Didi's Journey: From Law to Black Queer Activism in Lisbon

Didi, a Brazilian DJ and multidisciplinary artist, has spent nearly eight years shaping cultural spaces in Lisbon. His journey began with a law degree in 2009, but his path soon shifted toward art, activism, and community-building. Now, as the founder of the Afrontosas Collective, he continues to challenge norms and create spaces for Black queer voices. Didi's early academic path broke barriers when he earned a law degree in 2009. Yet, his interests soon expanded beyond traditional fields. A turning point came with the Science Without Borders programme, which took him to New York for the first time. There, he studied Business Management before moving on to Canada and London.

His academic pursuits eventually led him to Lisbon, where he enrolled in a master's programme focused on Black movements from a queer perspective. However, he faced resistance in academia, as institutions showed little openness to his research topics. This struggle only deepened his commitment to creating alternative spaces. In Lisbon, he found more than just a city—he discovered a sense of home and belonging. The question *'Where are the Black queer people?'* drove him to form the Afrontosas Collective, a project aimed at visibility and connection. Through his work, he is also making history with UNA (União Negra das Artes), framing it not just as an organisation but as an *'affective encounter'*—a space where art and identity intersect. Beyond academia, Didi has carved out a reputation as a DJ and artist. His work continues to bridge gaps, whether through music, activism, or collective projects.

Didi's impact stretches across borders, from his early days in Brazil to his current work in Portugal. His projects, like the Afrontosas Collective, provide platforms for underrepresented voices. Through art, education, and community, he remains a driving force in reshaping cultural and social landscapes.