In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of outrage across Colombia, a 32-year-old transgender woman known as Sara Millerey was brutally murdered in Bello, a municipality near Medellín. The horrific details of her death, which occurred on the weekend of April 5-6, 2025, have emerged as the nation grapples with the persistent violence against the LGBTIQ+ community.
Sara, who was affectionately referred to as "La Millerey," was found drowned in a stream after suffering severe injuries, including broken arms and legs, which rendered her unable to swim. Reports indicate that she was filmed as she struggled for her life, but no one intervened to help her. This heinous act has sparked a nationwide conversation about the systemic violence faced by transgender individuals in Colombia.
According to the Observatorio de Derechos Humanos from the NGO Caribe Afirmativo, 2025 has already seen 25 murders of LGBTIQ+ individuals, with indications that 15 of these victims were transgender. The alarming statistics highlight a troubling trend of violence against marginalized communities in the country.
Wilson Castañeda, the director of Caribe Afirmativo, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "We are anguished by the level of savagery, cruelty, and pain, the constancy of a systematic practice of wanting to annihilate us." He emphasized that despite the government's establishment of an office dedicated to sexual and gender diversity, violence against the LGBTIQ+ population continues unabated.
The Colombian government, under President Gustavo Petro, has faced criticism for its handling of these issues. Following the viral spread of the video showing Sara in distress, various public institutions have issued statements condemning the violence. The Defensoría del Pueblo, a human rights organization, reported identifying 13 transfeminicides in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
In response to the outcry, the Alcaldía de Bello announced that investigations would commence to identify Sara's murderers, although no suspects have been apprehended as of yet. President Petro himself shared the video on social media, commenting, "This that happened in Bello is called fascism, because there are Nazis in Colombia." His statement reflects a growing awareness of the need to confront hate crimes and the ideologies that fuel them.
The Ministerio de Igualdad y Equidad also issued a strong condemnation of the violence against transgender individuals, labeling Sara's murder as a brutal and dehumanizing act that mourns the nation. The Ministry has called for urgent actions to ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished, urging local authorities to take effective measures to protect the rights of transgender and LGBTIQ+ individuals.
In the wake of this tragedy, several NGOs have organized a series of "velatones"—vigils to honor Sara and other victims of transphobia—set to take place in major cities like Bogotá and Medellín. These events aim to raise awareness and demand justice for those affected by violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The vigils are not only a tribute to Sara but also a rallying cry against the indifference that allows such violence to persist. Castañeda highlighted the urgent need for society to actively oppose hate speech that leads to such grave assaults. He remarked, "The social indifference to our pain is enormous. This indifference is what allows perpetrators to annihilate the lives of the LGBTIQ+ population."
As investigations continue, the Gobernación de Antioquia has offered a reward of up to 50 million pesos for information that leads to the capture of those responsible for Sara's murder. The authorities are treating the case as an aggravated homicide, considering the brutality of the attack.
Sara Millerey’s tragic story is not just a singular incident but a reflection of the broader societal issues of prejudice and violence faced by transgender individuals in Colombia. The violence against her is part of a disturbing pattern that calls for immediate action from both the government and society at large.
In the days following the incident, public figures and community leaders have voiced their support for Sara's family and the LGBTIQ+ community. María Fernanda Carrascal, a representative from the Pacto Histórico, has been particularly vocal, organizing the velatón and emphasizing the need for justice. She stated, "This crime cannot be seen as an isolated event, and the ideology of hate that fuels transphobia is a real threat to the LGBTIQ+ community. Transphobia kills."
Claudia López, a former senator and ex-mayor of Bogotá, also condemned the crime, asserting that the hatred and transphobia prevalent in society are endangering the lives of many. She called for a profound cultural change in Colombia to ensure the protection and respect of all gender identities.
The violence against Sara Millerey has ignited a crucial dialogue about the rights and safety of transgender individuals in Colombia. As the nation mourns her loss, it is clear that the fight for justice and equality for the LGBTIQ+ community must continue with renewed vigor. The hope is that Sara’s tragic fate will not be in vain, and that her story will inspire change that leads to a safer, more inclusive society for all.
