Despite progress in legal terms, as seen in Law No.116 of the Cuban Labor Code, adopted in 2014, which expressly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace, “We will continue to support the issue of workplaces through this campaign, in strong partnership with the Cuban Workers’ Federation, to continue raising awareness in Cuban society and especially within trade unions regarding the need to promote respect for freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity as an exercise of social justice and equity,” Castro Espín noted.

The president of the organizing committee added, “We have arrived at this edition in a favorable context, following the 7th PCC Congress,” during which non-discrimination was reaffirmed as a key objective, in particular the need to confront prejudices and discriminatory behavior on various grounds, including sexual orientation.

“As a guest I was able to confirm that there was no questioning of this issue, which demonstrates that these issues are understood, supported and advanced within the Communist Party of Cuba, and that there is political support for our strategy, as expressed at the Congress,” she stressed.

She explained that events such as this 9th edition seek, within the very processes of social transformation, to produce a change in the mentality and attitudes of people who reject those with non-heteronormative sexual orientation or gender identity. The activities are also aimed at including the entire Cuban population, and are not exclusive to the LGBTI community, advocating the strengthening of values in Cuban society, based on the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

The organizing committee highlighted the extensive program of scientific, educational, recreational, cultural, sporting and training activities, and announced that the second venue, apart from Havana, will be the province of Matanzas.

In addition, the event includes conferences, workshops and panels, where issues related to activism and public policy, sexual and reproductive rights, and legal debates concerning sexual orientation and gender identity will all be addressed, as well as the traditional Gala and Cuban Conga against Homophobia and Transphobia, among other activities.

Before initiating the press conference in Havana, the resident coordinator in Cuba of the UN system, Mirta Kaulard, presented the UNiTE Award for the commitment to equality and an end to gender-based violence to Cenesex; in recognition of its important contribution to promoting the rights of all in Cuba, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Dr. Mariela Castro Espín was also recognized with this award.

(Granma)

Mariela Castro Espín, director of Cene sex, highlighted the importance of informing and educating the Cuban population in the need to accept and respect free and responsible sexual orientation and gender identity, rights which when not respected by all, become a problem which generates suffering and exclusion.

In this regard she noted that this year Cenesex has launched a new campaign as part of its ongoing communicative and sex education strategy, which aims to promote, under the banner of “count me in,” homophobia or transphobia free work spaces.

“We have spent the last two years directing efforts toward the family sphere, and although we haven’t been able to include rights regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in the Family Code as we had hoped, our work has contributed to brining awareness to the population at all levels, including that of government, so that in the future these issues are not only incorporated into the Family Code but also the Cuban justice system,” emphasized Castro Espín.

Likewise, she noted that “one of the problems frequently identified by our center through the legal services regarding sexual orientation it provides to the population, is precisely that work spaces are one of the principal areas in which LGTBI (lesbian, gay, transgender, intersex) people are vulnerable.

Mariela Castro emphasized that although the inclusion of a recommendation against discrimination based on sexual orientation in the Work Code is an achievement, the incorporation of the concept of gender identity continues to be an unfulfilled demand.
The use of concepts in the principle of non-discrimination is very important, and although these concepts are subject to a constant processes of development – such as notions regarding gender or sexuality – they exist and are used in basic ethical principles,” she stated.
She also argued that generating consciousness is not something achieved through laws alone, but requires systematic educational efforts. The population will not discuss, reflect, concern itself about nor address these problems unless we put them on the table, as they generate suffering, injustice, exclusion, which is incoherent with the principles of revolutionary social justice. The policies and aspirations must be reflected in laws and concrete actions.

This year’s special program of activities include an ecumenical service and celebration of love, a symbolic act between same-sex couples or transsexuals to commemorate a sentimental connection like heterosexual couples, until such marriages are legalized.
The scientific event will begin this Wednesday with two panel discussion in the CTC, regarding how to make work places spaces of inclusion.
Another of this event’s objectives is to promote the creation of personal, family and social conditions in which men and women can fully exercise their sexual rights, free from exclusion based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
It also aims to promote respect and acceptance toward people with HIV with an emphasis on the most vulnerable groups; to combat and overcome all forms of discrimination and gender based violence, in particular, against men and women due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

(Diario Granma)