• With a photo exhibition, the Liga de Salud Trans, Profamilia, Colombia Diversa, the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Embassy of the European Union in Colombia called on society to eliminate any kind of violence against trans people in the country.

Bogotá, 17 May 2024 - In the framework of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia; the Trans Health League, Profamilia and Colombia Diversa, together with the International Community, represented by the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Embassy of the European Union in Colombia, reiterated their commitment to the defence of the rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Colombia. The organisations made an urgent call to civil society, the Government and the authorities to take forceful action against the violence and discrimination that still persists against this population, especially against transgender people.

According to the Ombudsman's Office, between February and April 2024, eight trans women were murdered in Colombia. During 2023, Colombia Diversa registered 159 cases of homicide of LGBTIQ+ people. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need to redouble efforts to protect the lives and dignity of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in the country.

Although significant progress has been made in recent decades in protecting and guaranteeing these rights, there is still much to be done, so raising awareness of the diverse situations and challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ people has been a fundamental part of the work carried out by these three organisations and the international community in the country.

The Trans Health League, Profamilia and Colombia Diversa in alliance with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the European Union and other actors of the International Community, organised a photographic exhibition called "Collection of Dreams" that showed the richness and diversity of the life experiences of trans people in Colombia. This artistic exhibition reflected the country that transgender people dream of: a more just, inclusive and diverse one. Dolores, a transgender artist and reference, enlivened the event with a special musical performance. Her talent and activism for LGBTIQ+ rights served as an inspiration to continue working for a more just and equitable society.

"In Colombia, there is still much work to be done to guarantee the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, especially in access to education, employment and the health system. As a society, we must continue to work together to create an environment of respect and tolerance towards all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Marta Royo, Executive Director of Profamilia.

"In 2023, the main victims of violence in Colombia were trans people. Our organisation managed to map that, on average, four trans people were killed every month. Although the effect of these deaths is irreparable, every attack or murder against an LGBTQ+ person must be investigated and sanctioned; otherwise, it sends the message that our lives are expendable," said Marcela Sánchez, director of Colombia Diversa.

He also ratified, today on the commemoration of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the commitment that Colombia Diversa has had for 20 years so that LGBTIQ+ people can be and love with dignity.

"From the Trans Health League we stress the importance of remembering that sexual orientations and non-normative gender identities are not diseases, we reject the pathologisation of trans lives and we demand that the State and the international community focus on the care and dignity of LGBTIQ+ people. We criticise the decisions of some countries that continue to consider trans people as sick, ignoring the advances of the WHO, so we believe it is important to continue advocating and doing political control, so that governments fulfil their commitments and guarantee the rights of trans and LGBTIQ+ people, as it is their duty to do". Juli Salamanca, director of La Liga de Salud Trans, stated.

The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Colombia, Reina Buijs, said that for her "it is very inspiring, and I feel that other countries could also learn from the Colombian LGBTIQ+ community, because, despite the hard knocks they endure, they are an empowered community with their own non-violent resources, such as cultural expression, the ability to speak out and claim their rights. For, despite the hard knocks they endure, they are an empowered community with their own non-violent resources, such as cultural expression, the ability to express themselves and claim their rights - their leadership, courage, energy and creativity are exemplary!

"It is essential to support and ensure the protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. This means tackling impunity for hate crimes, violence and stigmatisation experienced by LGBTIQ+ people, promoting anti-discrimination laws and promoting equality regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. This is part of our commitment globally and to Colombia," said Jörg Schreiber, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation.

To view the photo exhibition, you can do so on the social networks of Profamilia, Colombia Diversa and the Trans Health League.