Talking With Trans Actor Darwin Del Fabro About Purpose, Validation, And The Evolution Of Self | Interview
A conversation on the inspiring and powerful journey of the life and career of trans actor Darwin Del Fabro
Brazilian trans actor Darwin Del Fabro made her professional debut in the musical Era no tempo do rei. She starred in, produced, and directed the musical Be Careful, It's My Heart, which was also adapted into an album. In 2015, Del Fabro started a production company, by the name of Madalena Production. Since then, she’s starred in a number of stage productions, released further albums, and starred in the slasher film They/Them with Kevin Bacon and numerous other non-binary and trans actors.
Join us below for a powerful conversation on the evolution of her life and career.
Interview
1. Where do you fall on the queer spectrum?
My journey has been one of profound personal discovery. After spending 28 years concealing aspects of myself, I have fully embraced my identity through transformative experiences. I fall under the transgender spectrum, having undergone gender-affirming surgery to align my body with my truth. But above all, I am a woman. I am a human being. I am Darwin—constantly evolving, always with empathy at the core of my journey.
2. What do we need to understand about your story as a person?
My story is one of resilience, authenticity, and connection. It is a journey of self-discovery, navigating societal expectations and personal challenges to become the person I was always meant to be. Vulnerability and courage define my path, and I believe self-discovery is an ongoing process—just like my name suggests, I am always evolving.
3. Take us back to the moment you first realized you could succeed in your career. Where were you? What were you doing? Who were you with? Why was that moment so important?
Success, to me, is the ability to live authentically. It’s a long process of unlearning societal constructs and rebuilding life through my own lens. That realization became clear the day I fully embraced my identity after my surgery in a small Brazilian town. Surrounded by my family, I felt a profound sense of purpose and validation, knowing that my life and career could thrive together—that being my true self was not a limitation, but my greatest strength.
4. What advice would you give your younger self at the start of your career?
I have no regrets. I did what I could with the knowledge and resources available to me at the time. Growing up in Brazil, I focused on my work and protected myself from the world. If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to embrace authenticity and trust the journey—exactly as I did. The path is full of challenges, but each one builds the resilience necessary to succeed. Recognizing my identity and honoring my uniqueness has been the foundation of my growth.
5. What do you empower others to do that they might not be able to do alone?
I empower others to embrace their identities and see their struggles as strengths. My story serves as a lens for others to recognize vulnerability as a gateway to authenticity. Each journey is different, but simply existing as your true self is already a significant achievement. When I was growing up, I didn’t have many role models—so if I can be that for someone else, I consider that a victory.
6. What do your colleagues empower you to do that you couldn’t do alone?
My colleagues amplify my voice, helping me expand my storytelling through writing, music, and performance. Their support creates a space where I can explore and share narratives of resilience and transformation, making my work even more powerful.
7. How have you learned to see your differences as a source of worthiness?
I’ve come to see my differences as badges of strength and resilience. Every step of my journey has reinforced the power of being true to myself. I’ve learned that what sets us apart isn’t something to be hidden—it’s something to be celebrated.
8. What is a word you love?
Evolution—because growth, change, and transformation are at the heart of everything I do.
9. What is a word you dislike?
Conformity—because it represents the pressure to fit into a mold rather than embrace individuality.
10. What is a sound you love?
Children’s laughter. It’s the purest form of joy and a reminder to view the world with wonder and curiosity.
11. What is a sound you dislike?
Silence in the face of oppression—it often signals complicity, and that’s something I will never accept.
12. If you could take one book, movie, or album to a deserted island, what would it be?
The Lili Elbe Diaries. It captures the essence of self-realization and serves as an eternal reminder of my journey, my roots, and my truth.
13. How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who lived authentically and inspired others to embrace their true selves.
14. What’s next for you?
I’m excited to continue expanding my career as a singer, actor, producer, and writer—telling stories that resonate with themes of transformation and authenticity. I’m currently finishing a play that I’ll be performing—my first monologue piece. I’m also returning to the stage at 54 Below, marking my first live performance since my surgeries. It’s a new chapter, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.
15. How can we stay up to date with your journey?
You can follow my work through my performances, writing, and projects. I share my story—and the stories of others—as we all continue to evolve. I’m on all platforms, and my name isn’t hard to find.
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