Corpos refugiados LGBTI+: a Casa Dulce Seixas como espaço de acolhimento e resistência na reivindicação do direito à cidade para refugiados LGBTI+ no Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the intersection between Design, Architecture, the Right to the City, and the phenomenon of LGBTI+ refuge, aiming to understand how reception and shelter practices are established in Brazil, particularly through spaces that operate as shelters for these dissident bodies. The research focuses specifically on the experiences of LGBTI+ refugees seeking shelter in Brazil due to persecution and prejudice related to gender identity and sexual orientation. The main objective is to analyze how networks of affection constructed within these shelters facilitate access to the Right to the City for this population, taking as a case study the Casa Dulce Seixas, located in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro. Investigating public policies and institutional practices aimed at reception and integration, the dissertation emphasizes the critical importance of community participation as a key element in the design process of a welcoming city. This allows for identifying the specific demands of this population, enabling a more sensitive and effective approach to discussions about their Right to the City, and aiming to suggest potential strategies that promote emotionally and physically safe environments. Additionally, inclusive architecture is highlighted as a vital tool to foster the integration and safety of these refugees, while the research also addresses legal and urban issues and identifies best practices concerning the inclusion of refugee and LGBTI+ bodies in urban contexts. By adopting an integrated approach, this study seeks to inform public policies and contribute not only to the fields of architecture and design but also to broader discussions on human rights, diversity, and inclusion. Ultimately, the dissertation advocates for envisioning fairer and more inclusive cities for LGBTI+ refugees, recognizing their fundamental contribution to the social and cultural fabric of host communities.