The tragic death of Kesaria Abramidze, a transgender model and public figure in Georgia, has raised significant concerns about LGBTQ rights and safety in the country.
Transgender model Kesaria Abramidze (37), was found brutally stabbed to death in her Tbilisi apartment on Wednesday, following the passing of a controversial bill in Georgia’s parliament that many view as a crackdown on LGBTQ rights.
 |
| Kesaria Abramidze / Instagram |
The bill, focused on "family values," has drawn comparisons to Russia’s notorious “gay propaganda” law and has been condemned by the European Union (EU) and rights groups for promoting discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.
Kesaria Abramidze, the first Georgian to publicly come out as transgender, represented her country in the Miss Trans Star International contest in 2018 and has a following of over 500,000 people on social media.
Read here: Georgia Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law, Mirroring Russia's Restrictions on Rights
Her high profile within the LGBTQ community, alongside her outspoken nature on issues such as domestic violence and gender rights, made her an influential figure in Georgia. In the months prior to her death, Abramidze had voiced concerns over her safety, particularly following attacks by a former partner. She had even fled the country temporarily in April 2023, citing fears for her life.
 |
| Kesaria Abramidze / Instagram |
According to Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kesaria Abramidze sustained multiple stab wounds in what authorities described as a “premeditated murder committed with particular cruelty and aggravating circumstances on gender grounds.” Georgian police have since arrested a male suspect, reportedly Abramidze’s boyfriend, in connection with the murder.
The murder comes at a time of heightened political and social tensions in Georgia, especially surrounding LGBTQ rights. The recent “family values” bill, which restricts the promotion of same-sex relationships and gender transitions in educational institutions and media, has drawn heavy criticism.
The bill also bans same-sex marriage and adoption by gay or transgender individuals, and it has been slammed for equating homosexuality with incest. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have condemned the law as homophobic and transphobic, while the EU has warned that it undermines fundamental rights and risks increasing societal divisions.
Read here: Georgia Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law, Mirroring Russia's Restrictions on Rights
The ruling Georgian Dream party has faced accusations of fostering an anti-Western, anti-liberal agenda, with critics alleging that it uses homophobic and transphobic rhetoric to garner support ahead of the upcoming national elections. Pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvili, a vocal opponent of the Georgian Dream party, condemned Abramidze’s murder in a Facebook post, calling it a “horrific” tragedy and urging society to reflect on the growing intolerance in the country.
The murder of Abramidze is not an isolated incident. It follows a pattern of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in Georgia, with the country’s rights ombudsman reporting in 2022 that LGBTQ people face widespread discrimination and violence across all sectors of society. Georgia has witnessed multiple high-profile murders of transgender women in recent years, further highlighting the dangers faced by the LGBTQ community.
As authorities continue their investigation, Abramidze’s death has sparked renewed calls from activists for the protection of LGBTQ rights and an end to the growing intolerance in the country. Advocacy groups like Equality Movement have condemned the murder, stating it is a wake-up call for Georgia to address hate speech and protect vulnerable communities.