In a heartbreaking turn of events, Kesaria Abramidze, a prominent transgender model from Georgia, was found murdered in her Tbilisi apartment. Her death comes just a day after the Georgian parliament passed a controversial law imposing severe restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, igniting widespread condemnation.
Abramidze, 37, was a trailblazer for the transgender community in Georgia and represented the country at the Miss Trans Star International pageant in 2018. Her murder has raised alarms about the rising violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in a nation grappling with its identity and values.
The new law, framed under the guise of “family values and protection of minors,” prohibits same-sex marriages, bans gender-affirming treatments, and could lead to the outlawing of Pride events. Critics argue this law mirrors repressive measures seen in neighboring Russia, reflecting a troubling trend of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.
Following Abramidze’s murder, local human rights groups swiftly condemned the violence, highlighting a direct link between political rhetoric and hate crimes. The Social Justice Center in Tbilisi noted that hate speech has become increasingly prevalent under the Georgian Dream party, leading to a culture of fear and violence against minorities.
EU officials and international leaders have expressed concern over the new legislation. Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat, urged the Georgian government to withdraw the law, warning it would harm the country’s prospects for joining the European Union. Michael Roth, a German politician, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need to combat hatred in all forms.
As tributes pour in for Abramidze, many remember her as a courageous advocate for transgender rights. Political scientist Maia Otarashvili praised her as a “provocative, wise, and incredibly brave” trailblazer. President Salome Zourabichvili referred to Abramidze’s death as a “wake-up call” for Georgian society, calling for change and greater protection for vulnerable communities.
With parliamentary elections looming, the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Georgia hangs in the balance. While President Zourabichvili may veto the new law, the ruling party’s majority could override her decision. The tragic loss of Kesaria Abramidze serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for progress and protection for marginalized communities in Georgia.
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