Laerte-se

2017, Brazil, Laerte Coutinho, Portuguese,

Director: Lygia Barbosa and Eliane Brum
Release Year: 2017

Synopsis:

Released on May 1, 2017, "Laerte-se" is a deeply personal and thought-provoking documentary that chronicles the life and transformation of Laerte Coutinho, one of Brazil's most celebrated cartoonists. Directed by Lygia Barbosa and Eliane Brum, the film explores Laerte's journey from living as a man for nearly six decades to publicly identifying as a woman. Through a blend of intimate interviews, personal reflections, and artistic expression, "Laerte-se" delves into themes of gender identity, societal expectations, and the interplay between personal and professional life, while also celebrating Laerte's exceptional artistic contributions. 

 

Born in São Paulo on June 10, 1951, Laerte Coutinho grew up in a world where male and female roles were rigidly defined. A pioneering figure in Brazilian cartooning, Laerte became known for her distinctive and politically charged cartoons, which often explored issues of power, culture, and social justice. She was a major contributor to some of Brazil’s most important satirical publications, including "O Pasquim", "Veja", "Istoé", and "Folha de S.Paulo". Laerte also co-founded the iconic comic strip "Los Três Amigos", alongside fellow cartoonists Angeli and Glauco. Despite her professional success, Laerte’s personal life was marked by turmoil and self-discovery. In 2005, she faced the devastating loss of her 22-year-old son, Diogo, in a tragic car accident. This event profoundly impacted her, leading to a process of reflection and reevaluation of her own identity, which culminated in her decision to publicly transition into a woman at the age of 58. 

 

"Laerte-se" follows Laerte as she grapples with the complexities of gender identity, both in the public and private spheres. The documentary reveals how Laerte’s journey is not only about transitioning from male to female, but also about navigating the larger cultural and social forces that shape and challenge her sense of self. The film is an exploration of what it means to be a woman in a patriarchal society, where Laerte's decision to transition forces her to confront societal expectations of femininity and gender roles. The documentary is structured around Laerte's daily life, showing her in moments of introspection, working on her cartoons, and interacting with family members and friends. Through these intimate portraits, the film paints a portrait of an artist at the crossroads of personal and professional reinvention.

 

At its core, "Laerte-se" is a meditation on the fluidity of gender. Laerte’s transition challenges the binary understanding of masculinity and femininity that dominates much of mainstream discourse. The film delves into how Laerte herself struggled with these gendered categories, initially presenting as male, then exploring the possibilities of crossdressing, and ultimately coming to terms with her true identity as a transgender woman. Throughout the documentary, Laerte reflects on her childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood, revealing how societal norms surrounding gender influenced her sense of self. Early in her career, Laerte had developed an identity that was inextricably tied to the masculinity expected of her. However, over the years, she began questioning these expectations, particularly after experiencing a deep personal loss. It was in this period of vulnerability and reflection that she began exploring the idea of crossdressing and, eventually, identifying as a trans woman. As Laerte undergoes this transformation, the documentary addresses not only the internal emotional and psychological changes but also the external challenges she faces. Transitioning at an age when many people are set in their identities, Laerte is forced to confront not just the reactions of others but also the limitations imposed by societal expectations of what a woman should be, both in terms of appearance and behavior. The film does not shy away from the difficulties she faces, including moments of rejection and uncertainty. Yet, it also celebrates her courage and her ability to reclaim agency over her own life and body.

 

One of the most powerful aspects of "Laerte-se" is the way it highlights Laerte’s artistic process as a form of self-expression and empowerment. Laerte’s work, which has often been political and socially critical, serves as a vehicle for examining gender, identity, and society. Her characters, including the famous "Piratas do Tietê" and "Overman", have explored societal norms and defied conventions, making her one of Brazil's most influential cartoonists. Through her art, Laerte has always found a space to challenge established norms and express herself beyond the confines of traditional gender expectations. The documentary showcases how Laerte continues to work as a cartoonist even as she undergoes her personal transformation. Her art remains a central part of her life, providing both an outlet for her emotions and a means of communicating her experiences to a broader audience. Her work takes on new layers of meaning in light of her transition, offering a deeper understanding of her creative and intellectual evolution.

 

The film also addresses the ways in which Laerte’s transition affects her relationships with family, friends, and society. The reactions of those around her are complex and varied, with some offering unconditional support, while others express confusion or discomfort. Laerte’s relationship with her son Rafael, himself a cartoonist, is one of the most poignant aspects of the documentary. Rafael’s unwavering support for his mother’s transition stands in stark contrast to the challenges Laerte faces in other areas of her life. As Laerte navigates her transition, she is also confronted with the public's reaction to her decision. In a society where gender nonconformity is often met with hostility and misunderstanding, Laerte's decision to live as a woman is both a personal act of liberation and a public statement of defiance. The documentary captures Laerte’s growing public visibility and the ways in which her transition becomes both a source of empowerment and a point of contention in Brazil’s polarized social and political climate.

 

"Laerte-se" does not simply focus on Laerte as an individual. It also situates her journey within the larger cultural and social movements surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and gender identity. Brazil, like many countries, has a complicated and often hostile relationship with gender nonconformity and transgender people. While there has been significant progress in recent years, transgender individuals still face high levels of discrimination, violence, and marginalization. Laerte’s story, therefore, becomes part of a broader narrative of resistance and resilience. The documentary also touches on the formation of "ABRAT" (Associação Brasileira de Transgêneros), an organization that Laerte co-founded in 2012, aimed at advocating for the rights of transgender people in Brazil. Through her involvement with ABRAT and her visibility as a public figure, Laerte continues to push for greater recognition, understanding, and acceptance of transgender individuals in Brazilian society.

 

"Laerte-se" is more than just a documentary about one woman’s transition; it is a rich, layered exploration of the complexities of gender, identity, and self-expression. Laerte Coutinho’s life and work exemplify the struggle for personal freedom in a society that often enforces rigid gender norms. The documentary invites audiences to reconsider the ways in which gender is constructed and the ways in which individuals, especially those who do not conform to traditional gender roles, navigate the pressures of society. At its heart, "Laerte-se" is a celebration of Laerte's courage and creativity. The documentary presents a portrait of an artist who has spent her life challenging conventions and using her art as a means of exploring the complexities of human existence. Through her transition, Laerte not only redefines her own identity but also challenges all of us to think more deeply about the ways in which we understand and perform gender in our own lives. For those interested in the intersections of art, gender, and identity, "Laerte-se" offers a moving and inspiring narrative that transcends the specifics of Laerte's story to touch on universal themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of creative expression.

 

via: youtube

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Image credits: YouTube