During a panel discussion at the Afro-Descendant Women and Power event in Cali, Colombia, Meghan Markle’s speech was interrupted by a heckler raising awareness for trans rights. The event, held on August 18 at the Enrique Buenaventura Municipal Theater, was meant to celebrate and empower women, particularly focusing on the experiences of Afro-descendant women in Colombia. However, the panel took an unexpected turn when a member of the audience disrupted the discussion to question Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez about the inclusion of trans women in the conversation.
The heckler, speaking in Spanish, demanded to know how the government was addressing trans rights. Vice President Márquez responded assertively, stating, “I’m talking about women in general. We’ve got a programme for trans women as well.” Her response highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address the violence and discrimination faced by trans women in Colombia, a pressing issue given the alarming rise in violence against the trans community in recent years.
Colombia has seen a disturbing increase in violence against trans individuals, with eight trans women killed between February and April of this year alone. Activists have reported that armed groups are increasingly targeting the LGBTQ+ community, further exacerbating the crisis. Last year, 41 trans women were tragically killed, underscoring the dangerous reality faced by many in the country.
Despite the interruption, Meghan Markle continued to deliver her message of empowerment and unity. Speaking in both English and Spanish, she emphasized the importance of supporting women and girls in finding their voices, drawing inspiration from her mother and the strong women around her. Markle’s speech, while focused on broader themes of empowerment, also served as a reminder of the intersectional challenges faced by women, particularly those in marginalized communities.
As the event concluded, the focus remained on the need for inclusive discussions that address the unique challenges faced by all women, including trans women, in the fight for equality and recognition.
