Roberta Close (born Roberta Gambine Moreira on December 7, 1964, in Rio de Janeiro) remains a celebrated icon in Brazilian fashion and LGBTQ+ history. Once hailed as the most beautiful woman in Brazil and one of the first transgender supermodels to gain widespread recognition, her influence on transfeminism in Brazil is still acknowledged today. Her story reflects pioneering courage, visibility, and a quest for dignity, despite personal challenges and public scrutiny.
Early Legacy and Iconic Status
Roberta Close rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as a transgender model and actress, posing in prestigious publications and walking for top designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler. She made history as the first preoperative trans woman to appear in Playboy’s Brazilian edition and became a symbol for transgender visibility in Brazil. Close took on legal battles to have her gender identity officially recognized, which led to significant legal milestones in 2005 when Brazilian courts affirmed her identity.
Her acting credits include projects like the soap opera Mandacaru (1997), the comedic feature The Scarlet Scorpion (1990), and the variety show Zorra Total (1999). She also published an autobiography, Muito Prazer, Roberta Close (1998), giving readers an intimate look into her multifaceted life.
Where Is Roberta Close Now?
In the 1990s, Roberta moved to Europe after marrying Swiss businessman Roland Granacher in 1993, since same-sex and transgender marriages were not yet recognized in Brazil. She has lived primarily between Switzerland and Paris, maintaining a relatively private life while occasionally appearing in interviews and retrospectives about her legacy.
Recent Projects and Public Presence
While not as visible in mainstream entertainment today, Roberta still appears in fashion editorials, documentaries, and LGBTQ+ events. She remains a symbol of trailblazing spirit especially during Pride events and her name appears in conversations about transgender rights and early representation in media. She has also been featured in social media reels and online tributes celebrating her pioneering work.
Health Rumors and Clarifications
There have been rumors circulated in informal online groups suggesting that Roberta may be experiencing health issues, including memory loss or brain damage. However, no credible medical or mainstream media sources confirm these claims. Without official statements or verified evidence, such rumors remain speculative and should be treated with caution.
Impact and Legacy in Brazil
Roberta Close’s influence goes beyond her modeling and entertainment career. As one of the first high-profile transgender public figures in Brazil, she paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals. Her legal challenges helped spark nationwide discussions on gender identity, forming part of the foundation for future legal protections for transgender people in Brazil.
Contributions to Transfeminism and LGBTQ+ Rights
- Her legal fight in the 1990s challenged Brazilian statutes preventing transgender individuals from declaring their gender identity officially.
- She inspired generations of LGBTQ+ Brazilians to assert their identities publicly and demand legal recognition.
- Her public life demonstrated that transgender women could achieve fame, respect, and professional success.
A Today Picture: What Fans Know
Currently in her late 50s, Roberta Close continues to live in Europe with her husband. She is occasionally mentioned in LGBTQ+ media retrospectives, fashion documentaries, and interviews commemorating influential figures from past decades. Though she rarely appears on Brazilian television anymore, her legacy remains strong among fans and activists who see her as a pioneer.
Her past achievements breaking cultural taboos, advocating for official recognition, and becoming a global modeling icon remain central to discussions about transgender representation in Latin America.
Why Roberta Close Still Matters
Roberta Close’s story is one of resilience, visibility, and transformation. At a time when transgender people lacked public platforms, she entered Brazilian mainstream culture with grace and determination. Her willingness to live authentically and fight for legal recognition inspired social change and expanded the narrative around gender identity in Latin America.
Even today, she is referenced as a milestone in transgender representation. Her story is taught in discussions about LGBTQ+ rights, popular culture, and the history of national entertainment.
Roberta Close today may live a quieter life outside the spotlight, but her cultural footprint remains unmistakable. From her historic work in fashion and media to her courageous legal battles, she is widely regarded as a pioneer for transgender visibility. While personal health details circulating online remain unconfirmed and speculative, what is beyond question is her enduring impact. As long as discussions about gender identity, representation, and equality continue, Roberta Close’s legacy will continue to inspire and remain essential.
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