Transexuals in Brazil are treated as 3rd class citizens. They are discriminated against on a daily basis and are marginalised by society. They experience such injustices from an early age when they first appear to be different and as such many do not finish school. Nonetheless, even those with an education still find it hard to find work. As a result, many turn to prostitution to make a living. This, combined with the majority of societies fear, ignorance, hypocrisy and lack of education on the issues means transexuals are caught in an ongoing downward spiral of discrimination and marginalisation [being subject to violence, social exclusion, drug abuse, crime, exploitation and severe health risks].
