Social Media Commentator Defending Free Speech in Brazil
Nine Borges, a Brazilian social media commentator now living in the United Kingdom, has been subjected to two separate police investigations in Brazil over alleged “transphobic” speech.
The investigations stem from a video Nine posted to Instagram in 2024, in which she criticized gender ideology and the use of public funds to support pro-LGBT NGOs in Brazil. Brazilian authorities opened a criminal investigation into Nine’s online commentary for alleged “transphobia” and “defamation.” That first investigation was formally dropped in March 2026. However, a second investigation based on similar allegations about Nine’s social media content remains ongoing, underscoring continued efforts in Brazil to police free expression that challenges gender ideology. ADF International is supporting Nine in defending her fundamental right to freedom of speech.
“This case isn’t just about me. It is about the freedom of every person in Brazil to speak their mind. Censorship like this threatens all of us, and we must defend the right to express ideas without fear of punishment.”
– Nine Borges
Case Summary
In September 2024, Nine published a video on Instagram drawing public attention to concerns about the financing and influence of pro-LGBT organizations in Brazil. The video included criticism of a high-ranking government official.
Shortly afterwards, Brazil’s LGBT National Secretary filed a complaint, and authorities opened a criminal investigation. In August 2025, Nine received formal notice that she was being investigated for “transphobia” and “defamation,” prompting her summons to appear before police on 7 October 2025. The following month, on 5 November, police informed Nine that they would recommend moving the investigation forward to formal prosecution for “transphobia” and “misgendering” the LGBT Secretary, an official who self-describes as a “transvestite.” Nine had used this same term in her commentary, and police cited this as the basis for pursuing prosecution.
Censorship Across Brazil
A 2019 ruling from Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal established “transphobia” and “homophobia” as crimes, punishable with up to five years of jail time per count. Since this ruling, numerous cases have emerged across Brazil in which individuals have been charged with “transphobia” for simply sharing their beliefs. In 2025, social media influencer Isabella Cepa faced criminal investigations for her online post about gender ideology. In another case, Assemblies of God Pastor Douglas Baptista faced criminal charges for authoring a book with a Christian view of sexuality. His case was legally supported by ADF International. Charges in both cases were dropped, but they remain evidence of the broader, chilling trend of government efforts in Brazil to censor peaceful online expression.
Nine’s case highlights a growing trend in Brazil, where individuals who criticize gender ideology are increasingly scrutinized or penalized. Legal action like this creates a chilling effect, discouraging citizens from speaking openly on matters of public concern.
“Nine Borges’ case is a warning about the broader risks to freedom of expression in Brazil,” said Julio Pohl, legal counsel at ADF International. “When governments start criminalizing speech that challenges prevailing ideologies, it creates a society where fear replaces open debate. This kind of censorship doesn’t just silence one individual, it attacks the very basic rights that are essential for a free and open society.”
ADF International is providing legal support for Nine Borges and advocating for her right to speak freely.