Three Vendors of Ipanema

“The Human Being is Only Free When One is Master of One’s Self”. These words cap a mural in Cantagalo, a favela high over Rio De Janeiro. Epictetus’s words frame the lives of three beach vendors descending from the hills to sell homemade foods on the “Farme” section of Ipanema Beach. These three independent spirits working for themselves have maintained their dignity in a harsh economy and love their work. This is why they have been known and loved by the LGBTQ+ community for decades.