The Pink Stiletto
Merlinka on the cover of the Optimist magazine. December 2023 Issue.
In mid-October of last year, a pink stiletto sculpture appeared outside Belgrade’s central bus station. However, just days later, the same sculpture lay shattered into pieces. Titled “Size 43” (“Broj 43”), this artwork holds deeper significance than its appearance suggests.
The sculpture, created in memory of Marlinka, was installed shortly after their birthday. It was crafted in Marlinka’s favorite shoes and in their shoe size. An anonymous artist designed the sculpture to honor Marlinka’s legacy, stating that it “keeps the memory of Merlinka, who was an artist and hero of the queer community in Serbia, and was brutally murdered.” The vandalism of this sculpture represents yet another targeted attack on the Serbian LGBTQ+ community.
Size 43, 2023. Photo by Mitar Mitrović.
Who was Merlinka?
Vjeran Miladinović, better known as Merlinka, was a trailblazing figure who made a significant impact as the first openly transgender person in the former Yugoslavia, film star, artist, and now a queer icon. Their early life was marked by adversity, as their mother, pregnant and lacking resources, lived in a home for neglected children and young adults. Merlinka was born in 1958 and was left in the same home without a mother. After a brief period living with their paternal grandmother, they went to live with their father and his new family in 1965. At 19, they were kicked out of the house and began living independently in Belgrade, where they embraced newfound freedom to express themselves. Merlinka’s life took a dramatic turn at this point, and they began working as a sex worker. At 31, Merlinka transitioned. Known for their distinctive style, Merlinka often wore short skirts, eye-catching jewelry, and, of course, high heels.
In the 1980s, Merlinka ventured into acting, appearing in two films by the renowned director Želimir Žilnik. In 1995, they took on a starring role in “Marble Ass” (“Dupe od mramora”), a film inspired by Merlinka’s own life. Their career expanded beyond the screen when they published their autobiography, “Tereza’s Son” (“Terezin sin”), in 2001. The book, praised for its bravery and honesty, offered a glimpse into the struggles of a transgender individual in the Balkans, shedding light on often-overlooked lives. Merlinka was remembered fondly by those who knew them, described as a loving, compassionate, intelligent, and talented person. However, their life was tragically cut short in March 2003. To this day, no one has been held accountable for Merlinka’s murder, and the crime has never been officially recognized as a hate crime.
A scene from Marble Ass, 1995.
In 2009, the “Merlinka Festival” was established as a tribute to Merlinka’s legacy. This international queer film festival showcases and promotes LGBTQ+ stories and voices from around the world through films and documentaries. The festival awards prizes for the best feature film, the best short film, and the best documentary film, with the award named “Dorothy’s Shoe” (“Dorotina cipelica”). The festival takes place at the beginning of December each year, spanning five days. It is organized and hosted at the Belgrade Youth Center (Dom omladine Beograda), with the center being one of the original founders of the festival along with the Gay Lesbian Info Center. In February 2010, the festival received the Crystal Award for the best youth project. Additionally, a drama based on Merlinka’s autobiography, titled “Merlinka's Confession” (“Merlinkina ispovest”), was written in 2003 and staged in 2014. Another play premiered in 2019, titled “Fear of Butterflies” (“Strah od leptira”).
Merlinka remains a beacon of inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrated and commemorated across various mediums including festivals, art, and film. Their courageous spirit and impactful contributions have solidified their status as an icon within the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a reminder of the power of authenticity and resilience. Merlinka’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift, leaving an indelible mark on the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.
