The 71st birthday of Brazilian drag queen, comedian, and dancer Jorge Lafond is commemorated in today’s Doodle. On this date in 1952, Jorge Luiz Souza Lima was born in Rio de Janeiro.
Jorge tried to cover up his homosexuality throughout his adolescence after realizing it at a young age. He never concealed his passion for dancing. He earned a degree in performing arts from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where he also took classes in African Dance and classical ballet. He started moving at dance club and nightclubs, then, at that point, visited the US and a few nations in Europe with a society bunch he had a place with for a considerable length of time.
He worked as a dancer on the Globo television show Fantástico in 1974, which was one of his first jobs on television. He returned to television after a brief hiatus, making appearances in Kananga do Japan, Viva o Gordo, and the soap opera Sassaricando. He was soon cast in a number of movies and received praise for his roles in Rio Babilônia, Sonhei com Você, and Bar Esperança as his popularity on television shows increased.
In 1992, Lafond played the role of Vera Vero on the SBT program A Praça é Nossa, where he began practicing openly as a drag artist. Jorge was given a lot of attention by the witty Vera, but he wasn’t always invited to be himself. Jorge was not welcomed in many places because he was an openly gay man who wore unconventional clothing.
Regardless, Lafond was a pioneer who brought new character portrayal into the way of life which aided separate customary, homophobic perspectives. He set an example for other gay people all over the world and in South America. He never hid the fact that he defied everyone’s expectations of what an entertainer should be by demonstrating his dance, fashion, and comedy skills.
Happy birthday, Jorge Lafond! Thank you for showing us all how to show up in the world as our true selves.