Article By: Darwin Del Fabro
As I found myself in a sunlit hospital room in Blumenau, a charming Brazilian city renowned for hosting the second-largest beer festival in the world each October, I could hardly quell the flood of emotions coursing through me. Here I was, a few days before Halloween—my favorite holiday—embarking on the most profound transformation of my life: gender reassignment surgery. This was my third surgery, following breast augmentation and Adam’s apple removal, but it felt like the beginning of a new chapter, one that would rewrite my identity.
Returning to Brazil, the land of my roots, was a deliberate choice fueled by love and nostalgia. My father, who resides in Rio, janeiro flyed to Blumenau to share those critical 72 hours with me. His protective presence was an anchor amidst the whirlwind of uncertainty; he was the lion—strong, vigilant—watching over his cub. I’ve never been one to fear death, yet the tears that streamed down my face upon waking from surgery—tears of joy—were a testament to my long-awaited metamorphosis. I had finally embraced the essence of who I truly am: Darwin, proud and unapologetically evolving.
While the ramifications of my surgery are still unfolding, that fleeting moment of pure happiness was worth the journey. The days following my procedure were filled with unexpected reunions. In the embrace of my family—my loving mother, my resilient father from the South, and a sister I had not spoken to in a decade—I rediscovered the power of connection. Love came pouring in from every corner, enveloping me, an unexpected cascade of warmth during such a vulnerable period.
After three days in the hospital, I transitioned to Cloudeye’s House, a cozy refuge created for individuals undergoing various feminization treatments. The space, while unpretentious, was comforting in its simplicity. The kind-hearted nurses offered vigilance and care around the clock, an embodiment of compassion that starkly contrasted with the relentless pace of my life in New York. Here, I was invited to pause, breathe, and reflect—to unearth and celebrate the little boy within me who had long been buried beneath the weight of expectations.
Darwin Del Fabro
During my recovery, I forged bonds with remarkable individuals, including a courageous police officer who had recently become the first to receive gender reassignment surgery covered by health insurance in Brazil. Knowing that we have a long journey ahead in the fight for equality, her boldness ignited a flicker of hope within me.
My days were punctuated by slow, mindful walks and poignant reflections on the intricate tapestry of life. As I navigated this path to self-realization, I often found myself drawn back to “Lili Elbe diaries ,” a play I wrote when I was just 14, unwittingly capturing the complexities of adulthood. It is amazing how time clarifies the lessons life has to offer, where every experience steers us toward our true selves.
In the coming week, my father will return, and we will share precious moments in a hotel, where conversation and laughter will weave the fabric of our bond even tighter. I have always found it difficult to utter those three powerful words: “I love you.” Yet, this journey has illuminated their importance, teaching me to express vulnerability and connection boldly.
Life, with all its unexpected turns, is a masterful teacher. It hands us gifts we may not comprehend in the moment, but in the fullness of time, the purpose becomes clear. As I continue to heal and embrace this newfound identity, I hold dear the friendships I’ve cultivated during this period, each a testament to resilience and transformation.
My experience in Blumenau has illuminated a path toward authenticity, proving that to bloom fully, we must sometimes shed the layers that no longer serve us. This journey has affirmed my belief in the power of love, healing, and connection—a powerful reminder that the most exquisite blooms arise from the most profound transformations.
As I step forward into this new chapter of my life, I am excited for what lies ahead, ready to write the next verse of my story as a singer, actor, producer, and writer. With each note, each line, I will carry the lessons learned and the love received, as I embrace the magic of becoming who I am meant to be.
About Darwin Del Fabro
Darwin Del Fabro is a Brazilian actress, singer, and producer known for her work in They/Them (2022), Dangerous Liaisons (2016) and Novo Mundo (2017). Del Fabro’s native language is Portuguese.
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