Cuba Joins International Day against Homophobia

Cuba calls to promote respect for free sexual orientation and gender identity, as an exercise of justice and equity

Cuba is celebrating today the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia with a call to promote respect for free sexual orientation and gender identity, as an exercise of justice and equity.

Under the slogan ‘For schools without homophobia, or transphobia,’ the activities related to the anniversary began since May 4 and they will be extended until tomorrow in the context of the 30th anniversary of the National Sex Education Center (CENESEX).

According to its director, Mariela Castro, the institution carries out an intense work for the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex community and with support of the Cuban government.

‘We have been taking learning from what has been done all this time. We have new proposals that do not consist in drawing up new laws, but, working on modifications of laws that already exist in our Constitution so they are more expeditious,’ Castro said.

The program included spaces for community activities, academic and cultural exchange, and actions suitable to the exchange of experiences between activists and professionals.

The Cuban day against homophobia and transphobia was dedicated to the issue of harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identification in educational centers.

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is celebrated on May 17 to commemorate the elimination of homosexuality in 1990 from the list of mental illnesses by the World Health Organization.