Lilit Martirosyan (b. 1991) ^[8]is a leading transgender activist in Armenia.

She is notable for being the first transgender Armenian woman to address the Parliament of Armenia.

She is also the first transgender person to change her name to a full female name in Armenia.

Lilit Martirosyan grew up in Armenia.

When she was 14 years old, she decided she wanted to join the workforce.

However, she could not find a regular job easily, as employers did not like the way she looked.^[8]

She eventually became a sex worker and stayed in the industry for 11 years.

She was beaten and threatened with a knife several times.^[8]

Lilit is the Founder and President of Right Side (NGO), a non-governmental organization specializing in LGBT rights in Armenia.

The organization works to advance equality for transgender people by promoting and establishing income-generating activities in parallel to raising awareness about human rights among the community.

Through strengthening trans-activism, challenging stereotypes surrounding transgender community and providing vocational courses to trans individuals as well as training potential employers on trans issues, the organization empowers numerous transgender people and educate society about issues confronting transgender community.

^[0]

On April 5, 2019, Martirosyan delivered a speech to the Parliament of Armenia .

It was the first time in Armenian history a trans woman gave a speech in front of the country's national assembly.^[-1]