Especially, but not only in Brazil, she was considered an icon and an important reference person for the LGBTQI+ community.

Elza Soares died at the age of 91. She could not only sing and dance, but apparently also saw it as her task to use her fame for "the good cause". According to management, the artist died of natural causes.

Elza Soares has passed away

Not "just" a singer: activist Elza Soares

During her lifetime, Elza Soares advocated not only for the community, but for all people who were being wronged. She emphasized that she considered it her responsibility to get involved and advocate. When asked about the queer community, she explained that she received a lot of affection from these people.

The web is currently mourning the loss of one of Brazil's best-known and most popular singers. Among others, several celebrities have already spoken out, who can't believe that one of the greats is gone. But who was Elza Soares actually?

A look at an LGBTQI+ icon: who was Soares?

No one would have thought that Elza Soares would one day become famous. She was born in 1930 in poor circumstances and had to marry at the age of 12. A year later she had a child. About nine years later, her husband died. At the end of 1950s she managed to start her career. Shortly after, she became one of the faces of samba. She was even given the title of "Queen Samba".

Over time, Soares seems to have realized that she can also use her fame and popularity for activist purposes and for what is important to her. She advocated for women, blacks and minorities, among others, at her concerts and always combined music and important messages.

Perhaps it was also her zest for life that kept her young into old age.

A woman ahead of her time

Anyone who delves a little deeper into the life story of Elza Soares quickly realizes that she didn't really have it easy. Nevertheless, she never tired of standing up for other people. Among other things, the community was very close to her heart. Especially considering the time when she spoke of her positive relationship with gays, it becomes clear once again that she obviously thought in a modern and more tolerant way than many of her contemporaries.

In the end, this was also evident in musical terms. Because: It would certainly be wrong to limit Soares exclusively to samba or "Queen Samba". The artist has released a total of more than 30 albums, including hip hop, jazz and funk. She did not let herself be deprived of the joy of music until the end. Even at an advanced age, she sang at various events and delighted those present with her incredible presence.

The management's statement on Instagram probably sums it up particularly well: Elza Soare's life's work is so impressive that she will most certainly always be "a part of music history". That's exactly what she would surely like... And her fans around the globe, too.

 

Have you heard of the hashtag #OutInChurch?

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