Monica Benicio has made headlines countless times since the murder of her partner Marielle Franco in March 2018. The killing of Franco, a Rio de Janeiro councillor who was Black, openly gay and outspoken in her criticism of the police, sparked protests across Brazil. Instead of getting married, as the couple had planned, Benicio has spent the past three years campaigning for justice. Her face, raised fist, and the T-shirt she wears inscribed “Fight like Marielle Franco” have become enduring images.
In November, Benicio, an architect by profession, was elected to the Rio city council. It was, she says, a symbolic victory against the politics of hate. Life for Brazil’s LGBTQ+ community has become harder and more dangerous since the election of president Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing former army captain who once stated: “I’m homophobic with pride.” Benicio, who says she wants to fight Bolsonaro’s politics of hate, is campaigning for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.
The activist spoke to Agência Diadorim via video link about politics and keeping Franco’s cause alive. It is important, Benicio says, that we keep pushing to find out who was behind her murder.
