Brazilian pop sensation Liniker is celebrating a series of Latin Grammy victories that have catapulted her to global recognition, yet she remains acutely aware of the perilous realities faced by transgender individuals in her home country, where violence and discrimination persist at alarming rates.
The moment Liniker stepped into Amoeba Music in Hollywood, she was met with roaring applause from fans clutching her award-winning records, still energized from her recent Latin Grammy performance. This event capped a remarkable awards season where she secured three wins from seven nominations, the most ever for a Brazilian artist, solidifying her status as a breakthrough international star. Her album ‘Caju,’ a fusion of Brazilian pop, neo-soul, and jazz, has garnered critical acclaim for its intimacy and ambition, drawing comparisons to legends and earning praise from outlets like the LA Times and Rolling Stone. Over the past years, she has collaborated with icons like Milton Nascimento and performed for massive crowds, including a post-Lady Gaga concert in Copacabana that attracted two million people.
Liniker’s rise is particularly striking given her background; born Liniker de Barros Ferreira Campos in Araraquara, a city on the outskirts of São Paulo, she grew up in a working-class family immersed in samba, rock, and soul music. As a Black transgender woman from modest beginnings, her success defies the odds in Brazil, a country where such identities are often met with violence rather than opportunity. In an interview, she reflected on living a ‘life of dreams’ with awards and success, but emphasized that she never forgets the harsh realities of her community, where many lack the protections and support she now enjoys.
Brazil holds the grim distinction of being the deadliest country in the world for transgender people, according to the National Registry of Trans Deaths by Rede Trans Brasil. The 2024 report documented 105 killings, though this is likely an undercount due to inadequate data collection, with most victims being young, Black, and poor. Liniker is deeply conscious of this context, stating that fame does not shield her from violence, whether online or in the streets. She described how each victory brings a mix of praise and harassment, with increased visibility leading to more severe threats and stalking, forcing her to confront the duality of her glamorous career and the dangers she faces.
Despite these challenges, Liniker approaches her music as an act of love and offering. Her songs, such as ‘Negona dos Olhos Terríveis’ and the Grammy-winning ‘Veludo Marrom,’ are characterized by soft, feather-like delivery that builds emotionally, often incorporating orchestral elements to create universal themes from personal experiences. Artists like Sophie Hawley-Weld of Sofi Tukker have praised her profound self-awareness and spiritual depth, while fellow Brazilian singer Catto highlighted the heart-touching quality of her music that resonates globally. Catto also noted the importance of Liniker’s representation for the LGBTQ+ community, while asserting that her talent transcends labels.
Mainstream audiences in Brazil have embraced Liniker, as evidenced by her appearance on Ana Maria Braga’s popular morning show, where she performed and discussed her journey. Braga, moved to tears by viewer comments, read messages advocating for trans visibility to combat prejudice, echoing Liniker’s call for basic respect rather than mere acceptance. This moment underscored the broader societal need to recognize trans people as full human beings, a sentiment Liniker reinforces by sharing stories of fans inspired by her to pursue their passions.
In her interactions with supporters, such as at the record store event, Liniker listens to personal stories and signs autographs, embodying a message of kindness and self-respect. She urges Black, trans, and queer youth to ‘be kind with yourself and respect your soul, always,’ emphasizing that her success is not just a personal achievement but a beacon of hope in a challenging environment. As her voice reaches wider audiences, the contrast between her artistic triumphs and the ongoing fight for survival in her community highlights the urgent need for change and solidarity.
