Deaf September – ethnographing a circuit of events

Abstract

September is a significant month for Brazilian deaf people. Throughout the month, numerous events take place that celebrate Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), deaf culture and identities. Accessibility, inclusion, bilingualism, history, politics, sports, education, among others, are topics that are discussed and debated at these events. The objective of this ethnography was to cover a circuit of three events that took place in Juiz de Fora - MG in 2022 that celebrated Deaf September. We were able to observe that there is still little real discussion on issues that interest deaf people and a deaf visibility and protagonism that is erased by hearing people who lead some movements. In fact, these are events that aim more at socialization than a field of struggles and demands.