Vergonha da própria existência (sim, eu tive)

Abstract

The text recounts the childhood memories of a Black boy growing up in a small town in the Brazilian sertão, dealing with issues of identity, shame, and exclusion. It reflects on the discovery of homosexuality in a family environment that did not openly discuss race or sexuality. The narrative explores the construction of shame associated with homosexuality and the legacy of a marginalized gay relative, as well as how the protagonist developed defense mechanisms, such as the use of a "mask" to hide his true identity.