Being a trans woman in Colombia is like a death sentence," says Alexandra Colmenares from Bogota, Colombia. She is 26 years old and a trans woman. The average life expectancy of trans women in Latin America is just 35 years. On paper, they have many rights, but in practice they often experience rejection and hatred.
Because most are unable to get a regular job, many of them live off sex work. But Alexandra Colmenares says it's very dangerous:. I learned that you always ask for the money first. And I had to find my own methods for doing sex work. Colmenares already knew as a child that she was female. But less than 20 countries worldwide allow gender self-identification. And even where it's legalized, transgender people still suffer discrimination.
Many of them regularly experience violence, including from the police. But I've become the woman of my dreams. Latest videos Latest audio.
In focus. Latest audio Latest videos. Equality Colombia. But Alexandra Colmenares says it's very dangerous: "You don't know whether you're going to have sex or be killed. UN human rights chief: 'We need to be feminists now' The UN human rights commissioner talks about sexism and why she's not proud of always having been "the first. More on Equality from around the world. London restaurant owner only hires women The Darjeeling Express empowers women immigrants in London's restaurant industry.
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