MIAMI, United States. – The National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX) of Cuba inaugurated this Wednesday the 16th edition of the Conference against Homophobia and Transphobia, with venues this year in Havana and Sancti Spíritus, according to official media reported.
Under the motto “For all families, love is law”, the event will take place until May 20, as announced by Mariela Castro Espín, director of CENESEX, at a press conference.
This edition of the Conference is held in the context of the 35th anniversary of CENESEX and the entry into force of the new Family Code, a law widely criticized by Cuban activists for submitting the human rights of LGBTIQ people to a popular referendum.
During the press conference held this Wednesday at the CENESEX headquarters, Mariela Castro highlighted that the specific objectives of the event include raising awareness among the population regarding family plurality, education in equality and non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the promotion of a legal culture around family law endorsed in the Code.
The Days against Homophobia and Transphobia began to be held in Cuba in 2008 in order to contribute to the recognition and guarantee of the sexual rights of all people, according to Cuban officials.
Among the most relevant activities of this edition, Castro highlighted the VII International Colloquium Trans-Identities, Gender and Culture (May 4, 5 and 6) and the Cuban Gala against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 6).
Ada Alfonso Rodríguez, professor and researcher at CENESEX, pointed out that for the first time the colloquium is being held within the framework of these conferences and will include the participation of specialists from Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico, the United States, Italy and France.
