Lie Detector: Kesaria Abramidze

Show: Lie Detector (Imedi TV)
Release Year: 2022

On March 29, 2022, Kesaria Abramidze, a celebrated Georgian transgender blogger, actress, and model, made a notable appearance on the popular Georgian TV show Lie Detector, hosted by Noe Sulaberidze. This Imedi TV show, known for its entertaining format, aims to explore the personal stories of its guests through a lie detector test while engaging them in deep and often revealing conversations. Kesaria's participation, however, transcended the typical entertainment aspect of the show and offered a poignant insight into her transformation, struggles, and aspirations.

 

Kesaria Abramidze (18 August 1987 – 18 September 2024) was more than just a television personality - she was a trailblazer for transgender rights in Georgia. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Abramidze made history as the first openly transgender person to appear on national television. Her bravery in sharing her story with the public helped to break down barriers and increase visibility for transgender people in a country where LGBTQ+ issues remain sensitive and often underrepresented. Abramidze's legacy as an advocate for trans rights is cemented not only by her work on television but also by her influence on social media and her participation in beauty pageants like Miss Trans Global, where she represented Georgia. Before undergoing gender-affirming surgery in 2014, Abramidze took the proactive step of freezing her genetic material outside the country, showing foresight and preparation for her transition. In 2015, she appeared in an underwear advertisement, marking her first major public appearance following her transition. 

 

Kesaria’s journey toward her transformation began at an early age, with the roots of her feelings dating back to when she was just 14 years old. On the Lie Detector show, she openly discussed how, as a young teenager, she grappled with a growing sense of discomfort in her own skin. She attributed her initial sense of unease to her gender identity, which did not align with the biological sex assigned to her at birth. When asked by Noe Sulaberidze about the inception of her transformation, Kesaria candidly shared, “First of all, I came up with this idea when I was 14 years old. I had a psychological support. Many sexologists and other people were involved in this.” This statement illustrates that her desire for transformation was not a sudden, impulsive decision. Instead, it was something that had been thoughtfully considered over many years, influenced by interactions with professionals and her own internal reflection. Kesaria’s experience during this period was shaped by a psychological struggle, and she described the difficult relationship with her gender identity as one that involved a lot of internal turmoil. She also mentioned that sexologists and other experts played a role in helping her understand her feelings, which eventually contributed to her decision to embark on a path of transformation. The decision was not made lightly, but rather, it was a culmination of years of careful thought and external support. 

 

As Kesaria’s transformation journey continued, she faced numerous challenges, both emotional and financial. One particularly striking part of her story shared on the show was her struggle with finances during the early stages of her transformation. Kesaria spoke about the financial sacrifices she made. Despite the challenges, Kesaria’s path was not solely defined by financial and logistical obstacles. The emotional toll of undergoing such a deep and personal transformation was also immense. She described feeling a profound sense of shock after the gender-affirming surgery, admitting that it was one of the hardest experiences she had ever faced. "I was in a state of shock, I was in a state of shock..." she revealed, offering the audience a glimpse into the emotional complexity of her transition. This part of Kesaria’s story, shared candidly on the show, highlighted the often-overlooked psychological struggles that many transgender individuals face during their journey. It wasn’t just a physical change for Kesaria; it was a process fraught with emotional challenges, from confusion and sadness to a sense of loss. Yet, despite these struggles, she persevered, and this resilience allowed her to overcome the obstacles and continue moving forward in her quest for authenticity. 

 

One of the more touching moments of Kesaria’s appearance on Lie Detector came when she spoke about her family, particularly her relationship with her mother. Noe Sulaberidze asked Kesaria about her mother’s reaction to her transition, and Kesaria shared how important her mother’s support was in the process. “I went to my mother, and told her that I had done a great job,” Kesaria shared, expressing the relief and pride she felt in having her mother’s understanding and encouragement. This emotional connection with her mother stood out as a pivotal part of Kesaria’s journey. It wasn’t always easy, and her relationship with her family had its share of complexities, but her mother’s support ultimately became a source of strength. “I would like to thank all of you for inviting me to this show and I would like to thank my fans for this opportunity,” Kesaria expressed gratefully, acknowledging the role that both her family and her fans had played in helping her through this transformative period. Further on the show, Kesaria was asked about her aunt, whom she held in high regard. When asked if she missed her, Kesaria replied with visible emotion, saying, “Yes, I miss her a lot. I miss everything, her facial expressions, the way she talks, the way she dresses.” This poignant moment underscored the emotional connections that are so integral to Kesaria’s life. She was not just transforming herself physically; she was also reconciling with the emotional aspects of her past and her familial bonds. 

 

Another significant theme that emerged during Kesaria’s conversation on Lie Detector was her relationship with the media and social media. Although Kesaria had no initial interest in the media, her visibility as a public figure gradually increased. On the show, she shared, “I have never thought that I would be interested in the media.” Despite this, she acknowledged that her growing visibility in the media and on social platforms had played a significant role in her personal and professional life. Kesaria’s reflections on her appearance on the show are also noteworthy. While she recognized the power of TV shows to shape public perception, she expressed some dissatisfaction with the limited reach of television compared to the broader reach of social media platforms. She remarked, “It is very sad that this show is being broadcasted on TV and not on social media.” This statement suggests that, despite her growing fame, Kesaria still felt that her full story could be better shared with a wider, more engaged audience through platforms like social media. 

 

Tragically, Kesaria Abramidze’s life was cut short when she was murdered on 18 September 2024 at the age of 37, just one day after the Georgian Parliament passed the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda bill. Her murder shocked the nation and became a focal point for discussions about political homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in Georgia. The Georgian Ombudsman, the country’s president, and the United Nations Human Rights Office all condemned the murder, calling it a wake-up call for the country to address its rising intolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community. Abramidze's murder was linked directly to the recent legislative changes, with Michael Roth, the chairman of the Bundestag's Committee on International Relations, specifically attributing her death to the new law. This event underscored the dangerous atmosphere that transgender individuals in Georgia face, with Kesaria’s tragic end shining a spotlight on the ongoing challenges for the LGBTQ+ community in the country. Kesaria's murder was also tied to her personal life, as it was revealed that her 26-year-old partner, who had previously threatened her, was arrested at Kutaisi International Airport the day after her death. Kesaria had already reported abuse by her partner earlier that year, both physical and psychological. Her death left a deep wound in the hearts of those who admired her for her courage and activism. Despite this heartbreaking ending, Kesaria's impact lives on. As Georgia’s first openly transgender TV personality, and through her advocacy for transgender rights, Kesaria remains a symbol of resilience and a trailblazer who fought for visibility and acceptance in a country still struggling with LGBTQ+ rights. 

 

Kesaria Abramidze’s appearance on Lie Detector was not just an opportunity for the public to learn about her transformation; it was a powerful testament to the resilience and courage of transgender individuals who face countless obstacles in their personal journeys. Through her honest and emotional reflections, Kesaria offered viewers a rare and intimate look at the realities of transgender transformation – the sacrifices, the struggles, and the emotional complexity of the process. Her participation in the show underscored the importance of family support, self-empowerment, and the ability to navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of transformation. Kesaria’s story is one of perseverance, authenticity, and personal growth, and it continues to inspire many who may be on their own journey toward self-discovery and acceptance. Her legacy as a trailblazer for trans rights in Georgia and beyond is a lasting testament to her courage, and her story will continue to resonate for years to come.

 

via: youtube

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Image credits: YouTube