This paper examines the article "Educados no sexo neutro" ("Educated in neutral gender", in English), published by the Brazilian magazine Veja, in order to understand how it discursively constructs the meaning of masculinity and femininity. The analysis is grounded on a critical discourse approach (FAIRCLOUGH, 1992/2001), supported by studies on gender and sexuality (SEDWICK, 1990/2008; LOURO, 2000; MOITA LOPES, 2002; 2006; 2009; BUTLER, 1990/2006). Findings suggest the predominance of an essentialist discourse of sexual identity based on a hegemonic heteronormative view, which seeks to describe individuals within a binary social space.
discourse; sexuality; gender