Full Breakdown
Porto da Pedra Samba School Honors Sex Workers at Rio Carnival
2/13/2026, 5:24:07 AM
Celebrating a Journey of Activism
This weekend, the Porto da Pedra samba school will honor Lourdes Barreto and sex workers of all genders during Rio de Janeiro's Carnival celebrations at the Sambodrome. Barreto, who fled her home in Brazil’s northeastern state of Paraiba as a teenager, has dedicated her life to activism within the sex work community. The parade, titled “From life’s oldest times, the sweet and bitter kiss of the night,” aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding sex work, a profession that has long faced societal taboos.
Legal Context and Challenges
In Brazil, voluntary adult sex work is not a crime and has been recognized as an official occupation since 2002, allowing sex workers to access social security and other benefits. However, the Global Network of Sex Work Projects indicates that police continue to target sex workers, often leading to evictions. A 2017 report by the nonprofit Davida highlights that the lack of explicit legal definitions for prostitution and sexual exploitation grants police arbitrary discretionary power, complicating the legal landscape for sex workers.
The Role of Samba Schools in Social Change
Porto da Pedra's creative director, Mauro Quintaes, has a history of focusing on marginalized groups in his parade themes. This year’s tribute to sex workers is part of a trilogy he has envisioned throughout his career. According to Juliana Barbosa, a communications professor at the Federal University of Parana, samba schools have historically used their platforms to address social issues, which can contribute to broader societal change. "The theme stays for months within those communities, being sung about and discussed, and then it spreads to a very large number of people," Barbosa explained.
Voices from the Community
Barreto, who co-founded the Brazilian Network of Prostitutes in the 1980s, has fought for better rights for sex workers, including advocating for HIV prevention policies and even running for a councilwoman position. She expressed her perspective on her work, stating, "I’ve always seen myself as a working woman. Not sinning, not doing anything wrong."
Thauany Laressa, a 27-year-old sex worker from Rondonia, hopes the parade will foster greater compassion and acceptance towards sex workers. "I hope that people who see the parade will have more compassion when interacting with sex workers and help them accept it as a profession," she said.
Conclusion
As Porto da Pedra prepares for its parade, over 50 sex workers from across Brazil are expected to march alongside hundreds of others. This year's Carnival theme not only honors the contributions of sex workers but also aims to challenge societal perceptions, making their voices more visible in a culture that has often marginalized them.
