Perverts in Paradise

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating study of gay life in Brazil
Review: "Perverts in Paradise" is Joao Silverio Trevisan's fascinating historical survey of homosexual life in Brazil. Trevisan is not an outside observer; he is himself an important activist in the 20th century gay movement in that country. The book has been translated into English by Martin Foreman. Although some mention is made of lesbian issues, the book focuses on the male experience.

Trevisan's opening chapter explores the homoerotic odysseys of two foreigners (one Argentine, one Belgian) in 20th century Brazil. The next chapter travels back in time to explore Brazilian homosexuality during the colonial period, when slavery and the Inquisition were important cultural forces. Other chapters look at homosexual activity among the Krao Indians, cross-dressing in the 19th century theater, gay characters on Brazilian television, anti-gay violence, and psychiatric approaches to homosexuality.

Trevisan also considers significant figures in the history of gay Brazilian literature, such as Adolfo Caminha (author of the groundbreaking 19th century gay-themed novel "Bom-Crioulo"). Trevisan also writes about the difficulties he faced in getting his own gay-themed fiction published.

Probably the most fascinating chapter, "Gay Politics and the Manipulation of Homosexuality," deals with Trevisan's own involvement in the pioneering gay magazine "Lampiao" and with the formation of the gay activist group "Somos." As a delightful appendix, the book contains Trevisan's interview with Mario Miranda (also known as Maria Aparecida), a gay, cross-dressing priest of Candomble, the Afro-Brazilian religion that can be seen as a counterpart to Voodoo of Haiti. This interview contains a short but informative preface that is full of fascinating information about this religion.

"Perverts in Paradise" is a well-written, informative work of nonfiction. I highly recommend this book to those interested in Brazilian history and culture, or in gay studies. I also recommend "Now the Volcano: An Anthology of Latin American Gay Literature," edited by Winston Leyland; that book contains Joao Silverio Trevisan's excellent short story "Jonathan's Bequest to David."

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating study of gay life in Brazil
Review: "Perverts in Paradise" is Joao Silverio Trevisan's fascinating historical survey of homosexual life in Brazil. Trevisan is not an outside observer; he is himself an important activist in the 20th century gay movement in that country. The book has been translated into English by Martin Foreman. Although some mention is made of lesbian issues, the book focuses on the male experience.

Trevisan's opening chapter explores the homoerotic odysseys of two foreigners (one Argentine, one Belgian) in 20th century Brazil. The next chapter travels back in time to explore Brazilian homosexuality during the colonial period, when slavery and the Inquisition were important cultural forces. Other chapters look at homosexual activity among the Krao Indians, cross-dressing in the 19th century theater, gay characters on Brazilian television, anti-gay violence, and psychiatric approaches to homosexuality.

Trevisan also considers significant figures in the history of gay Brazilian literature, such as Adolfo Caminha (author of the groundbreaking 19th century gay-themed novel "Bom-Crioulo"). Trevisan also writes about the difficulties he faced in getting his own gay-themed fiction published.

Probably the most fascinating chapter, "Gay Politics and the Manipulation of Homosexuality," deals with Trevisan's own involvement in the pioneering gay magazine "Lampiao" and with the formation of the gay activist group "Somos." As a delightful appendix, the book contains Trevisan's interview with Mario Miranda (also known as Maria Aparecida), a gay, cross-dressing priest of Candomble, the Afro-Brazilian religion that can be seen as a counterpart to Voodoo of Haiti. This interview contains a short but informative preface that is full of fascinating information about this religion.

"Perverts in Paradise" is a well-written, informative work of nonfiction. I highly recommend this book to those interested in Brazilian history and culture, or in gay studies. I also recommend "Now the Volcano: An Anthology of Latin American Gay Literature," edited by Winston Leyland; that book contains Joao Silverio Trevisan's excellent short story "Jonathan's Bequest to David."

Rating:
Summary: A bit sensationalist with many inaccuracies...
Review: Originally written in Portuguese by Brazilian gay rights advocate Joao Silverio Trevisan, and translated into English by Martin Foreman, Perverts in Paradise inaccurately describes the LBGT experience, culture, and history of Brazil.

The book, while entertaining and interesting leaves me with a lot of doubt and question as to what is reality and what is perceived reality from the author's perspective. Anthropologically speaking, the methodology of writing such a book on a particular subject raises many issues and concerns. I would definately consider this book a piece of literature and definately not academia.

The biggest problem I had with Perverts in Paradise is the chapter (Appendix) titled, Interview with a Babalorixa. Umbanda, Quimbanda, Candomble, Witchcraft and all the afro-brazilian religious cults worst stereotypes seemed to portrayed and played on. As a student of ATR's, I found this section heavily gay influenced and biased as well as disrespectful.

I'm glad I read the book as it has appeared in several other well written and respected anthropological/sociological bibliographies. Overall, recommended for an entertaining read if taken with a grain of salt.

Rating:
Summary: An ideology
Review: Perverts in Paradise (Devassos no Paraíso, in the original title) is the result of researchs and deep thought from one of the greatest brasilian writers dedicated to the study and defense of the homosexuals human rights. PERVERTS is -- already -- Trevisan's masterpiece, a national and international reference to the reality of homosexuals in Brazil, always felt by the author.

Rating:
Summary: An ideology
Review: Perverts in Paradise (Devassos no Paraíso, in the original title) is the result of researchs and deep thought from one of the greatest brasilian writers dedicated to the study and defense of the homosexuals human rights. PERVERTS is -- already -- Trevisan's masterpiece, a national and international reference to the reality of homosexuals in Brazil, always felt by the author.