Trailblazer for Trans Rights: Georgina Epiayú’s 45-Year Journey to Recognition

COColombia|

In a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in Colombia, Georgina Epiayú, a 72-year-old Wayuu woman, has received official recognition as a transgender individual after a 45-year-long struggle. Epiayú, who was born Jorge according to her birth certificate, fought tirelessly for her rights, culminating in the issuance of her updated identification card in 2021.

A documentary titled "Alma del desierto," set to premiere commercially in Brazil on January 30 and in Colombia on May 1, chronicles Epiayú's life and challenges as she sought recognition in a community that struggles with transphobia and economic hardship. The film, produced over eight years, highlights her quest for dignity, which resonates with many other members of the Wayuu residing in both Colombia and Venezuela.

Epiayú first applied to change her ID in 1975, but it took multiple attempts and decades of persistence before her triumph. The recognition has brought her one step closer to accessing vital civil rights, such as health insurance and food assistance. Economic stability remains a struggle, and she continues to rely on support from her community and friends.

The documentary not only showcases Epiayú’s personal journey but also sheds light on broader issues faced by the Wayuu people, including lack of basic infrastructure and the impacts of transphobia. Director Mónica Taboada-Tapia emphasizes the strength of Epiayú's character, portraying her as a pillar of hope for many in marginalized communities.

Through her experience, Epiayú challenges deeply ingrained societal norms and advocates for the rights of the transgender community, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in Colombia and beyond.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Colombia

Colombian Influencer Maria Jose Estupinan Sanchez Shot Dead Outside Home

Maria Jose Estupinan Sanchez, a 22-year-old social media influencer from Colombia, was fatally shot outside her home in Cucuta on May 15, 2025. Authorities suspect her ex-boyfriend may be involved in the incident, following a recent legal victory that secured her 30 million COP (approximately $8,000) in a domestic abuse case against him, according to local reports from Noticias Caracol and Canal TRO. Witnesses reported that a man, posing as a delivery agent, approached Sanchez while claiming to deliver a gift. Security footage shows him shooting her at point-blank range before fleeing the scene. Despite being transported to a hospital, Sanchez sadly succumbed to her injuries. Prominent figures, including Magda Victoria Acosta, president of the National Gender Commission of the Judicial Branch, condemned the murder, describing it as a tragic loss. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the ongoing issue of femicide in Colombia. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities continue to investigate.
COColombia

Outrage and Mourning in Colombia Following Murder of Trans Woman Sara Millerey

The recent murder of 32-year-old trans woman Sara Millerey in Bello, Antioquia, has sent shockwaves through Colombia's LGBTQ+ community. Millerey, who began her gender transition at 15, was brutally assaulted and thrown into a creek, where she drowned on April 5, 2025. Her mother, Sandra Borja, expressed her devastation, stating that "they killed for her being who she was" and emphasized her wish to remember Sara for her beauty rather than her tragic fate. The crime has prompted widespread outrage, with President Gustavo Petro calling for urgent action from authorities, as at least 13 trans individuals have been murdered in the country in the first quarter of this year. Community leaders report that Millerey's murder is the third this year targeting LGBTQ+ individuals in Bello alone. Local activist Sebas Zitrus highlighted the case's "tremendous cruelty," revealing a pervasive sense of fear among the community. Despite public mourning and calls for justice, local authorities have struggled to make arrests, with residents fearing retaliation for speaking out, raising concerns about ongoing violence against the trans community in Colombia.
COColombia

UK Scientist Found Dismembered in Colombia Stream During Holiday

A UK-based scientist was found brutally murdered and dismembered while on holiday in Santa Marta, Colombia. Officials reported that the victim’s head, hands, and feet were recovered from a suitcase that had been dumped into a stream, with searches ongoing for the remaining body parts. The incident has prompted local authorities to take action, with Santa Marta’s mayor, Carlos Pinedo Cuello, announcing a reward of 50 million Colombian pesos (approximately £10,000) for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible. He emphasized the city's commitment to addressing crime, stating, “This crime will not go unpunished. Criminals must know that in Santa Marta, criminality has no place.” The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was a trained biologist, and details surrounding the circumstances of the murder remain unclear as investigations continue. Local police are actively working to gather evidence and bring the perpetrators to justice, in line with the mayor's directive to enhance collaboration among authorities.
COColombia
All Colombia News ->