“When a transsexual enters a prison aimed at men, they invariably turn into sexual property of the prisoners.”
This past year, photographer Marcela Xavier was there to capture the sights and ceremonies surrounding this unique beauty pageant. Xavier, who is currently studying law and journalism, has always been fascinated with the penal system, how modern prisons are built, how security functions in them, and the underground rules that command the lives of inmates.
Upon hearing about the Miss Trans Pageant at the Minas Gerais State Prison from a friend, Xavier knew that her photographs would be able to show the event in a thought-provoking and fascinating perspective.
Marcela Xavier