An event of such magnitude could not but completely change policies regarding gender and sexualities. This has been a process of complex cultural metamorphosis, leading to confrontations and dialogue between generations, cultural patterns, classes and social strata, in which women have been protagonists and promoters.

In this scenario of broad popular participation, the first actions were taken to implement political, economic and social changes that modified the role of men and women in society and within the family, in the relationships of couples, in sexualities, in intergenerational relations.

Between 1959 and 1961, the young Revolutionary state approved significant laws that responded to longstanding aspirations frustrated by the politicking of traditional parties, their corruption and servility to the powerful nation to the North. Outstanding among these was the Fundamental Law of the Republic of Cuba, approved on February 7, 1959, which established equal salaries for men and women.

On August 23, 1960, the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) was officially established as an organized mass movement of women in civil society. Since then, women implemented our own project of empowerment as subjects by law, with a profound impact on all of society, politics and culture.

At the same time, different initiatives of broad citizen participation emerged, such as popular mobilizations in defense of terrorist aggressions organized by the government of the United States of America; women came to their homes dressed as militia members and their image in this new social role became everyday.

The broad incorporation of women into the workplace and a wide range of public events had a great impact on sexuality (Núñez, 2001). The new social condition of women contributed to changing the prevailing reproductive pattern from six children per woman to less than one son or daughter per woman (Alfonso, 2006), although the latest National Fertility Survey reports that the reproductive ideal for women is 2.13 and for men 2.31 (ONEI, 2009).

As a result of joint work by the FMC and the new National Public Health System, the National Family Planning Program was established in 1964 and in 1965 the voluntary termination of pregnancy was institutionalized as a free service, performed by professionals in public health institutions.

This was done with the goal of reducing maternal mortality and promoting and guaranteeing women’s right to make their own decisions about their bodies.

These decisions, along with other national program, contributed to a decrease in maternal mortality, which in 1959 was 120 per 100,000 live births, and by 1966 had been reduced to 60. Rigorous monitoring of this indicator to reduce its predictable causes is an ongoing task and one of the most important components of the Ministry’s Mother and Child Program, reporting a rate of 36 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019.

In accordance its own mechanisms of participation, in 1972, the FMC established a multidisciplinary, inter-sectoral working group to manage and develop a National Sex Education Program.

The goal of this initiative was to respond to one of the proposals expressed by women in our annual plenary sessions: to prepare themselves in sex education in order to better guide their daughters and sons, and thus avoid the uncertainty they suffered. The National Sex Education Working Group was created with this premise.

The importance of sex education was acknowledged at the Second Congress of the FMC in 1974 and at the First Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba in 1975. Since then, sexuality education has been expressed in state policy, with families and schools recognized as the institutions with the greatest responsibility in the matter.

The policies of the 1960s were expressed in new laws during the 1970s, most notably the Family Code adopted in 1975 as a result of a broad process of popular consultation. Considered the most advanced for its time in the entire continent, it recognized the right of men and women to full sexuality and to share the same domestic and educational responsibilities.

As a result of the policy developed during the 1970s, Cuba was the first country to sign, and the second to ratify, government commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW, 1979).

Cuban culture has a strong patriarchal Hispanic-African heritage, with a long homophobic tradition, a model of domination imposed by the Spanish colonial system and its official religion, along with a worldwide scientific approach that stigmatized homosexuality.

When the Revolution triumphed, medical, psychological, social and legal sciences around the world took positions against homosexuality, and considered it an example of illness, insanity, moral decadence and deviation from social norms.

Unfortunately, the permanence of institutionalized homophobia in the first decades of the Revolution has not been analyzed in all its complexity. This situation is exploited by those who only see it as an opportunity to profit from the well-funded market of attacks on Cuba. Given this reality, it is essential that our institutions critically analyze practices that are inconsistent with the humanist spirit of the revolutionary process.

David Carter (2004), in his book Stonewall, on the protests that ignited the gay revolution, wrote, in 1961, that laws criminalizing homosexuality in the United States were tougher than those in Cuba, Russia or East Germany, countries customarily criticized by the U.S. government for their “despotic methods” (Carter D., p.16).

Understanding the current situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI+) persons in Cuba, and the need to address attention to their needs as a question of policy, demands that we understand the historical evolution of the issue within the Cuban Revolution’s social agenda.

The National Working Group on Sex Education (Gntes, 1972), led by the FMC, became the National Center for Sex Education (Cenesex) in 1988, and since then has been subordinated to the Ministry of Public Health (Minsap).

Cenesex’s mission is to contribute to the development of comprehensive education on sexuality, sexual health, recognition and guarantee of the sexual rights of the entire population. Toward this end, the Center develops educational and communication strategies that include different national public welfare campaigns.

The initiative to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, beginning May 17, 2007, has had significant impact on the mobilization of the Cuban population’s social conscience.

We welcomed the proposal by the French-Caribbean professor, Louis-Georges Tin, to place the celebration on the date of the World Health Organization’s decision to formally de-pathologize homosexuality, leaving behind unscientific points of view that contributed to stigma and discrimination. This occurred on May 17, 1990.

Since 2008, we have dedicated the entire month of May to developing educational and communication activities that promote respect for free sexual orientation and gender identities, as an exercise in justice and social equity, under the name of Cuban Days against Homophobia and Transphobia.

These days are coordinated by CENESEX, through Minsap, along with other state institutions, the government and the indispensable support of the Party at all levels. Campaigns have been focused on the family, school, work and, more recently, recognition of all rights for all people, without discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Cuban Days against Homophobia and Transphobia have undoubtedly had an impact on the vision of the country approved by the 7th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba (2016) and the National Assembly of People’s Power (2017) after a rigorous process of popular consultation.

The Conceptualization of the Cuban Economic and Social Model of Socialist Development, and the National Plan of Economic and Social Development through 2030, expressly mention the need to confront all forms of discrimination, including that motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity.

In total harmony with these decisions, since 2019, our Constitution textually recognizes sexual and reproductive rights, prohibits discrimination against persons with non-homonormative sexualities, protects family diversity and clearly regulates marriage as a legal institution accessible to all persons without discrimination of any kind.

Of course, we still have a long way to go. That is why we educate for love and respectful coexistence, not for the perpetuation of relationships of domination or violence. We educate in the humanist and democratic principles that are inspired by the emancipatory paradigm of socialism, in freedom as a complex individual and collective responsibility. We will continue working until all justice is achieved.

(Source: Granma)

THE reformulation of the previous Article 68, which is currently contained in Article 82, should be interpreted as an advance in a process as complex as the reform of the most important norm in our social and political context.

Contrary to the distortion and misrepresentation that has been spread on social networks in recent days, the current article on marriage maintains its vocation of inclusion, in total harmony with the principle of equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, which is also contained in the proposed constitutional text in the current Article 42.

The constitutional reference to marriage is now in a new chapter, in which families in all their diversity are addressed. Marriage is enshrined as a social and legal institution, and is recognized as one of the forms of family organization, but not the only one.

With respect to the subjects of marriage, the concept of spouses is used, a legal construction that refers to the people who have formalized their marriage bond, and that in no way limits the possibility that people of the same gender can consent to marriage as a form of legal recognition of the union they have chosen to construct. Do not doubt that Article 82 erases, in constitutional terms, any binary allusion or basis in terms of gender and the heteronormativity that characterizes the regulation of marriage that exists in the text that we are trying to reform today.

The new formulation establishes de facto unions as a novel element, without binding them to any gender; according to statistics and the opinions of experts on families in our country, this form of relationship is the most used in our society.

Another original element is the fact that no express reference is made to reproduction as the purpose of marriage or of families, which dissociates this outdated concept that meant family dynamics revolved around offspring. This, obviously, will visualize the right of people who, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, do not conceive of reproduction as the ultimate goal of their life projects, but do decide to form families regardless.

There is no retreat; the essence of Article 68 is maintained, in fact the current wording, as I have set out, transcends the previous proposal.

We have an initial challenge – to guarantee the positive vote of the majority of our electorate in the democratic exercise scheduled for February of next year. From today and up to that date, we must strengthen communication and awareness strategies among the population to provide all the arguments that are needed.

After the referendum, and with the favorable vote of the majority of our people, in which I have every confidence, we must concentrate on the formulation of the law that will put into practice everything related to families and, in particular, to marriage.

This law, the Family Code, should be informed by the most advanced scientific positions on the subject, and we will have to take as references the similar experiences that exist internationally, but also our own social reality. The proposed amendments to the current Family Code should articulate and guarantee marriage as is constitutionally conceived – as a plural, inclusive institution, to which all people can accede without distinction.

I insist that faced with the manipulative campaigns that the counterrevolution is disseminating on social media to sabotage the referendum, promoting a No vote, we have the duty to undertake a good and rigorous campaign to inform the people and the world.

I want to make plain that the principles of the Revolution and the rights of all people are protected in the new constitutional text. Now we have to legitimize them with the Yes that we will provide in the Referendum.

Trust that the educational and transformative nature of the law will ensure justice prevails in the legislation that derives from the Constitution. Cuba needs this Constitution, and on February 24, Cuba will once again rise up, for all time.

Let’s say Yes to the Constitution, and then close ranks to achieve implementing legislation as advanced as what our new constitutional text will be.

I want to congratulate the National Assembly and emphatically, the Drafting Commission, for its rigorous work, for its conceptual and methodological contribution to this democratic exercise, and for the critical spirit it has maintained regarding its own efforts, to perfect the following processes that we will undertake.

I want to congratulate Homero Acosta for masterfully carrying out his duties as a jurist and as an educator, as he taught us deputies, but also our people.

Also the people of Cuba, for their political maturity, for their valuable contributions, and for the responsibility assumed.

Most especially, I want to congratulate an educator who has been an inspiring example in my life, who taught me that you can love the Revolution without abandoning your family, and that you can love your family without abandoning the Revolution. Thank you for your example, as a father and as a revolutionary.

(Statement by Deputy Mariela Castro Espín, during the Second Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of People’s Power’s Ninth Legislature, December 22, 2018, in which the final text of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba, including recommendations stemming from the popular consultation process, was approved.)

The specialized institution is attached to the Ministry of Public Health, and since 2006 is an accredited postgraduate study center, attached to the University of Havana’s School of Medical Sciences. It is a member organization of the Cuban United Nations Association, the World Association for Sexual Health, Latin American Federation of Sexology and Sex Education Societies, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, and its regional organization for Latin America and the Caribbean.

CENESEX promotes sex education based on a socialist, emancipatory paradigm. This means recognition of the right to sexuality as an inalienable human right in any society, as MSc Manuel Vázquez Seijido, assistant director of CENESEX, told Granma International.

To ensure respect for this right, and combat prejudice and discrimination, CENESEX makes use of three areas of scientific work: medical assistance related to teaching and research; community work to raise awareness among the population; and legal advice to ensure compliance with what is prescribed in the different legislative codes in this area.

“Our institution is very diverse in terms of the activities undertaken. On the one hand, it dedicates important efforts to scientific research in order to obtain the grounds that support undergraduate and postgraduate training processes. We have diploma and masters programs, and we are working on a PhD program. We also teach several short and training courses, which we offer nationally and internationally. We also undertake various actions at the community level, visualized in the four major events held throughout the year, with a vast social and media impact,” Vázquez explained.

ANNUAL CENESEX EVENTS

At the beginning of the year, the institution organizes the Motherhood and Fatherhood: Equal Rights and Responsibilities event, which extends from February 14 to Father’s Day, in June, thus also including Mother’s Day. As part of the event, special attention is paid to guidelines on raising children in all their diversity, as well as teaching, awareness-raising, and community impact activities, such as fairs and book presentations.

The Conga Against Homophobia and Transphobia is held every May in Havana, as part of the awareness campaign organized by CENESEX. Photo: Ariel Ley Royero
Overlapping with this first event is the Cuban Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which has taken place annually since 2007. The main attraction of the event is the street conga along central Havana avenues, as well as other cultural activities, supported by artists and musicians. The event involves the different Party structures, working in partnership with governmental institutions such as the police; the ministries of Culture and Education; the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation; and several Public Health entities.

The Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia also includes a Gala event, which welcomes an important group of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex (LGTBI) activists, as well as the public, and features performances by numerous artists.

In August and September, CENESEX marks World Sexual Health Day with a series of activities. The international Day is led by the World Association for Sexual Health, and is celebrated every September 4 by each of its member countries, with Cuba organizing events since 2012. The event seeks to draw attention to issues related to sexual health, and this year’s edition was dedicated to girls, boys, youth, and adolescents.

To close the year, efforts focus on activities against gender violence, to mark the United Nations-designated International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25. Activities focus on the exclusion, discrimination and aggression suffered by women and girls, as well as other groups, manifested in social phenomena such as bullying, common jokes, and expressions of a segregationist nature.

“We use the occasion to draw attention to all the forms of violence against lesbians, transgender women, gay men, trans men, and heterosexual men. This event concludes December 10, International Human Rights Day. Falling within this period is December 1, celebrated globally as World AIDS Day; and on the 5th of this same month, we celebrate International Volunteer Day, linked to the struggle against the epidemic,” Vázquez detailed.

These events feature media campaigns, awareness-raising courses, the presentation of bibliographical materials, specialized magazines, and explanatory brochures on the different issues. Scientific workshops, cultural events and neighborhood, student and workplace activities are also held.

MSc Manuel Vázquez Seijido, assistant director of the institution, highlighting the efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable groups in society and defend their sexual diversity. Photo: Mayda Medina Entenza
“We also offer science-based care services designed to connect with the main problems and discontent associated with people’s health and sexual rights. In these consultations, we acquire knowledge that allows us to make decisions regarding our educational campaigns, courses, and research. It is a kind of laboratory to explore the different themes of today’s society,” the assistant director added.

HELP AND ADVICE

The institution welcomes those seeking help regarding their sexual health, and support for their sexual rights. The institution’s legal advice team supports all those who feel their rights are violated. At the same time, sexual guidance and therapy is also offered, to seek solutions to problems such as sexual dysfunction.

Psychologist Ana María Cano López is responsible for CENESEX’s care service for children and adolescents subjected to physical or sexual abuse, founded in 2005 with the support of UNICEF.

“Cases are referred to us from the Center for the Protection of Children and Adolescents, located in Havana. There are three centers of this type in the country. One here in the capital, another in Villa Clara, and lastly, in Santiago de Cuba. We work in coordination with the closest one. We don’t receive all cases, just those identified with a need for follow-up for psychological care and based on the characteristics of the patient. We are not the only service of this kind in the country, because there are other places in the city and in several provinces that also attend to these cases,” she explained.

She added that therapies used depend on the individual case of each patient. The majority are child molestation cases, with a greater prevalence among girls. The age range is between 10 and 13 years old. “With the first contact, we compose the clinical history specifying the psycho-sexual characteristics of the child. We work with the father, mother, or legal guardian. Then we follow up with periodic psychological evaluations, until we deem that they no longer require our services. We assess the extent of the psychological damage according to the trauma suffered. Then we work with the child in a therapeutic way in different work sessions,” the therapist added.

Ana María is one of the longest-serving workers in the institution, having dedicated more than 28 years to this task. She began very young, when she was still a university student. She approached the institution with the interest of undertaking training in topics related to sexuality, which offered her the opportunity to study several pathological cases, and she fell in love with the profession.

“This has been my school, I have seen this center grow,” she explained, something also recognized by young sociologist, Delia Rosa Suárez Socarrás, a specialist in CENESEX’s research and teaching department, who works on the social integration of LGTBI people.

“I have developed a number of skills here that I could not have acquired in another scenario. Here, the standards are high. Young people are trusted and therefore we are given a series of responsibilities in order to comprehensively grow and flourish.

“In addition to the commitment of the people who work here, and the issues that we address without distinction, knowing that you can learn skills for your daily life is very important,” Delia explained.

The young woman, who was born with a motor impairment, noted that working with the LGTBI community helps her to overcome her own difficulties. “In the academy, one thinks that it is the professional who provides all the knowledge, and yet, when you face different situations you realize that other people teach you every day. I am moved by the fact that they have suffered discrimination and exclusion in many areas of their lives. I’m talking about within the family, at school, workplaces, in communities, and they accumulate life stories that tend to be sad, and yet have many positive emotions to offer,” she stressed.

This opinion is also shared by Marais del Río Martín, who researches transsexual relationships. Like Delia, she is currently writing her graduate thesis. Both noted that working with these groups and wider society has reinforced their commitment to defend sexual diversity and respect for all sexual rights.

(Granma)