Fan activism and gender politics in Brazil ft. Luisa Turbino Torres

Brazilian football is famous for its noisy and passionate supporters. But Brazilian football fans are not only passionate, they also have a long tradition of political activism. In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Luisa Turbino Torres, assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University, whose research looks at fan activism, gender and society in Brazil. Luisa talks about fans' activism and particularly the role of female and LGBTQ+ supporters in Brazil, with particular reference to women's groups around Bahia, Gremio, Clube Atletico Mineiro and Santa Cruz and explains how different groups have challenged the traditional view of stadiums as male dominated spaces. She highlights the role of social media in helping organise female fans' activism and their participation in the protests against the previous Bolsonaro government.