Karla Avelar

Karla Avelar, born in El Salvador in nineteen seventy-eight, is a prominent transgender rights activist dedicated to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. As the founder and executive director of COMCAVIS Trans, she has tirelessly worked to combat discrimination against trans women living with HIV in her home country. Under her leadership, the organization has become a vital resource for the transgender community, providing legal assistance and shelter to those in need.

Avelar's commitment to fighting anti-trans sentiment in Salvadoran society is evident in her efforts to document violence against transgender individuals. For over fifteen years, COMCAVIS Trans has maintained records of homicides and violations faced by LGBT individuals, highlighting the lack of protection and reparations offered by authorities. Avelar has been vocal about the dangers faced by the transgender community, stating, 'Now they are after your life,' emphasizing the urgent need for change.

In addition to her work with COMCAVIS Trans, Avelar has been involved with various organizations since the nineteen nineties, including El Nombre De la Rosa and Aspidh Arcoiris Trans. Her advocacy has extended beyond El Salvador, as she currently resides in Switzerland after receiving asylum due to threats from gangs in her home country. Despite her relocation, Avelar continues to serve as a delegate for the UN in Geneva and advises the International Platform against Impunity, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the fight for transgender rights.