Andrés Jaramillo Mejía^[1]
Greenberg Traurig, London
Andres.Jaramillo@gtlaw.com

Legal achievements and institutional progress

Colombia has made significant strides in recognising LGBTQI+ rights which include:

• Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2016.
• Adoption rights are granted to same-sex couples under equal conditions.
• Gender identity recognition allows trans individuals to change their legal documents without undergoing surgery.
• The country also boasts the world’s first LGBTQI+ inclusive peace accord, acknowledging the impact of armed conflict on LGBTQI+ communities.

In 2024, the Colombian Government launched CONPES 4147, a national plan aimed at guaranteeing the rights of LGBTQI+ people. However, Colombia Diversa, a local leading non-for-profit organisation advocating for rights and recognition to the LGBTQI+ community, notes that many of these policies have yet to be effectively implemented.

Violence and discrimination: a stark reality

Despite legal protections, Colombia remains one of the most dangerous countries in the Americas for LGBTQI+ individuals. According to Colombia Diversa, violence against LGBTQI+ people is persistent and often goes unpunished:

• In total, 45 LGBTQI+ homicides were reported by mid-2025, with gay men and trans women being the most targeted.
• In 2023 alone, 203 cases of threats and 78 cases of police violence against LGBTQI+ individuals were documented.
• Armed groups, particularly in rural areas, have issued death threats and committed brutal acts of violence, including torture and murder of trans women.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the UN Human Rights Council have both expressed concern over the gap between Colombia’s legal framework and the actual protection of LGBTQI+ lives. They highlight the impunity surrounding hate crimes and the lack of effective state response.

Structural barriers and social stigma

Reports from Asylos and Caribe Afirmativo emphasise that LGBTQI+ individuals face:

• discrimination in employment, healthcare and education;
• marginalisation of Indigenous and Afro-Colombian LGBTQI+ people; and 
• barriers to justice, especially in regions affected by armed conflict.

Social attitudes often lag behind legal reforms. Trans women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by bias-motivated violence and exclusion.

Civil society and advocacy

Organisations such as Colombia Diversa continue to play a vital role in documenting abuses, advocating for policy change and supporting victims. Their 2025 publications focus on:

• access to healthcare for trans people;
• threats and violence against LGBTQi+ individuals; and
• the impact of armed conflict on LGBTQ+ communities.

Conclusion

Colombia’s legal framework for LGBTQI+ rights is among the most advanced in Latin America. However, the country faces a critical challenge: bridging the gap between law and lived experience. As violence and discrimination persist, especially in marginalised communities, the efforts of civil society and international oversight remain essential to ensure that rights are not just recognised on paper – but are protected in practice.