TDoR 2026 / 2026 / February / 18 / Constanza Sánchez Tolosa ("Madre Constanza")


Constanza Sánchez Tolosa ("Madre Constanza")

Age about 60

18 Feb 2026
Bogotá, Distrito Capital (Colombia)
Murdered

Constanza Sánchez Tolosa ("Madre Constanza")
Constanza Sánchez Tolosa ("Madre Constanza") [photo: desinformemonos.org]

Constanza was a longstanding human rights defender who helped young trans people displaced or expelled from their homes. Her murder caused widespread outrage.

The discovery of the body of Constanza Sánchez, recognized for decades as a key figure in the defense of the rights of trans people in downtown Bogotá, shook the Santa Fe neighborhood in the Los Mártires district this Tuesday .

The community leader, known as “Mother Constanza,” had lived there for years and from that space built a support network that made her a role model for generations of trans women. Authorities confirmed that the body showed signs of violence; however, there is no official version of events at this time, and the incident is still under judicial investigation.

The news was confirmed by human rights groups and organizations. Among them, Caribe Afirmativo, one of the most visible, called for the case not to be treated as an isolated incident, given the context of repeated episodes of violence against the trans community in the city and the country. The Ombudsman's Office joined these calls, requesting that the Attorney General's Office launch an urgent investigation with a gender and identity-sensitive approach. Ombudsman Iris Marín warned that these events are part of a “systematic and culturally sustained” pattern of violence.

Constanza was not just an activist: she was a refuge and guide for several generations. For years, she accompanied young trans people displaced or expelled from their homes, providing them with legal guidance, daily support, and a place where they could exist and develop their personalities without fear.

Former Bogotá mayor Claudia López joined the chorus of condolences, lamenting Constanza's death and highlighting her role as a historical figurehead for the trans community. She recalled joint initiatives that, she said, honor Constanza's memory and legacy.

These voices were joined by Representative María Fernanda Carrascal, who demanded urgent action to protect the trans population, clarify the crime and guarantee justice, and asked Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán for concrete protection measures.

The Ministry of the Interior, under the national government, expressed its solidarity with Constanza's family and condemned the acts of violence in the Santa Fe neighborhood. In a statement, the Ministry categorically rejected any act that threatens the life, dignity, and integrity of transgender people and the LGBTIQ+ community, and reiterated its commitment to guaranteeing their rights and building environments free from discrimination.

https://desinformemonos.org/transfemicidio-de-la-madre-constanza-en-bogota/

https://www.qhubobogota.com/judiciales/constanza-hallada-dento-vivienda/

https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2026/02/20/hallan-muerta-a-constanza-conocida-como-la-abuela-de-todas-las-travestis-y-referente-historica-del-movimiento-trans-en-bogota/

https://www.elespectador.com/bogota/fiscalia-investiga-crimen-de-constanza-sanchez-referente-trans-hallada-sin-vida-en-bogota/

https://www.diariodelsur.com.co/investigan-la-muerte-de-mujer-trans-en-pagadiario-del-barrio-santa-fe-en-bogota/

https://www.pulzo.com/nacion/bogota/encuentran-muerta-abuela-travestis-bogota-defendia-derechos-trans-PP5057534

https://www.elespectador.com/bogota/fiscalia-investiga-crimen-de-constanza-sanchez-referente-trans-hallada-sin-vida-en-bogota/

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=26061740836848199

https://www.facebook.com/integracionsocialbogota/photos/desde-la-secretar%C3%ADa-de-integraci%C3%B3n-social-de-bogot%C3%A1-lamentamos-profundamente-el-/1336959085131712/

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1387747516894144

https://www.instagram.com/p/DU7Fp5JDhFK/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DU69-w9AHhB/

https://x.com/heidy_up/status/2024866661002592748

https://x.com/AngelicaLozanoC/status/2024951132913602694

https://x.com/MarnIris/status/2024317060801552450

https://x.com/CatalinariasCol/status/2024300627375816740

https://x.com/integracionbta/status/2024298557717581863

https://www.tiktok.com/@dayanarasalasmorelo/video/7608595975271091476

Report added: 23 Feb 2026. Last updated: 11 Mar 2026

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