Vinícius Alexandre Fortes De Barros (Law PhD 2024) felt he was destined to educate others. One of the few openly gay Federal Prosecutors in Brazil, Vinícius has confounded expectations and surprised even himself.
“I always thought I could never be a judge or public prosecutor being gay – I want to represent and show it’s possible,” he says.
Vinícius started his career as a judge at the Mato Grosso State Court where he became the youngest appointee in 2015. In 2016 he became a Federal Prosecutor and was focused on human rights and criminal law. He undertook the LLM (Master of Laws) at the University of Cambridge and Wolfson College from 2021-2022. He completed two further years as a Federal Prosecutor before receiving permission to return to academic study.
For the time being, the plan is to return to his previous role in 2027, following his PhD, but there are long-term ambitions.
“Doing the Masters was like a dream, but it was a moment of realisation that I could do it,” he adds. “I received an award for my grade, and I proved myself. Now with the PhD and , I’m wondering if I could teach at Cambridge in the future. I always felt I was born to teach; I always felt naturally I would go into academia.
“I really enjoy being a prosecutor because in Brazil prosecutors do not deal just with criminal law, they can also deal with environmental, human rights, social rights... currently I'm in a criminal office, but we have so much variety. Long-term, I will try to maintain both positions, being a teacher and federal prosecutor.”
Vinícius, originally from Cuiaba in central Brazil, enjoyed the international and multicultural experience at Wolfson. He returned to Cambridge as a Gates Scholar, because the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law is the “best place” to study.
He picked Gonville & 91ֱ College for a traditional Cambridge experience, while referencing the wellbeing support initiatives including yoga and the Couch to 5k programme. He also loves the Library (“my main office,” he says). He has found 91ֱ welcoming, living in the postgraduate campus centred on Harvey Road, and shows non-91ֱ friends around “feeling like a tour guide”.
The basis of his PhD is the question: is there a possible way to adequately protect LGBTQIA+ persons during and after wars? “I plan on receiving different multicultural visions about armed conflicts and vulnerable groups,” he adds. “How do we protect these persons, whether they are soldiers or civilians, during wars? I have to look upon all the Geneva Conventions and the protocols and to look at how some specific provisions like humane treatment could be applied specifically to that community.
“International humanitarian law can spread its consequences into international criminal law. perhaps my research can help them being also considered victims of war crimes, but I’m just at the beginning.”
Vinícius references a paradox, where some countries continue to criminalise those who identify as LGBTQ+. “If I can prove that in international humanitarian law they are protected, if it's a war, then you have to protect regardless of your national beliefs,” he says.
Vinícius experienced Cambridge the first time around with his husband of seven years, who paused his medical career. This time, they are in a trans-Atlantic relationship.
He laughs at mention of the Real Madrid and Brazil football superstar with whom he shares a name. Not a football fan himself, during his first week in Cambridge two years ago, Vinícius ordered a food delivery, with the delivery rider asking about Vinícius Junior.
“I didn’t know who he was – I am not into football,” he says. “I have now learnt about him. He’s fighting racism, so I really like him. I’m really proud of him.”
Vinícius can also be proud of himself for his achievements so far.
