

Since 2013, no registry office can refuse to marry two people of the same gender.

4. Name change without surgery

Since 2018, you can go to the registry office and change your name and gender. Without asking permission from a doctor or a judge.

5. Discrimination at work is illegal

ILO Convention 111. You cannot be sacked or denied a promotion because you are LGBTI.

6. Healthcare that respects you

Since 2011, the Unified Health System (SUS) ーBrazil's publicly funded health care systemー must treat you with humanity, understanding what you need.

SINTIACR is leading this fight across Latin America. But the real work is here, at the factory gates. We protect our people on the ground every day.

The Criciúma and Region Food Workers’ Union has LGBTI directors. Today there are two of us on the executive committee. Gisele Adão is at the helm. Proud to be SINTIACR!

We don’t just hold up placards. We defend. A director at the gate, a lawyer at the table, support when a colleague needs it.

The law alone cannot create change. It is the work of grassroots unions that does.