Erika Hilton was born on September 12, 1992 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. From a young age, she knew she was different, but it wasn't until she bravely came out as transgender at the age of 14 that her life took a drastic turn. Unfortunately, her family did not accept her for who she was and kicked her out of their home, leaving her homeless and vulnerable.
Forced to fend for herself on the streets, Erika turned to sex work as a means of survival. It was a difficult time in her life, filled with hardships and struggles, but she remained resilient and determined to overcome the obstacles in her path.
Despite the challenges she faced, Erika refused to let her circumstances define her. In 2020, she made history by becoming the first openly transgender councilor of São Paulo, after receiving the most votes nationwide. This was a significant moment not only for Erika, but for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, as it marked a step forward in the fight for equality and acceptance.
Erika's political career continued to soar as she joined the Chamber of Deputies and became one of the first two openly transgender individuals elected to the National Congress of Brazil. Her advocacy for black and LGBTQ+ rights has earned her recognition on a global scale, with the BBC naming her one of their 100 Women of 2022.
Despite the hardships she faced early in life, Erika was able to reconnect with her mother and find a sense of belonging and acceptance. In 2023, she began dating fashion photographer Daniel Zezza, finding love and support in a partner who shares her passion for social justice and activism.
In addition to her political accomplishments, Erika has been recognized for her contributions to society. In 2021, she was honored with the Generation Change Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Budapest, Hungary, highlighting her dedication to making a positive impact on the world.