Tamara Adrián (Venezuela)

Adrián is the first transsexual and lesbian member of the Venezuelan National Assembly. She is also a lawyer, professor, published author, and human rights activist for the LGBTQI community in Venezuela. Additionally, Adrián is involved in many of the strategic litigations concerning LGBTQI rights in Venezuela and Latin America, as well as an active participant in movements advocating for greater support for gender equality and LGBTQI rights.

For several years, Adrián has guided various international LGBTQI movements and networks, such as the Committee of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO-T), the Board of Directors of GATE Global Action for Trans Equality, the Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex Sport Association organizers of the World Outgames (GLISA), and the ILGA. She is also the author of a draft Gender Identity Law, a Civil Partnership Law, a Non Discrimination Law, and a Civil Registry Law, submitted – but not discussed – to the National Assembly of Venezuela.   

Adrián is widely recognized for her leadership and tireless advocacy. In 2009, she was awarded the Human Rights Prize “Luis Maria Olaso.”

Watch Adrian’s powerful testimony about political prisoners in Venezuela and how it inspired her to move from activism to governance.