Brazilian Telenovela Airs Country's First Gay Sex Scene
A Brazilian soap is airing a steamy gay scene for the first time, sending Christian groups into a tailspin.
On the telenovela Liberdade Liberdade (“Freedom Freedom” in English), Andre (Caio Blat) and Colonel Tolentino (Ricardo Pereira) have long been attracted to each other—but as the show is set in the 18th century, they're constrained by laws and social mores.
But on today’s episode, reports O Globo, their relationship is finally consummated—reportedly marking the first gay sex scene on Brazilian TV. (A kiss between two men was previously featured on the telenovela Love of Life.)
Religious groups are protesting—one linked to the Catholic Church claimed the show "wanted to take the devil into viewers' homes," and evangelicals have called the sex scene "a sexual assault on the Brazilian family."
The show airs on TV Globo at 11pm, but opponents complain some kids might still be up at that time—or see the episode online. (Apparently the softcore heterosexual scenes that blanket Brazilian television are fine.)
Synchronized demonstrations are reportedly being planned in various cities across Brazil.
Despite the controversy, the show's stars stand by the storyline.
"I am very happy to be representing this story,” said Blat. “It adds to the feeling of the show, addressing various forms of prejudice and discrimination.”
“This is a mature telenovela," he added. “People realize these are contemporary issues that are being addressed in a historical context.”
Pereira says today’s intimate encounter has been building for some time.
"What they have for each other can be seen in the show," he says. "A feeling that has been explored within [the confines] of what one could do in society at that time."
“The love that is there is beautiful and brings forth much what the show is about—the fight against prejudice, intolerance and for equality among all people.”
When the scene was filmed, Pereira insisted he was "completely open to whatever comes."
“[It] will have a climax—that explosion, that feeling. Something intense," he teased. "The sex of that time had a force, an emotion. Something almost animalistic."
On the episode itself, André and Tolentino finally give in to their desire and embrace. After stripping and making love, they lie naked on the bed holding hands.
Tolentino: "My only friend is you. You, Andrew. A sensitive man. Can you understand the mysteries of life. The turns that the world gives. The surprises that life holds."
Andrew: "Surprises about ourselves."
Tolentino: "Yes. You said one day that we all have a second nature. Sometimes it remains hidden."
Andrew: "But not forever."
"It was a very real scene," actor Kelvin Torres told Mei Ahora. "The actors managed to convey the anxiety of the characters."
Gay Brazilian YouTuber Victor Larguesa said "the more networks naturalize the way I experience my body, my feelings and my sexuality, to me, is a win."
Homophobic violence against LGBT people has reached epidemic levels in Brazil, with one gay or trans person murdered nearly every day.
Brazilians take their soaps very seriously—even more than they Olympics, which the country is hosting next month.
Hopefully Liberdade Liberdade can help demystify and destigmatize gay sex, even if just a little.
Note: portions of the interview segments were translate from Portuguese.
