LGBTQ+ activists in Lima took to the streets yesterday to show their disdain for their government’s response to the death of a Peruvian transgender man in Indonesia. Harvard graduate student and trans rights activist Rodrigo Ventosilla, reportedly died of “bodily failure” while in custody. This after being detained by authorities in Bali upon arrival for alleged cannabis possession earlier this month.
The 32-year old traveled to Indonesia to honeymoon with his partner while on break from his Harvard studies. Indonesian authorities have stated that he was detained on suspicion of possession of cannabis derived products but deny that any violence was involved in his death. Ventosilla’s family however, is accusing Indonesian authorities of police violence, racism and transphobia.
Ventosilla was rushed to the hospital two days after his arrest where he died on Aug. 11. Indonesian authorities claim the death was due to Ventosilla ingesting medication that wasn’t confiscated by police. There is no date for when the body will arrive in Lima.
The Peruvian foreign ministry responded by highlighting that Ventosilla was arrested for an alleged drug offense and not for being transgender while ignoring that he died in custody. Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws and penalties include capital punishment. Activists protested Peruvian authorities not launching their own investigation and calls for a stronger response are being echoed by Ventosilla’s Harvard faculty.
A lawyer for the family has stated that the Peruvian government has since apologized for its initial response and has promised to launch an investigation. In Peru, Ventosilla was a founding member of the trans rights organization “Diversidades Trans Masculinas.”