Uruguay to have its first trans woman in senior government position

By Ana Pastana – From Cenarium

MANAUS (AM) – Activist Collette Spinetti will become the first trans woman to hold a senior position in Uruguay after being chosen to lead the country’s Human Rights Secretariat. The announcement followed the newly elected Uruguayan president of the 2024 elections, Yamandú Orsi, unveiling his new government team. The president-elect’s inauguration is scheduled for 1st March and is expected to be attended by the Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).

On X, formerly Twitter, Collette expressed her emotions and gratitude for the president’s trust in appointing her as the secretary of the department. “Grateful and moved by the trust placed in me by the president-elect, @yamanduorsi, to take on the role of Secretary of Human Rights in the Presidency of the Republic. We will move towards a country that promotes and respects the human rights of all people. We will know how to fulfil this mission!!!” she wrote.

During an interview with the news website La Diaria, Collette stated that she feels a great sense of responsibility in taking on the role. “It’s not just about one person arriving. When one of us arrives, we all arrive, and this sets a precedent. I hope that many fellow trans people can also access these decision-making spaces,” she declared.

The new Human Rights Secretary is an activist, a Literature and Dance teacher. Collette’s background includes serving as president of the Trans Collective of Uruguay (Colectivo Trans del Uruguay – CTU), as well as being the president of the Trans Steering Committee of the International Lesbian, Gay, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) and the Secretary-General of Corpora en Libertad, a network that supports incarcerated LGBTQIAPN+ individuals. She resigned from her position as president of the CTU at the end of January.

The Trans Collective of Uruguay expressed support for the election results and the appointment of the trans activist.

“This is an unforgettable and deeply significant moment, as, for the first time, a trans person, a trans woman, is occupying such a relevant position within the political sphere in our country. This fact shows us that we are progressing towards a fairer and more equitable society, where all voices are heard and valued. Collette’s appointment is proof of the tireless work we have carried out and the ongoing struggle for human rights and equality,” the collective emphasised.

With this appointment, Spinetti becomes the third trans woman to hold public office in Uruguay. The first was Michelle Suárez, in 2017, who became the country’s first trans senator. The second was Alejandra da Rosa, in 2020, who became the first trans councillor in the municipality of Tacuarembó.

Edited by Marcela Leiros
Reviewed by Gustavo Gilona