Despite the existence of a considerable literature about the history of leprosy, most studies focus on the oppression and domination to which former patients were subjected. The resistance and political struggles produced by these individuals remain underexplored. This paper is an attempt to introduce this issue, by discussing how everyday life and organized collective struggles have allowed the systematic challenge of oppressive meanings and social practices. The study is based on a observation process in former leprosy colonies, 12 conversation groups with colony dwellers, non-structured interviews with highly ranked activists from Morhan (Movement for the Reintegration of People Affected by Leprosy), and 45 editions of Morhan's newsletter.
Hansen's disease (leprosy); social struggles; social movements