At least 50 transgendered candidates have registered to participate in Brazil's October general elections. Although candidates may be removed for not fulfilling requirements outlined by the Electoral Justice Court, the current number, 53, is ten times more than the previous general elections in 2014.

According to the National Association of Transvestites and Transexuals, or Antra, there are 17 trans-candidates running for national congressional seats, 33 for state congress, two for district Congress and one for the Senate.

The Socialism and Liberty Party, or PSOL, boasts of the largest number of trans-candidates, with a total of 20, running for office this year. The Workers' Party and the Communist Party of Brazil both have five.

Running for a seat in the federal district's legislative chamber is Paula Bennett, one of the candidates who was able to legally change her name. She highlighted the importance of authorities recognizing her current name in the elections as a way to ensure respect to the gender identity of trans people. Read more via telesur