ELSKA

As part of his ongoing project to peer inside queer communities around the world for Elska magazine, its founder Liam Campbell visited São Paulo in Brazil as the country emerged from lockdown. Capturing images of men from the city, Campbell discovered that, in spite of Bolsonaro’s homophobic regime, Brazil’s LGBTQ+ people are welcoming and eager to share snapshots of their lives and loves

Words and photography Liam Campbell

CIRIACO V

“I have to accept that I like my comforts. I enjoy quiet and safe sex, preferably in a massive, comfortable bed; affectionate, if possible, with a lot of gazing into each other’s eyes. And if it’s not too much to ask, followed by a wonderful meal — preferably cooked or bought by my partner. No, I am not that crazy, young, sensual, and adventurous boy that I would like to be, and who those viewing these photos might think I am.”

Without a doubt, Brazil has to be the most easy-going society I’ve ever been to. In most cities I visit, I tend to meet and photograph around a dozen guys, but here in São Paulo I am practically bombarded by people who want to take part. They don’t seem to have any of the worries I’ve heard from would-be participants in other parts of the world: “What if my mum or boss sees these photos?”, or “I don’t feel confident enough to do a photo shoot.” In Brazil, the men I meet are proud to show themselves off, to represent their country, and find the idea of being photographed fun. I have a list of 50 people who want to take part before I even leave for São Paulo.

The first guy I message using a more spontaneous recruitment approach via the apps on my first day in the city is Ciriaco. He says he’s just about to grab some lunch, but afterwards he’d be happy to meet up and do a photo shoot. Within an hour of that first message, we are together, me with my camera and Ciriaco, embracing the moment.