LGBT rights remain a contentious issue globally. On one side, countries like Estonia, Greece, and Nepal legalised same-sex marriage in 2024, signalling progress. On the other side, nations such as Russia and Georgia are curbing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals with discriminatory laws and restrictions. In Georgia, gender-affirming treatments are now not only banned, but doctors performing them also face the threat of imprisonment.

The growing hostility and hatred towards the LGBTQ+ community often have devastating consequences. When laws dehumanise non-heterosexual people, it legitimises ridicule, humiliation, and, at times, far worse. This was starkly demonstrated in Georgia. Just one day after the adoption of a law banning 'LGBT propaganda', transgender model Kesaria Abramidze was found murdered.

Kesaria Abramidze, a 37-year-old transgender model, was one of Georgia's first public figures to openly discuss her identity and gender transition. In 2018, she represented her country in the Miss Trans Star International competition and had amassed over half a million Instagram followers. Tragically, at the age of 37, she was brutally murdered. While the motive remains unclear, many blame the ruling right-wing Georgian Dream party, which recently passed anti-LGBT legislation, for fostering an environment of intolerance.

The suspected killer, 27-year-old Beka Jaiani, has been arrested and is currently in custody. Though he has not provided a motive, many believe his actions were influenced by the political climate. As reported by The Guardian, since the far-right Georgian Dream party came to power, violence against LGBTQ+ individuals has surged in the country.

"There is a direct correlation between the use of hate speech in politics and hate crimes," the Georgian human rights group, Social Justice Center, warned in a statement reacting to the murder.

Source: theguardian.com, tvpinfo.pl