A parent and child duo who previously identified as mother and daughter have transitioned together and now live as father and son.
From Brazil, a remarkable father-son duo have been sharing their powerful journey of self-discovery and identity with over 24,000 followers on Instagram — all made possible by recent public healthcare reforms supporting transgender transitions in their country.
Gustavo, just 10 years old, and his biological father, 38-year-old Raphael, were both assigned female at birth but now proudly live as men.
Raphael began his transition last year, while Gustavo’s journey started as early as age four, showing incredible courage from a young age. Thanks to São Paulo’s progressive healthcare system, both were able to access gender-affirming care free of charge. Raphael received treatment at Campo Limpo Municipal Hospital, and Gustavo, as a minor, was supported by specialized clinics at the Institute of Psychiatry and the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit.
Their parallel paths might suggest mutual influence, but Raphael insists their decisions were deeply personal and independent. “It didn’t influence him, but he gave me the strength and courage to face my own transition,” Raphael shared, reflecting on his son’s impact.
For Gustavo, embracing his new identity felt natural — “It wasn’t difficult to call my mother dad,” he said simply, embodying the comfort of their evolving family dynamic.
Together, they’ve also confronted the hurtful practice of using “dead names” — the names assigned before their transition. “Respecting our chosen names is a right, but unfortunately, respect is often missing in reality,” they wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Beyond the challenges, Raphael and Gustavo have found joy and community, attending trans pride events hand in hand. Raphael described the experience: “What a blessing to be surrounded by so many amazing people who filled us with love and hope. Being called Raphael for the first time was surreal — I had never felt so happy.”
Their inspiring story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of living authentically.
What do you think about their journey? Share your thoughts below!
