What really happened when I went to Brazil carnival ( São Paulo | Bahia )
Honestly, I can’t believe I’m finally posting this.
I went back and forth with myself — part of me wanted to delete all the footage and never relive this moment, let alone share it with others.
I wish I could have conveyed everything I felt the way I truly feel it in this video.
But at this point, I’m just grateful I’m putting it out.
Because the truth is: it’s important to share the parts of my story that aren’t so pretty.
The parts that were meant to demean me — that I now choose to use to empower myself and other women who’ve experienced something similar.
I wish I could sit and tell y’all the full story from beginning to end so you would fully understand why it was so important for me to share this.
As a woman who is encouraged and protected by my ancestors, I move through this world seeking peace — especially when I travel, especially when I feel I’m traveling with people I trust.
But when I made it clear that I wasn’t interested in anything romantic with this individual, they chose to violate my boundaries and try to gain access to my body without my consent.
And when I needed urgent medical help for a dental emergency, that same person left me alone — in South America — when I needed support the most.
This experience left me feeling belittled, angry, abandoned, and betrayed.
Weeks later, I realized I was still carrying the poison from that experience, and I had to start the painful work of healing it.
I still feel called to return to Brazil — especially Bahia — because the richness of Afro-Brazilian culture is something my soul deeply connects to.
And while this experience was devastating, I also met local friends who reminded me there is still beauty, safety, and connection in this world.
When traveling, always remember: your best experiences will come from connecting with the local community.
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What I want you to take away from this video most is simple:
It is your right to speak up.
It is your right to draw bounda
