After a closure lasting nearly a year and a half, the Museum of Sexual Diversity reopened its exhibition spaces in the República subway station, situated in the heart of São Paulo.
The space currently features two exhibitions: “Pajubá: a Hora e a Vez do Close,” curated by Amara Moira and Marcelo Campos, and “Artes Dissidentes,” organized based on research conducted by Dri Galuppo.
At Pajubá, visitors can explore the creations of over 100 artists, including Gê Viana and Vulcânica Pokaropa. The exhibition draws inspiration from the Pajubá language, historically utilized by transvestites and transgender individuals as a means of communication and self-preservation. “These terms and vocabulary,” elaborates the museum’s content manager Tony Boita, “have served as a form of resistance, allowing them to communicate safely and assert their identities throughout history.”
Boita highlights that this vocabulary serves as a testament to the lived experiences of these communities. He notes that elements of this language, such as the word “babado,” have permeated mainstream culture and become integrated into everyday speech for many.
Additionally, this linguistic tradition intertwines with terms derived from African religions. “There’s a profound connection,” he underscores, “between the inclusive nature of these spaces and the embrace of dissident bodies.”
“Artes Dissidentes” is a photographic exhibition stemming from Dri Galuppo’s exploration of artistic collectives in urban areas across Brazil.
Expansion
With the museum’s expansion from its original 100 square meters to an expansive area exceeding five times its previous size, now totaling 540 square meters, the anticipation is to host 10,000 visitors in 2024. “It’s a tremendous joy to unveil this new museum to society, especially one dedicated to reflecting on the memories of our memories, the memories of LGBTQIA+individuals,” Boita exclaims enthusiastically.
The space, under the São Paulo State Secretariat for Creative Culture, Economy, and Industry, offers free admission to all. For further details, visit https://www.cultura.sp.gov.br/.