De Pé a Pá: Roberta Close

Show: De Pé a Pá (TVN Chile)
Release Year: 1997

In 1997, Roberta Close, a Brazilian fashion model, actress, and television personality, made a notable appearance on the Chilean television program De Pé a Pá hosted by Pedro Carcuro. The interview, broadcast by Televisión Nacional de Chile (TVN), provided a deeply personal insight into Close’s life, shedding light on her journey as a transgender woman in the public eye, the challenges she faced, and her complex relationship with her identit.

 

Roberta Close’s appearance on De Pé a Pá is not just a testament to her career as a top model, but also a conversation about identity, struggle, and acceptance. Hosted by Pedro Carcuro, the episode was notable for its candidness and sensitivity, especially as it delved into themes rarely discussed in mainstream media at the time - transgender issues, societal discrimination, and personal growth. From the very start, Carcuro addresses Close's history and the challenges she faced to live as her authentic self. In the opening of the interview, Carcuro introduces Close with a brief overview of her background: “She was born named Luis Roberto Gambini. Being a man, in 1984 she won a beauty pageant in her country, in Brazil. Today, she is a famous model. Her name is Roberta Close. She has performed with Cindy Crawford, with Noemi Campbell.” This introduction sets the stage for the conversation, acknowledging her success while foreshadowing the deeper conversation to come. By mentioning her prior life as "Luis Roberto," Carcuro immediately brings to the forefront the central issue of Close's gender transition, laying the foundation for a discussion of identity that would unfold over the course of the interview. 

 

One of the most poignant moments in the interview is when Carcuro directly addresses the difficulties Close faces in Brazil regarding her legal recognition as a woman. He asks, “In Brazil, they haven't given you a woman's document,” to which Close responds, “Yes, I still have a job problem in Brazilian justice. It's a bit slow.” This moment underscores the bureaucratic hurdles transgender individuals often face in countries where legal systems have yet to fully recognize gender identity, even after medical transitions. Carcuro notes the ongoing struggle, observing that despite Close's surgery and transformation, she continues to fight for the recognition of her true gender within the justice system. Close candidly acknowledges these challenges, revealing that even after her transition, she has to battle with both the legal system and societal norms in order to be recognized as a woman in all aspects of her life. She states, “You always find problems that life offers you,” highlighting the persistent obstacles that transgender individuals often face. 

 

Another significant theme discussed during the interview is discrimination. Carcuro asks if Close has faced discrimination in her native Brazil, to which she responds with an unequivocal, “Yes, a lot.” She goes on to explain that while she has experienced discrimination, she has also encountered people who have made her life difficult, contributing to the sense of challenge she feels in society. Close acknowledges that life is complicated, marked by both successes and setbacks. She says, “I achieved many good things in my life, but I also achieved many bad things.” When asked about the emotional impact of her past, particularly regarding her childhood, Close opens up about the struggles of growing up in a body that did not match her internal sense of self. She shares how her feminine character clashed with societal expectations, revealing a deeply personal aspect of her journey. As she states, “I had a very feminine character. I still have the same sex as a woman.” This statement reflects the deep disconnect she felt between her identity and the physical reality of her childhood and adolescence. 

 

Throughout the interview, Close is confronted by the intrusive nature of the media and public perception. Carcuro questions her about the sensationalism surrounding her story, and Close admits that while she has made peace with her past, it is still a subject that people seem eager to discuss. She explains, “People like to talk and touch on this topic, and do a little bit of sensationalism.” This candid reflection touches on a universal aspect of the human experience: the difficulty of moving beyond a past that is constantly brought up by others. This theme of public perception is further explored when Carcuro asks Close about her experiences in school, where she recounts how her classmates would taunt her, commenting on her physical appearance and her identity. Despite the teasing, Close expresses her ability to find peace within herself, stating, “The important thing is that I am very happy with myself. I am very well resolved with my life. I don't have to prove to people who I am.” This marks a moment of empowerment for Close, where she asserts her autonomy over her identity, rejecting the need for external validation. 

 

Another major focus of the interview revolves around Close's personal life, particularly her relationships and views on motherhood. Close is asked about her relationship with her husband, Roland, whom she met after her transition. Carcuro probes whether Roland knew about her past before they started dating, and Close shares that she did not immediately reveal her history to him. However, over time, as their relationship grew stronger, she felt more comfortable sharing her story. Close’s openness about her partner's understanding and acceptance highlights the importance of trust and communication in relationships. In a touching moment, Carcuro asks Close about her maternal instincts, given that she cannot have children biologically. Close responds with grace, saying, “But there are many women who do not have children and they are also women. I think that there are many women in the world, 20% of women cannot have children and they are women.” Her response serves as a poignant commentary on the diverse experiences of womanhood and challenges the notion that motherhood is a definitive marker of femininity. Later, Close elaborates on her maternal feelings towards her niece, whom she lovingly describes as a daughter. She expresses her desire to provide love and affection to her, particularly in a country where many children suffer from neglect and poverty. Close’s response underscores her deep empathy and commitment to nurturing the younger generation, regardless of biological ties. 

 

The media plays a central role in the discussion when Carcuro mentions rumors about Close freezing sperm to become both a father and a mother later in life. Close categorically denies these rumors, calling them “yellow press,” a term used in Brazil to describe sensationalist and exploitative journalism. She defends her integrity, saying that such claims are false and highlights the extent to which the press distorts reality to sell stories. Her frustration with the media is palpable as she explains, “These are people who do the brown press, as they say in Brazil. A press that tries to explore what is worse.” 

 

Throughout the interview, Close is clear about her identity as an artist and model. She reflects on her early career, noting that she began modeling at a young age and later worked in Paris with renowned designers. Carcuro presses her on whether her colleagues in the fashion industry, such as Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell, were aware of her story, and Close responds thoughtfully, saying that she never felt the need to disclose her past unless it was relevant. She emphasizes that her identity as a woman is not defined by her medical history but by who she is as a person. The conversation also touches on the broader cultural issues related to nudity, pornography, and the erotic in art. Close clarifies that she does not judge others who participate in erotic work, acknowledging that it is a business, but stresses that she has no desire to engage in such work herself at the moment. This segment highlights the complexity of the entertainment industry and the nuances of personal choice within it. 

 

Roberta Close’s participation in De Pé a Pá was more than just an interview. It was an opportunity for her to share her truth with the world, confront the challenges of her past, and express her unwavering commitment to living authentically. Her story, as told through the thoughtful questions of Pedro Carcuro, is a testament to the resilience and strength required to navigate societal and personal hurdles in the face of public scrutiny. In many ways, Close’s appearance on De Pé a Pá marked a turning point in the visibility of transgender individuals in the media. It offered a platform for her to discuss her struggles with courage and poise, while also educating viewers on the complexities of identity, discrimination, and love. Close’s legacy, shaped by both her professional success and personal journey, continues to resonate as a powerful example of self-acceptance and the ongoing fight for equality.

 

via: youtube

Image credits: YouTube - TVN Chile