Kesaria Abramidze, a prominent transgender actress and model, was brutally murdered in her Tbilisi apartment on Wednesday. This heinous act, described by authorities as “premeditated,” comes at a time of heightened tension surrounding LGBTQ rights in the country, following the passage of a controversial “family values” bill. Kesaria Abramidze, 37, was more than just a victim; she was a trailblazer and icon in Georgia’s LGBTQ community. As the first person in the country to publicly come out as transgender, Abramidze paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance of trans individuals in Georgian society.
Her influence extended far beyond national borders. In 2018, Abramidze proudly represented Georgia at the Miss Trans Star International contest, showcasing her country on a global stage. With over 500,000 followers on Instagram, she used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights and speak out against domestic violence.
“Kesaria was a beacon of hope for many in our community,” said Nika Kvaratskhelia, a close friend and fellow LGBTQ activist. Her courage in living authentically inspired countless others to embrace their true selves.
According to the Georgian Interior Ministry, Abramidze suffered “multiple stab wounds” in what they are investigating as a “premeditated murder committed with particular cruelty and aggravating circumstances on gender grounds.”
A suspect, identified by local media as Abramidze’s boyfriend, has been arrested in connection with the crime. While authorities have not released the suspect’s name, they have confirmed that he was known to the victim.
Detective Giorgi Lomidze, lead investigator on the case, stated, “We are treating this as a hate crime. The brutality of the attack and the victim’s high-profile status as a trans woman cannot be ignored in our investigation.
The news of Abramidze’s murder has sent shockwaves through Georgia’s LGBTQ community and their allies. Vigils and protests have sprung up across Tbilisi, with hundreds gathering to mourn her loss and demand justice.
Nino Bolkvadze, director of Equality Movement, a prominent LGBTQ rights organization in Georgia, spoke at a candlelight vigil outside Abramidze’s apartment building. This is a wake-up call for Georgia,” Bolkvadze declared, her voice breaking with emotion. We must end intolerance and protect the lives of our community. Kesaria’s death cannot be in vain.”
Abramidze’s murder occurred just one day after the Georgian Parliament passed a controversial “family values” bill in its third and final reading. The legislation, which has drawn comparisons to Russia’s “gay propaganda” law, has been widely criticized by the European Union and human rights organizations for potentially stigmatizing LGBTQ individuals.
The bill, if enacted, would:
– Restrict “propaganda” of same-sex relationships in educational institutions and TV broadcasts
– Ban gender transition procedures
– Prohibit adoptions by gay and transgender individuals
– Nullify same-sex marriages performed abroad
Critics argue that the bill’s wording problematically equates homosexual relationships with incest, further marginalizing the LGBTQ community.
EU spokesperson Maria Gabrielsen expressed deep concern over the legislation: “This bill undermines the fundamental rights of Georgians and risks further stigmatization and discrimination of part of the population. It’s a significant step backwards for Georgia’s EU aspirations.”
Abramidze’s tragic death highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in Georgia. In 2022, the country’s human rights ombudsman reported that “LGBT+ people face persistent discrimination and violence in all spheres of life.”
This systemic discrimination has led to numerous instances of violence and harassment. In 2021, a planned Pride march in Tbilisi was violently disrupted by far-right groups, resulting in injuries to journalists and activists.
Abramidze herself had spoken out about the dangers she faced. In April of this year, she revealed that she had been forced to temporarily flee abroad, fearing for her life after attacks from a former partner. No to the femicide that has become so frequent in our country!” she had declared on social media, her words now hauntingly prophetic.
The murder has intensified the already heated political climate in Georgia. Pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvili, who has been at odds with the ruling Georgian Dream party, condemned the “horrific murder” in a Facebook post. This tragedy must awaken Georgian society,” she wrote, calling for unity and action against hate crimes.
Opposition leader Nika Melia held a press conference demanding accountability: “This government’s rhetoric has created an environment where such heinous acts can occur. We demand an immediate, transparent investigation and justice for Kesaria.”
The international community has responded with outrage and calls for action. Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, issued a statement urging Georgian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation: “This appalling crime must be fully investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice. Georgia must take concrete steps to protect its LGBTQ citizens.”
Human Rights Watch has called on the Georgian government to reconsider the “family values” bill in light of Abramidze’s murder. “This tragedy underscores the real-world consequences of legislation that marginalizes and stigmatizes LGBTQ individuals,” said Giorgi Gogia, associate Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
As Georgia grapples with this tragedy, many are asking if Abramidze’s death will serve as a catalyst for change. LGBTQ activists are calling for increased protections, better enforcement of existing hate crime laws, and a reconsideration of the “family values” bill.
Kesaria’s life and death must not be in vain,” said Tamar Gurchiani, a human rights lawyer in Tbilisi. “This is a moment for Georgia to choose: Will we move forward towards equality and justice, or retreat into fear and discrimination?”
As investigations continue and the nation mourns, the legacy of Kesaria Abramidze – her courage, her advocacy, and her tragic end – may well shape the future of LGBTQ rights in Georgia for years to come.
