A Trans Couple Fights to Survive Past 35

Thirty-five is the life expectancy for transgender people in Brazil, based on the extreme discrimination and violence they face.

A new short film, Thirty-Five, aims to highlight that disturbing statistic by showcasing a harrowing and touching story of a transgender couple living in Brazil. Featuring real-life couple Guto and Onika, the film follows a day in their life, and shows their morning tenderness, work routine, and daily fear, raising the question of whether they will make it home on the day of Onika's 35th birthday.

Transgender screenwriter Luh Maza collaborated with the production teams at FAUNA studios to place their authentic perspective into the story. Developed by Athosgls, an LGBTQI+ news portal, and Y&R Brazil, the film is set to a haunting cover of Alphaville's "Forever Young" sung by vocalist Liniker, who is a black trans woman.

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. Let the song and the story sink in, and then consider how you can be a part of making your world safer for transgender people so they can live long, full lives.