World

Cuban Celebration Aimed At Eliminating Homophobia

by Rhonda J Mangus | May 15, 2010 at 06:34 pm

183 views | 5 Recommendations | 1 comment

Before IDAHO, Cubans March Against Homophobia In Havana

IDAHO: The Great Global Kiss-in

As part of a celebration aimed at eliminating homophobia around the world and a precursor to International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) celebrated every May 17th, Cuba's gay and lesbian community once again celebrate with unprecedented openness a campaign against homophobia.

Along with Mariela Castro, daughter of Cuban President Raul Castro, gay and lesbian activists marched and danced through the streets of Havana on Saturday.

Some of the marchers played drums and others walked on stilts as they made their way down a wide avenue in the capital's hip Vedado neighborhood, where they have held a series of debates and workshops ahead of the May 17 celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia, which participants say marks the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization stopped listing homosexuality as a mental illness.

Cuba Has Come A Long Way In Accepting Homosexuality

National Commission Responsible for Integral Care for Transsexuals

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) related laws vary greatly by country or territory. Even though the government of Cuba has moved steadily away from the puritanism of the 1960s and 70s, in large part to the work of Cuba's National Centre for Sex Education (CENESEX) lead by Mariela Castro, Cuba's gay and lesbian community are still facing adoption issues and the legalization of same-sex marriage. Currently, same-sex sexual activity is legal in Cuba, but same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned. Mariela Castro continues to push for the rights of gays and lesbians to adopt and for the rights to same-sex marriage.

Join Cuba and Other Countries in Eliminating Homophobia

Participate! IDAHO events are being held in more than 60 countries this year. Check out all the details on the IDAHO website.

Watch the Cuban Celebration Aimed At Eliminating Homophobia Slide-Show.