Born: 1954 (Caracas, Venezuela)
Biography:
Tamara Adrián is a Venezuelan politician and influential LGBT activist. Born on February 20, 1954, in Caracas, Tamara made history when she was elected to the National Assembly of Venezuela in the 2015 parliamentary election. Her groundbreaking victory marked her as the first transgender person to hold public office in Venezuela and only the second transgender member of a national legislature in the Western Hemisphere.
Tamara Adrián began her journey towards political activism after a successful career as a lawyer. She graduated from Andrés Bello Catholic University in 1976 and then pursued her doctorate in law with high honors from the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas in 1982. She further expanded her expertise with a diploma in comparative law from the Paris Institute of Comparative Law in the same year.
As an accomplished lawyer, Tamara specialized in defending the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to her political career, she actively served on the board of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association, where she fought for equal rights on an international scale. She also played a crucial role in organizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, raising awareness and advocating for the rights of all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Tamara Adrián’s path to political office was not without its challenges. Venezuelan law did not allow transgender individuals to legally change their names, which forced her to register her candidacy under her deadname, the name assigned to her at birth. Nevertheless, Tamara persevered, knowing that her fight for transgender rights would transcend her personal circumstances.
In 2002, Tamara underwent gender reassignment surgery in Thailand, marking a significant milestone in her life and affirming her true identity. However, despite her transition, the Supreme Court of Justice in Venezuela has not yet granted legal recognition of her changed gender identity. This ongoing struggle highlights the larger systemic issues faced by the transgender community in Venezuela and the fight for full recognition under the law.
Motivated by the increasing oppression faced by political activists, Tamara Adrián decided to take a stand and channel her dedication to human rights into her government work. In 2014, the deteriorating democratic and economic conditions in Venezuela sparked nationwide protests. President Nicolás Maduro responded by ordering the arrest of political protesters, leading to a wave of arrests and human rights violations against activists. This deeply troubled Tamara, prompting her to join the National Assembly and become a voice for change and justice.
Tamara Adrián’s tenure in the National Assembly has been defined by her tireless efforts to promote equality and access to human rights. Her primary focus has been on ensuring proper access to public records on identity, advocating for same-sex marriage, and fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Through her work, she aims to break down the stigma and discrimination that perpetuate poverty, marginalization, and violence against transgender individuals.
As a member of the Popular Will party, one of the opposition forces to Nicolás Maduro’s government, Tamara Adrián strives to create a society that embraces diversity and inclusivity. Within her party, she founded the Pro-Inclusion social movement, a platform dedicated to advancing equal rights for all Venezuelans.
Tamara Adrián’s contributions to society extend beyond Venezuela’s borders. In 2016, she completed the prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University. This achievement came through her selection as a David Bohnett LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellow, highlighting her leadership potential and commitment to public service.
Tamara Adrián’s unwavering fight for human rights, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, has left a significant imprint on Venezuela’s history. Through her courage and determination, she continues to pave the way for future generations, inspiring others to challenge societal norms and strive for equality.