Erika Hilton, a federal deputy representing PSOL in São Paulo, has initiated a criminal lawsuit against television presenter Ratinho after he made derogatory comments about her gender identity during his national broadcast on SBT. Ratinho asserted that Hilton, a transgender woman, 'is not a woman, she is trans' while discussing her election as president of the Commission for the Defense of Women’s Rights in the Chamber of Deputies. This remark has sparked a fierce backlash and legal action from Hilton, who claims her identity as a woman is being invalidated by the presenter.

In addition to the criminal charges, Hilton is also pursuing R$ 10 million in civil damages for the emotional distress caused by Ratinho's comments. She has made it clear via social media that she intends to allocate any compensation received to projects that promote the rights of transgender individuals, emphasizing the importance of supporting the community amidst ongoing discrimination. In her responses on platforms like X and Instagram, she reiterated her identity, insisting, "I am, and will always be, a woman," while referring to Ratinho derogatorily as a 'rat'.

The incident highlights the continued challenges faced by transgender individuals in Brazil, where societal stigma and discrimination remain prevalent. Hilton's actions reflect a growing refusal among activists and public figures to tolerate transphobia and seek accountability for such harmful rhetoric in the media. This scenario not only underscores the personal stakes for Hilton but also serves as a broader commentary on the fight for transgender rights and visibility within Brazilian society.