Trans sisters in Brazil first twins to undergo gender reassignment surgery together
Lifelong intense genital dysphoria made the risks of surgery seem minor. On the eve of our procedures, I felt consumed with the thought of finally liberating my body to match my identity. I was overcome with joy.
- 4 months ago
December 28, 2023
Mayla and Sofia are transgender twins from Brazil who were the first twins in the country to both undergo reassignment surgery. | Photo courtesy Mayla Albuquerck
SAN PABLO, Brazil — From a young age, my twin sister Sofía and I understood our queerness. We secretly wore our younger sister’s clothing and found joy away from the world’s disapproval. At home, our grandmother’s love fueled our dreams. Bravely, we became the first transgender twins in Brazil to undergo sexual reassignment surgery together, a powerful step in our shared journey.
However, we faced intense scrutiny. We found strength in the support of our family and the acceptance of our community. Our story, once a source of pain, turned into an inspiration. Now, as I study medicine, I am dedicated to offering hope to others like us. Our journey reflects resilience and the power of embracing our truth.
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Battling intense dysphoria and facing surgery
From childhood, I recognized my unique nature, distinct from other people’s perceptions. At eight or nine years old, I experienced doubts about my sexuality but the concept of being gay remained foreign to me. As soon as my mom left for work each day, my twin and I eagerly dressed in our younger sister’s clothing. We reveled in the forbidden joy it brought to our hearts.
In the streets, we witnessed disapproving glances as if people rejected our very existence. Parents warned their children to stay away from us, fearing we might be contagious. After each social sting, however, I returned to my grandmother’s comforting ritual. She would bake cheese bread, stuff it with meat, pour me a glass of guarana, and reassure me, “Everything will be alright.” Amidst adversity, my family became my sanctuary.
As I navigated this challenging path, nature offered me solace. I loved the dandelions. Each one represented a silent prayer to become my true self. I sent these wishes skyward with each blown seed, dreaming of transformation. This daily ritual continued until I turned 19, each dandelion a symbol of my enduring journey toward authenticity.
In 2021, my twin and I courageously faced surgery. Lifelong intense genital dysphoria made the risks of surgery seem minor. On the eve of our procedures, I felt consumed with the thought of finally liberating my body to match my identity. I was overcome with joy.
While one celebrated, the other went to some dark places
When my sister decided to post on Instagram about our surgery, she unintentionally outed me, and life began to feel overwhelming. Soon, a news report referred to us as the only twin trans girls from Tapira. This put me in the spotlight and made me furious about the invasion of privacy. The exposure drove me to some dark places, and I started thinking about suicide at a time that should have been happy.
Seeking psychological support changed everything. It empowered me to embrace my identity and stride confidently through the streets. Faced with the opportunity to be featured in an HBO documentary, I overcame my hesitation. Considering the financial relief the project would bring to my mother, I accepted.
Upon its release, the documentary unexpectedly warmed my heart. Messages from parents of trans children praised me as an inspiration. These interactions reshaped my view, helping me appreciate my public figure status and its potential to assist others. It became a deeply enriching experience.
I am now pursuing a medical degree and aspire to provide transformative surgeries to individuals like me, making vital care more accessible. My faith stands unshaken. Despite what some might say, I believe in a God who loves me as I am. I am committed to using my experiences and medical knowledge to improve lives. While I acknowledge the importance of labels for many people, I do not confine myself to one. To me, I am simply a woman, transcending the labels of cis or trans.
