Merlinka | |
---|---|
Born | Vjeran Miladinović 1 October 1958 |
Died | February 22, 2003
Belgrade, Serbia | (aged 44)
Occupation | Actor |
Vjeran Miladinović (1 October 1958 - 22 February 2003), also known as Merlinka, was a transgender sex worker and actress best known for the 1995 film Marble Ass, directed by Želimir Žilnik. Merlika identified as both gay and a crossdresser, [1] and is believed to have been the first openly trans person in the Balkans. [2] [3]
Merlinka was born in Zagreb and during her childhood lived in an orphanage, was homeless, and lived with distant family. After high school, she came to live in Belgrade. [2]
In 1986, Merlinka participated in a public debate about homosexuality at the Belgrade Youth Center, one of the first such public debates on the subject in the region. [1] In the 1990s, she took part in Arkadija events. [4]
Merlinka had the leading [5] role in the 1995 movie Marble Ass directed by Želimir Žilnik.
Merlinka published an autobiography in 2001, named Teresa's son. [6] [7] The title of the book references Merlinka's mother, Tereza Strmečki. [8]
Merlinka was murdered in Belgrade during the night of 22 March 2003, at the age of 43. [6] Her body was found a month later. [7] A suspect was arrested for her murder, but was later freed of charges. [7]
In 2009, the Gay Lesbian Info Centre and Belgrade Youth Center founded the International Queer Film Festival Merlinka, named in Merlinka's honor. [6] In March 2013, the tenth anniversary of her death, the festival held a special program about Merlinka's life. [7]
In July 2013, a plaque honoring Merlinka was put up anonymously in Belgrade. [7]