The football World Cup in Brazil has started. What do Brazilians in Germany think about the event - especially gay Brazilians? And what do they think about gay life in their home country? We at ICH WEISS WAS ICH TU investigated these questions at the Copa Brazilian Deli. We spoke to Ivan and Giovanni in the Berlin bistro café run by Rosimar, who is affectionately known as "mum", especially by her Brazilian guests.
How is the World Cup perceived in your home country?
Ivan: I returned from a visit to Brazil three weeks ago and I noticed different moods: On the one hand, criticism of the fact that money has only been poured into football stadiums and so on, instead of into schools or roads. On the other hand, some people are also concerned about how foreign guests perceive the country. When you know that the crime rate in São Paulo in 2013 alone was many times higher than the previous year, that's not entirely unjustified, is it? And of course many people are looking forward to the World Cup. I am firmly convinced that, despite everything, Brazil will score points with its hospitality and that everything will end in a big carnival.
Giovanni: I think so too. Football is like a religion in Brazil. Everyone is involved. At the same time, many Brazilians also think somewhat ironically: the government has now spent all the money on the World Cup, what else are we supposed to do if not celebrate?
Is the World Cup also an issue for the Brazilian LGBT community?
Ivan: Yes, of course. Football and carnival unite Brazilians - whether straight or gay. You can always feel that "we are one". I think that's great.
Giovanni: Of course gays and lesbians also watch football. Even if it's every four years for the World Cup (laughs). That's definitely what I do with my friends here in Berlin.
What is the situation of LGBT people in Brazil?
Ivan: Brazil is still first and foremost a macho country. There are ideas that all gays are faggots. Absolute nonsense, of course. Homophobic attacks are not that rare either. The government has done a lot for LGBT rights in recent years, so we can also get married. Today, you can see a gay couple kissing in the street during the day or two lesbians walking arm in arm. That wasn't possible a few years ago. A friend once summarised it very cynically: "We can be killed - but at least we'll be wearing a wedding ring."
Giovanni: The mood in the country towards Brazilian gays and lesbians is basically OK. Of course, you always have to look at each individual case and see how your family or friends react. And I've heard these sentences again and again: "It's totally OK that you're gay. But please don't let my son be gay." But it's no different in Germany.
What about HIV?
Giovanni: First of all, you need to know that Brazil has a tax-funded healthcare system with free access for all citizens. So the state provides free care for the sick. That's great. However, not everything is perfect. There is a shortage of doctors, long waiting times for a specialist appointment and the healthcare facilities are often poorly equipped. Nevertheless, anyone who needs HIV medication gets it. Other South Americans also often come to Brazil to receive treatment.
Ivan: A lot is being done to combat HIV. Brazil is one of the countries where generic drugs, i.e. cheap imitation drugs, are distributed. Overall, a lot has happened in recent years, even if not everything is running smoothly yet. Prevention is definitely also a big issue. There are condoms everywhere in the gay saunas, for example. It is also interesting to note that the infection rate among straight men has risen in recent years, while it has fallen among gay men.
A word about the "typical" Brazilian gay man: what characterises him?
(Ivan and Giovanni laugh)
Ivan: The typical Brazilian gay man is just as rare as the typical German gay man. You can certainly say that all Brazilians love to flirt. There's always a tingle in the air and the eroticism is sizzling. The goal is clear: to end up in the sack together.
Giovanni: Gay Brazilians are more direct than Germans, for example. We say what we feel. We might also say "I love you!" earlier. The Germans take their time. And when I'm in love, I just want to spend time with my boyfriend, whereas a German gay man also wants to have time for himself. And when a German says "It's over!" then it's over too. We Brazilians are more willing to work on a relationship to make it work better. Nevertheless, I don't really like being in a relationship with a Brazilian. (laughs)
One last question: Who will be world champion - and why?
Giovanni: I don't know. But I hope Brazil play Germany in the final. Then I can keep my fingers crossed for both of them.
Ivan: Of course I hope that Brazil becomes world champion. And if not Brazil, then Italy. The players all look hot. I'd love to play with them ... (laughs). Otherwise, an underdog team is welcome to win, an African team for example. It doesn't always have to be Germany.
