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]