Cuba does not persecute gays any more
WHILE welcoming the NUJ’s commitment to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and our work to end the illegal blockade of Cuba, (July issue, report on the ADM Cuba debate) I am concerned that the report of the motion and debate repeated US propaganda about the situation of Cuba’s lesbian and gay community.
The Cuban government has recognised its past mistakes — a crime of which no country can claim to be guilt-free — and while not perfect, Cuba today has by far the best record on gay rights in the Caribbean and one of the best in the Americas.
In May, Cuba celebrated International Day Against Homophobia, with many gay activists and high-ranking government officials in attendance. Cuba has a lively and vibrant gay scene, which participated in a sexual education and pride event in June. (see www.gaycuba.ca)
Cuba’s parliament is currently looking at legislation that could mean the right to marry and enjoy full equality under the law and transsexuals have just been given the right to free sex change operations.
CENESEX, the country’s national sex education centre, is spearheading work to highlight homophobic discrimination and to work with government departments, universities, mass organisations and the police to change attitudes and practices.
While there is much work to do, Cuba’s gay community has made rapid progress in recent years, most of which is never reported in the UK or US press.