Censorship and arresting: sexual policies regarding homosexuality during the Brazilian dictatorship

Abstract

This article is my master’s research partial result, named “O Estado quer apagar as luzes da esquina: poder resistência e criminalização da homossexualidade no processo acusatório do Jornal Lampião da Esquina’’. The goal is to present the discussions about the practices of sexual regulations during Brazil’s dictatorship, one which set gay, lesbian, bisexual, and crossdressers as social outcasts in its authoritarian years. For this purpose, I intend to present a bibliographic survey with the recently published works on the matter. Approaching the foundations behind the notion of “morals and good behavior” evoked by the regime, its penal implication on press legislation, as well as its repercussion on police’s and regional’s administration around the country.  I propose to articulate the theory with its empirical subject through the concept of “sexual policies”, that understands the sex as a public battlefield in the state sphere. Aiming, with that, to comprehend the goals, patterns and practices of the military dictatorship and the way it rules over sexuality.