A well-known transgender influencer and actress, Kesaria Abramidze, was murdered in her apartment in Tbilisi, Georgia, in a brutal knife attack on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The 37-year-old, who was the first person in Georgia to publicly come out as transgender, was killed in what authorities are calling a “premeditated murder.”
Abramidze had gained significant recognition in her country, not only for her role as a model and actress but also as a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. She represented Georgia in the Miss Trans Star International contest in 2018 and had amassed over 500,000 followers on Instagram. Her death has sent shockwaves through Georgia, where LGBTQ+ rights have come under increasing attack.
The Georgian Interior Ministry confirmed on Thursday, September 19, that Abramidze had suffered multiple stab wounds and that the murder was being investigated as a “premeditated crime committed with particular cruelty and aggravating circumstances on gender grounds.” This investigation is part of an ongoing inquiry into the violent crime, which has sparked outrage both within Georgia and internationally.
Abramidze’s death comes at a time when the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party has been pushing for a “family values” bill. The bill has drawn comparisons to Russia’s controversial “gay propaganda” law, which has been widely condemned for marginalizing LGBTQ+ communities. Critics, including the European Union and various human rights organizations, have voiced concern that the bill stigmatizes LGBTQ+ individuals and encourages an increasingly hostile environment for them in Georgia.
Abramidze’s murder occurred just one day after the family values bill passed its third and final reading, adding to the tension surrounding the LGBTQ+ rights debate in the country. Activists fear that the rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in Georgia could lead to more hate crimes and further oppression of marginalized communities.
The transgender influencer had been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Georgia, often speaking out against discrimination and pushing for greater acceptance and equality. Her death is seen as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a society that has increasingly turned hostile toward them.
The international community and human rights groups have condemned the killing, calling for a thorough investigation and justice for Abramidze. The incident has also renewed discussions around the safety of LGBTQ+ people in Georgia.
