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Abstract
Comic literature, especially the comic strips published in newspapers, frequently reflects, and contributes to current issues of public debate. This project investigates comic strip selections created by Brazilian transgender cartoonist Laerte Coutinho from 2005 to 2014, with special emphasis on the gender transition of the character Hugo. Through the narrative of Hugos transition to Muriel, the comic strips allow Laerte to reveal her own inner and external process transition and express her experience as a transwoman in a relatively mainstream public forum. Laerte utilizes humor in tirinhas (comic strips) in a disarming and provocative way by questioning gender and identity. By means of the visual and textual narrative of these comic strips, the reader accompanies Hugos personal journal across the spectrum of transgendered experiences. Laerte reveals her own process of transition and self-identification as a transwoman artist and spokesperson for marginalized transgendered communities in Brazil and beyond.