End the violence against trans and non-binary people in Colombia
In Colombia, trans and non-binary people have historically faced severe discrimination.
Can you imagine that after returning from buying food for your kitten, your neighbors are waiting to attack you just because you are a trans person? Or that your life expectancy is only 35 years? This is the reality for trans and non-binary people across the country.
According to the report "Incontables" (Spanish for "uncountables") by Caribe Afirmativo, in 2023, 156 homicides of LGBT+ people were recorded. Of these, 46 were trans people.
The trans community has presented, to the Colombian Congress, the first Comprehensive Gender Identity Law that would guarantee access to basic human rights; including in healthcare, employment, housing, education, sports and recreation, and political participation.
Colombia has the opportunity to make history by adopting some of the most comprehensive legal protections for trans people in the world.
Interested in learning more about trans and non-binary people in Colombia?
Swipe and listen to some of their stories firsthand.
The Colombian trans movement faces a crucial moment in its struggle for dignity. These life stories offer an insightful look at some key points of this social movement and the voices that support it.
Watch the stories:
"Being trans in Colombia can be a death sentence, but it's also beautiful to find support among other trans and non-binary people."
- Lina Quevedo, Education Coordinator of the Trans Health League.
Help us protect the right to dignified healthcare for trans people, sign the petition.
“It's time for trans and non-binary people to be represented correctly."
- Jahira Quintero, Director of the Educational Department at the GAAT Foundation.
Do you also want to change harmful narratives about trans people in Colombia?
“The violence is physical, psychological, but also symbolic; there is medical violence. This means trans people, in a country like this, must be people with immense courage and bravery to be able to face these situations every day"
- Ava Lohana, Coordinator, Trans Network of Santander.
Demand justice and help build a safer world for trans people by signing the petition.
"Being an activist for trans people within the business sector is not just activism - it's a responsibility."
- Macarena Zuluaga, Founder of Semilla Agreste.
Raise your voice for the labor rights of trans people in Colombia. Sign the petition today!
“The life expectancy of our sisters is between 28 and 33 years old. This life expectancy is partly understood by recognizing the patterns of violence closely linked to the murders of trans women."
- Déborah Squenazzi, Director of Santa Maria Foundation .
Support more dignified aging for trans people by signing this petition.
Do these trans voices resonate with you? Do you want to join the fight for the rights of Danilo, Lina, Jahira, Macarena, Déborah, and thousands of trans, travesti, and non-binary people in Colombia?
The Comprehensive Trans Law seeks to promote, guarantee, and protect the rights of people with diverse gender identities in Colombia. The law will finally allow them to participate equally in society based on their self-determination.
This law addresses aspects such as equality, life and integrity, registration and identification, education, health and social security, employment, housing, art, culture, and sports, with an intersectional approach, considering the specific needs of trans and non-binary people in various vulnerable situations.
Check out the Comprehensive Gender Identity Bill submitted on July 31, 2024, to the Congress of the Republic with 41 signatures from Congress members and community delegates from across the country (the document is in Spanish only).
The Comprehensive ‘Trans Law Now’ Platform is made up of more than 100 collectives and organizations led by trans and non-binary people, independent activists, families, and support networks.
This platform has worked jointly with human rights organizations, anti-racist groups, LGBT+ collectives, feminists, health professionals, research centers, and universities, in order to create a law that effectively protects diverse gender identities.
Legal name change allowed in identity documents (Ruling T-033 of 2022)
Gender identity right (Ruling T-771 of 2013)
Non discrimination protections for trans people in employment (Ruling T-236 of 2023)
Legal sex marker change allowed in identity documents (Ruling T-063 of 2015)
Mandatory military service suspended for trans people (Bill N° 054, 2023)
Formation of the Comprehensive ‘Trans Law Now’ Platform
The Comprehensive Gender Identity Bill is introduced (Bill No. 122 of 2024)
The trans community in Colombia has tirelessly fought for their rights and the recognition of their identities. However, so much more needs to be done.
Beyond gender identity, we all share the need to live a dignified and fulfilling life. Empathy and solidarity are fundamental values to building a more just and equitable society.
The voices of trans people in Colombia must be heard.
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