A polyamorous couple have opened up about the challenges they face because of their relationship set-up.
Isabela Lima is a 25-year-old influencer with 31,800 followers on Instagram, where she shares tidbits of her relationship with Prazeres Jr – who is 10 years her senior.
The now-married pair had initially intended to remain monogamous but later ditched that idea in favour of practising “free love” to break away from “constraints imposed by society”.
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But their alternative relationship hasn’t been welcomed by everyone.
They are constantly trolled online by people saying they will “go to hell” and say friends no longer invite them to their weddings – for fear that their lifestyle will somehow rub off.
“We are constantly victims of ‘polyphobia’,” Isabela told Need To Know.
“[Judgemental comments] have become part of our daily life.
“Phrases like ‘you’re going straight to hell’ are common.
“Attacks [have] intensified [since we started posting more about free love online].
“People who were [once] close to us have even stopped inviting us to their weddings because of the prejudice.
“They believe our lifestyle will ‘contaminate’ their relationships.”
The couple originally wed in 2022 but wanted to celebrate their love with a photo shoot more recently.
They recall how they were forced to find a new photographer after their first choice backed out due to disagreeing with their poly love.
Isabela said: “We found a photographer on social media.
“He initially expressed interest in doing the shoot but [later] refused the job when he discovered through social media that we promote free love.
“I received a message saying, ‘I don’t support promiscuous marriages, I am a servant of God and I will not take your photos.’
“It was shocking.”
The couple, from São Paulo, Brazil, try their best not to take the trolling to heart.
She added: “But Prazeres Jr and I know where we stand and we are happy.
“We believe free love is a way to connect more deeply with ourselves and with others.”
Prazeres Jr added: “Free love freed us from chains and can free you too.
“It’s not just about sexual freedom but spiritual freedom.
“We want people to discover the transformative power of connecting with love in a more open and genuine.”
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