A Mother and Daughter’s Shared Journey to Father and Son
A remarkable parent-child duo from Brazil has shared their transformative journey with the world, documenting their transition from mother and daughter to father and son. The pair, who have captivated over 24,000 followers on Instagram, celebrated their newfound identities after Brazil’s public healthcare system made it possible for them to transition with support and care.
10-year-old Gustavo and his 38-year-old mother, Raphael, were both assigned female at birth. Today, they both proudly identify as male.
According to GB News, Raphael began his transition last year, while Gustavo started his journey as early as 4 years old. Thanks to the country’s progressive healthcare system, the pair were able to undergo their transitions at no cost in São Paulo. Raphael received care at Campo Limpo Municipal Hospital, while Gustavo, as a minor, was treated at the Transdisciplinary Outpatient Clinic for Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation at the Institute of Psychiatry, along with support from the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit.
Their journey is a testament to the power of love, support, and the positive impact of accessible healthcare in helping individuals embrace their true identities.
“Given the parallel nature of their journeys, one might assume that Gustavo was influenced by his parent, or perhaps the other way around. However, Raphael insists that their transitions were independent of each other, emphasizing that their paths were shaped by their own individual experiences and identities.”
“’It didn’t influence me, but he [Gustavo] gave me the strength and courage to face my own transition,’ Raphael shared, reflecting on his son’s journey.
As for Gustavo, he expressed that calling his mother ‘dad’ was never a challenge. ‘It wasn’t difficult at all,’ he said.
The father-son duo has also spoken out against the use of their ‘dead names’—the names they were given before transitioning.
‘Although it’s our right to have our social names respected, in practice, that respect is seldom shown,’ they wrote in a caption on their Instagram video, as translated into English.”
Here’s a more engaging rewrite of that section:
“Since their transition, Raphael and Gustavo have attended celebratory events within the trans community together, embracing their new identities side by side.
‘What a blessing it is to be surrounded by so many incredible people who’ve filled us with love and hope,’ Raphael shared after one such event. ‘Hearing my name, Raphael, called out felt so surreal. I’ve never experienced happiness like I did that day.’
What are your thoughts on their inspiring journey? Let us know in the comments!”