Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, and Whore

This memoir by Brazilian sex worker and activist Gabriela Leite chronicles her journey from a conservative upbringing to advocating for sex workers' rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, and grassroots feminism in Brazil.

Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, and Whore is an engaging memoir by Brazilian sex worker and activist Gabriela Leite, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of sex workers, HIV/AIDS prevention, and grassroots feminism. The narrative begins in the early 1970s, when Leite, living with her conservative family and studying at the University of São Paulo, made the bold decision to enter sex work. Her journey unfolds from her first encounter in a modest room in São Paulo to the establishment of a vibrant clothing line for sex workers in Rio de Janeiro three decades later.

Leite's memoir highlights her significant contributions to the movement for sex workers' rights, including organizing Brazil's first protests against police brutality. After relocating to Rio de Janeiro, she immersed herself in the city's renowned red-light district, where she developed a national network of politically engaged sex workers. Her efforts coincided with Brazil's transition to democracy in 1985, a period marked by the emergence of a dynamic civil society. Leite's work in HIV/AIDS prevention further solidified her status as a key figure in the fight for comprehensive human rights for sex workers.

Throughout the memoir, Leite champions a bold form of grassroots feminism that challenges moral hypocrisy and Christian conservatism while celebrating pleasure and personal agency. Her story is a testament to resilience and advocacy, making Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, and Whore an inspiring read. The book also features a foreword by artist and activist Carol Leigh, adding depth to Leite's powerful narrative.