A Carnival block party showcasing the ballroom scene |
|---|
Virilha Suada | Brasília, Brazil | February, 2024
Carnival in Brazil is usually a leveller—days when everyone spills into the streets and, briefly, the city feels equal. Brasília, though, doesn’t share that spirit. Its modernist design keeps communities apart, and cultural life often stays concentrated in wealthier, central districts. Queer artists and working-class communities remain on the periphery, both literally and culturally.
Opportunity
We wanted to disrupt that pattern.
Virilha Suada—a queer Carnival block party whose name cheekily translates to “Sweaty Crotch”—was created to carve out space for artists who rarely see themselves represented in Brasília’s mainstream celebrations. The goal wasn’t just entertainment; it was visibility, presence, and a gentle challenge to the city’s social boundaries.
Approach
We brought together two worlds rooted in resistance and self-expression: Ballroom culture and Brazilian funk.
Key actions included:
-
Crowdfunding and selling merch to support independent production.
-
Bringing in DJs, performers, and creators from the local queer community.
-
Developing a bold, unapologetically queer visual identity to claim space openly and confidently.
Everything was built collaboratively and taken to the streets—where the community already exists.
Outcome
The first edition drew nearly 1,000 people, filling the space with raw, joyful energy. Attendees reported feeling safer, more connected, and represented in a way that Brasília’s cultural landscape often fails to offer.
The response was clear: people wanted more.
And thanks to strong community support and a tested model, the foundation for future editions is firmly in place.