The authors, in a brief description, address the issue of racism in Brazil, from its origins to contemporary forms of manifestation. The Brazilian Supreme Court’s understanding of the issue is mentioned. The court has been responsible for broadening the institutional concept of racism into a more sociological scope, which has been determinant in the recent criminalization of homophobic acts. The text also addresses normative aspects, including Brazilian affirmative action laws, regional conventions and measures taken which reflect international influence, specifically with regard to the work of the UN Human Rights Committee.