In memory: Andrea Junnisly Mutz González

June 11th, 2021

We are terribly saddened to learn that Andrea Junnisly Mutz González, an alumnus of the “Human Rights – LGBTI Advocacy and Cross-Sectoral Alliances” International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), was murdered in Guatemala City on June 11, 2021. Andrea González was a prominent activist and Executive Director of the transgender women’s organization O-Trans Reinas de la Noche (Queens of the Night). We extend our deepest condolences to Andrea’s colleagues and everyone close to her.

“Reinas de la Noche is in mourning over the irreparable loss of Andrea González, a leader and activist for the human rights of trans people,” said Reinas de la Noche. “Her legacy will endure in each one of us, and her light will never be extinguished.”

In January 2021, the Global Leadership Exchange at the World Affairs Council had the honor of hosting Andrea Junnisly Mutz González as a part of an IVLP that brought activists and community leaders from South and Central America together for a U.S. exchange program exploring policies promoting and protecting human rights. Seven participants from Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico met virtually with prominent U.S. organizations supporting LGBTQIA+ rights and community outreach nationally and locally in Washington DC; Charlotte, NC; Des Moines, IA; and Seattle, WA.

During meetings with Seattle organizations Gay City and Ingersoll Gender Center, Andrea González shared her expertise and perspective as the Executive Director of O-Trans Reinas de la Noche as well as discussed her crucial work with the Centro de Documentación y Situación Trans de América Latina y el Caribe (CEDOSTALC - Center for Documentation of the Trans Situation of Latin America and the Caribbean), a community-based system for collecting information, monitoring, and responding to human rights violations experienced by transgender people, particularly in the areas of institutional violence and access to HIV and AIDS services and other health services.

Screenshot of the “Human Rights – LGBTI Advocacy and Cross-Sectoral Alliances” International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) meeting with Ingersoll Gender Center. Andrea is pictured lower right.

Andrea, 28 years old, grew up in Guatemala City and studied nursing. Starting as an assistant nurse with Otrans in 2012, she eventually became Executive Director in 2016. In this position, she led advocacy efforts for the recognition of trans women, including the promotion of the Gender Identity Law in Congress and other key national institutions. Andrea served as an educator and sexual health advocate for trans women from 2012 - 2015, which led to her becoming a member of the Ministry of Health’s working group promoting access to health for trans women. Beyond health promotion, Andrea served as a human rights activist, community leader, feminist, and representative for several national and Latin American networks working on the promotion of LGBTI rights and has represented Guatemala in international forums.

Andrea will not be forgotten and we hope to continue to share her story. The legacy of her leadership and activism will continue to inspire action.

Read further global news stories about Andrea:

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by members of Global Ties U.S.

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Date: June 11th, 2021

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