The 2016 documentary A Gis, directed by Thiago Carvalhaes Borba de Araujo, is a powerful and poignant exploration of the life, struggles, and tragic death of Gisberta Salce Junior, a Brazilian transgender woman who lived in Porto, Portugal. In the film, Araujo delicately uncovers the layers of Gisberta's life, offering an emotional narrative that emphasizes her humanity, identity, and the profound social issues surrounding transphobia, gender violence, and the lives of trans individuals, particularly in the context of immigration, poverty, and societal discrimination.
Gisberta’s story is one of immense hardship and strength, with her life and death becoming a symbol for the transgender rights movement both in Brazil and across Europe. Her murder, carried out by 14 young boys and teenagers, shocked both the Portuguese and Brazilian public, leaving a trail of pain and reflection that reverberates through A Gis. This investigative documentary is not simply about recounting the brutality of her death, but about seeking to understand who Gisberta truly was, beyond the sensationalized news reports and the tragedy that befell her. The documentary opens with an unsettling and enigmatic sequence that sets the tone for the entire film.
The first images are stark and evocative, showing the discovery of a body in a well. The director, Thiago Carvalhaes, refrains from immediately revealing the identity of the victim, allowing the audience to feel a growing sense of curiosity and unease as the details of the murder slowly begin to unfold. The body is eventually identified as Gisberta, a trans woman from Brazil who had lived in Portugal as an undocumented immigrant. The film takes us on a journey through the memory of Gisberta, as it weaves together fragmented stories from those who knew her. The viewer is slowly introduced to the various people who crossed paths with her throughout her life. There is a mix of compassion, sorrow, and introspection as people recall their encounters with Gisberta, and as they reflect on her personality, dreams, and struggles. These stories paint a portrait of a woman who, though faced with numerous hardships, was remembered for her beauty, joy, and resilience.
A key figure in the documentary is the social worker who encountered Gisberta during her final years. The social worker reflects on her time with Gisberta, describing how the woman was seen by her friends before her life began to unravel due to the abuse of drugs and the illness she struggled with. The vibrant, cheerful person who once illuminated the lives of others was gradually consumed by the overwhelming weight of her suffering. The narrative here becomes an intimate examination of how Gisberta's life was marked by both the cruelty of society and her own personal battles. The film juxtaposes these reflections with haunting images of abandoned spaces, symbolizing the desolation and isolation that often accompanies the lives of transgender individuals, particularly those who, like Gisberta, seek refuge in foreign lands. These images of desolate houses, cobblestone streets, and public spaces she frequented become metaphors for the emotional and physical abandonment that Gisberta experienced in her life.
As the documentary progresses, the focus shifts to Gisberta’s family, particularly her brother, who still lives in São Paulo, Brazil. Through his perspective, the audience learns about Gisberta’s early life. The brother's recollections are marked by a profound disconnect between his understanding of his sister and the reality of who she had become. Gisberta, who had been known as Gisberto during her childhood, had undergone a transformation that her brother failed to acknowledge. He admits that he never recognized her gender transition, despite receiving multiple postcards and letters from her, where she signed off as Gisberta. His failure to accept who she was reflects the deep-seated ignorance and internalized prejudice that many people, even close family members, have towards transgender individuals. The brother's statements are particularly poignant as they raise the question: How can someone claim to love another, yet refuse to love them for who they truly are? The brother’s justification for his inability to accept his sister's gender identity is rooted in religious dogma and societal norms. He admits that his refusal to accept Gisberta's true self was a result of his belief that “it was against what God says,” highlighting the toxic influence of religious and cultural dogmas in shaping attitudes towards gender identity.
Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary also provides a glimpse into Gisberta’s earlier life, portraying her as an individual far beyond the tragic circumstances of her death. Photos from her childhood and memories from her mother reveal a bright and spirited girl who was close to her family and friends. However, as the documentary reveals, the societal rejection that Gisberta faced because of her gender identity led her to leave Brazil and seek a better life in Portugal. Sadly, Gisberta’s life in Portugal did not improve. She faced continuous discrimination and struggled to find stable employment due to her transgender identity. The social exclusion she experienced led her to resort to prostitution as a means of survival. Her struggles were compounded by the physical toll of HIV, which she contracted during this time. A Gis effectively captures the brutal realities of life for many transgender people, particularly those forced into the margins of society, where survival often involves dangerous and stigmatized work.
As the documentary unravels the details of her death, the brutality of the murder becomes clear. Gisberta was tortured and killed by 14 children and teenagers, a shocking act that led to national outrage. The film takes a careful, investigative approach to these details, making it clear that the murder was not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern of violence against transgender individuals in both Portugal and Brazil. The documentary does not sensationalize the violence; instead, it allows the horror of Gisberta’s death to serve as a stark backdrop to the broader social and political commentary on the treatment of transgender people. Her death prompted public outcry in both Portugal and Brazil, and led to increased attention on issues such as transphobia, the rights of transgender individuals, and the need for stronger social policies to protect vulnerable groups. One of the most moving aspects of A Gis is its ability to transform a narrative of pain into a powerful tribute to Gisberta’s life. While the film does not shy away from the brutal details of her death, it also emphasizes her humanity and the love she inspired in others. The documentary ends on a poetic and uplifting note, with a performance of a song by Brazilian singer Maria Bethânia, dedicated to Gisberta. This moment of artistic celebration provides a momentary reprieve from the melancholic and heavy themes of the film, and highlights the complexity of Gisberta’s life - one marked by both profound suffering and moments of beauty, resilience, and grace.
“A Gis” is not only an exploration of one individual’s tragic story, but also a powerful call to action. It highlights the need for continued advocacy and activism for transgender rights, particularly in the face of systemic violence and discrimination. Through its intimate portrayal of Gisberta’s life, A Gis encourages viewers to reflect on the broader societal issues of gender identity, transphobia, and the need for acceptance and understanding. The documentary emphasizes that Gisberta, like so many other transgender individuals, was not defined by the violence that was inflicted upon her, but by the humanity, love, and joy that she shared with those who knew her. In this sense, A Gis stands as a testament to the power of remembrance, resistance, and the enduring spirit of those who fight for their right to exist authentically in a world that often refuses to accept them. It is an essential film for anyone looking to understand the complexities of transgender life, the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition, and the painful realities of a world still learning to accept difference.
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