In a courtyard a few blocks from Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach, a dozen people get settled on broken couches beneath a banner reading “Cure Your Prejudice.” They face the makeshift stage where a transgender woman appears in a short, tight dress and performs to a song about transgender visibility.
It’s a standard Saturday night in coronavirus times at the squat known as Casa Nem.
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In a courtyard a few blocks from Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach, a dozen people get settled on broken couches beneath a banner reading “Cure Your Prejudice.” They face the makeshift stage where a transgender woman appears in a short, tight dress and performs to a song about transgender visibility.
“Based on the experience we had during the AIDS epidemic, when we were accused of being the vector of the virus and were left to die, we are now protecting the community,” said Indianara Siqueira, 49, a transgender sex worker and activist who leads Casa Nem.
While some found refuge at Casa Nem, others like transgender prostitute Alice Larubia, 25, are stuck on the streets, hustling to earn enough to get by as the economy tanks. Normally quick to smile and joke, Larubia grows serious when discussing her future after the pandemic. She wants out of prostitution, and likes the idea of working in a beauty salon.
“Necessity spoke louder (than the pandemic) and I had to come back to the street,” Larubia said while waiting for clients with a small group of colleagues.
Back at Casa Nem, residents spend their days cooking and chatting, playing games and organizing workshops. They’re eager to leave the building, once it’s safe.
A resident of the squat Casa Nem waits at the entrance for a delivery of donated furniture, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The six-floor building is home to members of the LGBTQ community riding out the pandemic behind closed doors. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Morgana keeps Micaela company as she prepares rice balls for lunch in the kitchen of the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. Self-imposed lockdown is one of few ways this traditionally marginalized group has found to minimize COVID-19 risks, while others remain vulnerable on the streets. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Alex hangs clothes out to dry at the squat known as Casa Nem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. In 2016, members of the LGBTQ community led by Indianara Siqueira took over the balconied building with small bedrooms, shared bathrooms and a big common kitchen. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Claudinha is a resident of Casa Nem, a squat occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. Claudinha is standing around the corner from a mural depicting Joao W. Nery, recognized as the first transgender man to have undergone sex-change surgery in Brazil. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Igor rests on a couch in the courtyard of the squat known as Casa Nem, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The six-floor building is home to members of the LGBTQ commuity riding out the pandemic behind closed doors. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Residents play basketball at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, May 29, 2020. Casa Nem became a shelter several years ago for LGBTQ victims of violence and those who, rejected by their families, have nowhere to live. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Micaelo Lopes carries pet dog, Stonewall, wrapped in a towel after a bath at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. “We have increased our activities to help our psychological state,” said Lopes, a 22-year-old transgender man. “It’s a very tense moment where we are waiting to see what’s going to happen afterward, without really knowing.” (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Indianara Siqueira poses for a photo in her room at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, May 22, 2020. "Based on the experience we had during the AIDS epidemic, when we were accused of being the vector of the virus and were left to die, we are now protecting the community," said Siqueira, a transgender sex worker and activist who leads Casa Nem. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Marshall shows his Spanish lesson to fellow resident Klay, at the squat known as Casa Nem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The six-floor building is home to members of the LGBTQ community riding out the new coronavirus pandemic behind closed doors. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Klay Kardashian, left, and Marshall, listen to a voice message in Klay's room at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Venezuelan transgender Vanessa poses for a photo inside her room at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, May 23, 2020. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Drawings and messages honoring the transgender community decorate a wall of at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, May 29, 2020. New residents during the pandemic have to isolate on one of the building's floors for 15 days to ensure they don’t develop symptoms before fully joining the community. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Alex looks into mirror as she puts on lipstick, in her room at the squat known as Casa Nem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The six-floor building is home to members of the LGBTQ community riding out the pandemic behind closed doors. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
A resident looks up from her balcony at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, May 29, 2020. New residents during the pandemic have to isolate on one of the building's floors for 15 days to ensure they don’t develop symptoms before fully joining the community. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender sex workers wait for customers in Niteroi, Brazil, Saturday, June 27, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. While some sex workers found refuge, others are stuck on the streets, hustling to earn enough to get by as the economy tanks. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender sex worker Alice Larubia smokes a cigarette as she waits for customers in Niteroi, Brazil, Saturday, June 27, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. After a month quarantining at home with some financial support from family, Larubia resumed work in Niteroi, a city across the bay from Rio. “Necessity spoke louder (than the pandemic) and I had to come back to the street,” Larubia said while waiting for clients with a small group of colleagues. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
A transgender sex worker poses for a photo in Niteroi, Brazil, Sunday, June 28, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. Data from Brazil’s National Cross-dresser and Transgender Association show about 90 percent of the people it represents are sex workers due to lacking opportunities and discrimination in the job market. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender sex worker Alice Larubia waits for customers in Niteroi, Brazil, Saturday, June 27, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. She keeps hand sanitizer in her purse and wears a mask on public transport, but said she can’t while working. She earns around $15 per night, less than half her payday before the onset of the outbreak. “I’m scared,” she said. “I know I’m at risk.” (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
The six-floor building is home to about 50 LGBTQ people riding out the pandemic behind closed doors. They receive food donations and are barred from leaving unless facing medical emergency or other exceptional circumstances. Self-imposed lockdown is one of few ways this traditionally marginalized group has found to minimize COVID-19 risks, while others remain vulnerable on the streets.
Transgender Lia waits for the start of the weekly presentations by residents in the courtyard the squat Casa Nem that members of the LGBTQ community occupied several years ago, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, May 23, 2020. The group has sheltered from the new coronavirus in Casa Nem, a few blocks from Rio's Copacabana beach. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
“Based on the experience we had during the AIDS epidemic, when we were accused of being the vector of the virus and were left to die, we are now protecting the community,” said Indianara Siqueira, 49, a transgender sex worker and activist who leads Casa Nem.
In 2016, her organization took over the balconied building with small bedrooms, shared bathrooms and a big common kitchen. The residents found it dirty and abandoned, including one room with artwork, bronze busts and taxidermied animals. Casa Nem became a shelter for LGBTQ victims of violence and those who, rejected by their families, have nowhere to live.
New residents during the pandemic have to isolate on one of the building's floors for 15 days to ensure they don’t develop symptoms before fully joining the community.
Transgender Crystal performs against racism and discrimination in one of the weekly presentations put on by residents on a makeshift stage in the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, May 23, 2020. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
While some found refuge at Casa Nem, others like transgender prostitute Alice Larubia, 25, are stuck on the streets, hustling to earn enough to get by as the economy tanks. Normally quick to smile and joke, Larubia grows serious when discussing her future after the pandemic. She wants out of prostitution, and likes the idea of working in a beauty salon.
Data from Brazil’s National Cross-dresser and Transgender Association show about 90 percent of the people it represents are sex workers due to lacking opportunities and discrimination in the job market.
After a month quarantining at home with some financial support from family, Larubia resumed work in Niteroi, a city across the bay from Rio.
Indianara Siqueira, wearing a rainbow colored shirt, sits with fellow residents to watch their weekly presentations performed on a makeshift stage at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, May 23, 2020. Siqueira, 49, a transgender sex worker and activist leads Casa Nem. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
“Necessity spoke louder (than the pandemic) and I had to come back to the street,” Larubia said while waiting for clients with a small group of colleagues.
She keeps hand sanitizer in her purse and wears a mask on public transport, but said she can’t while working. She earns around $15 per night, less than half her payday before the onset of the outbreak.
“I’m scared,” she said. “I know I’m at risk.”
Richard Santos and his partner Lia kiss in their bedroom in the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, May 23, 2020. Several years ago Casa Nem became a shelter for LGBTQ victims of violence and those who, rejected by their families, have nowhere to live. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Back at Casa Nem, residents spend their days cooking and chatting, playing games and organizing workshops. They’re eager to leave the building, once it’s safe.
“We have increased our activities to help our psychological state,” said Micaelo Lopes, a 22-year-old transgender man. “It’s a very tense moment where we are waiting to see what’s going to happen afterward, without really knowing.”
A half torso mannequin decorated with an orange veil hangs from a beam backdropped by donated items in the courtyard of the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. They receive food donations as well and are barred from leaving unless facing medical emergency or other exceptional circumstances. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
A resident of the squat Casa Nem waits at the entrance for a delivery of donated furniture, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The six-floor building is home to members of the LGBTQ community riding out the pandemic behind closed doors. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Morgana keeps Micaela company as she prepares rice balls for lunch in the kitchen of the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. Self-imposed lockdown is one of few ways this traditionally marginalized group has found to minimize COVID-19 risks, while others remain vulnerable on the streets. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Alex hangs clothes out to dry at the squat known as Casa Nem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. In 2016, members of the LGBTQ community led by Indianara Siqueira took over the balconied building with small bedrooms, shared bathrooms and a big common kitchen. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Claudinha is a resident of Casa Nem, a squat occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. Claudinha is standing around the corner from a mural depicting Joao W. Nery, recognized as the first transgender man to have undergone sex-change surgery in Brazil. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Igor rests on a couch in the courtyard of the squat known as Casa Nem, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The six-floor building is home to members of the LGBTQ commuity riding out the pandemic behind closed doors. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Residents play basketball at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, May 29, 2020. Casa Nem became a shelter several years ago for LGBTQ victims of violence and those who, rejected by their families, have nowhere to live. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Micaelo Lopes carries pet dog, Stonewall, wrapped in a towel after a bath at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. “We have increased our activities to help our psychological state,” said Lopes, a 22-year-old transgender man. “It’s a very tense moment where we are waiting to see what’s going to happen afterward, without really knowing.” (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Indianara Siqueira poses for a photo in her room at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, May 22, 2020. "Based on the experience we had during the AIDS epidemic, when we were accused of being the vector of the virus and were left to die, we are now protecting the community," said Siqueira, a transgender sex worker and activist who leads Casa Nem. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Marshall shows his Spanish lesson to fellow resident Klay, at the squat known as Casa Nem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The six-floor building is home to members of the LGBTQ community riding out the new coronavirus pandemic behind closed doors. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Klay Kardashian, left, and Marshall, listen to a voice message in Klay's room at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Venezuelan transgender Vanessa poses for a photo inside her room at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, May 23, 2020. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Drawings and messages honoring the transgender community decorate a wall of at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, May 29, 2020. New residents during the pandemic have to isolate on one of the building's floors for 15 days to ensure they don’t develop symptoms before fully joining the community. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender Alex looks into mirror as she puts on lipstick, in her room at the squat known as Casa Nem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The six-floor building is home to members of the LGBTQ community riding out the pandemic behind closed doors. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
A resident looks up from her balcony at the squat known as Casa Nem, occupied by members of the LGBTQ community who are in self-quarantine as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, May 29, 2020. New residents during the pandemic have to isolate on one of the building's floors for 15 days to ensure they don’t develop symptoms before fully joining the community. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender sex workers wait for customers in Niteroi, Brazil, Saturday, June 27, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. While some sex workers found refuge, others are stuck on the streets, hustling to earn enough to get by as the economy tanks. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender sex worker Alice Larubia smokes a cigarette as she waits for customers in Niteroi, Brazil, Saturday, June 27, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. After a month quarantining at home with some financial support from family, Larubia resumed work in Niteroi, a city across the bay from Rio. “Necessity spoke louder (than the pandemic) and I had to come back to the street,” Larubia said while waiting for clients with a small group of colleagues. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
A transgender sex worker poses for a photo in Niteroi, Brazil, Sunday, June 28, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. Data from Brazil’s National Cross-dresser and Transgender Association show about 90 percent of the people it represents are sex workers due to lacking opportunities and discrimination in the job market. (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)
Transgender sex worker Alice Larubia waits for customers in Niteroi, Brazil, Saturday, June 27, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. She keeps hand sanitizer in her purse and wears a mask on public transport, but said she can’t while working. She earns around $15 per night, less than half her payday before the onset of the outbreak. “I’m scared,” she said. “I know I’m at risk.” (AP PhotoSilvia Izquierdo)