Unpacking Social Movements’ Democratizing Impact: The Case of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Travesti Movement in Brazil by Juan Pedro Pereira Marsiaj A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Political Science University of Toronto © Copyright by Juan Marsiaj « 2017» Unpacking Social Movements’ Democratizing Impact: The Case of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Travesti Movement in Brazil Juan Pedro Pereira Marsiaj Doctor of Philosophy Department of Political Science University of Toronto « 2017 » Abstract This dissertation examines the impact of the Brazilian lesbian, gay, bisexual, and travesti (LGBT) movement on the construction of a more inclusive democracy. In order to do this, I develop a framework for assessing the “whether,” “how,” and “why” of social movements’ democratizing impact, based on an understanding of substantive democracy that sees the inclusion of marginalized groups as a central test. Substantive democratic inclusion would require the autonomous agency of the social movement fighting for the interests of the marginalized group in question; public recognition of the marginalized group via the increased visibility and more widespread toleration of its members in the public sphere; the participation of marginalized groups in decision-making institutions, by increasing their access and influence over policy-makers, as well as their presence in relevant institutional spaces; concreteness of the gains made by the movement, particularly in the form of public policies; and universality in policy effect, addressing more systemic inequalities that affect those most strongly marginalized within that population. By focusing on the period from the emergence of the LGBT movement in 1979 to the end of the first term of Dilma Rousseff’s presidency in 2014, and examining movement activity in the public sphere and actions aimed at the State (federal executive, legislative, and judiciary branches), I argue that the movement has achieved an incomplete ii democratic inclusion of sexual minorities. This incompleteness is characterized by headway in terms of autonomous agency, recognition, and participation, but limitations on the concreteness and universality of gains. This pattern of impact is shaped by three broad factors, namely the historical structures of marginalization, the institutional framework activists face in their engagement with the State, and the dominant regime of interest mediation. In the conclusion, I engage in a comparison with other social movements in Brazil to contextualize these findings. iii Acknowledgments This dissertation’s roots go deep. It stems from a deep commitment to social justice and a longstanding interest in social movements and sexual diversity politics. A list of all those who played a role in making it happen is inevitably incomplete. This thesis acquired its final features thanks to the support and tireless guidance of my supervisor, David Rayside, and my thesis committee, Judith Teichman and Melissa Williams. David’s insistence on clarity forced me to balance a complex argument that sought to make sense of an ambiguous empirical reality. Judith pushed me to never lose sight of the deep inequality that structures Brazilian society, and all the theoretical implications that entails. And Melissa had the incredible ability to (a number of times) gently turn my head to see more clearly those elements of my argument around which I had been dancing for some time. I was also extremely fortunate to have Courtney Jung and Sonia Alvarez as, respectively, my internal and external examiners. Their encouraging comments and deeply stimulating questions helped me think about this work in a new light. This whole project would not have been possible without the generosity and openness of the many activists and government officials I met, talked with, and interviewed in the course of my field research in Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Paulo, and Manaus. To the extent that the lives of LGBT people in Brazil have improved over the last couple of decades, it is thanks to their efforts and tireless work. I especially think of those activists who helped me make sense of the Brazilian reality and are no longer amongst us, like William Aguiar, Janaína Dutra, and Hanna Suzart. My work has been deeply enriched by the many conversations with and comments I received from colleagues. James N. Green has been both an inspiration and a mentor in this long journey. His deep knowledge of the gay and lesbian community and movement in Brazil was tremendously helpful in developing this project. Philip Oxhorn has had a deep intellectual influence over my work, both as my MA supervisor at McGill University and beyond. His continued support and encouragement over the years were key in keeping me going. Many others provided helpeful comments at various stages of this project. Cecilia McDowell Santos and Elisabeth Jay Friedman provided extremely valuable feedback on a number of occasions. iv Antonio Torres-Ruiz engaged me in countless discussions about Brazilian and Latin American politics that inevitably shaped my argument. Jordi Díez’s support, comments, and encouragement came at crucial moments. Without Mónica Treviño González I would not have been able to digest the material I collected in Rio de Janeiro. Many others provided important feedback and support: Martha Ackelsberg, Ana María Bejarano, Michelle Bonner, Stephen Brown, Javier Corrales, Susan Franceschet, Antoinette Handley, David Paternotte, Paulo Ravecca, Stéphanie Rousseau, Richard Sandbrook, Mitu Sengupta, Shawn Schulenberg, and Bruce Wilson. Teaching with Stephen Lewis since 2013 has been an honour and a pleasure. It has also helped stoke the flame of indignation about injustice I carry in my belly. In Brazil, Augusto Andrade provided me with a crucial early introduction to the LGBT movement. Others were both sounding boards and important sources of information: Paul Amar, Márcio Caetano, Sérgio Carrara, Regina Facchini, Anderson Ferrari, Carlos Figari, Rosana Heringer, Rogério Junqueira, Liandro Lindner, Luiz Mello, Rosa Oliveira, Osmundo Pinho, Sílvia Ramos, Horacio Sívori, and Adriana Vianna. The challenges of writing a dissertation cannot be faced without the emotional support that friends can lend. I thank mi hermana Miranda Ortiz de la Cajiga for the never-ending friendship that, despite the distance, has always stayed strong. Tracy Beck Fenwick has for over two decades not only been a dear friend, but also a valuable academic resource. Few have heard as much about the trials and tribulations of the writing process as Antonio Torres-Ruiz and Guillaume Bernardi, and their help in confronting them was priceless. Joerg Wittenbrinck, Carol Futerman and, later on, Klara and Ruthie have in many senses been an extension of family. Jordi Díez’s support and energy helped me keep moving on. Mitu Sengupta has been there since the beginning of this journey, bringing intellectual stimulation and the emotional comfort only close friends can give. Mónica Treviño has, since we met doing field research in Rio, made sure I was fine, like a big sister would. Many others have over the years made up a network of friends on which I have regularly relied: Sebastian Baglioni, Kiran Banerjee, Michelle Bonner, Sophie Bourgault, Elinor Bray-Collins, Gina Cosentino, Lance Crossley, Sebastien Dallaire, Marie-Eve Desrosiers, Asya El-Meehy, Essyn Emurla, Jan Erk, Jim Farney, Bill Flanik, Victor Gómez, Chris Gore, Ellen Gutterman, Marc Hanvelt, Sarah Hartley, Josh Hjartarson, Genevieve Fuji Johnson, Petr Kafka, Merom Kallie, Markus Kornprobst, Melissa Levin, Mary Liston, Carolina Luengo, Mike Mastroeni, Martin Papillon, Katherine Reilly, Reuven Shlozberg, Simonida v Simonovic, Dagmar Soennecken, Rob Sparling, Scott Staring, Stephen Trott, Luc Turgeon, Anil Varughese, Jenn Wallner, Jeffery R. Webber, Steve White, and Ruben Zaiotti. Financial support from the University of Toronto, the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto, and the University of Toronto Department of Political Science were crucial in contributing to the extensive field research for this dissertation. The impeccable administrative support from Joan Kallis, Carolynn Branton, and Louis Tentsos turned what could have been a minefield into a smooth ride. And finally, I would like to thank my family. My dear brother Toth, whose untimely death in 2008 will forever leave me managing the saudade, taught me to fight and persevere until the end. He did not get to see the final product, but I think he would be proud of his little brother. My parents, Mario and Marta Marsiaj, have not only provided all the support only dedicated and loving parents can give, but have instilled in me many of the deep-seated values driving my research. My in-laws, Carl Frederiksen and Janet Donin-Frederiksen, have given me tremendous emotional support and, being so deeply knowledgeable about the academic world, have helped me navigate uncharted waters. To my brothers, their partners and children, Bruno and Rejane Marsiaj (and Pedro), and Pablo and Cibelle Marsiaj (and Laura), I thank them for the support and love, and to help me keep laughing about it all. Como prometido, uma hora parei de sublinhar, e acabei escrevendo a tese! My brothers-in-law and their families, Soren and Liz Frederiksen (and Abbie), and Andrew Frederiksen and melanie brannagan frederiksen, have heard a lot about this dissertation, and have always helped me carry on. Finally, all of